Overview

Ooma Office stands out as an accessible and user-friendly voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) solution. It has gained popularity, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises seeking basic communication tools like toll-free numbers and fax extensions, crucial for effective business communication in today’s dynamic landscape.

It’s worth noting that Ooma’s VoIP service doesn’t offer the advanced features seen in some of its competitors, such as artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and deep integrations with various software platforms. Nonetheless, Ooma remains a solid choice for businesses aiming to establish a swift and hassle-free communication system, emphasizing ease of management and setup.

Ooma Features

SMS Messages

The most recent update to the desktop client introduces support for SMS messaging. This enhancement allows you to compose messages using your computer keyboard and conveniently view message threads, replicating the mobile device experience. It’s important to note, however, that this feature brings the platform in line with its competitor which had already offered this functionality.

Virtual Receptionist

The Virtual Receptionist is yet another valuable feature. When activated, it efficiently manages incoming calls and adapts its actions based on the current time of day. The setup process in the admin web interface involves selecting actions from a dropdown menu. During regular business hours, these actions may include directing the call to a specific extension from the company directory, transferring the call, or routing it to voicemail. You have the flexibility to create a similar menu-based interface for after-hours operations or configure the system to directly transfer the call to the company’s voicemail.

Call Flip

A feature we find particularly appealing is the capability to seamlessly “flip” a call from your desk phone to any other device linked to your username. By dialing *44 on your desk phone, all your registered devices will start ringing. To execute the call transfer, you can easily answer the call on the device of your preference and carry on with the conversation.

Video Conferencing

Ooma has introduced video conferencing to its repertoire, aligning itself more closely with the contemporary definition of a VoIP service. This new addition accommodates up to 25 participants and allows for meetings lasting up to two hours each. To access this feature, you’ll need an Ooma Office Pro subscription.

When you initiate a meeting through the Ooma Office client, it opens a separate window with a user-friendly interface focused on meetings. Here, you can choose to join an ongoing meeting, schedule one for a later time, or initiate an impromptu ad-hoc meeting at your convenience.

Reporting

Ooma has made some notable enhancements to its reporting capabilities. Fresh graphical representations now illustrate call volume and associated statistics based on both the time of day and the day of the week. Summary data is also conveniently presented in a tabular format. Furthermore, users can access call logs and virtual fax logs, with the option to export this data to a CSV file.

It’s important to acknowledge that despite these improvements, Ooma’s reporting features still fall short of the capabilities offered by similar tools like Dialpad or RingCentral MVP. Unfortunately, customization options for analytics reports are limited, primarily restricted to filtering the data by different time periods.

App

Ooma provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, and for those using the Pro level subscription, there are also desktop applications available for Windows and macOS. The Ooma mobile client maintains the same high level of quality and user experience as its desktop counterpart.

Plans and Pricing

Office Essentials

Essential Ooma services are offered at a competitive rate of $19.95 per user per month, and it doesn’t require a long-term contract commitment. This package encompasses all the standard VoIP features one would anticipate, such as voicemail, call forwarding and parking, ring groups, and comprehensive call logging.

For enhanced capabilities, the Office Essentials tier offers several valuable additions. These include the ability to personalize hold music or messages for callers on hold or during call transfers, access to conference bridges, virtual fax functionality, and the flexibility to create or expand extensions. Moreover, it supports virtual extensions for frequently dialed numbers via the Ooma mobile app.

Office Pro

The Office Pro package extends all the capabilities found in Office Essentials. It includes several additional features to enhance your communication experience. These additions comprise video conferencing, a dedicated desktop application for streamlined phone system management from your computer, call recording functionality, voicemail transcription for quick and easy message retrieval, enhanced call blocking options, comprehensive call analytics, and a caller info match feature that provides a history of interactions with the caller.

Office Pro Plus

Office Pro Plus builds upon the Office Pro package by introducing several advanced features include call queuing, Salesforce integration for seamless connectivity with your CRM system, hot desking functionality, and the flexibility to receive calls on multiple lines, either concurrently or in sequence.

Here are the rates for Ooma Office plans, with the note that the prices listed do not include taxes and fees, which may vary by region. Additionally, all three plans come with a $49.95 activation fee.

Customer Support

Ooma provides around-the-clock toll-free support, ensuring that customers can receive assistance whenever they need it. Customers can access a searchable knowledge base containing a wealth of information about various topics, including pricing details, installation guidance, device information, account management procedures, and troubleshooting solutions. This resource covers a wide range of subjects, such as how to port your phone number to Ooma, how to navigate the Ooma Office Manager web portal, and how to effectively use both Ooma Office and Ooma Telo on the same network.

The Ooma Forums serve as a platform for users to engage with the Ooma community. Topics of discussion include Ooma Telo installation, tips for maintaining high call audio quality, insights into using the Ooma Office mobile app, and guidance for diagnosing and resolving issues related to placing or receiving calls.

Conclusion

Ooma Office is an ideal choice for small and midsize businesses seeking a cost-effective solution with a basic feature set. It offers an affordable entry price point, and it’s especially appealing to budget-conscious companies as it doesn’t mandate an annual contract commitment. Ooma continually enhances its service by introducing new features, effectively addressing previous limitations. Noteworthy additions include contact syncing, support for SMS messaging, and the integration of video conferencing, ensuring that it stays competitive and adaptable to evolving business needs.