Your Customer Roadmap to a Cost-Effective, Compliance-Ready Communication Upgrade

Is your current communication system holding you back? Whether you’re dealing with an aging on-premise setup, limited scalability, or security concerns, making the transition to a modern solution – cloud, hybrid, or an upgraded on-premise system – can feel overwhelming. 

At Affiliated Communications, we know that upgrading isn’t just about technology – it’s about choosing a solution that works for you, your budget, and your compliance needs. That’s why we take a consultative approach, helping schools, local governments, and public sector organizations create a clear, cost-effective roadmap for their next communication system. 

So, what’s the best move? Should you transition to the cloud, keep a hybrid model, or invest in a more advanced on-premise system? Let’s walk through the real-world considerations that impact your decision – so you can upgrade with confidence, without the guesswork. 

Outdated Communication Systems Are Costing You More Than You Think 

Sticking with an outdated system isn’t just inconvenient – it’s expensive. Legacy communication platforms come with hidden costs that add up fast, from ongoing maintenance and costly repairs to compatibility issues that slow down operations. 

• Rising Maintenance Costs: Older hardware requires frequent repairs and replacement parts become harder to find (and more expensive) as manufacturers phase them out. 

• Limited Scalability: As your organization grows, your system may not keep up, forcing you into costly workarounds or outdated infrastructure. 

• Compliance Gaps: Legacy systems may not meet evolving security and regulatory requirements like CJIS, HIPAA, or other state-mandated policies, putting you at risk of fines or operational disruptions. 

• Missed Innovation: Cloud and hybrid solutions offer advanced features like AI-powered call routing and integrated collaboration tools that legacy systems simply can’t support. 

If your current setup is approaching end-of-life (EOL), waiting too long to upgrade could mean higher costs, limited support, and increased security risks. A proactive transition ensures you’re in control – before your system forces you into an emergency upgrade. 

Why a Thoughtful Transition Plan Matters 

Rushing into a new communication system without a clear plan can lead to unnecessary expenses, downtime, and operational headaches. A strategic roadmap ensures that your upgrade is smooth, cost-effective, and aligned with your organization’s goals. 

• Avoid Costly Disruptions – A poorly planned transition can lead to unexpected downtime and productivity loss. A phased approach helps maintain business continuity. 

• Maximize Your Investment  – Choosing the right solution – cloud, hybrid, or on-premise – ensures you’re not overpaying for features you don’t need or missing out on capabilities that could improve efficiency. 

• Ensure Compliance & Security – Transitioning to a modern system allows you to implement built-in encryption, and secure integrations and compliance-ready solutions that meet evolving regulations. 

• Future-Proof Your Infrastructure – With technology rapidly evolving, investing in a flexible, scalable system ensures your organization is ready for growth and innovation. 

With a well-defined transition roadmap, you can move forward confidently – without unexpected costs or disruptions. 

Which Communication System Works for You? 

When upgrading your communication system, you have three primary options: cloud, on-premise, or a hybrid approach. The right choice depends on your organization’s scalability needs, security policies, and compliance requirements. 

• Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility and cost efficiency, eliminating the need for on-site hardware while enabling seamless remote work. 

• On-premise systems provide full control over security and compliance, keeping all data in-house for organizations that need strict oversight. 

• Hybrid Solutions combines the best of both worlds – on-premise reliability with cloud scalability – offering a balanced approach for organizations looking to modernize selectively. 

Affiliated Communications specializes in helping organizations navigate cloud, on-premise, and hybrid systems, ensuring you choose a solution that aligns with your operational and compliance needs. 

How Affiliated’s Customer Roadmap Makes the Transition Seamless 

Upgrading your phone system doesn’t have to be disruptive – it should be an opportunity to streamline operations, improve security, and reduce costs. Our structured roadmap ensures a smooth transition with minimal downtime and no guesswork.

1. Assessment & Planning

• Evaluate Your Current System: We analyze your existing infrastructure, contract timelines, and end-of-life (EOL) risks. 

• Cost & Compliance Review: Identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring alignment with security and compliance requirements like CJIS and HIPAA 

• Compare Your Options: Get a clear breakdown of cloud, hybrid, and on-premise solutions with a real-world cost analysis. 

2. Transition Strategy & Cost Optimization

• Minimized Downtime: A step-by-step migration plan ensures a smooth transition with minimal disruption 

• Budget Forecasting & Savings Analysis: We provide cost comparisons and One Bill integration to simplify vendor management. 

• Risk Mitigation: Address security and compliance concerns proactively to avoid operational disruptions 

3. Deployment & Long-Term Support

• Phased Rollouts: Staggered implementation to prevent service interruptions 

• End-User Training: Ensure your staff adapts quickly to the new system 

• Ongoing Managed IT Support: Continuous monitoring and optimization for long-term performance and security 

Simplify Your Upgrade with One Bill 

Upgrading your phone system shouldn’t create more complexity – it should eliminate it. That’s where Affiliated’s One Bill Program makes all the difference. 

