Criterionsystems.co.uk Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Criterionsystems.co.uk appears to be a legitimate provider of business telephony solutions, specifically specializing in Voice over Internet Protocol VoIP systems, branded as ‘Horizon VoIP’. Their services are designed to help businesses transition from traditional phone systems like ISDN and PSTN, which are facing switch-offs in the UK to modern, cloud-based communication networks. The site emphasizes cost savings, increased flexibility, and improved efficiency as key benefits of their offerings, catering to both small and large enterprises looking to modernize their communication infrastructure.

This review will delve into various aspects of Criterionsystems.co.uk, examining their core services, technological approach, benefits for businesses, and overall customer experience as depicted on their website.

We’ll explore how their Horizon VoIP solution works, its advantages over conventional systems, and the reported satisfaction levels from their client testimonials.

The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview for businesses considering Criterion Systems as their telecommunications partner, ensuring they have a clear understanding of what to expect from this provider.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Understanding Criterion Systems’ Core Offering: Horizon VoIP

Criterion Systems centers its service around Horizon VoIP, a cloud-based telephony solution designed to replace traditional PBX systems and copper phone lines. This shift towards IP telephony is not merely an upgrade. it’s a fundamental change in how businesses manage their voice communications, offering significant advantages in cost, scalability, and flexibility.

What is Horizon VoIP?

Horizon VoIP, as presented by Criterionsystems.co.uk, is a Voice over Internet Protocol system.

In simple terms, it converts voice calls into data packets that are then transmitted over the internet, rather than traditional telephone lines.

This technology is hosted in the cloud, meaning the infrastructure and management are handled centrally by Criterion Systems at their data centers in London and Manchester.

This setup eliminates the need for businesses to invest in and maintain expensive on-premise hardware like PBX switchboards. Incentivio.com Reviews

• Key Components:
  • Internet Connection: A stable, high-speed broadband connection is essential for the system to function.
  • VoIP Phones: These devices look and operate much like traditional phones but connect to the internet.
  • Softphone Technology: This allows users to make and receive calls from computers or mobile devices using an application, offering flexibility for remote work.
  • Cloud Hosting: Criterion Systems manages the core service on dedicated servers, ensuring updates and maintenance are handled by the provider.

How Does Horizon VoIP Work?

The website explains the “science” behind their hosted IP telephony.

When a user dials a number on a VoIP phone or softphone, the call is converted into digital data.

This data is then sent over the business’s internet connection to Criterion Systems’ cloud-based VoIP service.

From there, the service routes the call to its destination, whether it’s another VoIP phone, a traditional landline, or a mobile number.

• Data Transmission: Voice calls are encapsulated as data and sent over the IP network.
• Centralized Hosting: All information and call routing are handled centrally from Criterion’s data centers.
• Seamless Operation: The user experience is designed to be indistinguishable from traditional phone systems in terms of call quality and functionality, but with added benefits.
• Cost Reduction: By leveraging existing internet infrastructure, businesses can significantly cut down on traditional call costs, line rentals, and maintenance fees associated with old PBX systems.

The “Big Switch-Off” and Why VoIP is Timely

The website highlights the impending ISDN and PSTN switch-offs, which are critical drivers for businesses to consider VoIP. In the UK, traditional copper wire-based telephone networks ISDN and PSTN are being phased out. Openreach, the infrastructure arm of BT, has set a target for the complete withdrawal of these services by 2025. This makes transitioning to IP-based solutions like VoIP not just an option for cost savings, but a necessity for business continuity. Criterion Systems positions Horizon VoIP as a proactive solution to stay ahead of this industry-wide change, ensuring businesses maintain reliable communication channels. Aspireapp.com Reviews

• ISDN/PSTN Withdrawal: A major catalyst for VoIP adoption, eliminating older, less efficient technologies.
• Future-Proofing: Adopting VoIP ensures businesses are compliant with future telecommunications standards.
• Avoiding Disruption: Early transition prevents potential service disruptions when the traditional networks are fully decommissioned.

Advantages of Criterion Systems’ VoIP Solutions

Criterion Systems emphasizes several compelling advantages that their Horizon VoIP solution brings to businesses.

These benefits extend beyond simple cost savings, touching upon operational efficiency, flexibility, and enhanced communication capabilities.

