The cloud is no longer this scary, unknown tech term that has no real-world significance; it powers almost everything we do. The cloud isn’t exactly as it seems, either; it’s more grounded than we realize. The cloud really just means that you can access data on demand from a web of interconnected data centers.
For instance, if you’d like to stream a movie on your TV, you decide what to watch and press play; whichever data center closest to you has what you need will serve up the information. If that data center is overwhelmed with inquiries, the request gets routed to another location to fulfill it — and all of this happens in milliseconds.
According to Statista, as of March 2024, the United States led the world with 5,381 data centers; Germany had the second highest at 521. This is important because it shows the investment in stable infrastructure, so switching to cloud PBX is a safe decision.
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork to demystify the cloud, it’s time to discuss why a cloud-based phone system, like cloud PBX, is a great business decision.
What is a Cloud PBX Business Phone System?
A cloud-based private branch exchange (PBX) is a virtual phone system that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to manage business phone calls. This means that your cloud phone system is accessed remotely, and allows calls to be made, through the internet instead of managing and maintaining a costly phone system at your location.
The benefits of a cloud PBX system for business phone needs include scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. A recent G2 study found that small businesses could save as much as 90 percent on the initial costs and up to 50 percent on ongoing costs related to switching to VoIP. A cloud PBX system differs from a traditional on-premises PBX in that it is hosted in a secure, remote data center and uses an internet connection to route calls.
Benefits of Switching to a Cloud PBX System
For small and medium-sized businesses, control is important. With cloud phone systems, you get an online management portal that scales as needed, with impressive flexibility for growing businesses built in. This allows for the easy addition of new users and features instantly.
Next, you get cost savings and ROI with a cloud-based business phone system that’s sorely needed for any business. Additionally, you eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance.
Then, you have access to enhanced features for managing phone calls and data transmission, including call routing, voicemail, video conferencing, and more. You’ll have all the productivity improvements you could ever dream of to streamline and maximize every aspect of your business communication needs, allowing you to adequately serve your customers. According to Salesforce, 73 percent of customers expect better personalization as technology advances.
Key Features of a Cloud PBX System: Call Routing
It’s important to note that your business will need to decide which of the numerous features available will work for your needs. A hosted PBX service allows businesses to control their telecommunication features via an online portal, offering cost benefits by outsourcing installation and maintenance.
That’s where working with an industry veteran like Unitel will make all the difference. We’ve been in business since 1987, and here are some other notable alumni that match our accomplishments: the national average for a gallon of gas was $0.95, construction began on the tunnel connecting the United Kingdom and France, and finally, The Bengals dominated the charts with “Walk Like an Egyptian.” All of this is to say that we’ve come a long way and dedicated our business lives to providing exceptional products and services. Here are a few of the meaningful features that will boost your business:
- Auto-attendant and virtual receptionist: automate call routing and provide a professional greeting for your business.
- Voicemail-to-email and unified messaging: receive voicemails as email attachments and access them from any device.
- Conference bridging and collaboration tools: host video conferences and collaborate with team members in real time.
The bottom line is that you need to be available to serve your customers, and a future-proof way to do that is with cloud PBX.
Security and Reliability in Cloud PBX Systems
It’s crucial to look for a hosted PBX provider with secure data centers and robust data protection measures. The protections they rely on directly affect your business, so ask questions and be comfortable with the answers. Uptime guarantees and service level agreements go hand-in-hand with security and data protection; in-depth discussions about these need to be handled together. On top of those concerns, comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity planning are vital for your business as well as with your provider.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) plays a crucial role in traditional communication systems. Traditional PBX systems rely on PSTN for call initiation, which can limit flexibility and scalability. In contrast, modern cloud PBX solutions utilize VoIP technology alongside PSTN. This combination allows these hosted systems to operate over both PSTN and internet connections, offering improved scalability and security. By leveraging the strengths of both PSTN and VoIP, businesses can achieve a more robust and adaptable communication infrastructure.
Cloud PBX is the Business Investment You Need to Make; Unitel is Your Hosted PBX Provider
Here’s a final thought on why hosted PBX solutions are a reliable choice: a cloud PBX system is a reliable solution for business phone needs, offering a range of features and benefits that can enhance your business communications. You don’t need to be the expert; that’s why you work with us!
Unitel has been serving the northeast for almost 40 years, so we know a thing or two about business communication. Our mission isn’t to sell you a service and move on; we’re here to build a lasting partnership that’s beneficial for everyone. Contact us today!