Instead of juggling multiple vendors, contracts, and invoices, One Bill consolidates all your communication services into a single, streamlined invoice. That means: 

• One Provider, One Point of Contact: No more back-and-forth between multiple IT vendors 

• Simplified Billing: Predictable costs without the hassle of managing multiple invoices 

• Faster Support Resolutions: Centralized management ensures quick issue resolution 

The result? Less paperwork, fewer headaches, and total control over your IT costs. 

Are You a Mitel Customer? 2025–2026: Critical End-of-Life (EOL) Milestones for Mitel Systems 

 

December 31, 2025 – Last Date to Purchase Licenses for Certain Mitel Systems 

• After this date, organizations using legacy Mitel platforms will no longer be able to buy additional user licenses. 

• If your organization is growing or may require future expansions, you must purchase all required licenses before the end of 2025 to avoid operational disruptions. 

• Affiliated Communications can help you assess how many additional licenses your organization may need to secure before this deadline. 

Mid-to-Late 2026 – Limited Support Availability Begins 

• As Mitel phases out support for older systems, organizations will see a gradual reduction in manufacturer support. 

• Only limited security patches and bug fixes will be provided, leaving businesses vulnerable to operational issues. 

• Transition planning should begin immediately to avoid unexpected outages or compliance risks. 

End of 2026 – Mitel Ends Extended Support for Certain Legacy Systems 

• Older versions of Mitel’s on-premise phone systems will no longer receive updates, technical support, or security patches. 

• Organizations relying on these unsupported systems may face compliance challenges, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and increasing maintenance costs. 

• Businesses still operating on legacy Mitel systems should begin planning their transition now to avoid costly last-minute upgrades. 

Affiliated Communications is here to guide your organization through this transition with a structured roadmap. Whether you choose to upgrade to a new Mitel solution, move to the cloud, or adopt a hybrid model, we provide expert consultation to help you find the most cost-effective and compliant path forward. 

Download Your ShoreTel/Mitel Telephone System Roadmap to learn more. 

Schedule a consultation today to prepare for the upcoming EOL milestones. 

What This Means for Your Organization 

If you’re currently using Mitel solutions that are approaching EOL, now is the time to plan your transition – whether that’s upgrading to a newer Mitel system, moving to a hybrid solution, or switching to a cloud-based alternative. 

Affiliated Communications specializes in creating a structured migration roadmap that ensures a cost-effective, seamless transition before deadlines impact your operations. 

Time is Running Out — Let Affiliated Communications Build Your Roadmap Today! 

Affiliated Communications is here to help you take control of your upgrade, not rush into it under pressure. With our consultative approach, we build customized roadmaps that align with your goals, budget, and compliance requirements – ensuring a smooth, strategic transition. 

Don’t wait until your system forces you into an urgent decision. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today, and let’s create a communication strategy built for the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens when my phone system reaches end-of-life (EOL)?

Answer: When a phone system reaches EOL, manufacturers stop providing updates, security patches, and technical support. This leaves your organization vulnerable to security risks, compliance violations, and expensive last-minute upgrades.

2. How do I know if my organization needs to upgrade its communication system?

Answer: If you’re experiencing frequent outages, rising maintenance costs, security concerns, or limited scalability, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Affiliated Communications helps organizations assess their current system and create a roadmap for a cost-effective, future-proof solution.

3. What is the difference between cloud, hybrid, and on-premise phone systems?

Answer: Cloud systems eliminate the need for on-site hardware, hybrid solutions balance control with flexibility, and on-premise systems provide full data security and customization. Affiliated Communications offers expert guidance to determine which option best aligns with your organization’s needs.

4. Can I migrate from an on-premise phone system to the cloud without disrupting operations?

Answer: Yes, a well-planned transition minimizes downtime and ensures a seamless migration. Affiliated Communications follows a structured deployment strategy to prevent service interruptions and keep your team connected.

5. How much does it cost to upgrade a phone system, and what factors affect pricing?

Answer: Costs depend on system size, features, compliance requirements, and whether you choose cloud, hybrid, or on-premise. Affiliated Communications provides a detailed cost analysis to help organizations budget effectively and maximize long-term savings.

6. How does Affiliated Communications’ One Bill program simplify IT management?

Answer: One Bill consolidates all communication services into a single invoice, eliminating vendor confusion and reducing administrative workload. This ensures predictable costs, faster issue resolution, and simplified technology management.

7. What are the compliance risks of using an outdated phone system?

Answer: Legacy systems may no longer meet security standards like CJIS, HIPAA, or state-mandated regulations. Upgrading with Affiliated Communications ensures your communication system remains compliant and secure against modern threats.