C-Flex by Cortel Review: Redefining Business Connection

At a Glance

Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, C-Flex 3CX is a business phone system created by the cloud technology provider Cortel. Combining hardware and software, Cortel has been a trusted vendor since 1979, delivering reliable and innovative solutions to businesses of all sizes. Their commitment to customer-centric solutions is evident in partnerships with 3CX and Mitel, resulting in products like C-Flex, which offer advanced features and seamless communication experiences for businesses. Over the years, they have earned the trust of prominent companies such as American Express, Mitsubishi, and Air France, further solidifying their industry standing.

Pricing & Plans

C-Flex is a combination of products from two companies, Mitel and 3CX, designed to serve all business sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations with over 1,000 employees. The company does not disclose pricing, so you'll need to request a quote for accurate information. Mitel, Cortel's hardware partner, also does not provide pricing for physical equipment bundles. In contrast, 3CX lists different pricing options for their software, which vary depending on the number of simultaneous calls, including internal and external ones. They also have plans that depend on the number of systems that have the software running simultaneously, which include:

• 3CX Free: This free plan accommodates up to ten users and includes a next-generation phone system, remote team support, live chat, and video conferencing. It is ideal for small teams seeking reliable, cost-free communication solutions
• 3CX SMB: Designed for small businesses, this plan costs $195 annually and can support up to 20 systems. It also has phone queues, multi-level IVR, call reporting, and other features, giving small businesses better communication capabilities at a lower cost
• 3CX Pro: Priced at $195 and can support 10+ systems annually, this subscription is designed for professional use and contains advanced capabilities such as call recording, CRM integration, hot desking, Microsoft 365 integration, and more. It's designed for mid-sized businesses that require a more advanced communication setup. It's important to note that this plan's price increases significantly if you opt for hosted services
• 3CX ENT: This enterprise plan costs $15 per system per year and provides premium features such as bespoke IP phone logos, Microsoft Teams integration, skill-based routing, and more. This package is intended for large organizations that want extensive and customizable communication solutions

Features

C-Flex offers many features to help your business communicate seamlessly. Some of their key services include:

VoIP phone service: C-Flex provides VoIP phone service, enabling businesses to make phone calls over the Internet with cost-effective and efficient communication solutions. This feature allows you to receive calls, texts, and voice calls conveniently from any electronic device that has access to Google Chrome.

Availability check: The status view feature allows users to quickly check the availability of their colleagues, making it easy to identify who can provide immediate assistance.
Web client: C-Flex offers users the convenience of accessing their phone system through a web interface. This allows for easy management of calls and messages from any location, providing flexibility and accessibility.

Softphone: The company enables users to make calls effortlessly from their computer, tablet, or mobile device. This seamless communication solution helps streamline processes and boost overall efficiency.

Switchboard system: The switchboard is designed to be user-friendly, enabling seamless call routing and efficient management. This guides callers to the appropriate individuals or departments in a seamless process, allowing for smooth navigation through various options.

Team chat and SMS features: C-Flex includes communication tools that help organizations connect effectively with consumers and employees. The smartphone app allows users to send and receive text messages instantly, offering rapid access to SMS communications. The team chat tool, which is connected to the phone system, allows team members to collaborate and communicate more effectively.

Third-party integrations: The company offers seamless integration with a wide range of tools and software, enabling businesses to streamline their phone system and enhance productivity. This integration allows for seamless data sharing and process optimization across various platforms.

Demo: Cortel offers potential customers the opportunity to experience a demo of their system’s capabilities and see how it can enhance their operations and customer interactions.

Voicemail to email: C-Flex delivers voicemail directly to the user's email inbox, reducing the risk of missing important communications. It also allows users to easily forward voicemail audio files as email attachments to collaborate and share messages with the right team members.

Pros & Perks

Complete cloud-based solutions: C-Flex enables customers to enjoy fully integrated cloud-based communication solutions that provide flexibility and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. This facilitates seamless cooperation and communication, regardless of location, assuring productivity and efficiency in all operations.

Call coaching tools: These tools allow users to improve their communication skills and client relations through guided coaching sessions. This allows for real-time feedback and personalized coaching, allowing for better customer service and more effective communication strategies.

Mobile application: C-Flex's mobile app allows users to communicate on the go. It supports connectedness and productivity even outside the office with mobile-friendly features like instant messaging, call handling, and access to communication logs.

30-day free trial: Cortels provides a 30-day trial period for C-Flex, allowing users to explore the platform's capabilities firsthand. This trial ensures satisfaction and suitability for their communication needs, giving them a risk-free opportunity to explore all features and benefits before committing.

Free plan: C-Flex offers a free plan for up to ten users. This plan enables customers to enjoy important communication functions without incurring additional costs, making it an excellent alternative for startups and small businesses.

Cons & Downsides

Reliant on a stable internet connection: While Cortel Technologies' services provide several benefits and innovative solutions for modern communication demands, the dependency on a stable internet connection might be a barrier for customers in locations with bad connectivity or ones prone to internet outages. To fully benefit from Cortel's innovative communication solutions, businesses considering Cortel's services must have a reliable internet infrastructure in place.

Uninformative website: C-Flex doesn't have a QNA section, and the information regarding hardware and software is not compiled in one place. They also don't disclose how much they combine their hardware and software. The "About" section, which is often a key source of information about a company's background and mission, is not readily available on the website. This makes it difficult for visitors to understand Cortel Technologies' values, goals, and the driving forces behind their products and services.

Customer Reviews

While they don't have reviews on independent review pages such as Trustpilot, Capterra, and Google Reviews, the general consensus online is that their service is great, and if their customers run into any problems, they’ll promptly be resolved.

Positive reviews

Customers have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with C-Flex by Cortel, praising the company's responsive and knowledgeable customer service. Many reviewers highlight the professionalism and competence of the staff. Long-term clients appreciate the consistent reliability and cost-effectiveness of Cortel's services. Users have found the transition to C-Flex smooth and beneficial, particularly noting the user-friendly interface and robust features. The system's ability to streamline communications and support remote work effectively, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been highly valued.

Negative reviews

While the majority of feedback is positive, a few users mentioned initial challenges during the setup and transition to C-Flex. Some reviews also noted that there were a few bumps at the beginning of their service but emphasized that the company worked diligently to address and fix these problems.

How Do I Contact C-Flex Support?

There are various ways to contact Cortel to inquire about C-Flex. You can email them directly through the form on their website or call them at 888-CORTEL-8. You can also follow them on their social media pages on LinkedIn and Facebook. If you prefer face-to-face meetings, you can visit their offices at 100 Davidson Ave., Suite 107, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Final Thoughts

C-Flex by Cortel, headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, is a comprehensive business phone system combining hardware and software to deliver efficient customer service since 1979. Trusted by major companies like American Express and Air France, C-Flex offers a range of features, including VoIP phone service, availability checks, web client access, and third-party integrations. Their pricing plans cater to businesses of all sizes, from free options for small teams to advanced features for large enterprises. Pros include cloud-based solutions, call coaching tools, and a mobile application, while drawbacks involve dependency on internet connectivity and an uninformative website. Despite some initial setup challenges, customer reviews are generally positive, highlighting reliable service and responsive customer support. Potential customers can contact Cortel through various channels, including email, phone, and social media.

Explore our blog for expert insights on business phone systems. Discover our curated list of top providers to find the best options available. Use our comparison tool to choose the perfect system for your business needs effortlessly.

Get Your Free Business Phone System Quote Now!