Technology is always advancing and evolving—and quite frankly, at seemingly faster and faster speeds. This, of course, holds true to business communication systems, including phone systems. What’s more is that the COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable stress on business communication systems, and companies that found themselves with legacy systems realized the need to scramble to prevent business interruption in light of lockdowns and office closures. And the companies that thrived, specifically in the early days of the pandemic, were the ones that had the ability to lean on digital and cloud-based communications technology.
Today, as life has adapted to the “new normal” and businesses consider hybrid as well as fully remote operations, it is imperative for companies to realize that legacy on-premise phone systems are inadequate and do not provide for flexibility or adaptability when a crisis is faced—big or small.
In this new post, the team at Connectivity will explain why it’s time to upgrade your phone system to a cloud-based platform.
Why Premise-Based Are Dinosaurs
Originally becoming popular in office settings in the 1990s, premise-based systems were initially loaded with around-the-corner (for the time) technology features, including the ability to make, receive, and transfer calls. They enabled efficiency not only for communicating with customers, but also internally.
Another popular feature of a premise-based system includes automatic call lineup and routing, meaning calls would be placed in a queue automatically and distributed to the predetermined route using a PBX system, which was located in one place, storing information in the building itself.
However, while these features and functions are essential to quality business communications, the systems themselves are becoming obsolete. Technology has advanced and all of these features and functions are available in a cloud-based system, along with so many other impressive capabilities, such as the ability to work and access information off-site—a definite need as office environments, themselves, do not mirror the 1990s.
The Benefits of a Cloud-Based Phone System
The popularity of a cloud-based phone system has grown—and with good reason. Here are some of the benefits associated with this upgrade:
Remote communication capabilities: A cloud-based system allows a user to make and receive phone calls from any location—not just the business office. An employee can use this system at their desk, or they can download an app to their smartphone or computer that can enable off-site communication.
Access to information off-site: A cloud-based system can allow a team member to access stored information from any location, including contacts, call data, communication logs, and more. So long as a person has Wi-Fi, information is available across the globe.
Reduced expenses: Cloud-based systems are also cheaper and require little maintenance. Additionally, they have fewer physical components… all in contrast to a premise-based system, which requires considerable equipment, upkeep, maintenance, and training.
Easy setup: A cloud-based system uses a VoIP adapter and a strong broadband connection, and there is very little effort needed outside of simply making sure these items are purchased and properly setup.
Finally, another perk is that customers prefer cloud-based systems as it establishes new ways for a person to communicate with your company. For instance, a “chat with us” function enables online communication without having to call, and there are also SMS text options with a cloud-system.
Connectivity is a Medtel Communications Partner
Our team is a partner to Medtel Communications, and we would love to consult with you and learn about your needs. Additionally, we welcome the opportunity to design a custom cloud-based phone system to meet your business’s goals and objectives.
Reach out today and set up a time to talk, and in the meantime, we invite you to learn more about how we can help you ensure your phone system is future proof.