The Ring Ring Company View RSS

Transform recruitment with IVR: a better candidate journey 15 Jan 1:36 AM (2 months ago)

Recruitment is about more than reaching out to candidates. It’s about creating an efficient, seamless process for when candidates reach back. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal hiring spikes or year-round recruitment efforts, managing inbound candidate interactions can be a real time drain.

So, how can you handle hundreds – or even thousands – of candidate inquiries without overloading your HR team? Enter Interactive Voice Response (IVR): your automated assistant that ensures every inbound call is managed with precision and care.

With IVR, recruiters

• save time;
• improve consistency;
• deliver a professional candidate experience.

All while focusing their efforts where it matters most.

What Is IVR for recruitment?

Let’s break it down.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a telephony system that interacts with callers via pre-recorded menus and options, using either touch-tone inputs or voice commands. Imagine a virtual receptionist working 24/7, directing every inquiry to the right place without missing a beat.

For recruitment, IVR is a game changer. Here’s what it can do:

• Share essential job details (start dates, requirements, locations).
• Let candidates check their application status instantly.
• Automate FAQs like salary ranges or hiring timelines.
• Route more complex queries directly to the right recruiter, only when necessary.

In short, IVR is the recruitment team’s best friend, taking care of repetitive tasks so your team can focus on personal, high-value candidate interactions.

Why IVR is a must-have for recruitment

Recruitment isn’t just about sending the right messages out. It’s also about efficiently managing the messages that come back. Without a system in place, recruiters waste valuable hours answering the same questions.

Here’s why IVR makes all the difference:

1. Automate repetitive queries

“Where’s the interview? What’s the next step? What’s the job’s salary range?” 

These questions can pile up quickly. IVR handles them instantly through pre-recorded responses, freeing up your recruiters for higher-level tasks like candidate interviews or strategic planning.

2. Consistent and reliable information

Candidates often call during high-stress moments. They need quick, clear answers. IVR ensures every caller hears the same accurate, consistent information. No matter when they call. From job responsibilities to application updates, your message will always hit the mark.

3. Scalable for high volumes

Whether you’re hiring a handful of seasonal workers or managing a large-scale recruitment drive, IVR can handle it all. With its ability to manage hundreds of calls simultaneously, you’ll never miss an inquiry, no matter how busy things get.

4. Prioritize high-value calls

Engaging with top-tier candidates, resolving complex questions, or closing crucial hires? With IVR handling the simple queries, your recruiters can dedicate their time to calls that really matter. 

5. Enhance candidate experience

Today’s candidates expect efficient, professional communication. By automating responses with IVR, you not only save time but also create a smoother, more polished experience that reflects well on your organization.

How IVR benefits recruitment teams

Time savings

With IVR, your team spends less time answering routine calls and more time on tasks that add value. A recruiter who used to field 50 calls a day about application statuses can now dedicate that time to interviewing prequalified candidates.

Improved tracking and insights

Advanced IVR systems come with real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor call volumes, common queries, and response effectiveness. These insights can help you refine your recruitment strategy over time.

Integration with HR tools

RingRing’s IVR can integrate with your existing HR systems, ensuring every interaction is logged, tracked, and actionable. Scheduling follow-ups, updating application statuses, or redirecting calls? It all can be automated and centralized.

Candidate engagement at scale

By providing instant responses and personalized options, IVR keeps candidates engaged and informed. Whether it’s answering FAQs or directing them to the next step in the process, IVR helps you keep the momentum going.

IVR in action: a real-life scenario

Imagine this: you’re an HR manager overseeing a seasonal hiring campaign for a large retail chain. Over the course of two weeks, you’re expecting to handle applications from thousands of candidates.

Without IVR, your team spends days fielding calls about interview locations and onboarding details. But with IVR in place, candidates receive instant answers, recruiters stay focused on screening and interviewing, and the entire process runs like clockwork.

The result?

• 40% faster response times.
• 50% fewer calls routed to recruiters.
• Happier candidates and a more efficient HR team.

RingRing’s IVR solutions for recruitment

Running a tight in-house HR team? Or managing a large recruitment agency? RingRing’s IVR solutions are tailored to meet your needs. From setting up automated menus to integrating with your HR software, we help you create a seamless experience for both candidates and recruiters.

Ready to transform your recruitment process? Get in touch to learn how IVR can take your hiring to the next level.

The post Transform recruitment with IVR: a better candidate journey appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

HR Voicebot: speed up your recruitment with AI 9 Jan 4:21 AM (2 months ago)

Recruiting is complicated. Between sorting through CVs, interviewing and following up, there’s so much to do and so little time. The result? We get impatient candidates and recruiters juggling lots of different tasks.

What if you had a tool to handle all this, quickly and efficiently? With an HR Voicebot, you have a helper to analyze, sort, and contact candidates in no time. Basically, AI (artificial intelligence) takes care of the hard work, and you focus on what matters.      

What is an HR Voicebot?

A Voicebot combines artificial intelligence (bot) with voice capabilities to provide a conversational experience for users. In practice, this virtual voice assistant interacts and speaks with users through voice calls. 

For HR teams, if you need help processing resumes, an HR Voicebot could be your custom assistant. It can: 

• Read resumes and compare them to your job openings.