Significant Cost Reductions

One of the most prominent advantages highlighted is the potential for significant cost savings. Traditional phone systems often involve hefty upfront hardware costs, ongoing maintenance, and variable call charges especially for long-distance or international calls. VoIP fundamentally alters this cost structure.

• Reduced Call Charges:
  • Instead of paying per-minute charges to landline providers, VoIP typically involves a low monthly fee to the provider, with calls routed over the internet at a much cheaper rate.
  • Inter-company calls between multiple offices or remote employees using the same VoIP system are often free, representing substantial savings for businesses with distributed teams.
  • The website states that the cost of calling for a business has been “slashed significantly” due to data transmission over the IP network.
• Lower Maintenance and Hardware Costs:
  • VoIP systems are hosted in the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive, on-premise PBX switchboards and their associated maintenance.
  • Businesses only need VoIP-compatible phones and a router, reducing physical equipment requirements.
  • The website claims VoIP is typically 30% less expensive than a competitive PBX system over its lifecycle.
• Consolidated Billing: Integrating voice calls with existing internet infrastructure means businesses no longer pay for access and usage fees on two separate sets of wires, simplifying billing and reducing overheads.

Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility

Modern businesses demand flexibility, especially with the rise of remote work and mobile teams.

Criterion Systems’ VoIP solution is presented as ideal for this dynamic environment. Essentialfoodsdirect.com Reviews

• Remote Work Support:
  • Employees working remotely can seamlessly access phone services using softphone technology on their computers or mobile devices.
  • They can use their business phone numbers wherever they are, ensuring business continuity.
• Multi-Site Networking:
  • VoIP easily allows businesses to network multiple offices and employees under a single, unified system.
  • All users are managed on the same system and have access to the same directories, even across different physical locations.
• Flexible Phone Numbers:
  • Businesses can maintain one phone number across all locations.
  • The system allows for geographic flexibility, meaning a business can have a London phone number even if their physical office isn’t located there, or even an international number without a physical presence in that country.
  • This is crucial for establishing a local presence in different markets without physical expansion.
• Easy Relocation and Expansion:
  • Moving offices becomes significantly simpler. VoIP phones can be unplugged and plugged into a new network port.
  • Adding new phones or sites is often a simple software configuration, much quicker than traditional PBX systems.
  • Businesses won’t need to change well-promoted phone numbers when relocating.

Unified Communications and Modern Features

Criterion Systems emphasizes that their VoIP solution integrates with other communication tools, leading to a more streamlined and efficient workflow.

• Integration Capabilities:
  • VoIP phone service can be integrated with other communications such as email and fax.
  • A key feature mentioned is the ability to have voicemail messages emailed directly to the user, perfect for those constantly on the go or hot-desking.
• Always Up-to-Date:
  • Since the system is hosted by Criterion Systems and largely software-based, businesses don’t have to worry about their phone system becoming outdated or needing manual upgrades.
  • New features and updates are pushed out by the provider, ensuring the system remains current and efficient “at the touch of a button.”
• Call Quality:
  • While online phone communication has been around for a long time, the website reassures that developments in technology mean current VoIP systems operate at a “similar or better quality” than traditional lines. This ensures businesses can maintain high-quality customer service.

Security and Reliability of VoIP Systems

When transitioning critical business communications to an internet-based system, concerns about security and reliability are naturally paramount.

Criterion Systems addresses these points, aiming to instill confidence in their Horizon VoIP solution.

Data Security in the Cloud

Criterion Systems states that their VoIP service runs on dedicated servers in London and Manchester, utilizing “carrier-grade software.” This suggests a robust infrastructure designed for high performance and security.

While the website doesn’t delve into specific security protocols e.g., encryption standards, firewalls, intrusion detection, the emphasis on “dedicated servers” and “carrier-grade software” implies a professional approach to protecting communication data. Giftcardmall.com Reviews

• Centralized Hosting: By hosting data centrally in secure data centers, Criterion Systems takes on the responsibility for infrastructure security, potentially alleviating concerns for businesses that may lack the internal IT resources to manage on-premise security effectively.
• Secure Network: The Voice over IP network is described as “completely secure” and capable of being used over public internet when users are out and about. This suggests that the system incorporates measures to protect calls even when connected via less secure public Wi-Fi networks, likely through encryption or secure tunneling.
• Data Protection: For businesses, understanding how their call data and contact information are protected is crucial. While not explicitly detailed on the site, providers of cloud services are typically bound by data protection regulations like GDPR in the UK, which would govern how they handle and secure customer data.

