An Argument for Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

If you have outgrown your existing phone systems or if you are trying to deploy your communication lines for the first time, there are several questions you need to answer. You need to look at the mobility needs of your employees, the telephone features that matter most to you in your business operations, and whether you should go with the phone systems that are hosted on-premise or in the cloud.

It's become standard for small and midsize businesses to opt for cloud direct connect systems, which connects a private network to a cloud service solution, thanks to its flexibility and low-cost setup.

A cloud-based telephony solution, often referred to as a “hosted” phone system, offers a cloud-based voice and messaging service that connects your network and your customers using a remotely hosted system and a virtual number. As a remotely hosted PBX system or a cloud contact center, it connects the extensions in your network using the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and PSTNs (Public Switched Telephone Networks). The cost involved in installing cloud-based telephony is primarily directed towards paying for the softphones or endpoints, as well as user training and the monthly rental fee for the hosted system.

One advantage of cloud telephony is that unlike traditional on-premise phone systems, it transcends geographical boundaries and allows you to connect to your customers whenever and wherever. A cloud telephony service provider or a managed service provider acts as the interface between the organization and its callers.

Migrating to a cloud telephony system can save businesses a significant sum in the long run. Quite apart from doing away with all of the capital expenditure required in traditional phone systems, running and maintenance costs are also lowered as you do not need to pay for the upkeep of complicated hardware across multiple business premises. With cloud telephone, stable communication just requires a reliable internet connection, router, and headsets. The best part is that cloud telephony allows you to merge seamlessly with BYOD policies using mobile phones, tablets and other devices.

With an on-premise business telephony set-up, even minor breakdowns can result in stoppage of work and productivity loss. The situation is very different with a cloud telephony system. When technical issues arise, they are often quietly fixed at the service provider’s end. Scheduled maintenance happens during off hours so it doesn’t interfere with workflow. None of this impacts the flow of incoming and outgoing calls. This means zero interruptions during your calls and full reliability of your communication services day in and day out.

And unlike with traditional phone systems, scaling is easier with cloud telephony. You can add locations with ease, choose features as and when you want them and modify your subscription plan to add more features at any time.