• Rank candidates by relevance.

• Automatically call to ask questions, update information, or provide details.

In short: it simplifies your work, freeing up your time to meet and recruit top talent. 

Why does it make a difference?

HR professionals, especially recruiters, face multiple challenges:

• Managing an increasing number of applications.
• Responding quickly to candidates to avoid frustration.
• Improving recruitment quality without adding more workload

That’s where an HR Voicebot steps in to help.

1. No more wasted time sorting resumes

Your team receives hundreds of applications, but not all profiles are a match. The HR Voicebot does the sorting for you. It:

1. Reviews each resume.
2. Picks out the best.
3. Puts those at the top of the pile.

You’ll then receive everything in a clear, organized file—no more wasting hours on details.

Picture this: instead of spending hours on a messy Excel sheet, you get a clean, ready-to-use report.

2. Better-informed, more engaged candidates

Candidates hate waiting, but you don’t always have time to reply to everyone. The HR Voicebot keeps them informed as soon as they apply, asks them questions, or updates them on their application status. You stay professional and responsive with no extra effort.

Simple follow-ups make a big difference. You increase your response rate towards candidates and they feel respected and stay motivated. Automated follow-ups reduce frustration and enhance your employer brand.      

3. Focus on the best profiles

AI scores each candidate based on their fit for the role. Using criteria such as professional experience, specific skills or geographical availability, help identify the best potential candidates. With automatic scoring, you know who to prioritize. Here’s a tip: set a score threshold. Those above the threshold are contacted first. The others? Keep them on file for other roles. 

Maximize your chances of finding the right fit without wasting time on irrelevant applications. This will result in higher-quality hires with 35% faster job placements. 

4. A solution tailored to your needs

Small or large teams, 50 or 5,000 applications – the Voicebot adapts itself to the situation. It handles dozens or thousands of candidates without slowing down. 

An efficient, scalable solution designed to meet your needs. 

5. GDPR-compliant

Voicebot HR complies with the GDPR. Candidate data is secure and used only with their consent. It is protected at every stage and deleted once it is no longer needed. This respect for the rules doesn’t just protect your processes: it also reinforces the trust and credibility of your brand. 

How does HR Voicebot work?

The HR Voicebot follows three simple steps:

1. Resume analysis and sorting

As we said, as soon as a candidate applies, their resume is analyzed and matched to the job opening. Skills, experience, and keywords are considered. The bot then assigns a score based on the resume’s relevance to the role. 

2. Automated contacts

Once the top candidates are identified, the Voicebot calls them. It asks specific questions to verify details, check availability, confirm interest, or share the next steps. Bonus: you can schedule these actions for optimal timing, respecting candidates’ availability (e.g., no calls after 8 PM). 

3. Managing other candidates

Less relevant profiles aren’t forgotten. They’re stored in a database for future roles. The HR Voicebot sends them emails or automated calls for other opportunities or recruitment campaigns. You build a talent pool for later – a smart move, really. 

You used to start your day with a pile of resumes to review? Not anymore. Grab your coffee, check the Voicebot-prepared list, and reach out to the top profiles. 

Time to focus on what matters

The HR Voicebot isn’t here to replace recruiters. It’s here to make your life easier. 

⏱️ No more time wasted on repetitive tasks. You focus on what truly matters – meeting the right candidates and making the best choices.

✅ The Voicebot sorts resumes and ranks profiles by relevance. Your day starts with a prioritized list. No more confusion – just calls to the right people. Imagine how much time and energy you could save.

⭐️ It also improves the candidate experience. Every applicant is contacted quickly, no one left waiting. This simple approach makes a big difference for them.

⏱️ This technology helps you work faster and better. You save time and reduce stress. The impact is clear: more human, effective recruiting and a happier team.

If you want to explore further, check out our other Voice solutions for HR, like IVR or Voice API. We’re always here to help.

The post HR Voicebot: speed up your recruitment with AI appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

How to improve hiring efficiency with automated call recruitment 7 Jan 1:40 AM (3 months ago)

Improving recruitment in the human resources sector is a challenge. It’s a fact that this sector is constantly evolving, with more or less intense periods of recruitment. But recruiters are bound to their 40 hours work week.

Which begs the question: how do you avoid wasting time with endless calls, while still ensuring that you get through the mass of candidates?      

It’s a serious question. Well, we have a serious solution: automated call recruitment to improve efficiency. And it works just as well for in-house human resources as it does for recruitment agencies. 

Thanks to automated call recruitment and Voice API, you can deliver clear messages to dozens, even hundreds or thousands of candidates in record time.

What is Voice API Outbound?

Let’s start by defining what Voice API Outbound is. 

From a purely technical point of view, the Voice API is an application programming interface (API) enabling companies to make automated voice calls fluidly and quickly from their systems. 

In other words, you can think of it as a super collaborator who can make an immense number of calls in a tiny space of time.

The term “outbound”, on the other hand, means that the API has the ability to handle outbound calls, to multiple recipients at the same time. 

So, in a nutshell, Voice API Outbound is an integrated communications solution that automates outbound calls in large volumes to deliver personalized voice messages to a numerous recipients at once. 