Ensuring System Reliability and Uptime

Reliability is non-negotiable for business telephony.

The website implicitly addresses reliability by highlighting the benefits of a cloud-hosted system.

• Redundancy and Uptime: While not explicitly stated, professional cloud service providers typically build in redundancy measures e.g., duplicate servers, failover systems across their data centers to ensure high availability and minimize downtime. Running servers in two distinct locations London and Manchester suggests a level of geographical redundancy, which is a common strategy for business continuity.
• Managed Updates: Because the system is largely software-based and managed by Criterion, updates and maintenance are handled by the provider. This means businesses don’t have to worry about system obsolescence or manual patching, which can often lead to service interruptions if not managed correctly. Criterion is responsible for ensuring the system is always up-to-date and functioning optimally.
• Seamless Business Continuity: The ability to manage voice calls from computers and mobile devices means that even if an office location experiences an outage e.g., power cut, employees can often continue to make and receive calls from other locations or devices, contributing to business continuity. This flexibility is a significant advantage over traditional systems tied to physical lines and specific locations.

Comparing with Traditional PBX Security

Traditional PBX systems, while offering a degree of physical security by being on-premise, often require dedicated IT staff to manage security updates, patches, and physical access.

They can also be vulnerable to physical damage or local network issues.

Cloud-based VoIP, managed by a dedicated provider like Criterion Systems, shifts this responsibility to specialists, who are presumably more equipped to handle complex cybersecurity threats and maintain system uptime. Bubblydoo.be Reviews

This division of responsibility can lead to a more secure and reliable communication system overall for many businesses.

Who Can Benefit from Criterion Systems’ VoIP?

Criterion Systems targets a broad spectrum of businesses for its Horizon VoIP solution, emphasizing its versatility and applicability across different operational models and sizes.

The website highlights several scenarios where their VoIP technology proves to be particularly beneficial.

Small to Large Businesses

The introduction states that hosted IP telephony “can provide a huge number of benefits to businesses both small and large.” This indicates a scalable solution designed to grow with a company’s needs.

• Scalability:
  • For small businesses, the low initial investment and simplified management of VoIP can be highly attractive. They can add or remove lines as needed without significant hardware changes.
  • Larger businesses can benefit from the centralized management, cost savings across multiple locations, and unified communications features that streamline complex operations.
  • The “simple software click” configuration for adding new phones or sites suggests ease of expansion.

Businesses with Multiple Sites or Remote Employees

One of the strongest selling points for Horizon VoIP is its ability to centralize communications for distributed teams. Thekoinclub.com Reviews

• Inter-Company Calls: VoIP enables free inter-company calls between different branches or remote employees, leading to substantial cost savings.
• Shared Directories: All users, regardless of their physical location, can be managed on the same system and have access to the same directories, fostering seamless collaboration.
• Work from Anywhere: The emphasis on softphone technology on computers or mobile devices means employees can use their business numbers and access communication services whether they are in the office, at home, or traveling. This is especially relevant for businesses with flexible work policies or those heavily reliant on mobile sales teams or consultants.

Businesses Nearing the End of Existing Contracts

The impending ISDN and PSTN switch-offs, combined with the natural lifecycle of existing PBX systems, make now an opportune time for an upgrade.

• Contract Expiry: If a business’s existing PBX or support contract is coming to an end, Criterion Systems positions their VoIP service as the “perfect time to update” to a more advanced and cost-saving solution. This avoids getting locked into outdated technology and maximizes the benefits of a transition.
• Avoiding Obsolescence: As traditional phone lines are phased out, businesses must migrate to IP-based solutions. Opting for VoIP prevents being left behind and ensures continuous, high-quality communication.

Businesses Looking to Cut Costs

The emphasis on “low-cost phone calls” and “cheaper maintenance costs” makes Criterion’s VoIP appealing to any business focused on optimizing operational expenses.

• Reduced Overheads: By eliminating traditional line rentals, PBX maintenance, and often significantly reducing call charges, businesses can reallocate funds to other critical areas.
• Total Cost of Ownership TCO: The website highlights that VoIP is typically 30% less expensive than a competitive PBX system over its total lifecycle, making it a compelling financial argument.

Businesses Prioritizing Flexibility and Modernization

Companies that value agility, seamless communication across devices, and access to modern features will find Criterion’s offering attractive.

