You need a way to keep your business current and to stay in the know with your employees. After all, communication is key to the success of any company.
With this in mind, you probably already know that your traditional landline is definitely out of style-and more to the point, it just doesn’t get the job done in this fast-paced society.
Thankfully, there’s a new form of technology that can change the way you talk business: the cloud-based phone system.
The newest phone system may be the very thing you’ve been looking for to up your career, but before you take the leap and invest, you need to know if you’re ready to have this equipment in your office.
Read on to learn about what a cloud-based business phone can offer you, and whether or not it’s the perfect tech to suit your needs.
What Is a Cloud-Based Phone System?
A cloud-based phone system is the new “it” thing when it comes to business communications.
Most modern business phones are still forced to run on landlines throughout the building in order to make calls between rooms, but the cloud phone system completely ditches the wire and forges its own path.
A cloud-based business phone, known officially as cloud-based Voiceover Internet Protocol (cloud-based VoIP or cloud VoIP), is the ability to make business calls through a cloud-based internet server.
Basically, instead of using traditional hardware, or even using the popular satellite communications, this system sends and receives calls through the internet.
This new way of communication still allows for all phones in the building to be connected to one another, so you can still make and receive calls from fellow staff.
Like with all things, the new technology has its good sides and its bad sides, so we need to break it down so you can know if it’s the best buy for your business.
The Pros
Cost
First and foremost, cloud phone systems can help you save big on money.
In fact, it’s been proven that small businesses have been able to reduce the cost of local calls by 40 percent and the cost of international calls by 90 percent in comparison to a traditional landline.
Most VoIP providers also charge less per minute than their landline counterparts. What’s more, cloud VoIP providers are also more willing to offer more selections on their services, so you only pay for what you need.
Reliability
Who would’ve ever thought that a cloud-based system would have been labeled as more reliable than a landline?
The reason for this is because of how each system is housed. With landline phones, all of the gadgets and gizmos have to be stored in one area and run off of a set amount of power and speed settings, so it can only take so much.
There’s also the problem of losing all communication should the servers happen to fail you.
A cloud-based network is not tied down to any one location. In fact, most cloud-based VoIPs have multiple areas where they can conduct business, so if anything were to happen to one site, the other one would still help to keep things pushing.
Flexibility
Another great thing about cloud VoIP services is the freedom you have to use it.
With traditional landlines, you’re only allowed to use the phone in the office, because you clearly can’t take your landline with you.
Cloud-based business phones don’t have to worry about such restraint. You can legitimately take them anywhere-from your laptop, your smartphone, or a personal IP phone-as long as there’s internet, you can make business calls.
The Cons
Chance of Outside Disruptions
The chances of this happening are pretty slim, but it still poses a problem regardless.
Since this is an internet-based cloud server, there is a chance that your calls may be interrupted or dropped.
Of course, it depends on the internet service provider that you’re using, as the strength of the network depends on the strength of the connection.
This is really only an issue for those who have low-quality internet. This problem can be easily solved if you find yourself a reliable internet service provider.
Purchasing the Equipment
Buying new equipment is always a bit of an expensive ordeal, and it’s no exception with a cloud phone system.
To start off, you will most likely need to purchase IP (Internet Provider) phones, although there are companies that let you use a softphone on your smartphone (check with your potential provider to make sure).
As the system is internet based, you’ll also need an ethernet port to operate it, as well as a bigger router and more internet cords.
All of this can add up and be a bit pricey, but once the equipment is purchased to set up your business voip, it basically takes care of itself.
Is It Worth It?
Though there are some obvious flaws with the system, overall it’s definitely worth investing in the equipment.
Landlines were the way the go some years back, but times are changing, and so is the technology behind what we do.
Getting a cloud-based business phone will not only be more efficient for your business but will make your calls faster and networking easier.
It’s a step in the right direction-and one that you need to take to bring out the best in your business.
Life Hacks for Your Best Life
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