And thanks to this automation, the need for human intervention in these first-contact calls is considerably reduced, if not almost eliminated. A great promise for the industry.

Why choose outbound voice API for recruitment?

As mentioned, HR faces many challenges, especially when it comes to large-scale recruitment or managing seasonal hiring campaigns. For small (or even medium-sized) HR teams, individually contacting every candidate for open positions is challenging, if not impossible. This is exactly where the outbound Voice API provides a solution:

Automated calls and massive time savings

HR managers and consultants often don’t have the time to make mass calls, especially in large companies or agencies with databases of thousands of candidates. With a Voice API automating outbound calls, recruiters can dedicate more time to value-added tasks. 
Now, you can focus on profile analysis and in-depth interviews. Automated call recruitment handle outreach to every candidate in minutes, delivering a uniform and professional message without any human intervention.

Consistent and personalized messaging

Automated outbound Voice API enables standardized messaging. Take a seasonal hiring campaign, for example. 

Each candidate contacted must receive the same information as others: job requirements, start date, location, etc. Automation ensures that each person contacted gets exactly the same message – with no risk of omissions.      

Additionally, you can add personalization options (based on database details like the candidate’s name or job specifics) to offer a more tailored experience.

Wide reach and improved candidate responsiveness

When it comes to finding a candidate for a position, speed often makes the difference. Candidates sometimes receive many offers, and Voice API can help you stand out. 

First, with automated call recruitment, you contact many candidates in a short time. This increases the reach of your message while reducing the delay between the information being sent, received, and responded to. It’s hard to get faster than this. 

Moreover, calls capture the recipient’s attention more quickly than emails or SMS. This approach increases candidate engagement and responsiveness. The result: a greater chance of receiving a quick response and filling the position faster.

How automated calls with voice API improve the recruitment experience

Today, “experience” is a keyword in every field, and “recruitment experience” is no exception. Whether it’s about providing a quality journey for highly cherished candidates or streamlining time-consuming processes for recruiters, enhancing the experience is essential for a better recruitment process.

Thanks to automated call recruitment, the outbound voice API significantly improves this experience, bringing tangible and valuable benefits to HR professionals. Let’s explore how:

Real-time tracking and feedback

The outbound voice API simplifies tracking recruitment campaigns by providing real-time visibility into candidate interactions. Once a call is made, recruiters can access details like:

• call status (successful, missed, unanswered);
• whether the candidate listened to the entire message;
• if they left a response.

The benefit? It allows you to: 

• prioritize your follow-ups towards candidates who listened to your message;
• save time, as all data is automatically recorded in a centralized dashboard; 
• adjust your campaigns if they don’t deliver the expected results.

Simplified and consistent messaging

As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to ensure that every candidate receives the same level of information and messaging. With the outbound voice API, calls are pre-recorded, guaranteeing that all candidates receive clear and consistent information. 

And if you want to go a step further, opt for personalization. This feature helps you better target candidates based on available positions and makes messages more relevant and engaging for an almost tailored experience.

Smooth integration with your tools

Thanks to the API’s standardized format, our voice API can be integrated with all your HR tools and systems. 

This brings a dual advantage.

First of all, it simplifies tracking candidate interactions and responses. But this also makes it easier to schedule campaigns and automatically launch calls based on each candidate’s progress in the recruitment process. 

Quite an asset, wouldn’t you say?

Workload optimization

With the outbound voice API, first-contact calls are automated, significantly reducing recruiters’ workload. 

Instead of spending hours calling every potentially interested candidate, recruiters focus on more strategic and “human” aspects of their work. All of this while managing large candidate databases without increasing their workload.

Improved response rates and results

By automating outbound calls with the voice API, you reach more candidates, increasing your chances of engaging the right profiles. 

Additionally, voice calls often yield higher response rates than emails or SMS, especially with “passive” candidates who may not regularly check their written messages. 

Combined with call data tracking, you further enhance your campaign effectiveness by adjusting your communications to boost results. And that closes the loop.

Outbound voice API results in HR

While results always depend on factors like campaign type and management, message configuration, team engagement, and the market, 85% of employers using automation tools report a significant time and efficiency gain in their HR processes. 

Why? Because their processes are simplified and faster for tracking candidates (Society for Human Resource Management, 2023).

Now, we can identify several trends related to automated call recruitment and optimization of processes. These estimates are based on user feedback and broader HR industry data. Let’s take a look:

• 60% reduction in initial contact time with candidates
• Up to 50% increase in response rates compared to email and SMS
• 35% rise in conversion rates of prequalified candidates through automation
• Up to 40% higher productivity (handling more applications in less time)

On the operational side, the outbound voice API also shows positive results:

• 30% reduction in workload
• 50% decrease in processing time per candidate (from initial contact to onboarding)

Automated call recruitment to support hiring professionals

The outbound voice API is unquestionably a powerful and flexible solution for HR professionals looking to optimize their recruitment campaigns. Not only does it save time through automation, but it also ensures message consistency, increases candidate engagement, and reduces the manual workload for recruiters. It’s a solution well worth considering if you’re seeking to streamline your recruitment processes.

If you’re interested in voice solutions, feel free to contact us or visit the IVR and Voicebot pages on our website, where you’ll find more valuable information.

