Customer service is everything when it comes to owning a small business. Your customers are the lifeblood of your company, so you need to do whatever it takes to keep them happy. Part of providing excellent customer service is having an efficient telephone system.
Now, if you are still using an old-fashioned, on-premises private branch exchange (PBX) system, it might be time for an upgrade. Switch to a cloud based phone system!
Many businesses are now using this new technology for good reasons. In a way, it offers several benefits that you will not enjoy from a regular phone system.
Let us take a more detailed look at this new way to communicate to customers and the significant benefits it brings to your business.
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What Is a Cloud-Based Phone System
This modern telephone system uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to allow users to make and receive calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular telephone line. Typically, it is a service provided by a third-party vendor and delivers features and functionalities through the internet instead of being hosted on a company’s premises.
A VoIP phone system comes with a range of tools and solutions that you can use to improve your business communication, such as cloud calling, call forwarding, caller ID, voicemail, conference calling, and more. The cloud infrastructure this technology uses also allows for easy integration with other business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software.
With all the advantages it offers, it is no wonder that cloud-based phone systems have become so popular in recent years. It could be the most cost-effective way to communicate with your customers and employees today.
7 Advantages of Using Cloud-Based Phone Systems
You already know what a cloud based phone system is. However, what does it do for your business, in particular?
1. Scalability
One of the best things about using cloud-based phone systems is that it allows your business to scale up or down as needed. For example, if you have more employees during peak season, you can easily add more lines to your system. The same is true if you need to downsize. You can just remove the extra lines.
With an on-premises PBX system, on the other hand, adding new phone lines can be a real pain. You would need to physically add new hardware, which can be costly and time-consuming. Not to mention, you would also need to hire someone to maintain the system for you.
With a cloud-based phone system, there are no limits in terms of how many users or phone lines you can have. You only pay for what you use, and you can easily add or remove features as needed. This makes it a very convenient solution for small businesses that are always growing and changing.
2. Reliability
Another great advantage of cloud-based phone systems is that they are much more reliable than on-premise PBX systems. With the latter, you are completely reliant on your own hardware and infrastructure. If something goes wrong, it can be very difficult and expensive to fix.
With a cloud-based system, on the other hand, all the maintenance and upgrades are handled by the service provider. This means that you do not have to worry about things going wrong—the provider will take care of it for you.
These systems also come with built-in disaster recovery features, which means that your calls will be automatically routed to another location in the event of an unexpected outage. This ensures you will never miss a call, even if something happens to your primary location.
On-premises PBX systems simply cannot match the reliability of cloud-based solutions. If you want to ensure that your calls are always getting through, a cloud-based system is a way to go.
3. Cost Efficiency
While you think that cloud-based phone systems are costlier than on-premise systems, it is actually the other way around. With an on-premise system, you need to pay for the hardware, software, and maintenance upfront. This can affect your bottom line, especially when you own a small business.
As previously mentioned, this new communication system is much more cost-effective because you only pay for what you use. There is no need to make a huge upfront investment, as you can just pay for the features and capacity that you need.
In addition, these systems are often priced on a per-user basis, so you only pay for the employees who are using the system.
The bottom line is that cloud-based phone systems can save your business a lot of money in the long run.
4. Ease of Management
Another big advantage of cloud-based phone systems is that they are very easy to manage. With an on-premise system, you would need someone to physically install and maintain the equipment. This can be a full-time job in itself, and it requires a lot of specialised knowledge.
But with a cloud-based system, all the installation and maintenance is handled by the service provider. This means that you do not have to worry about it, and you will have time to focus on managing and growing your business.
In addition, these systems are typically very user-friendly, so one does not need any special training to use them.
5. Ability to Make and Receive Calls from Anywhere
Unlike an on-premise system, where your employees would need to be in the office to make and receive calls, a cloud-based system is very flexible and convenient to use. Virtually, you can do it from anywhere.
This is because these systems use VoIP technology, which allows you to make and receive calls using an internet connection. With a VoIP handset and a reliable internet connection, your employees can be available for calls no matter where they are. This is a great way to promote remote working and give your team more flexibility.
It can also be very useful if you have employees who travel frequently. There is no longer any need for them to be in the office to receive calls.
6. Enhanced Call Quality
Cloud-based phone systems offer enhanced call quality than older telephone systems. Even if your PBX is using the internet, your call quality can sometimes be limited especially when you have a slow or unreliable connection. Your calls would be choppy and difficult to understand.
With a cloud-based system, the service provider would be responsible for the call quality. They would use their own high-quality equipment and infrastructure to ensure that your calls are always clear and reliable.
In addition, these systems often come with advanced features, like HD voice and echo cancellation, which further improve the call quality. So, if you want to make sure that your calls are always crystal clear, you already know which system to choose.
7. Access to Advanced Features
As cloud-based phone systems are constantly evolving, you would always have access to the latest features and functionality. This is in contrast to an on-premises system, where you would need to wait for a software update to get new features.
With a cloud-based system, you can just log into your account and start using the new features right away. These include things like call recording, call forwarding, call blocking, voicemail transcription, and many others.
These advanced features can give your business a competitive edge and make it more efficient. So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve, a cloud-based phone system is definitely a wise investment to make.
Transitioning from Your Existing Hardware to the New System
If you have an existing on-premise telephone system, you might be wondering how difficult it would be to switch to a cloud-based system.
The good news is that it is actually very easy to do. There are experts in small business phone systems Australia has today who can help you with the transition, and they will take care of everything for you.
In most cases, all you would need to do is provide them with a list of your current phone numbers. They would then port your numbers over to their system and configure everything for you. The whole process is usually very smooth and straightforward, so you do not need to worry about any disruptions to your business.
And once it is done, you can start enjoying all the benefits that cloud-based phone systems have to offer.
Cloud-Based Phone System FAQs
Q: What cloud-based phone system plans are available in Australia?
A: There are many cloud-based phone system plans in Australia. Depending on your needs, you can find plans that start from as little as $10 per month to $35 per month.
Q: What do I need to use a cloud-based phone system?
A: All you need is a VoIP handset and a reliable internet connection. With these two things, you will be able to make and receive calls using your cloud-based phone system.
Q: How long does it take to set up a cloud-based phone system?
A: It usually only takes a few minutes to set up your account and start using the system.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, a cloud based phone system is the way to go for small businesses. Not only is it more affordable, but it is also packed with features that can help you run your business more efficiently.
However, to ensure you are having a seamless transition to this new system, working with the best cloud telephone providers in Australia is a must. They can help you assess your business needs and recommend the best solutions for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Make the switch to a cloud-based phone system today. You will not regret it!
For more tips and information that you can use to grow your business, feel free to check out the other articles on our site!
