Gone are the days of being able to take situations as they come and make decisions based on those new situations. We’ve all been there; you have a nice weekend activity planned, see the weather forecast, and decide not to bring a light jacket because there’s only a 10 percent chance of brief rain. You get out to the trail, and that minimal possibility quickly turns into 100 percent. You and your hiking friends get absolutely soaked for 30 minutes, which puts a damper on the activity. That proactive decision of bringing a light jacket to handle the what if would’ve saved you hours of discomfort.
Moving to cloud-based office communication systems is similar because it solves so many business what if scenarios that you’d be thanking your lucky stars you made the positive choice for your business. With Unitel’s CloudPBX, we’re your light jacket protecting you from what may come because we’re always planning for the unexpected. Cloud-based systems enhance business communications by integrating voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a unified platform, allowing seamless management of interactions across multiple devices and locations.
What is Cloud PBX?
Cloud PBX is a modern, internet-based Private Branch Exchange (PBX) solution that delivers advanced calling features and unified communications using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Basically, it’s a phone system hosted by a service provider, eliminating the need for costly on-premises hardware. By reducing the amount of in-house equipment you have, you’re dramatically lessening your initial investment. Cloud PBX provides professional features like auto-attendants, call routing, integrations, video conferencing, and location independence.
Benefits of Cloud PBX for Businesses
Greater flexibility, scalability, and reliability compared to traditional on-premise PBX systems.
Monetary savings with no upfront costs and lower monthly fees.
Increased mobility and remote work capabilities with cloud-based access.
Why Switch to a Cloud-Based Phone System?
Cost Efficiencies and Savings
The cost reductions that come with using a cloud-based platform goes beyond just the system. Cloud PBX providers deliver essential services like service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure business uptime and service quality. Since you have flexibility with how you connect to the phone system, either over your cell phone, desktop or laptop, or desk phone, it frees you up to only spend money on what hardware is needed. No phone hardware is required, especially with remote working or those who travel. According to G2, you can save up to 50 percent with IP phone service and no upfront costs compared to traditional phone systems. Cloud-based communication helps to reduce maintenance and upkeep costs because partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) allows an engaged professional to monitor your system, avoiding outages and limiting downtime. Scalable pricing models that adapt to business needs is a long-term benefit not to be overlooked.
Future-Proofing and Scalability
You have a dynamic business that needs to be nimble and adjust quickly. Businesses of any size need control over adjusting their office communication system. For example, you have seasonal employees and need to easily add or remove phone lines and extensions as business ramps up.
A virtual PBX offers a flexible and cost-effective solution by allowing businesses to access calls and messages from any device connected to the internet. With a cloud PBX, you can acquire advanced features and integrations without additional hardware. You get more consistent system updates and a steadier flow of new features, all managed by your service provider. When you take the leap to work with an office communications service provider, you future-proof your business with a system that adapts to changing needs.
Related content: Future-proofing Your Communications with Hosted Phone Solutions
Mobility and Remote Work Capabilities
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to take it one day at a time and expect the improbable. Remote or hybrid work may not be an option for your type of business, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but having the option has got to make you sleep a bit better at night. Life happens, and it’s important to be able to stay connected and still manage your business.
With an internet connection, a cloud phone system and cloud-based PBX allow office calls from anywhere, on any device. Here’s a common scenario: Your finance manager gets a call from an elderly parent, and they need to assist them for a short amount of time. With your office communication system natively built with remote capabilities, they can temporarily work remotely while everything associated with their job duties is handled. Everyone wins!
You can allow the best working strategy for your business without sacrificing features. Remote workers stay connected and productive with cloud-based access to the same features and programs as in-office workers. With access to advanced features and integrations on the go, you’ll offer a complete business experience to your customers wherever you may be.
Hosted PBX System vs. On-Premises PBX
Before jumping into a hosted PBX, it’s a great idea to ask yourself if any industry-specific or business requirements would push you towards an on-premise solution instead. Although not exclusive to these examples, here are a couple of common reasons an on-premise PBX is preferred:
If you need complete control over all aspects of your network and its devices, including the phone system. These are typically software development firms with a complicated technology stack and a well-staffed IT team.