The post How to improve hiring efficiency with automated call recruitment appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

ISO 27001 certification: why we stand out in business communication security 24 Dec 2024 1:00 AM (3 months ago)

We did it! The Ring Ring Company is now ISO 27001 certified – a milestone that puts us in a league of our own – and we couldn’t be prouder.

What does that mean for you? Your business communications are as safe as ever, it’s just official now.

From data protection to risk management, this ISO 27001 certification proves we’re not just talking about security – we’re living it as it always has.

What is ISO 27001?

What ISO 27001 certification means for your business

We saw it just above, ISO 27001 certification isn’t just another technical standard. It’s the global benchmark for protecting information.

For businesses like yours, this certification is peace of mind.

Your data has always been and stays private. Your communications have always been and stay reliable. And you’re working with a partner you can trust and who takes your security as seriously as you do. Here’s what makes it different:

• Proactive protection

We don’t wait for problems to arise. Our certified processes anticipate risks and stop them in their tracks.

• Local Reliability

With servers hosted in Belgium, your data stays close, ensuring faster access and full compliance with European regulations.

• Tailored solutions

Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve built systems that adapt to your needs, ensuring seamless communication without compromise.

• Proven commitment

Earning ISO 27001 certification is no small feat. It shows that our service has been designed with your data’s safety in mind.

When others claim to be secure, we prove it.

Why ISO 27001 matters in communication automation

Handling sensitive data comes with serious responsibility. In our business, where communication automation is king, there’s no room for error.

If automation drives business efficiency, it also introduces risks – data breaches, compliance gaps, and operational delays. Here’s how we set ourselves apart in taking on these challenges:

1.   Data security

Every SMS, RCS, email, or automated communication we handle is protected with advanced safeguards. And with local servers, your sensitive information stays in Belgium, adding an extra layer of security and compliance.

2.   Seamless compliance

Our ISO certification helps you stay ahead of regulations like GDPR, ensuring every step of your communication process aligns with the rules. And our proximity means we understand European compliance better than anyone.

3.   Boosted confidence

When you partner with us, you gain more than a service provider – you gain credibility. Security isn’t just good practice – it’s a competitive edge.

4.   Staying ahead of the curve

Cybersecurity threats are always evolving, but so are we. Even if this was already the case, our certification ensures our systems are built to ensure your communications are always reliable and protected.

How we got this ISO 27001 certification (and what it took)

It wasn’t a quick fix, but a total commitment to structuring the fact that we were doing things right.

• The risk assessments helped us to gain an overview of potential risks and vulnerabilities, to prevent them and consolidate our core framework.
• New policies and controls were built, next to what we already had, to meet the strictest standards.
• Our entire team was involved in the process and went through in-depth training to ensure top performance.
• An independent audit confirmed we’re not just secure – we’re exemplary.

Even with our already highly secure systems, it wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Today, our services meet the most stringent safety standards.

Why this sets us apart

Security is the foundation of trust. Here’s what certification means for you:

• More than promises: many talk about security. It’s in our mindset.
• Local expertise, global standards: with servers and support in Belgium, we combine world-class certification and a local understanding of your needs.
• A partner, not just a provider: our goal isn’t just to serve you – it’s to empower you with tools that enhance trust and reliability.
• Future-proof protection: with ISO 27001, we’re ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Your business is safe with us.

Still on the right track

Earning ISO 27001 certification was an important milestone, but it’s one step along the way. We’ve always met the most stringent security expectations. And we’re constantly evolving, improving and looking for ways to make your data even safer.

Whether you’re sending an SMS or RCS campaign, automating support calls, or streamlining internal communications, we’ve got your back. Ready to take your business communication to the next level? Let’s talk.

The post ISO 27001 certification: why we stand out in business communication security appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

Understanding the 3 types of RCS 8 Aug 2024 4:29 AM (8 months ago)

With the rise of automated communication solutions, companies have been able to diversify the ways in which they interact with their customers. And among all these solutions, there’s Rich Communication Services (RCS): the newcomer that sets itself apart from the rest by offering advanced functionalities. You probably knew that. But did you know that there are different types available to businesses? We present them to you here.

The 3 types of RCS

Basic RCS

RCS basic is the new SMS as we know it. It does, however, offer some additional features, such as confirmation of receipt.

This type of RCS is ideal for companies that want to modernize their communications, but don’t want to completely rebuild their infrastructure.

Single RCS

Single RCS takes communications to the next level. It’s no longer just about messages. Interaction is present and more dynamic, thanks to features such as action buttons, suggested responses and image carousels.

Companies looking to offer an enriched and engaging user experience will be interested in this type of RCS. And if you’d like to find out more about the benefits of RCS, please visit our dedicated page.

Conversational RCS

Finally, the best of the best when it comes to interactivity… we present you with the third type of RCS: the conversational one. It represents the ultimate in customer interaction. It integrates artificial intelligence, enabling more fluid, personalized conversations with customers. This means you can let chatbots handle conventional requests, make recommendations or even carry out transactions.

Choosing the right type of RCS for your business

To make the right choice of RCS for your business, it’s essential to understand your specific needs. So first ask yourself what your business and communication objectives are. Then, of course, there’s the question of your budget. Let’s take a closer look.

