Nowadays, people love to use buzzwords. It is not uncommon to hear expressions in a meeting like “the cloud” or “hybrid-workspace.” Cloud based phone systems are another one of those buzzwords you will be hearing for the next couple of years. Find out why cloud phones are the talk of the town (and how they could benefit your company).
What is a Cloud Phone?
A cloud phone is a service that allows you to make calls over the internet utilizing VoIP (Voice Over IP). Traditional analog phones use copper lines or optical fiber. Cloud phones are hosted in multiple secure off-site data centers. They have capabilities that far exceed traditional analog phones.
The Pros of Cloud Based Phone Systems
Free International Calling
There are no additional charges for long-distance or international calls because cloud phones are internet-based.
Will Ring Anywhere
With a Cloud phone, you can take it out of your office and plug it in at home. It will work identically to how it works in the office. Furthermore, many cloud phone companies like Nextiva offer mobile apps, which allow you to answer calls from your desk phone on your iPhone or Android devices.
Voicemail-to-Email
Many people hate to listen to their messages, so they find it far more convenient to receive a transcribed email of the message. This type of functionality is typically not possible with an analog phone.
3rd-Party Integration
Cloud phones can be integrated with third-party applications like Google Voice, HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, NetSweep and Microsoft Teams.
The Cons of Cloud Based Phone Systems
Internet Dependent
Cloud phones are completely dependent on your internet connection. If you have unreliable internet service, cloud based phone systems may not be the best option for you.
911 Emergency Support
Cloud phones are not tied to a single geographic location since they are in the cloud. Some providers do not guarantee 911 calling support.
Should Your Company Move Its Phones to the Cloud?
As with any important business decision, you have to weigh the pros against the cons. If your company does international business or has a remote workforce, the choice is a no-brainer. But if not, it is always best to consult with a knowledgeable IT team. The professionals at TCI Technologies have experience working with cloud phone vendors, such as OneStream, Broadvoice, RingCentral, Nextiva and many more. Contact us today to learn more.
