Businesses today run at the speed of light. All the current technology can help you stay competitive in your field. However, if your business still uses dated technology, you could be at a disadvantage. When you use a Plain old telephone service (POTS) combined with other services, you are not only wasting money, but also making things more complicated than they need to be. A cloud-based phone system can simplify your business and make it more efficient at the same time. A cloud-based phone system is a system that operates through the internet.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based Phone System
There are many benefits to using a cloud-based phone system.
Flexible/scalable
As long as you have access to internet, your phone system can be operational. Your system is not tied to phone lines, and no extra phone lines need to be installed for your system to work. This means that a cloud-based phone system is very scalable. Because no extra phone lines are needed, the only new equipment you will need is a new handset when you scale up.
Reliable
When you use a POTS, you are reliant on your phone service provider to keep your business telephone lines up and running. With cloud-based phone systems, your phone service is connected to a large network that has multiple data centers. The gives your service little to no down time.
Secure
Cloud-based phone systems have security built into the networks they are connected to. Also, your service provider is constantly monitoring the network looking for any security issues.
Updates/maintenance – Better with a Cloud-Based Phone System
Your phone system provider is responsible for any updates or maintenance that needs to be done on your system. With POTS, you would need to schedule a service call for a maintenance man to come to work on your phone lines. Often times, your company would be charged a fee for this service call.
Features of a Cloud-Based Phone System
POTS lines are based on the technology needed for phones invented in the late 1800s. They have a smaller number of connection points than internet cables. These extra points allow for more data exchange than phone lines. Due to this difference, there are many features of a cloud-based phone system that POTS phone lines just can’t support. Some amazing cloud-based phone system features are highlighted below.
Customer relationship management (CRM) integration
With an internet-based system, you open up the possibility of hosting much more data than just voice services. Within your phone system, you can store customer data.
Virtual and desktop fax
You no longer need a separate fax machine when you use a cloud-based solution. When you digitize your documents, you can send them right through your phone system.
Video conferencing solutions
POTS mostly support voice only features. With a cloud-based solution, you have the option to add video conferencing to your phone service.
Soft phone systems
Cloud-based phone systems are great because they can utilize soft phones. This means that you do not need a physical handset to use the phone service. You can forward your phone calls to an alternate phone (like a mobile phone).
Mobile apps – Get The Most Out Of Your Cloud-Based Phone System
Many cloud solutions come with mobile apps. These apps can be downloaded onto any mobile device that you have. This mobility turns the world into your office, as you can now use your service wherever you have access to the internet.
Business SMS text
Text messaging can be a great way to market your business. These solutions allow you to send text messages to clients through the system.
Find me/follow me
Find Me uses one virtual number that connects all your phones. All of your phones will ring at the same time. So, if you are on a business trip in Europe, you can still take calls as if you were in the office. (Just try to keep that sleepy sound out of your voice!) Follow Me is the opposite. It routes all calls to one device (of your choosing.)
Web portal (manage system and billing)- A cloud-based phone system comes with a web portal for you to set all of your call rules and allows you to manage the whole system.
Auto failover- Cloud-based solutions come with auto failover, ensuring your service has no downtime. As a business owner, you will not even know when the auto failover takes place.
Advance Your Cloud-Based Phone System with Us
If you are ready to take your business to the next level, give us a call. Advanced Communications has the cloud phone system your business needs to become a more efficient and effective machine. We have the system you need to start enjoying the benefits and features of a cloud-based phone system today.
Contact us today to get started with a cloud-based phone system packed full of the features you want.