Review your communication objectives

• Want to modernize your messaging system? And still keep it simple? As mentioned above, RCS basic is your perfect partner. With its advanced features, it lets you dust off your communication while keeping your basic infrastructure.

• Is your thing to develop and improve interactions with your customers? To offer dynamism and interaction? Single RCS is just what you need. Use action buttons and image carousels to create more visually appealing messages and enable your customers to interact and engage with your communication.

• Are you into ultra-personalized, real-time communication? Look no further than conversational RCS. With the integration of artificial intelligence, you can offer personalized recommendations in your messages, manage conversations with customers and much more. This is the kind of RCS that really lets you harness the full potential of RCS to deliver a memorable, personalized and interactive experience for customers.

Select the RCS type according to your sector

Let’s take a look at some concrete examples of how conversational RCS is used by sector of activity:

Not all types of RCS meet all budgets

You don’t have a lot of resources or budget to develop your communication? Basic RCS could be just what you’re looking for. It offers a significant improvement in the quality of your messages, without requiring a large investment.

If you can afford to invest more, you can choose either single RCS or conversational RCS. In both cases, you’ll be able to increase customer engagement by personalizing customer interactions.

Whatever your objectives or resources, we can help you choose the solution that’s right for your business. Contact us and let’s talk!

With the different types of RCS, you can really choose and find the solution that suits you best to improve your communication with your customers. RCS can help you optimize your interactions, enrich your user experience or offer personalization and efficiency. And, whether it’s basic, single or conversational RCS, each type has its advantages. Thinking about your communication with RCS, whatever it may be, can not only help you improve your interactions with customers, but also optimize their satisfaction and increase their loyalty.

Being part of a company that relies on this type of solution to meet customer expectations means positioning and standing out in a hyper-competitive market. If you’d like to discuss your choices for the present and the future, our team will be delighted to help you and suggest the best solutions for your business.

The post Understanding the 3 types of RCS appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

How to turn on (and off) RCS on your smartphone 17 Jul 2024 4:12 AM (8 months ago)

RCS is the future of mobile communication and a major evolution of traditional SMS. For sure, you’ll want to test it out to discover for yourself all its advanced features. And that’s a great idea! So, you may be wondering how to activate it on your smartphone? Where can you find it? Do you need to download an application? What’s next? Whether you’re testing RCS, using it for your business or for your private conversations, we take you step by step through the process of activating this tool.

RCS – what is it?

If you’re already familiar with it, you may skip this part. If not, these few lines might interest you and make you want to dive into RCS communication before activating it on your smartphone.

Acronym for Rich Communication Services, RCS lets you communicate by message, as with SMS, but with a richer experience, as with instant messaging applications.

Unlike SMS, it offers features such as:

• Real-time chat: you can communicate via instant messages, just like with the most popular messaging applications.
• Media sharing: you can send images, videos and files of any size.
• Delivery and read receipts: with RCS, you know if and when your sent messages are read.
• Location sharing: whether for personal or professional communication, sharing information such as location can be useful.
• …

Want to find out more about it and its features? Take a look at our dedicated page or our blog posts on the subject.

How do you turn on RCS on your smartphone?

Are you ready for RCS? And you’re right! Because beyond the enhanced communication experience, turning it on your phone is incredibly simple. And even if activation varies according to your operating system (Android or iOS) and the messaging app you’re using, it’s still perfectly doable. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

System requirements

To turn on and use RCS, remember that the service must be available in your region and supported by your mobile operator. It also works via a mobile connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) for sending and receiving features. Finally, not all mobile devices are RCS-compatible either. Once you’ve checked all these points, you can embark on the first stage of your RCS adventure.

Turning on RCS on iPhone

Today, RCS is not directly supported on iPhones. Apple still only uses its own iMessage system. This messaging system is only available to iPhone users, and is one of the reasons why Apple has been so reluctant to take the RCS step. Activation details are not yet known, as the launch of RCS on Apple will normally be with the new iOS 18.

How do I disable RCS on a smartphone?

While it’s possible to activate RCS on your mobile device, you can of course also turn it off. We don’t really see why, but it’s possible. We’ll explain how below:

Turning off RCS on Android

1. Go back to the “Messages” application on your Android smartphone.
2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner to go to “Settings”.
3. Deactivate chat via “Chat features”.
4. Then confirm that you wish to deactivate RCS chat functionalities.

Turning off RCS on iPhone

As mentioned above, RCS is not yet available on Apple smartphones. Once it is, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

Common problems

Trouble turning on RCS

Even if everything seems very straightforward, you may occasionally run into a few problems activating RCS on your smartphone. Here are a few possible solutions that could be just what you need:  

• Operator compatibility: it may not (yet) be supported by your mobile operator. In this case, there’s no quick and direct solution via your smartphone.
• Updating your messaging application: are you sure you have the latest version? Remember to check and update if necessary.
• Internet connection: this system uses an Internet connection to send and receive messages. Check that your Internet connection is active.

Deactivation problems

What if you have trouble deactivating RCS? Well, we have two possible solutions for you:

• Application settings: sometimes, a simple reset of your application settings can solve the problem. Try it first.
• Support: if you can’t find any other solution, contact your operator’s or application’s technical support. We’re sure they’ll be happy to help.