• Dynamic Network: VoIP provides a “more flexible and dynamic telephone network,” allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing needs, whether it’s scaling up, down, or supporting new work models.
• Unified Communications: The integration of voicemail to email, for instance, caters to business professionals who need to stay connected and productive even when not at their desks.

Customer Experience and Support

While the website primarily focuses on the technical aspects and benefits of their VoIP solution, it also provides insights into Criterion Systems’ approach to customer service and support, primarily through client testimonials.

Understanding the customer experience is crucial for prospective clients. Neosabers.com Reviews

Client Testimonials

Criterion Systems prominently features four client testimonials on their homepage.

These testimonials come from various roles MD, Director, Office Manager, Practice Manager and appear to represent long-term relationships, with phrases like “used Criterion for many years” and “been using Criterion Systems for quite a few years.”

• Recurring Themes in Testimonials:
  • Helpfulness and Guidance: Mick Conway MD highlights Criterion’s “extremely helpful providing advice and guidance from quotation to installation.” This suggests a proactive and supportive approach throughout the onboarding process.
  • Competitiveness on Price: Both Mick Conway and Sue Jackson Office Manager mention that Criterion is “very competitive on price,” indicating good value for money.
  • Prompt and Efficient Service: Jeremy Herz Director shares a positive experience with a quick resolution to a problem: “Emailed Lee Smith at 8.30am and received a prompt reply ‘technician on the way’. Cant ask for more! Great service. Highly recommend.” This speaks to their responsiveness during critical incidents.
  • Excellent Customer Service: Sue Jackson explicitly states their “customer service is excellent.”
  • Trustworthiness: Elvira Hatch Practice Manager describes them as “efficient and trustworthy” in handling maintenance service contracts.
  • Problem Resolution: The testimonial from Jeremy Herz specifically praises their ability to get the business “up and running before 10am” after an issue, underscoring their commitment to minimizing downtime.

Implied Support Structure

While the website doesn’t detail specific support plans or SLAs, the testimonials hint at a responsive support mechanism.

The mention of a “technician on the way” suggests field support or remote assistance capabilities.

The existence of “phone maintenance service contracts” further implies structured support offerings beyond initial installation. Recoolhair.com Reviews

• Direct Contact: The presence of a phone number 0161-429 4910 and a “Contact Us” link clearly indicates accessible channels for inquiries and support.
• Proactive Approach: The emphasis on guiding clients from “quotation to installation” suggests a consultative approach where Criterion Systems helps businesses make informed decisions and ensures a smooth transition.

Overall Impression of Customer Service

Based on the testimonials, Criterion Systems seems to have built a reputation for reliable, responsive, and competitively priced service.

The recurring themes of helpfulness, efficiency, and trustworthiness are strong indicators of a positive customer experience.

While these are curated testimonials, they paint a consistent picture of a provider that prioritizes client satisfaction and problem-solving.

For potential customers, this provides a level of reassurance about the ongoing support they can expect after adopting Horizon VoIP.

Implementing Horizon VoIP: What to Expect

Transitioning to a new telephony system can seem daunting, but Criterion Systems aims to simplify the process. Milkbooks.com Reviews

Understanding the implementation steps and requirements helps businesses prepare for a smooth migration to Horizon VoIP.

Prerequisites for Implementation

Before initiating the switch to Horizon VoIP, businesses need to ensure they have the foundational elements in place.

• High-Speed Internet Connection: This is the most crucial requirement. VoIP relies entirely on the internet to transmit voice data. The website mentions that “all of your internet phones will be connected through a high-speed internet connection to our VoIP service.” The quality and stability of this connection directly impact call quality and reliability.
• VoIP-Compatible Hardware: While the system is cloud-based, businesses will still need physical VoIP phones or softphone software on their computers/mobile devices. Criterion Systems likely advises on compatible hardware or provides it as part of their service package.
• Existing Infrastructure Optional but beneficial: The website notes that if a business already has a broadband connection, adding a Voice over IP phone system can be done “at a reduced cost,” implying that leveraging existing internet infrastructure makes the transition more cost-effective.

The Implementation Process

Criterion Systems highlights the ease of setup and migration, contrasting it with the complexities of traditional PBX systems.

