We use the internet for everything these days, from streaming films and working to managing our lives through smart home and office systems – so why not rely on the internet for telephone communication as well? Cloud computing – or cloud calling as it’s sometimes known – is a revolutionary business communications system that offers companies high-quality video and calling at a much lower cost. Interested? You should be! Here’s everything you need to know about cloud telephony, and why it’s the right choice for your business.
What is Cloud Telephony?
This is a business phone system that operates using the internet. It’s a form of unified communications as a service (UCaaS), which is managed and hosted by a third party, so you don’t have to worry about daily operations and maintenance. It’s also a unified phone system that consolidates different communications tools into one cloud-based system. You won’t have to jump between CRM and Microsoft tools, they can all be integrated into this cloud-computing system.
Read More: Cloud Phone System Guide
How Does Cloud Telephony Work?
Cloud telephony uses a third-party VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service which converts analogue voice signals into data packets which are transmitted using the internet. The system then reconverts these data packets into an analogue once they’ve reached their destination, so you can hear the voice on the other side. Cloud calling enables you to make business calls from any internet-connected device such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Who Is the Third-Party Operator?
You would partner with a third-party provider who can deliver a cloud telephony platform, meaning there’s no need for traditional – and costly – landline phones. These operators or service providers will create, operate, and maintain the cloud telephony system, and are available to help with any challenges. Most providers use a subscription model, either monthly or annually, but you can opt for a flexible model that allows your IT team to tweak the system where required.
What are the VoIP and PBX Systems?
As mentioned earlier, most cloud telephony systems use VoIP systems which offer cloud hosting. Often the phrases cloud telephony and VoIP are used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. VoIP is the technology that allows voice communication over the internet, while cloud telephony is the delivery of voice services using cloud-based platforms.
A traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is an internal telephone network that allows users to talk to each other. It consists of hardware components for inbound and outbound calls, call forwarding, voicemail, and more. If you have a PBX system, you could either switch to VoIP or look at a hybrid VoIP and PBX approach. You can chat with your third-party provider about what the best approach is for your business.
Read more: VoIP vs Landline
What are the Benefits of Cloud Telephony?
There’s a reason companies are shifting to cloud telephony for business communication rather than remaining with the traditional phone lines. And there’s a reason you’re reading this article! Cloud telephony has many benefits for business, making it the preferred option. Here are a few reasons to consider the shift.
1. Cloud Telephony is Future Proof
Planning for the long term is vital for business survival, and emerging technologies are changing not only the way we do business, but the types of businesses as well. Cloud telephony provides you with room to scale and features to compete in bigger markets, ensuring you’re not left behind.
2. Cloud Telephony is Secure
More technologies mean more cyber risk, but cloud telephony has increased security to keep calls and communications secure within your network. This means that, even with remote or hybrid working models, your information is being kept secure.
3. Cloud Telephony is Flexible
As mentioned, cloud telephony allows for remote working trends that are fast becoming a mainstay in modern life. Using this system, teams can make calls from anywhere, as well as sharing data via instant messaging services. With a landline, you’re prohibiting your business from growing at scale.
4. Cloud Telephony is Cost-Effective
There is no further need to buy expensive equipment or perform costly maintenance on your telephone system when you choose to go with a cloud-based option. Your third-party provider will attend to these matters, making this a much more cost-effective solution. Further savings are incurred through the lower rates on long-distance calls.
5. Cloud Telephony is Easy to Set Up
When you partner with the right third-party provider, there is minimal fuss in setting up the cloud-based system. In fact, it can be up and running in a day with limited downtime or disruption to business operations. Once established, the cloud system is intuitive, easy to use, and simple to navigate.
6. Cloud Telephony Offers Scalability
Businesses might grow or downscale depending on market conditions, but that doesn’t mean the need for extra costs! Cloud telephony is completely scalable, with lines added or removed, and features upscaled or downscaled as your business requires.
7. Cloud Telephony Has Dynamic Features
You will have access to a wide range of communications features with cloud telephony which can be integrated into your mobile devices. Video conferencing, call forwarding, three-way calling, and more are just some of the benefits of cloud telephony – and you’ll enjoy more features as they’re released over time. You can then decide which features to include for your business – or to remove – and only pay accordingly.
8. Cloud Telephony Increases Productivity
The integration of your voice, video, data, and other communications systems via this UCaaS service will drastically improve business performance and productivity while enhancing customer experience. You can easily track calls, check in on the call history, monitor employee performance and more with cloud telephony.
9. Cloud Telephony Brings Resilience
Whether it’s load-shedding or some other emergency, cloud telephony will allow you to continue business operations uninterrupted as it works off cloud servers. This ensures that your business remains resilient and you’re able to operate under any conditions.
Read More: The Advantages of VoIP for Small Businesses
How to Choose a Third-Party Cloud Telephony Provider
We’ve mentioned that cloud telephony is easy to set up and install, but there are many other factors you must consider when choosing your third-party provider.
- Support offered: How much operational support does the company provide you to ensure the smooth running of daily business? Some do not provide 24/7 monitoring and support, and the turnaround time is also crucial. Ask other customers about the level and quality of support that is provided such as response times, availability, and technical expertise. You can then tailor a service level agreement (SLA) that meets your company’s needs.
- Security: The level of security for your sensitive data is important because while cloud telephony is secure, some providers offer enhanced measures to better protect your business.
- Experience: What experience does the third-party provider have in your particular industry? They must be able to provide references and case studies to support their offering.
- Reliability: Check the provider’s track record for reliability and uptime guarantees to ensure minimal service disruptions.
- Features: There are lots of cloud telephony features available, but make sure your third-party service provider is offering you the best that’s available. Check about future feature options and how you will be alerted to new product offerings.
- Integration capabilities: You will need to determine if the cloud-based telephony integrates seamlessly with existing CRM or helpdesk systems so that your workflows are streamlined.
If a cloud telephony solutions 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.