Use Case
Replace an outdated business phone system.
Compare cloud calling options around your users, locations and integrations. SwitchU helps organize requirements and supplier next steps, including number-transfer checks, training and cutover planning.
Signs the system needs replacing
What an aging phone system costs you.
End-of-life hardware with rising maintenance costs
Check whether your hardware and software still receive vendor support. Compare maintenance, replacement-part availability and recovery requirements with the cost of a replacement.
Staff cannot work from anywhere
List where staff need to make and receive calls. Ask suppliers to demonstrate desk-phone, desktop and mobile workflows, including the connectivity and device requirements for each.
Adding or moving lines requires a technician
Compare how each platform handles extensions, number changes and call routing. Confirm administrator permissions, training and which changes require supplier assistance.
The system does not support remote or multi-location work
A phone system that does not follow staff to a second office or home office creates a two-tier experience — some staff reachable on their direct line, others on personal mobiles nobody has in their contact book.
How SwitchU helps
A managed migration from legacy to cloud voice.
Document the current system first
Before recommending a replacement, we map what the current system does — extensions, hunt groups, auto-attendants, call routing, voicemail configuration, numbers in service. Confirm which workflows the proposed supplier can support and identify any changes before ordering.
Source the right UCaaS platform for the business
We have access to multiple UCaaS platforms across the Canadian market — and we match the recommendation to the business's size, multi-location structure, and integration requirements, not to whatever has the best promotion this month.
Confirm number-transfer requirements
We help coordinate number inventories and supplier next steps. The receiving supplier confirms eligibility, required authorization and the transfer schedule for each number.
Agree on testing and cutover responsibilities
Agree with the supplier on configuration, staff training, test calls and contingency contacts. Confirm whether service overlap is possible and who signs off on the cutover.
Prepare your migration
A plan for every number and call flow.
- List active numbers, users, locations and the person authorized to approve changes.
- Map opening hours, queues, voicemail and overflow routing.
- Ask the supplier how emergency calling works at each site and for remote staff, and how users keep their registered location up to date.
- Review power and internet dependencies, an alternative way to call during an outage, and the supplier’s emergency-service limitations with staff.
- Identify fax, alarms and other special lines for supplier review.
- Confirm integrations, recording controls, reporting and device requirements.
- Agree on port eligibility, training, test calls and cutover contingency contacts.
Map the move before cutover.
Use this blank worksheet to inventory numbers, call flows, locations and owners. Keep account details private, mark unknowns, and record supplier confirmation of transfer eligibility, emergency calling and the test plan.
Download the phone migration worksheet (CSV)Compare the product scope and buyer questions for RingCentral, Zoom, 8x8, GoTo and Dialpad. Supplier availability and package features are confirmed for your project.
Read the CRTC guidance on transferring your number before arranging cancellation with your suppliers.
Include emergency calling in your supplier review. The CRTC’s VoIP emergency-service guidance explains location information and the impact of power or internet interruptions. Ask the supplier for the limitations and setup instructions that apply to your proposed service.
Start a phone-system reviewCommon questions
What businesses usually ask.
Get started
Review your current phone system.
Tell us about your current system, numbers, call flows and locations. We’ll review the requirements, then ask suppliers to confirm eligible numbers, options, pricing and a proposed cutover plan.
For more on what we source, see our voice and UCaaS solution page — and the business phone systems page goes deeper on platform features and fit.