Telecommunications remains one of the largest costs of doing business for many organizations today (after labor, of course). Once limited to telephones, the telecom bill now covers a host of telephone and networking – both wired and wireless – charges that show no signs of slowing down. As companies’ premise-based systems age or break down, most of them will have to choose between implementing a new premise-based system or moving to voice over IP (VoIP).
Increasingly, companies are choosing the latter as they have become more accustomed to using other services in the cloud, according to a recent blog post by Callum Huddlestone writing for backup technology.
“Since cloud services are becoming more and more popular — as businesses have started moving their existing services to cloud servers — it is natural to wonder whether you should consider moving to VoIP system,” he wrote. “Cloud services are in demand for a reason — they allow you to focus on the critical aspects of your business, and leave technicalities to an expert, who specializes in the field. Apart from reduced upfront expenses, and equipment maintenance costs, using cloud based VoIP services can offer many benefits.”
While it’s likely cost that attracts businesses to VoIP solutions initially, most companies will also discover the other benefits that VoIP will offer them, including expanded functionality that wasn’t possible (or affordable) with premise-based solutions.
“One of the major advantages of using cloud-based VoIP service is that even small businesses can enjoy top line business features that are usually available only for large corporations, at affordable rates,” wrote Huddlestone. “Examples include call center solutions, virtual assistant, queues, conference calls, auto attendant, etc.”
Many VoIP solutions also come with features such as call recording and quality monitoring, call accounting and integration with other vital enterprise solutions such as customer relationship management (CRM). Businesses, particularly small to medium-sized ones (SMBs), can also enjoy an increased level of control and customization over their telecommunications, which is particularly critical in today’s era of mobility.
“A cloud-based phone system is easily customizable, and allows you to switch the features on or off on the go,” wrote Huddlestone. “Scaling both up and down is always a breeze. New users can be added or removed on the fly. Cloud service also makes it possible for the employees to access it from anywhere they might be, using their smartphone, laptop, or even a desk phone.”
The telephone continues to be a staple of business, even if the way it’s used has changed. It can no longer work in isolation from other communications channels such as video, conferencing, file-sharing, digital messaging and more. By choosing a VoIP solution, companies are better positioned to achieve the flexibility of full unified messaging.
