You hear always hear it from business meetings, conventions and seminars how important it is to move your business to the cloud. Technologies like Google drive, Skydrive, dropbox and the like are all cloud based solutions that offer the convenience of accessibility. Apart from moving your files online one of the most debated topic about the Cloud is phone systems. VoIP business phone systems are now becoming very popular amongst business owners in all industries because of the advantages that it have over traditional analog phones. The question is, will you move your business phone system in the Cloud?
As a business owner only you can decide whether cloud telephone systems is better for you or not. To help you decide here are the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Advantages of Cloud Phone Systems
More affordable call rates - Probably the strongest advantage of the Cloud phones or VoIP is the fact that call are significantly cheaper compared to traditional analog lines. On average you could be saving about 70% on calls across local, national, mobile and International calls.
Cheaper upkeep cost - You probably notice in your bill that there is a monthly charge for each number that you have. On average these charges ranges from $25 to $40 per month depending on your provider. With VoIP lines are about 50% cheaper because it is cheaper to maintain and to run.
Convenience - Since your phones will be in the cloud, you can literally take it anywhere you are provided that you can connect it to the Internet. This will allow you to work virtually anywhere. On top of that your Android or iPhones can serve as an extension simply by downloading an application from your mobile’s app store.
Can be customised - Unlike traditional phone system that will require you to upgrade the hardware or buy a top end PBX just to run the features you want, VoIP can be fully customised without any hardware or upgrade needed. So you can have the features of a top end PBX without even touching at the baseline of its cost.
Merge all your Cloud Systems - A handful of providers can merge your VoIP phones with other Cloud based solutions like a CRM, tracking systems, booking software and websites.
Disadvantages of Cloud Phone Systems
Dependent on the Internet - Call quality will be directly dictated by your Internet. If you have a good Internet then you can expect exceptional call quality but if you have bad Internet connection then you will have problems in call quality. It is then advisable to secure a good and reliable Internet before you use VoIP.
Many unreliable providers - VoIP is easier and cheaper to start as a business compared to an analog telecommunications company. As such, not all providers are reliable and will offer you good service. It is then ideal to take your time and find as much information as you can before signing up with any provider.
You do not have the system in your office - With a traditional PBX the system that runs everything is easily accessible for your IT personnel or contractor to troubleshoot. With VoIP the system is in the Cloud and you do not have access to it. This means that if there are any problems you will rely on your provider to fix it. So, it is again a matter of choosing who ti sign up with. Choose a provider that is known to give exceptional customer service and technical support so if in case of a problem you can be sure that they will fix it in a timely fashion.
As a business owner only you can decide whether cloud telephone systems is better for you or not. To help you decide here are the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Advantages of Cloud Phone Systems
More affordable call rates - Probably the strongest advantage of the Cloud phones or VoIP is the fact that call are significantly cheaper compared to traditional analog lines. On average you could be saving about 70% on calls across local, national, mobile and International calls.
Cheaper upkeep cost - You probably notice in your bill that there is a monthly charge for each number that you have. On average these charges ranges from $25 to $40 per month depending on your provider. With VoIP lines are about 50% cheaper because it is cheaper to maintain and to run.
Convenience - Since your phones will be in the cloud, you can literally take it anywhere you are provided that you can connect it to the Internet. This will allow you to work virtually anywhere. On top of that your Android or iPhones can serve as an extension simply by downloading an application from your mobile’s app store.
Can be customised - Unlike traditional phone system that will require you to upgrade the hardware or buy a top end PBX just to run the features you want, VoIP can be fully customised without any hardware or upgrade needed. So you can have the features of a top end PBX without even touching at the baseline of its cost.
Merge all your Cloud Systems - A handful of providers can merge your VoIP phones with other Cloud based solutions like a CRM, tracking systems, booking software and websites.
Disadvantages of Cloud Phone Systems
Dependent on the Internet - Call quality will be directly dictated by your Internet. If you have a good Internet then you can expect exceptional call quality but if you have bad Internet connection then you will have problems in call quality. It is then advisable to secure a good and reliable Internet before you use VoIP.
Many unreliable providers - VoIP is easier and cheaper to start as a business compared to an analog telecommunications company. As such, not all providers are reliable and will offer you good service. It is then ideal to take your time and find as much information as you can before signing up with any provider.
You do not have the system in your office - With a traditional PBX the system that runs everything is easily accessible for your IT personnel or contractor to troubleshoot. With VoIP the system is in the Cloud and you do not have access to it. This means that if there are any problems you will rely on your provider to fix it. So, it is again a matter of choosing who ti sign up with. Choose a provider that is known to give exceptional customer service and technical support so if in case of a problem you can be sure that they will fix it in a timely fashion.
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