Cloud-based voice solutions are becoming more popular in businesses across the country. But what exactly are they? And why should your business convert to a cloud-based phone system? At TCI, we help businesses find a cost-effective and productive solution to their voice and data needs. These are some of the disadvantages and advantages of cloud-based phone systems.
What Are Cloud-Based Voice Solutions?
While many offices use phones, fax machines, messaging systems, etc., to communicate internally and externally, a cloud-based voice system utilizes the internet. This means all calls, messages, voicemails, video conferencing, call forwarding, call recording, etc., are performed over the internet. The solutions are typically monitored by a third party that performs hosting, maintenance, and updates. Cloud-based phone systems became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when many companies were forced to convert to a remote/hybrid format. Because cloud-based systems do not rely on centralized hardware, this provides several advantages. However, this can also come with a few drawbacks.
Advantages of Cloud-Based Phone System
Due to the decentralized nature of cloud-based systems, there are various advantages that many businesses should consider. Of the many advantages of cloud-based phone systems, the low cost, unified communications, scalability, and flexibility, are the most advantageous.
Cost-Effective
Cloud-based voice solutions are inherently more cost-effective than traditional phone systems. Phone systems require voice cabling, phone hardware, hosting, set-up costs, maintenance, etc. On the other hand, cloud-based systems require a working computer and an internet connection. Your business is not responsible for paying the various hosting, maintenance, and repair costs associated with voice hardware. Instead, you pay a low monthly fee that takes care of it all.
Unified Communication
The low monthly fee associated with cloud-based phone systems provides you access to a whole host of services. Many cloud-based solutions offer voice, messaging, and video services that can be used both internally and externally. This ensures that everyone in your company has access to the communication outlets and unifies them all internally. No more going back and forth between software—instead, they are all located in one central location.
Scalability
In addition to unifying communications, cloud-based phone systems are scalable. Your monthly fee is directly proportional to the number of users accessing the software and the amount of usage. This allows you to increase the amount of usage available to you quickly and easily. Now, your voice solutions grow when you do.
Flexibility
Finally, one of the main advantages of cloud-based phone systems is their flexibility. Cloud-based voice solutions can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. Your employees can work from the office, the comfort of their home, or across the world—they will still have access to your system and be able to perform their job duties. This flexibility can lead to increased productivity and revenue.
Disadvantages of Cloud-Based Phone Systems
While there are a lot of advantages to cloud-based phone systems, there are also some disadvantages. Some of the main concerns businesses experience are the need for stable internet, the potential for spotty service, and the inability to integrate with older systems.
Need Stable Internet
As the name cloud-based implies, these voice solutions require a stable internet connection to work. If the power goes out in an employee’s neighborhood, they will be unable to utilize the software. This can result in some frustrating situations.
Potentially Spotty Service
Similarly, the voice solution can be spotty depending on where the software is being used. If your home doesn’t have stable wifi, the connection with customers or clients can be spotty—leading to miscommunication and unproductive calls.
Inability to Integrate with Older Systems
In addition, it may not be possible if your business plans to use cloud-based voice solutions and current technologies. Some older technologies and voice systems will be unable to integrate with the new cloud-based services.
Find Cloud-Based Voice Solutions in Virginia Beach with TCI
In general, we find that for most businesses, the advantages of cloud-based phone systems outweigh the disadvantages. Are you looking to convert your business to cloud-based voice solutions in Virginia Beach? TCI is your go-to. We are a telecommunications company based out of Virginia Beach that helps businesses discover solutions that will be the most productive and cost-effective.
Discover the many advantages of cloud-based phone systems. Call us at (757) 490-7733 or contact us online to learn more.
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