There’s no doubt about it, RCS will change our messaging experience compared to SMS thanks to advanced features. Whether you want to turn it on or off on your smartphone, the steps are pretty simple, but they have to be done. With the various steps you’ll find above, you’ll be able to do it in a matter of seconds. And if you’re looking for an automated communication solution for your business, RingRing can help too: RCS, SMS, voice, AI… we’ll discuss it any time you like.

The post How to turn on (and off) RCS on your smartphone appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

RCS on iOS 18: Apple finally steps in 18 Jun 2024 1:04 AM (9 months ago)

Apple has announced the arrival of RCS on its smartphones from iOS 18. This is expected to happen in September 2024. The integration of RCS (Rich Communication Services) by Apple marks a key moment in the evolution of the world of telecoms, and a new era for communication on iPhones. Let’s take a closer look at it.

What is RCS?

The rising star of the messaging world, RCS, or “Rich Communication Services”, is an evolution of SMS. In other words, RCS combines the advantages of SMS with new technological developments to meet new user needs. So, in short, this messaging system enables “rich” messages to be shared, i.e. messages that are more complex and interactive. For example, with RCS, it’s possible to send images or photos, share a location, integrate buttons into a conversation, have read receipts, and so on. If you’d like to find out more, we talk more about what RCS is and how it can benefit your business in another blog post.

RCS on iOS 18: a new era for Apple

While RCS has been around and available on Android devices for several years, its arrival on Apple’s iOS 18 is a major announcement. And for several reasons:

• Apple has always been reluctant to adopt technologies developed by other companies. Apple’s confirmation of the introduction of RCS (developed by Google) on iOS 18 is therefore a revolution in the telecom world.

• The success of RCS depended largely on its availability on all operating systems. Indeed, a messaging system that wasn’t compatible between Android and iOS would have made the user experience very complicated and, ultimately, of little interest. Especially since both Android and iPhone users are numerous. But the announcement of the arrival of RCS at Apple paves the way for this technology to take off.

• RCS offers many of the same features as other popular messaging applications. We’ve already mentioned them above. But the fact that it is integrated directly into the operating system is an undeniable advantage for RCS over these competing applications.

The launch of RCS on iOS 18 enables Apple to catch up and offer iPhone users the same advanced features as Android fans.

RCS, the end of iMessage?

But what about iMessage? Well, Apple isn’t letting go of its application. Because yes, the similarities between RCS and iMessage are obvious. And, finally, with iMessage, Apple already has a messaging application that enables “rich” conversations. But only from iPhone to iPhone. The arrival of RCS on iOS 18 will therefore mainly enable the homogenization of advanced message communications, whatever the device’s operating system.

So for the moment, Apple plans to let iMessage and RCS coexist. RCS will in fact replace SMS and MMS, while iMessage will retain functionalities available exclusively to iPhone users. As if to emphasize the difference between the two systems, iMessage’s conversation bubbles will retain their blue color, while those of RCS will be green.

Why it’s good news for businesses

For businesses, Apple’s support for RCS from iOS 18 is a bargain.

A wide coverage

As we explained above, without RCS on iPhones, you wouldn’t be able to reach a large part of your target audience with “rich” communications. Nonsense.

But no need to worry about that now! We know that RCS will be present on all operating systems, enabling RCS to have the largest possible reach.

Richer communications

SMS is now widely used as a means of communication between companies and their customers. Promotions, appointment or payment reminders, one-time passwords… SMS is everywhere. And soon, you’ll be able to use RCS for these communications too. The only difference is that you’ll be able to add advanced functionalities to enrich your content (images, buttons…), make it interactive thanks to a bot or a virtual agent (conversations) and therefore improve customer engagement.

Security first

With RCS, businesses can have their profile authenticated by Google. Basically, Google checks every profile to make sure it’s genuine and trusted, for maximum security. As a result, every user will be able to clearly identify the brand sending them a communication (even in terms of colors, logo, etc.) and be sure it’s from a trusted source.

If RCS was already a real revolution in the world of mobile communications, its integration on Apple’s iOS 18 marks a major turning point. The advantages of this technology, coupled with the fact that it will soon be available on most mobile devices, open up exciting perspectives for users and businesses alike. And if you haven’t already, it’s high time you took an interest.

We’re experts and leaders in SMS for more than 30 years, and we can easily switch your SMS to RCS. And now, with Apple joining the movement, there’s no counterargument. Offer your customers a unique, interactive and secure experience: switch to RCS. We are here to help.

The post RCS on iOS 18: Apple finally steps in appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

How Voice Technology Is Transforming Businesses 23 May 2024 6:31 AM (10 months ago)

In a post-pandemic world, our attitude towards touch screens, credit card transactions and paper money will change permanently. Even after we return to our normal routines, some of the habits we taught ourselves during this period are likely to stick with us for a long time. Our preference for how we want to handle our personal affairs has completely changed. We think twice before touching anything in public and our preferences for contactless and speech-enabled interfaces have increased significantly. This is where voice technology comes in and changes our habits…

Discover how voice technology is transforming businesses on Naxai or contact our experts to discuss your projects!

