If you are on the fence about adding a cloud-based phone system to your small business, this article is for you. We will discuss a quick definition of what a cloud-based phone system for small business is and a few of the benefits you can enjoy when you utilize this type of phone system. Keep in mind, the few benefits we do cover are just a sample of what you can expect from cloud-based phone systems.
What is a cloud-based Phone System for Small Business?
Traditional phone systems bring you telephony through plain old telephone service (known in the industry as POTs) that uses copper wire telephone lines. This is the same technology that has been used since telephones were first invented in the late 1800s.
Cloud-based phone systems are based in the cloud. However, we all know you cannot define a word with a word (thanks for that core memory, second grade!). Well, cloud-based means internet-based. So, cloud-based phone systems can be easily translated into internet-based telephony. That means as long as your device is connected to the internet, either hard wired or through Wi-Fi, you will be able to access your phone system.
Business Benefits of a Cloud-based Phone System for Small Business
Now that you know what a cloud-based phone system is, you should know why you would want one for your small business. There are many business benefits that you will enjoy if you utilize a cloud-based phone system for your small business. Reliability, mobility, and scalability are just three of these benefits that we will focus on today.
Reliability
Reliability is key to a great communications solution. You need to know that your phone system is going to be up and functioning when you need it. With a POTs line, as you know, your service can go in and out depending on several factors. There are outages from natural disasters and storms, company downtime, and any other excuse your provider deems worthy. This can cost your company a lot of money, or even worse lose you customers!
A cloud-based phone system for small businesses is much more reliable. Even in a power outage or natural disaster, your mobile devices should be able to connect with your internet-based phone system. Great providers offer a geo-redundant network that supports phone systems even when POTs lines go down.
Mobility
Mobility is a key factor in small businesses today. The workforce today is nothing if not mobile. They prefer a remote or hybrid work model, if possible. That means that they would like the option to work outside of the office. If you utilize a cloud-based phone system for small business, you can offer that to your employees.
As mentioned earlier, cloud-based means that it is run and supported through the internet. If your phone system is cloud-based, you and your employees can access your phone system wherever they have access to the internet.
Cloud-based phone systems for small business also have softphone capabilities. That means that you can download an app on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or other mobile device and have instant access to your business phone system.
Scalability
Scaling your phone system can be a pain at best with POTs, and at worst be difficult and time consuming. To add lines to a POTs, you would need to call your provider, schedule a maintenance appointment, wait for the technician to come to your business, and wait for said technician to physically run all new lines to your business. Along with the time this process takes, you will also be paying specific fees for the work as well.
On the other hand, a cloud-based phone system for small business is much easier to scale. With just a simple phone call to your provider, you will have access to your new line by the end of the day! Some providers even allow you to manage your own lines within the administrator’s portal included with your phone system, depending on your contracted number of users.
Want to Learn More?
Again, this is just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the business benefits of a cloud-based phone system for small business. If you would like to learn more about cloud-based phone systems, our experts here at Pathwayz would love to talk to you. We can discuss your business and figure out the exact phone system that would most benefit your needs. Contact us today to start taking the first steps toward a better phone system.