A Guide to Cloud Telephone Systems

With remote working models becoming the norm for many companies, the popularity of cloud telephone systems is escalating considerably.

 

Cloud business telephone systems, also known as cloud VoIP or hosted VoIP, work differently to traditional phone systems such as IDSN or PSTN. They’re also not the same as on-premise VoIP, which run over an onsite IP network.

 

VoIP transmits voice calls over the internet in the form of data packets , as opposed to traditional voice communications through copper wires or optical fibres. Because it’s a cloud-based service, there is no need for an onsite network. So your entire comms system can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it perfect for hybrid or remote working models.

 

With traditional IDSN and PTSN phone systems being phased out by 2025, businesses really need to be looking at alternatives. The great thing about cloud telephone systems is that they are future-proof. They are also effective as disaster recovery solutions.

 

Cloud VoIP telephone systems feature everything you get with a traditional phone system, plus so much more. They also offer significant cost savings, due to there being no hardware requirement, driving down capital outlay and maintenance costs.

 

Why choose cloud business telephone systems?

 

There are a number of reasons why so many businesses are choosing cloud telephone systems.

 

Better value

 

VoIP telephone systems, cloud-based, work out better value than their traditional alternatives.

 

With lower installation costs, cheaper line rental, low capital outlay and no need for handsets unless you want them, there are lots of savings to be made.

 

Line rental is lower in cost because calls are made over the internet, which means you can get away with a single line for your internet, with no need for an additional phone line.

 

Because you can answer calls with a PC and wireless headset, or via a smartphone, there’s no need for handsets, although you can use your own if you wish.

 

Finally, the system is based on a low monthly subscription, including support and maintenance, so there’s no need for any considerable upfront investment.

 

Improved flexibility

 

Cloud telephone systems offer a great deal more flexibility than traditional phone systems.

 

You can make and receive calls on any device, as long as you have an internet connection. So you get to switch between office, home and remote working, completely seamlessly, with no one knowing any different.

 

All you need to do is login to your cloud VoIP system, and you are all set to start talking, wherever you are.

 

Enhanced scalability

 

Cloud business telephone systems make it possible to scale your entire communications system, without hassle or additional costs, any time things change.

 

Scale up or down as you need to, adding or removing licences as new staff come on board, or move on.

 

Enterprise class features

 

When you opt for cloud phone systems, you get to benefit from a vast array of features, all designed to enhance business productivity and efficiency and streamline remote working.

 

Cloud VoIP telephone system features include:

 

• Voicemail
• Group voicemail
• Message to email
• Fax to email
• Call recording
• Call forwarding
• Call transfer
• Auto attendant
• Do not disturb
• Call queuing
• Multi-line conferencing

 

Cut workloads and make everyone’s lives easier by automating tasks, such as directing callers to the right extension, and avoiding false transfers by instantly seeing who’s engaged.

 

What to consider when investing in a cloud telephone system?

 

If you’re thinking of making the switch to a cloud telephone system, you’ll need to make sure you have a sufficiently fast and reliable internet connection, because you’re going to be reliant on it for your communications.

 

You may need to consider upgrading to a high speed broadband solution, or consider a dedicated leased line.

 

Luckily, cloud telephone systems don’t drain bandwidth, so your productivity won’t be affected in other areas.

 

Cloud telephone systems from PC Docs

 

At PC Docs, we offer fully hosted and managed cloud telephone systems, complete with a service-first support and maintenance package, so you’ll never have to worry about a thing when it comes to your vital business communications. Via our dedicated telecoms arm, we provide a range of cutting edge solutions to help streamline your business and ensure you stay competitive.

 

To learn more about how we can tailor a cloud telephone system to suit your individual needs, please get in touch.