A successful business relies heavily on its communication platform and costumer services. These two factors are mutually dependent, since costumer services require an efficient phone system that can help maximize workflow effeciency. When looking at the available solutions on the market, it becomes clear that a huge portion of them are designed to meet the needs of big companies and organizations. Few are suitable for small companies with a tiny budget. That's where the cloud based phone system comes in. The term - Cloud Based Solutions – took internet by the storm, but what is a cloud phone system? What can it do and how does it work? The following article makes a brave attempt on explaining these terms and helping you understand what all the buzz is about.
Traditional systems predating cloud
Before any attempt is made to understand cloud phone system, it's important to review the traditional platform, in order to get a better idea by drawing a comparison. Business phone system is not a new idea. It has been around long time before the internet. Prior to invention of the cloud, phone systems were based on the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The traditional system is based on landline communication and is supported by a local phone company. In order to work, hardware and software are installed inside the office. The system requires an on-site support/IT team, that are present at all time, to make sure everything works in the most optimal way. This communication solution is not a cheap one and requires an investment of significant resources. All of these reasons made the traditional system not achievable for smaller companies.
Cloud phone system – what is it?
Cloud based phone system is synonymous with Voice over IP (VoIP), Hosted PBX, Hosted Phone System and Internet Phone System. The system offers not only a platform for managing incomming and outgoing calls, but a whole variety of advanced features, that help make the workflow more efficient. Cloud phone systems don't require any hardware, software or maintenance. The whole thing is being taken care of by a third side company that hosts the platform on its servers. The service is typically available on a monthly fee basis.
What a cloud phone system can do?
Cloud based phone system can do the same functionalities as a traditional phone system, but with a better quality, without the limitations of landlines. The system usually provides the following features: voicemail, fax services, auto attendant, call groups, conference bridges, extension dialing, call routing, easy set-up and menu and an option of integration with other business applications (MailChimp, Google contacts, and more). The system is easily accessable for remote workers on business trips or for employees working from home.
Cloud based phone system can provide a company with flexible, customized and efficient communication platform. It can easily serve as a reliable small business phone system, available for a significantly lower budget. The system provides with various features and opportunities that promote business development and a much better costumer service.