Why We Won’t Publish a “Price List” (And Why That’s Good for You)
If you’re searching for a simple price tag for an Avaya contact center, you might be frustrated not to find one. There’s a critical reason for this: a mission-critical communication system is not a commodity. Publishing a one-size-fits-all price would be misleading, as the final investment is as unique as your business operations, size, and ambitions.
For a Nigerian business, the true question isn’t “What’s the price?” but “What is the value and return on investment (ROI)?” and “What costs should I plan for?” This guide provides transparent clarity on all cost factors, empowering you to budget intelligently and engage in informed discussions with potential partners like SmartEdge.
Understanding the Cost Drivers: What Goes Into Your Investment?
The total cost of an Avaya contact center is built from several interconnected components. Think of it like building a house: the price changes dramatically based on size, materials, and fixtures.
1. Core Software Licensing & Subscriptions
This is typically the largest recurring cost, calculated on a per-agent, per-month or per-year basis.
- What it includes: The right to use Avaya’s software for each agent (often called a “seat” or “user license”).
- Key Variables:
- Agent Count: Costs scale with the number of agents needing access.
- Feature Tier: Basic call handling vs. omnichannel (WhatsApp, email, chat) vs. advanced workforce optimization. More features = higher per-agent cost.
- Deployment Model: Cloud subscription (OpEx) often has a different pricing structure than a perpetual on-premise license (CapEx). Our guide on Cloud vs On-Premise Avaya explores this trade-off.
2. Deployment & Infrastructure Costs
How you host the system significantly impacts upfront and ongoing costs.
- Avaya Cloud (Public/Private): Lower upfront capital expense. You pay a predictable subscription that includes software, updates, and the underlying infrastructure in a secure data centre. This is popular for SMEs looking to scale without major upfront investment.
- On-Premise / Hybrid: Requires upfront investment in servers, power redundancy (UPS/Generators), and network hardware. This has a higher initial CapEx but can offer lower long-term OpEx and is ideal for enterprises with existing data centre infrastructure or strict data control needs. The implementation process for this model is more involved.
3. Professional Services: Implementation & Integration
This is the “how” cost—the expertise to turn software into a working solution.
- System Design & Configuration: Tailoring the Avaya platform to your specific call flows, IVR, and reporting needs.
- Integration: Connecting the contact centre to your CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics), billing system, or databases. This is crucial for agent efficiency but adds to project complexity.
- Training: Ensuring your agents and supervisors can use the system effectively from day one.
4. Ongoing Support & Maintenance
This critical cost ensures your system remains healthy, secure, and updated.
- Annual Support Contract: Typically a percentage of the software license cost. It covers software updates, security patches, and access to technical support.
- Local Partner Support: The value of a partner like SmartEdge—providing 24/7 local Nigerian support, proactive monitoring, and onsite assistance—is a key part of this investment, ensuring maximum uptime and ROI. Learn why this matters in our post on Avaya Support & Maintenance in Nigeria.
Cost Comparison Table: Understanding the Investment Models
| Cost Component | Avaya Cloud (Subscription) | Avaya On-Premise/Hybrid | Impact on Nigerian Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Capital (CapEx) | Low | High (Servers, licenses, installation) | Cloud preserves cash flow; On-premise suits existing IT infrastructure. |
| Ongoing Operational (OpEx) | Predictable Monthly/Annual Fee | Lower Ongoing, but includes maintenance | Cloud offers predictable budgeting; Hybrid offers long-term cost control. |
| Infrastructure Responsibility | Managed by Avaya/Partner | Managed by Your IT Team | Cloud reduces internal IT burden; On-premise offers full control. |
| Scalability Cost | Scale up/down easily, cost adjusts | Scaling may require new hardware purchases | Cloud is ideal for seasonal or fast-growing businesses, like many Nigerian SMEs. |
How to Think About ROI: It’s an Investment, Not Just a Cost
Frame the expenditure by considering the returns:
- Increased Revenue: Faster answer times and better customer experience can lead to higher conversion rates (e.g., in a betting company like Bet9ja).
- Reduced Costs: Higher First-Contact Resolution (FCR) deflates repeat calls. Optimized routing gets issues to the right agent faster.
- Risk Mitigation: A reliable system avoids the catastrophic cost of downtime during critical periods (e.g., for a utility like Ikeja Electric).
- Strategic Enablement: Enables new channels (WhatsApp) and remote work models that attract talent and improve service.
The Next Step: How to Get Your Tailored Quote
An accurate quote requires a consultation. When you engage with SmartEdge, we will clarify:
- Your current and future agent count.
- Your required channels (Voice, WhatsApp, etc.).
- Your preferred deployment model (Cloud, Hybrid, On-Premise).
- Your need for CRM integration and other professional services.
- Your desired support level.
This process ensures you only pay for what you need, with a clear path for future growth.
Conclusion: Invest in Certainty, Not Just Software
In Nigeria’s competitive market, your contact center is a strategic asset. Understanding its cost structure is the first step toward making a confident investment. By focusing on total value and partnering with a transparent, experienced provider, you move from asking “How much does it cost?” to understanding “What is the return on my customer experience investment?”
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Complete the brief information below to help us prepare a meaningful preliminary budget for your review.
Agent Scale
Are you an SME (<50 agents), a Large Enterprise (>100), or somewhere in between?
Deployment Preference
Leaning towards Cloud, On-Premise, or need advice on a Hybrid model?
Key Channels
Is your focus on Voice, WhatsApp, Email, or a full Omnichannel mix?
Discuss these factors with our team to build your accurate quote.
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SmartEdge Business Solutions Ltd
1A Hughes Avenue, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
All quotes are provided after a detailed consultation to ensure accuracy and value.
