This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84
If you own a business that has only a few employees, you probably only need one or two phone lines, in which case a standard Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) should suffice. However, as your company grows and you need to hire more employees, it may be time for you to change your phone system. Presently,there are many different types of phone system available for you to choose from and one of the best options is there are many different types of phone system available for you to choose from and one of the best options is cloud phone system..
What is a Cloud-Based Phone System?
A cloud-based phone system is basically a type of phone service that is provided through the Internet, and therefore, it is also called Internet phone system or hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It is an application that resides on the Internet, and you can connect to it by paying a monthly fee. A cloud phone system can perform many functions to improve the efficiency of your company’s communication system, including delivering phone calls over the Internet, routing inbound calls to the right employees, providing telephony applications such as virtual voicemail and call recording, and others.
Benefits of Implementing a Cloud Phone System
Cost Savings
According to an article published in Franchising.com, franchise businesses that had previously used a PBX phone system generally saved 50 to 60 percent on phone costs after switching to a cloud-based phone system for a year. A cloud-based phone system is cost-effective because it reduces or eliminates the costs of installing phone lines, obtaining equipment and connecting and maintaining the phone system. Since providers of cloud phone services use the same technology backbone to deliver services to both large and small organizations, you will be able to benefit from economies of scale.
Improves Mobility
Another advantage of using a cloud phone system is that it enables you to make and receive calls with mobile devices. This makes it possible for you and your employees to communicate with customers, suppliers or each other from any place, allowing you to avoid missing out on new business opportunities and handle unexpected situations promptly. With a cloud-based phone system in place, you and your employees can still receive calls even if the Internet service at your office is down, because the calls can be rerouted to landlines or cell phones.
Connects Multiple Locations
A cloud-based phone system is the ideal phone system for businesses with multiple locations. It enables employees in different locations to stay connected to one another and customers, and it can be easily scaled up when you add a new location.
Excellent Features
A cloud phone system comes with a wide range of features to meet your business needs, including adaptable extension features, smart call routing, voicemail boxes, automated receptionist and others. These features can help increase productivity and enhance the professional image of your company.
If you decide to switch to a cloud phone system, it is important that you find someone to assess your office network first before you start choosing a cloud phone service provider. Contact a few reputable providers to find out about their offers and prices, and choose the one that offers the best deal. Click here for more information about choosing a cloud phone service provider.
Crystal, thank you for posting this. I used to sell these lines and you have put it in simple and easy to understand terms. Have a nice day.
I’m pretty sure this is the kind of system my husband’s office uses because he can connect to his work phone from home or other places if he needs to.
I use a cloud system, but I was wondering about the cons? Is it safe? I always worry about my privacy.