Starting or running a small business means assessing the cost and revenue-driving potential of absolutely every aspect of the business. This means that deciding on something as impactful as your communications system will need particular consideration. Cloud-based phone systems are great for small businesses, but if you’re unfamiliar with what these are or the features they offer, then it’s important to read on.
What is a cloud-based phone?
If you haven’t heard of the phrase ‘cloud-based phone’, you might know this business communications system as a cloud PBX (Private Branch Exchange) or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. Rather than relying on traditional phone lines, this communications system uses the internet to connect internal and external calls. All the hardware and infrastructure are hosted off-site in data centers (the cloud) by a third-party provider.
Read more: VoIP vs Landline
What are the benefits of cloud-based phones for small businesses?
There are many reasons that small businesses are adopting cloud-based phones in their daily operations. This number continues to rise as the many benefits of cloud-based phones become evident. These include:
- User-friendliness: These are such simple systems to use that they can be integrated into your business quickly and easily. It’s often as easy as downloading the app on a smartphone or tablet, and getting started.
- Flexibility: Your business might grow or downsize in the future, and this doesn’t mean additional costs for small businesses with cloud-based phone systems. These are highly flexible, allowing you to add or remove extensions as needed.
- Remote accessibility: Cloud-based phone systems can operate any place and any time, making them ideal for hybrid and remote business models. Whether you’re in an office or on the road, customers can contact you on your business line.
- Better customer service: With a cloud-based phone system, customers can get hold of you easily, and the various features can further enhance customer service.
What are the types of cloud-based phones?
While all beneficial for business, cloud-based phones can come in a range of types with service providers offering a range of services. Some of the configurations you could get include:
- Desktop VoIP Phones
- Wireless IP Phones
- Softphones
- Video Phones
- Conference Phones
How to choose the right cloud-based phone system
Before deciding which is the best cloud-based phone system for your small business, you need to consider some contributing factors.
- Your communication needs: Look at how many employees you have, your call volume, scalability, integration, and remote working needs.
- Features: Cloud-based phones have so many great features such as voicemail, call forwarding, auto-attendant, call routing, conference calling, mobile apps, and integration options – and more will come in future. You need to ensure your third-party provider can deliver on features you need.
- Integration: If your business has existing software tools like CRM (customer relationship management) software, you need to get a cloud-based system that can integrate with your existing tools to enhance productivity.
- Security: These phones connect across the internet which means you need to have the right security in place to protect your data. Check that the cloud-based phone provider has reliable security measures that align with local regulations.
- Customer support: Check reviews and ask other businesses about the customer support offered by your third-party provider. You need to assess their availability, turnaround time in responding to challenges, as well as how well the system operates.
- Cost: Any business cost is important, particularly for a small business operation, so consider your budget, your needs, and the cost of cloud-based phone systems. With ongoing support, and constant upgrades, you will be getting the most value for your investment.
The biggest decision you can make regarding cloud-based phone systems is which third-party service provider you’re going to partner with. When you’re working with the right team, you’re enjoying all the benefits of this business-driven solution without any hassle or fuss.
If a cloud-based phone system sounds like the solution for you, then contact ECN today. ECN offers a broad set of cost-effective hosted services to meet business’s ever-growing technological needs.
Read More: Enhancing Customer Service with VoIP: Tips for Small Businesses