• Simplicity of Setup: “VoIP phones can be relocated by simply unplugging them from the current network port and plugging them into a new port.” This illustrates the plug-and-play nature for physical phones.
• Software-Based Configuration: “New phones or sites can be added much quicker than a PBX phone because most of the configuration is a simple software click.” This indicates that much of the setup and management is done through a user-friendly interface, potentially a web portal provided by Criterion Systems.
• Migration Support: While not explicitly detailed, the testimonials mentioning “guidance from quotation to installation” suggest Criterion Systems provides support throughout the migration process, including number porting keeping existing phone numbers, system configuration, and user setup. The phrase “you won’t need to change your well-promoted phone numbers” implies seamless number portability.
• Minimal Disruption: The aim is to ensure the switch feels, works, and sounds “exactly the same as you’re already used to,” minimizing disruption to daily operations during the transition.

Post-Implementation: Ongoing Management and Updates

Once implemented, the ongoing management of Horizon VoIP is largely handled by Criterion Systems, reducing the burden on the client’s internal IT team.

• Provider-Managed Updates: As a hosted solution, Criterion Systems is responsible for keeping the VoIP system “up to date.” This means new features and security patches are automatically applied by the provider, ensuring the system remains current without client intervention.
• Centralized Management: For multi-site businesses, the benefit of “all users are managed on the same system and have access to the same directories” is a significant advantage, streamlining administrative tasks and ensuring consistency across the organization.
• Scalability on Demand: The ease of adding or removing users/lines through a software interface means businesses can scale their communication infrastructure quickly to meet changing demands.

In essence, Criterion Systems positions the implementation of Horizon VoIP as a straightforward, efficient process that leverages modern cloud technology to minimize client effort while maximizing the benefits of an advanced communication system. Servify.tech Reviews

Comparison: VoIP vs. Traditional PBX Systems

Criterion Systems consistently frames its Horizon VoIP solution as a superior alternative to traditional PBX Private Branch Exchange systems.

Understanding the core differences between these two communication paradigms is key to appreciating the value proposition of VoIP.

Definition and Functionality

• Traditional PBX: This is an on-premise hardware system that manages internal and external calls for a business. It typically uses dedicated copper phone lines PSTN/ISDN to connect to the public telephone network. Calls within the office are routed internally, while external calls go through the PBX.
• VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol: This system uses your existing internet connection to make and receive calls. It converts voice into digital data packets that are transmitted over the internet. The “PBX” functionality is typically hosted in the cloud by a provider like Criterion Systems.

Key Differentiating Factors

Feature	Traditional PBX Systems	Horizon VoIP Criterion Systems
Infrastructure	On-premise hardware physical box, lines	Cloud-hosted. utilizes existing internet connection
Cost	High upfront hardware cost. ongoing maintenance. per-line charges. variable call costs especially long-distance	Low upfront hardware just phones/router. significantly reduced maintenance. cheaper call rates. free inter-company calls
Scalability	Limited by hardware capacity. adding/removing lines/features often requires physical upgrades or specialist visits	Highly scalable. easy to add/remove users/lines via software. grows with business needs
Maintenance	Requires internal IT staff or specialist contracts. manual updates/repairs	Managed by provider. automatic software updates. no physical PBX box to maintain
Flexibility/Mobility	Tied to physical location. limited remote access. difficult for multi-site networking	Highly flexible. supports remote work softphones. seamless multi-site integration. number portability
Features	Basic call handling. limited integration with other systems	Advanced features voicemail-to-email, unified communications. constantly updated with new features
Reliability	Vulnerable to local power/network outages. single point of failure PBX box	Cloud redundancy e.g., Criterion’s London/Manchester servers. enables business continuity during local outages
Future-Proofing	Obsolete. reliance on phasing-out PSTN/ISDN networks	Future-proof. aligned with modern IP-based communication standards

Why VoIP is Gaining Traction

Criterion Systems’ emphasis on the “Big Switch-Off” directly highlights the obsolescence of traditional PBX.

Beyond this regulatory push, VoIP’s advantages are compelling for modern businesses:

• Cost Efficiency: The shift from capital expenditure buying a PBX to operational expenditure monthly VoIP subscription is attractive for many businesses.
• Agility: Businesses can respond quicker to changes in staffing or office structures.
• Enhanced Features: VoIP platforms often integrate with other business tools CRM, email, offering a more unified communication experience.
• Improved Business Continuity: The ability to work from anywhere and route calls seamlessly even during local disruptions is a significant advantage.

