What does PMG do?
PMG is currently one of the few independent fund management companies in German-speaking Switzerland. Our independence is important to us, as is the fact that, whenever possible, we provide all relevant services in-house in Switzerland. This allows us to address the individual needs of our clients and fund sponsors while meeting the highest quality standards. For our clients and investors, this means they can focus on their core business—investment research and client service.
Why did you switch to a new telephony solution?
We were already a peoplefone customer and saw no reason to switch. peoplefone offers a competitive solution that has always worked flawlessly for us. To make it easier for our employees to work from home during the COVID-19 crisis, we decided to switch to a solution integrated into our work processes and systems.
Which solution did you switch to?
We now rely entirely on Microsoft Teams. We had been using the tool before, but without the telephony feature. Now, with just one click, we can make internal and external phone calls or conduct and organize video calls. Even in meeting rooms, people can easily be joined via video using Teams Rooms. The ability to ask a colleague or team a question via video or phone with just one click—even while working from home—has transformed the way we work.
Departments involved in retail must maintain secure recordings in accordance with legal requirements. To do this, we’re now using the Luware Recording solution, which is fully integrated into Teams.
How did you experience the transition?
The transition went smoothly. We were already familiar with Microsoft Teams, so employees quickly got the hang of the new telephony features, and the additional conferencing options were very well received. The seamless integration with the familiar Outlook and the Teams mobile client made the learning curve very flat.
How was—and how is—the collaboration with peoplefone and Weibel/IT?
It went smoothly and without a hitch. Together with Weibel/IT, we clarified our needs and created a checklist and a plan, which was then implemented. There are differences between a traditional phone system and an integrated communications solution—after all, it’s more than just a phone. However, we were able to address the resulting requirements very quickly—it’s all about configuration settings. We’re very satisfied.
What’s the biggest difference compared to the previous solution?
Through Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, our employees have access regardless of device or location. The flexibility to switch to a home office or split-desk setup without compromising governance, security, or system usage is extremely valuable. Consciously managing and promoting the use of these capabilities is a new challenge for companies at all employee levels.
From an interview with Mr. Raoul Dobal, COO, PMG Fonds Management AG
, implemented by Weibel/IT