If you are in certain finance or healthcare industries that require technology restrictions around saving data. Most hosted PBXs can handle this; it’s just something that needs to be discussed and how it’ll function on your network.
Modern cloud PBX solutions differ significantly from the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN). While PSTN relies on conventional infrastructure for making calls, cloud PBX systems use internet connectivity, offering more flexibility and advanced features.
More often than not a hosted solution is going to be much more cost effective than an on-premise one but as mentioned above it depends on your businesses requirements. If you’re not in the camp of special requirements, then here are some additional reasons to consider a hosted PBX:
Convenience and Ease of Use: Easy setup and management with cloud-based access that the MSP can monitor remotely. There’s no need for on-premises hardware or maintenance unless you prefer a desk phone which can be provided. This gives you complete access to advanced features and integrations without technical expertise.
Functionality and Features: Advanced calling features like auto-attendants, call routing, remote connectivity, and video conferencing. You get integration with CRM and other business software for simplified workflows. The cherry on top is access to advanced analytics and reporting tools to help track and improve the customer experience.
Cost and ROI Comparison: Lower upfront costs and monthly fees compared to traditional PBX systems. A report from Research and Markets found that successfully partnering with managed services can help reduce IT costs by as much as 45 percent. The outsourcing aspect of your IT reduces maintenance and upkeep costs with cloud-based management. This reduction brings increased ROI with scalable pricing models and advanced features.
Key Features of a Cloud PBX Phone System
The goal of any new product or system for your business is to elevate what you do and how you do it. With its various benefits and features, a cloud PBX, also known as a hosted PBX phone system, gives you the options needed to transform your business operations.
Auto-Attendant and IVR
Professional auto-attendant features with customizable menus and greetings.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) features for efficient call routing.
Advanced call management features like call forwarding, and online portals for flexibility and easy access.
Voicemail-to-Email and Transcriptions
Voicemail-to-email features for easy access to messages.
Transcription services for easy note-taking and follow-up.
Advanced voicemail management features like customizable greetings and notifications.
Conference Bridging and Video Conferencing
Advanced conference bridging features for seamless meetings.
Video conferencing features for face-to-face communication.
Integration with calendar and scheduling software for easy meeting setup.
A new system alone won’t change how your business operates, but having new tools and maximizing those tools will make a difference.
Unified Communications and Collaboration
Unified communication is a nice term, but it can sometimes be oversimplified. That’s not to say it isn’t simple because it is, but by oversimplifying what it can do, it can lose the powerful change and business streamlining that it possesses. According to a joint study from Qatalog and Cornell University, people spend 59 minutes daily looking for information trapped within various tools and applications.
Modern cloud communication systems offer flexibility by facilitating remote work and eliminating the need for physical hardware, while still allowing for the integration of desk phones for those who need them.
Truly Unified Communications Across Devices and Locations
Access to advanced features and integrations across devices and locations.
Seamless communication and collaboration across teams and departments.
Integration with CRM and other business software.
Integration with calendar and scheduling software for easy meeting setup.
Mobile and Browser Accessibility
Access to advanced features and integrations on the go.
Mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
Browser-based access is easy to use on any device.
Related content: The Role of Unified Communications in Enhancing User Experience
Cloud PBX for Small Businesses and Startups
Cost-effective and Remote-Friendly Solution
A cloud PBX keeps your financials in check as one of the most cost-effective business solutions with scalable pricing models. When you’re building the next Facebook or Tesla, you have to find the best employees and get them onboard, wherever they are, and with a remote-friendly solution, you can onboard new employees within a matter of minutes. You can build a system that meets your business needs with customizable features and a catalog of possible integrations.
Related content: Choosing the Best Small Business Phone System
Simplify Office Communications Systems with Cloud PBX from Unitel
The great thing about your business is that you get to make the best decisions for it and not rely on what’s best for someone else. Hosted PBX is as popular as it is because it’s customizable and will fit your needs to a T. Don’t get left dealing with overly complicated and antiquated systems that only benefit the provider. Work with an industry leader like Unitel to get the system that works for you. Contact us today!