The post How Voice Technology Is Transforming Businesses appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

Google RCS to replace MMS 2 May 2024 3:55 AM (11 months ago)

We all know it and have good and not-so-good memories of it: MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). Well, if its glory years are long gone, those of its successor are just around the corner. Developed and supported by Google, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is taking its place in the world of instant, visual communication. And its aim is clear: to replace MMS. Let’s find out why Google is in favor of this transition, what the most important differences are between RCS and MMS, and how you can make the most of this development for your business.

RCS vs MMS

RCS

Standing for Rich Communication Services, RCS is a rich messaging system that, from the very beginning, has aimed to modernize the way we communicate via SMS and MMS. Unlike its predecessors, RCS offers advanced features such as file sharing, read confirmations, conversation encryption…

Why is Google pushing RCS?

Very early on, Google embarked on the RCS adventure, seeing it as a real opportunity to modernize mobile communication. Although it has been useful for sending photos and videos, the MMS had a number of limitations that reduced its appeal (file size, media quality…). And with the arrival of smartphones and their worldwide success, it was clear that a new standard was needed to meet users’ high expectations and demands.

RCS vs MMS

Obviously, RCS and MMS are very different. Firstly, in terms of generation. But let’s take a closer look at the 7 major differences between these two technologies:

1. Media quality and size

While MMS is limited in the size of files shared (we’re talking about around 300-600 Kb), RCS imposes no restrictions. Shared images and videos can be of high quality, with very little compression.

2. Enhanced functionalities

The big plus of RCS is all the interactive features that offer users an enriched experience. MMS can send text messages, photos, videos and sometimes audio files. But it doesn’t offer interactivity.

3. User experience

We all remember that MMS message we sent that never arrived or was displayed incorrectly or not at all. With RCS, the user experience is at the heart of the system. It must be modern and fluid (like WhatsApp or Messenger), and messages are synchronized in real time.

4. Interoperability

As mentioned above, MMS messages may not be displayed correctly, particularly if the sender and recipient are on different networks or devices. RCS, on the other hand, is designed to work on different networks and devices, thanks to standardization by the GSMA. So, as long as your device and operator are RCS-compatible, it’ll work.

5. Security

This is a sensitive subject, and Google has clearly understood this with the development of RCS. Several elements are therefore present to ensure the security of conversations and users, such as conversation encryption, but also the verified sender feature, which ensures the authenticity and identity of the correspondent.

6. Data

MMS is not used for performance purposes, and therefore even less for analysis. RCS, on the other hand, integrates advanced data such as message opens, link clicks, delivery rates and responses. If this isn’t useful for everyone, it’s clearly a very interesting tool for businesses.

7. Cost and pricing

For RCS, the cost of communications varies according to the use made of the messages, but can also fluctuate depending on the operator. MMS, on the other hand, is billed per message and per recipient. With RCS, the pricing model is both more flexible and more competitive.

RCS for your company

RCS offers many advantages for companies. Let’s take a look at just a few of them to give you an idea of the possibilities for your business.

Enriched communication

Logically, the fact that conversations are enriched is an undeniable advantage. This means you can send beautiful, interactive messages. For example, you can send QR codes for promotions, appointment confirmations with reply options, or marketing campaigns with high-resolution image carousels.

Verified sending

If there’s one thing to remember about effective business communication, it’s the notion of trust. And with the verified sender feature, you enable your recipients to trust your communications. And that’s priceless.

Data and analysis

There’s no point in making communications if you can’t measure their effectiveness. And thanks to RCS, you can! Numerous metrics on messages sent are accessible, enabling you to analyze the performance of your communications. Who opened your message, who clicked on a link, who ignored your message…

RCS API

Are you a fan of automation? Good for you! You can integrate RCS message APIs with your systems. Send your messages directly from your platforms and increase your productivity very quickly.

Anecdotes about MMS and RCS

1. MMS was launched in 2002! At the time, it was a milestone in mobile communication.
2. The first MMS sent carried an image of a chocolate cookie and was sent by an engineer from Telenor in Norway.
3. Around 85% of MMSs sent are photos: this proves users’ interest in sharing images.
4. Although they can send media, MMS are limited by the same 160-character limit as SMS.
5. Developed earlier, RCS was standardized in 2008 by the GSMA. This was the basis of RCS as we know it today.
6. At the end of 2023, Google announced that RCS was being used by over a billion users. And that’s just the beginning!
7. As you might have guessed, RCS wants to compete with popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and iMessage.

How do I switch to RCS?

For end users, switching to RCS is relatively straightforward. Check out our step-by-step guide for more details. For companies, it requires a little more adaptation, but it can be done.  

1. Find a professional supplier who can support you in your transition to RCS (like RingRing, for example).
2. Update your systems to integrate the RCS API and automate as many actions as possible.
3. Consider training your team and/or selecting experts who are familiar with RCS functionalities, best practices and applications.
4. Inform your customers of your move to RCS to ensure they configure their devices to receive your communications.
5. Now you’re ready to go!

RCS or MMS?

Well, let’s face it, it’s not really a battle. MMS is a system that has served its purpose for as long as possible, but today has limitations that don’t promote its use. RCS represents the future of mobile messaging, with advanced features and a focus on the user experience (which is so important today).

