Cloud-based VoIP: calling from cloud 9
The modern world is the product of a cascade of technologies. From the domestication of horses to the invention of the steam train, and then to the age of the telegraph, innovation has often served to bring distant places closer together. Internet technologies represent the latest – and perhaps the greatest – contributor to the “shrinking” of our world. Of course, with greater connectivity comes greater competition. It’s now feasible for many to do business across the planet with the same convenience as was once strictly the purview of local partners. This means that today it is more important than ever for your business to operate on the cutting edge. You must adapt to a modern marketplace that is evolving ever-faster. In a business context defined by globalisation and the COVID-19 pandemic, up-to-date communication technologies are essential to the success of any endeavour. The ability to conduct business beyond any geographic barrier is no longer an edge, it’s a necessity. So, ask yourself, “are my communication technologies as good as they could be?” If you aren’t sure, you need to read this article. We’re going to discuss one of the most important single technologies that will turn your “not sure” answer into a “yes”! Read on to find out how a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system can bring your business up to speed.
Is your phone system tethered to the past?
The old-fashioned, desk-based landline remains a workhorse of the business world. While 99 percent of clients will call you on their smartphone, the sheer volume of calls that a busy business will receive necessitates a specialised solution. Historically, businesses have used “private branch exchange” (PBX) networks to manage their internal phone extensions. These are physical systems with each phone individually wired into an exchange, often with proprietary hardware. Because they use provider-specific phones, it can be onerous to change suppliers once a PBX system is installed. PBX systems thus represent a major commitment and present the associated opportunity costs and path dependencies. Those last points are especially important in an era of lightspeed technological change. This is where VoIP comes in. VoIP systems are a step-change in the way internal phone networks operate. Rather than relying on traditional copper phone lines, VoIP phones are connected directly to the internet via fibre optic or ethernet cables. Where PBX systems are managed by an integral switch, VoIP networks use software or cloud-based management solutions. In cloud-based VoIP systems, the processing demands are outsourced to your provider’s network. This, then, also reduces the need for on-site installation and management. They also allow access to your network from any internet-capable device. As a result, cloud-based VoIP telephone systems include all of the features of older extension networks, but also offer greater flexibility, control and ease of use.
Living on cloud extension nine
Cloud-based telephone systems out-point PBX systems in a variety of important ways. They’re easier to install, it’s easier to change providers if you find a better deal, they enable functions not available to older networks – the list goes on. Think about it: when your phone network is integrated with your computer network, you have a degree of control that was previously impossible. Now when your phone is connected to the cloud as well, you can project that power beyond the walls of your office. Some of the functions made possible by cloud-based VoIP include:
- Easily managed recorded messages
- Automatic fax-to-email conversion
- Greater access for your customers
- Ease of call recording and simple management of recorded calls
- Voicemail transcriptions sent automatically via email
- Seamless call routing to smartphones
- Advanced conferencing functions
- Enhanced call screening
- Work-from-home integration.
In a time when smartphones are found in everyone’s pocket or handbag, customers expect instant communication at all times. A cloud-based phone system overcomes many of the limitations of older technologies and still gives you control over how you access information. For example, fax-to-email conversion means you can review important documents immediately, even if you are out of the office. Similarly, voicemail transcription gives you a written record of a message that you can review when you have a spare minute or two. No more listening three times to write down a phone number at the end of a call! Likewise, if you need to be contactable, you can re-route your office phone to your smartphone – and vice-versa. Because your office phone’s “identity” is software-based, you can make calls from your “in-office” number from anywhere in the world. This enables a seamless work-from-home experience, as a remote employee’s contact information will be identical to their in-office details.
How to get started with cloud-based VoIP
You can see pretty clearly that we come down firmly on the side of cloud-based VoIP. These benefits just speak for themselves. All of them – and more – are available when you upgrade your office PBX or conventional VoIP to a cloud-based phone system. Smart Cloud Phone has a team of specialised professionals to help you make the right choices for your business. We provide the latest technology along with expertise and a commitment to high-quality, tailored service. Contact us on (07) 3185 1111 or support@smartcloudphone.com.au for more information on making the switch.