Cloud-based phone systems, or cloud phones, are quickly becoming the standard phone communication tool for businesses that are seeking to modernize their communications infrastructure with a system that is more reliable, more dynamic, and less expensive than older phone systems.
Cloud phone systems replace traditional landlines and are usually hosted by a third-party service provider. They can be used in almost any business, and are popular for their fast setup, remote capabilities, expanded features, easy customization, and lower costs.
In this post, we will explain what cloud phone systems are, provide ten examples of how they can benefit your business, and show why they are critical for optimized business operations.
What Are Cloud Phones?
A cloud-based phone system, or cloud phone, is a phone that allows users to make and receive calls over the internet as opposed to a traditional analog phone that sends signals across copper wires or fiber optic cables. They are typically enabled by unified communications as a service (UCaaS) tools.
Just like cloud data storage, most email systems, and software-as-a-service applications that are delivered over the cloud, cloud phones are hosted offsite, often in one or more secure data centers.
While the voice transfer in a cloud phone is handled using the internet, UCaaS can still use traditional telephones that sit on a desk. But they can also be used on a wide variety of other tools, including apps, computer software, and VoIP-enabled phones.
What Is Important About Cloud Phone Technology?
Since cloud phones use UCaaS technology, most businesses can save tons of money not only upfront but annually. Cloud phone systems enable users to enjoy advanced features at prices that are typically lower than those charged by legacy phone systems, and at bigger businesses, companies do not need to have expensive branch exchange systems on the premises. Since everything is stored in the cloud, you save on costly maintenance and updates – everything is updated in the cloud.
How do Cloud-Based Phone Systems Work?
Cloud phone systems break up spoken voice into small digital packets that are sent as data using an internet connection from the sender to the recipient. A cloud-based exchange routes the call just like a traditional on-premise exchange used to do.
With a cloud-based phone system, you can make calls using:
- A traditional phone with a VoIP adapter that plugs into the phone outlet in the wall or directly into a computer
- A computer, through the use of an application
- A smartphone
- A dedicated VoIP phone
Top 10 Benefits of Moving to a Cloud Phone System at Your Business
The use of cloud phones can have many benefits for businesses. The top 10 benefits include:
- Lower costs – costs may fall by up to 60%
- Better reliability – cloud phones work even during most disasters
- Better performance – the use of remote servers means uninterrupted work
- Faster setup – cloud operations mean simple scaling
- Less maintenance – your VoIP provider handles almost everything
- Tons of great features – options include advanced call forwarding, auto call recording, voicemail to email or text, call queues with on-hold music, custom caller ID, one-click conference calls, and more
- Improved customer experience – you get efficient call routing and mobility options, among others
- Supports remote work – Work from home benefits include keeping the same phone number, advanced call forwarding, and HD voice quality
- Unified communications – One system handles the phone, video conferencing, instant messaging, conference calls, and file sharing
- Better focus – with less hassle when it comes to communications, business operations can instead focus on core business operations
Is a Cloud Phone System Right for You?
While UCaaS technology has many benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. You, of course, need a stable internet connection, and you may experience some lags. You also need fast networking equipment like routers and switches. And it’s important to note that location information is limited when making emergency calls. It’s also crucial to realize that almost all of these issues can be taken care of if you team up with a quality unified communications partner.
If you are thinking about moving to a cloud phone system, here are some tips to follow:
- Plan ahead and understand your growth requirements
- Make sure to take advantage of all of the powerful tools cloud phones have
- Follow the recommendations of your cloud phone provider to get the most out of your system
Remember, the flexibility of cloud-based phone systems means that they can be adapted to just about any business. But an important component of getting it right is making sure you partner with the right cloud phone service provider to get the most out of your system.
Want to Learn More About Cloud Phone Systems? Call Symplicity Today
With many options to choose from and a lot of vendors that offer the same services and same options, understanding which system is right for you and your growth goals and expectations can take some legwork.
That is where Symplicity comes in. With a dedication to streamlined communications and collaboration, the cloud phone system team at Symplicity understands the complexity of today’s unified communication systems and how to focus on finding you the right tool for your operations.
Call Symplicity today to learn more.