For businesses, RCS is a real opportunity to communicate more effectively and engagingly with their customers.

Please visit our other pages to discover the possibilities of RCS, and contact us to see how we can help you get started with RCS!

The post Google RCS to replace MMS appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.

RCS vs SMS: a guide to next-generation communication 9 Apr 2024 12:42 AM (last year)

In the world of telecommunications, the battle between RCS (Rich Communication Services) vs SMS (Short Message Service) is taking center stage. And for companies using automated communication solutions, a deep understanding of these technologies is essential. And good news, this guide is here to help! Come and explore with us the intricacies of RCS and SMS, and discover their functionalities and use cases. Let’s compare the two technologies so you can make informed decisions about your communications strategy. Let’s get started!

RCS vs SMS: choosing the right approach for your business

The role of SMS and RCS in business communication

Before you can make a choice between one or the other, you need to clearly define and understand the distinct advantages of SMS and RCS. We’ve already discussed this above, but both solutions have unique purposes, addressing different business needs. So there’s no one solution that’s better than the other, just different uses and purposes.

Why SMS in business communication?

Ubiquity and reliability

Whatever happens, SMS remains a solid choice for businesses that need immediate text communication. SMS is ideal for sending urgent alerts, two-factor authentication codes and essential notifications.

Widespread compatibility

SMS enjoys universal compatibility across all mobile devices. A huge advantage, since it ensures that your messages reach a broad audience. And this compatibility makes SMS an accessible and reliable method of communication.

RCS and Business communication

Rich and interactive content

If you’re looking to create immersive, interactive experiences for your customers, RCS is what you need. As mentioned above, the ability to send high-quality images, videos and interactive elements boosts engagement and fosters a stronger connection. An opportunity not to be missed.

Branding

With RCS, you can easily reinforce your brand identity. By integrating logos, colors and interactive elements into messages, you create an experience that is visually consistent (in most cases) and, of course, unique to your brand.

While the benefits of RCS are many (as with SMS, by the way), there are a few disadvantages, partly linked to the channel’s youth, and, to be transparent, we need to address them here. Because when it comes to choosing between RCS vs SMS, that counts too.

Currently, RCS is only compatible with Android smartphones. And even then, having an Android smartphone is no guarantee of receiving RCS messages. In fact, compatibility and consistency of experience depend on the client’s RCS version. Not all features are available on all phones. For example, colors don’t work on the RCS application of some smartphones.

As for Android’s direct competitor, aka iOS, it doesn’t yet support RCS. It’s been on Apple’s schedule for some time now, but at launch we already know that it won’t be compatible with RCS Business.

Google’s sender verification, as explained above, is undoubtedly an advantage in terms of security. But it’s also a drawback in terms of ease of deployment.

In Belgium, for the moment, RCS is not available on all networks. You can now send RCS messages via Proximus, Orange and Telenet. For Voo, Lyca Mobile, Digi… you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

As for international coverage, it’s not yet clear.

As you can see, this new channel still has some way to go before we can take full advantage of its capabilities. But its potential is already huge, and it’s well worth considering it in business communications.

RCS vs SMS: real-world examples

To further explain the differences and specificities of RCS vs SMS, let’s take a look at some practical applications of each technology in business communication.

RCS vs SMS: choosing the right approach

1. Consider your communication needs

• Does your communication consist mainly of short, immediate messages? Then SMS may well be all you need.
• Are you looking to engage your customers with multimedia content and interactive features? RCS is a more versatile solution.

2. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes

• Are you targeting users with basic cell phones? Choose SMS to ensure that your messages are accessible to a larger number of people.
• Your audience uses smartphones and you want to offer a more modern, interactive experience? Then RCS is for you.

3. Determine the nature of the interaction

• For alerts and quick notifications, SMS is a reliable choice.
• For promotional campaigns, customer surveys and interactive content delivery, RCS is far more engaging.

4. Set your budget

• Generally speaking, SMS tends to be more cost-effective. So if you have budget constraints, SMS is an appropriate choice.
• RCS, on the other hand, offers more advanced functionalities and may therefore involve higher costs. But the investment can translate into improved customer engagement and conversion rates.

Ultimately, the choice between RCS vs SMS depends on your business objectives and the nature of your communication needs. For immediate, concise text communication, SMS remains a powerful stalwart. RCS, on the other hand, offers a more versatile and attractive platform for companies wishing to create immersive, interactive experiences for their customers. So it’s a matter of selection.

And when it comes to choosing between SMS and RCS, there’s no set rule or one-size-fits-all solution. The decision must be based on your company’s objectives, your communication goals and the preferences of your target audience.

However, striking the right balance between the immediacy of SMS and the richness of RCS can help your company communicate effectively in today’s hypervariate and dynamic digital landscape. What a program! But it’s definitely a challenge worth working on.

To find out more about SMS and bulk SMS solutions, take a look at our dedicated pages. And if you have specific questions or need personalized assistance, we’re here to help. RCS or SMS, stay one step ahead by choosing with a major player in the industry.

The post RCS vs SMS: a guide to next-generation communication appeared first on The Ring Ring Company.