Ethical Considerations in Business Telephony and IT Services

As a Muslim professional blog writer, it’s essential to address the ethical dimension of business services, even within a seemingly technical domain like telephony and IT. Travelkon.com.au Reviews

While Criterion Systems provides a valuable service, it’s crucial to ensure the broader business practices align with Islamic principles.

Our focus is on promoting ethical and beneficial business activities.

Avoiding Prohibited Financial Practices

In Islam, Riba interest is strictly prohibited. When evaluating IT services, businesses should be mindful of financing arrangements, especially if they involve loans or payment plans that accrue interest.

• Halal Financing Alternatives: Instead of conventional interest-based loans or credit facilities for acquiring IT equipment or services, businesses should seek out halal financing options. These include:
  • Murabaha: A cost-plus financing arrangement where the bank purchases the asset and then sells it to the customer at an agreed-upon profit margin.
  • Ijara: An Islamic leasing arrangement where the bank buys the asset and leases it to the customer for a specified period, after which ownership may transfer.
  • Musharaka/Mudaraba: Partnership-based financing where profits and losses are shared according to pre-agreed ratios.
• Direct Purchase/Saving: The most straightforward halal approach is to save and pay for services upfront, avoiding any debt. Criterion Systems’ emphasis on cost savings with VoIP could facilitate this, as lower operational costs allow for better financial planning. Businesses should budget for their telephony needs and aim for direct, interest-free payments where possible.
• Transparent Pricing: Businesses should always seek clear, transparent pricing from providers, ensuring there are no hidden fees or interest components disguised within contract terms.

Promoting Ethical Business Operations

Beyond financial aspects, the nature of the business and its operational ethics are also important. Criterion Systems focuses on business telephony, which inherently supports communication – a neutral tool. However, the application of these tools can be good or bad.

• Beneficial Use of Technology: Encourage businesses to use advanced communication systems like VoIP for purposes that benefit society, foster honest trade, facilitate education, and strengthen legitimate commerce. This includes:
  • Improving customer service for ethical businesses.
  • Enabling remote work for productive and beneficial professions.
  • Connecting charitable organizations and community initiatives.
• Avoiding Harmful Activities: Businesses should ensure their communication infrastructure is not used to facilitate activities that are considered unethical or harmful, such as:
  • Financial Fraud or Scams: Any misuse of communication for deceptive or fraudulent purposes is strictly prohibited.
  • Promoting Immoral Content: While a telephony provider might not directly control content, businesses should ensure their own communications align with ethical standards.
  • Gambling or Prohibited Industries: The services should not be used to support industries that deal in prohibited activities.
• Data Privacy and Trustworthiness: While Criterion Systems mentions security, a deeper look into their data handling policies if available would be beneficial. Businesses should choose IT partners who are transparent about data privacy and demonstrate trustworthiness in safeguarding client information.

In conclusion, while Criterion Systems offers a technologically sound solution, businesses, particularly those guided by Islamic principles, should approach any service acquisition with an ethical lens. Telstra.com.au Reviews

This means prioritizing halal financial models and ensuring the technology supports beneficial, honest, and morally upright business endeavors.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Criterion Systems presents a compelling case for its Horizon VoIP solution, particularly in light of the impending ISDN and PSTN switch-offs in the UK. The website effectively communicates the core benefits of transitioning to cloud-based telephony, emphasizing significant cost savings, enhanced flexibility, and improved operational efficiency. Their strong focus on these practical advantages resonates with businesses looking to modernize their communication infrastructure while optimizing budgets.

The detailed explanations of how Horizon VoIP works, its advantages over traditional PBX systems, and the scenarios where it proves most beneficial are clear and informative. The testimonials, while curated, consistently highlight positive experiences related to responsiveness, competitive pricing, and effective problem resolution, painting a picture of a reliable and customer-focused provider.

For businesses considering Criterion Systems, it’s evident that they offer a robust, future-proof solution that can streamline communications, support remote work models, and reduce long-term operational costs.

As with any significant service acquisition, prospective clients should engage directly with Criterion Systems to discuss specific business needs, obtain detailed quotations, and understand the full scope of their support and implementation services. Tuiopay.com Reviews

From an ethical perspective, it’s crucial for businesses to ensure that any financial arrangements for services align with Islamic principles, actively seeking halal financing alternatives to avoid Riba.

Furthermore, the communication tools provided should always be utilized for purposes that are beneficial, honest, and uphold ethical standards, fostering a business environment that contributes positively to society.

