Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) l Mitel MiCloud Connect

In the ever-evolving landscape of cloud communications, change is the only constant.

With a forward-looking perspective, Packet Fusion addresses the impending end of life (EOL) for Mitel MiCloud Connect, the RingCentral relationship, migration incentives, and other essential questions that are top of mind for Mitel MiCloud users.

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On November 9th, 2021, Mitel announced a strategic partnership with RingCentral MVP, a frontrunner in cloud communications, as the sole Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) provider for its Mitel MiCloud Connect platform. The partnership aims to transition Mitel’s cloud UC customers to RingCentral, offering them a dependable and secure platform built for scalability and equipped with enterprise-level features.

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Mitel MiCloud Connect has not been officially declared as end-of-life for 2029. However, there will be no further investments in new features or innovations. From an architectural standpoint, Mitel faces challenges in managing upgrades, leading to anticipated downtime periods. Despite monthly maintenance windows ensuring the system remains current, no new functionalities are being added. Additionally, there is clear communication from Mitel regarding annual contract price increases of 15-20%.

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Mitel’s decision to partner with RingCentral was influenced by the accelerated growth of competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams in the UCaaS space, a trend significantly boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This heightened competition prompted Mitel to reevaluate its strategy, reinforcing its focus on Mitel’s on-premises UC platform and a strategic withdrawal from the UCaaS market.

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Your Mitel MiCloud Connect bill increased due to a combination of factors. Mitel cites escalating costs and inflation as primary reasons. However, it’s important to understand that diminishing revenue and rising expenses have challenged Mitel’s ability to maintain margins, even though it continues to profit from its cloud solution. Nevertheless, in an effort to encourage migration to RingCentral, Mitel has implemented annual price hikes of 15-20% for the foreseeable future.

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The answer is both yes and no.

You have the freedom to switch to a different solution if you wish. However, there’s an important detail to consider. Since 2022, Mitel has updated its policy to automatic 12-month renewals, shifting away from previous 36 to 48-month contracts.

With Mitel’s relationship with RingCentral, Mitel will waive the ETF (Early Termination Fee) if you move to RingCentral. If you decide to move to another provider other than RingCentral, Mitel will 100% enforce the ETF, which equals full payment of the remaining months of your contract.

Mitel provides a one-month grace period for discontinuation notices, but navigating this period can be tricky. Packet Fusion specializes in handling such auto-renewals, with expertise in the necessary timelines, procedures, and steps for a smooth transition. Engage with us to simplify this process and minimize your costs effectively.  >> Help us navigate our Mitel auto-renewal.

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Mitel would very much like you to move to RingCentral, and they have gone out of their way to minimize the cost. These incentives include complimentary desktop phones, tools for seamless migration, subsidized onboarding fees, and overall lower monthly costs, making the shift to RingCentral financially appealing.

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The time it takes to migrate to a new UCaaS system hinges on two primary factors:

Firstly, the migration period presents an opportune moment to assess the potential of a more sophisticated system to enhance your operations. Engaging with an experienced solution provider, such as Packet Fusion, enables you to delve into the capabilities of advanced unified communication systems that can serve your immediate needs and support your organization’s growth in the long term.

Secondly, you can expedite the migration process by partnering with a provider adept at swiftly replicating your current setup, transferring your database, and minimizing downtime, ensuring a smooth and rapid transition. The timeline for most UCaaS migrations ranges from 30 to 45 days at a minimum, varying with the project’s size and complexity.

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You are not obligated to switch from Mitel MiCloud Connect. The platform has received significant security enhancements over the past 12 months and remains functional. If you prefer to stay with MiCloud Connect, consider partnering with a support provider like Packet Fusion to ensure you continue to receive the support you need. >>Explore your support options.

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There are some very attractive incentives for Mitel MiCloud Connect customers to move to RingCentral. A dedicated migration toolkit helps map and automate data transfer from Mitel to RingCentral. Early termination fees can be forgiven (if done within the stated timeline), and your existing desk phones are compatible with the RingCentral platform. Beyond the benefits of RingCentral’s acclaimed platform, the cost per user is less than current Mitel pricing.

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If you’re hesitant about switching to RingCentral, you have choices. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other leading UCaaS solutions have evolved significantly, offering robust options.

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Packet Fusion has successfully facilitated the transition of 83 businesses from Mitel to RingCentral. Our approach follows a 4-step method to get you exactly what you want today and what you will need to accelerate and meet your business goals tomorrow. Here’s how it works:

1. Evaluate Your Business, Infrastructure, and UCaaS Needs. We start by looking at what you have and where we can streamline your processes, technology, and costs to uncover areas for improvement that will bring immediate value to your organization.
2. Create a Criteria for Evaluating Your UCaaS Options. We gather input from all areas of your organization. Packet Fusion’s team will outline functionality and feature requirements so that your team can make an educated decision. Our detailed reporting gives your C-level executives the information they need for proper executive function and financial evaluation.
3. Act as your Cloud Liaison. Cloud contracts can be difficult to interpret, especially when dealing with multiple vendors and carrier services. We act as the liaison between you and your UCaaS provider to negotiate prices and secure the best terms and SLAs to ensure you get optimal pricing and transparency.
4. Provide Comprehensive Implementation & Continuous Support. Our expertise in a wide range of technologies and platforms ensures a seamless setup and integration process. For each account, we assign a dedicated Client Success Manager, Solution Architect, and Project Manager to ensure not only successful implementation but also continuous technical support and executive management during the entire journey.

Your work environment has evolved significantly since you acquired your Mitel MiCloud Connect system. Allow Packet Fusion to perform a COMPLIMENTARY NEEDS ANALYSIS to assess your current situation and tailor a solution that meets your needs.