Ultimately, Criterionsystems.co.uk appears to be a credible and capable provider of VoIP solutions, well-positioned to assist businesses in navigating the digital transformation of their telephony systems effectively and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Criterionsystems.co.uk?

Criterionsystems.co.uk is a UK-based provider of business telephony solutions, specializing in Voice over Internet Protocol VoIP systems, specifically their ‘Horizon VoIP’ service.

Horizon VoIP is Criterion Systems’ cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol solution that allows businesses to make and receive phone calls over the internet, replacing traditional landlines and PBX systems. Newstimulate.com Reviews

How does VoIP save businesses money?

VoIP saves money by significantly reducing call costs especially long-distance and international, eliminating the need for expensive on-premise PBX hardware and its maintenance, and consolidating communication expenses by utilizing existing internet connections.

Is VoIP secure?

Yes, Criterionsystems.co.uk states their VoIP service runs on dedicated servers in London and Manchester using “carrier-grade software” and that the network is “completely secure,” including usage over public internet.

What is the “Big Switch-Off”?

The “Big Switch-Off” refers to the impending decommissioning of traditional copper wire-based telephone networks ISDN and PSTN in the UK, with a target for complete withdrawal by 2025. This necessitates businesses to switch to IP-based solutions like VoIP.

Do I need special phones for VoIP?

Yes, you will need VoIP-compatible phones, which look and operate like traditional phones but connect via your internet network.

Alternatively, you can use “softphone” technology on your computer or mobile device. Holiday2go.com.au Reviews

Can I keep my existing business phone number with Criterion Systems’ VoIP?

Yes, Criterionsystems.co.uk indicates that you “won’t need to change your well-promoted phone numbers,” implying seamless number portability to their VoIP service.

Is Horizon VoIP suitable for small businesses?

Yes, the website states that hosted IP telephony provides benefits to “businesses both small and large,” suggesting scalability and cost-effectiveness for smaller enterprises.

Can I use Horizon VoIP for multiple office locations?

Yes, Horizon VoIP easily allows you to network multiple offices and employees, managing all users on the same system with access to shared directories, which is beneficial for distributed businesses.

What are the main advantages of VoIP over traditional PBX?

VoIP offers lower costs, greater flexibility for remote work and multi-site operations, easier scalability, unified communications features, and automatic updates from the provider, unlike traditional PBX systems which are hardware-dependent and can become outdated.

Does Criterion Systems offer support after installation?

Based on client testimonials, Criterion Systems appears to offer responsive and helpful support, with mentions of prompt replies, technicians on the way for issues, and ongoing maintenance service contracts.

Can employees work remotely with Horizon VoIP?

Yes, VoIP technology, particularly with softphone capabilities, enables employees to manage voice calls from their computers and mobile devices, allowing them to work remotely while using their business numbers.

What is unified communications?

Unified communications, as offered by Criterion VoIP, allows integration of phone service with other communication tools like email and fax.

An example is having voicemail messages emailed directly to you.

How easy is it to move office with a VoIP system?

Using a VoIP system makes moving or setting up a new office very easy as phones can simply be unplugged and re-plugged into a new network port.

Configuration is often software-based, simplifying the process.

Is Criterion Systems’ VoIP always up-to-date?

Yes, because the system is hosted by Criterion and is largely software-based, it can be easily updated by the provider, bringing new features without requiring client intervention or physical upgrades.

What kind of internet connection do I need for VoIP?

You need a high-speed broadband internet connection.

The quality and stability of your internet connection are crucial for clear call quality and reliable service.

Are international calls cheaper with VoIP?

Yes, VoIP generally allows for much cheaper international calls compared to traditional landline providers, as calls are routed over the internet rather than incurring long-distance fees.

Does Criterion Systems offer any other services besides VoIP?

The website mentions “More Services” but specifically focuses on VoIP solutions in its main content.

To inquire about other IT or telephony services, direct contact with Criterion Systems would be necessary.

How does Criterion Systems handle data for businesses?

The website states that all information is hosted centrally at their data centers in London and Manchester using “carrier-grade software.” For specific data handling policies and privacy, contacting them directly would provide more detail.

How can I get a quote from Criterion Systems?

The website encourages direct contact, with a phone number 0161-429 4910 and a “Contact Us” link available, suggesting inquiries for quotes are handled through these channels.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Criterionsystems.co.uk Reviews Latest Discussions & Reviews: