Why many Small Businesses Choose Cloud Based PBX Service
Hosted VoIP (Cloud Based Phone Communication) phone services are currently replacing many older more antiquated business PBX phone systems. Reasons vary, however, business owners regularly state that living with a phone system that lacks the capabilities and flexibility to quickly setup and support remote employees and integrate with crucial applications has hampered how they want to do business.
In the past PBX hardware typically had long depreciation cycles because the phones and software did not change. After VoIP, phones, features and applications started evolving rapidly, reducing life expectancy.
On-premise
PBX systems have provided companies with an essential communications
system for a long time. And some businesses will continue to determine
them to be a preferred solution. However, many small business owners
currently require more innovative technology and appreciate the need to retain the capability to rapidly adapt to changing
environments. And they realize it is frequently the seven or nine
year old PBX that turns out to be the limiting factor that hinders business
flexibility.
Workforces have gone mobile, and no matter what changes are
likely to occur in the future, one that's expected to continue is that
many employees will remain remote workers. UCaaS (Unified Communication
as a Service) sales skyrocketed nearly 88% during the massive shift to
working from home in March, 20201. Since that date, small
business owners have recognized the number one advantage of a cloud-based phone system is the simplicity of implementing a dispersed
workforce.
Digital transformation is the process of adopting digital tools and technology to improve efficiencies or renovate existing processes.
Business technologies have
likewise evolved (i.e., digital transformation). Customers now
routinely expect multichannel communications including chat from
the companies they do business with. To remain competitive
establishments understand the increasing requirement to stay current
with advances in communications.
Clearly, the original designers of earlier PBX systems
couldn't have foreseen the rapid evolution of video conferencing and
the demand to connect mobile workers. Or the importance to integrate
phones with cloud-based business apps, like CRM, chat or file
sharing.
Early on, lower call costs represented the primary reason to switch to a hosted VoIP service; however, an on-premise PBX incorporating SIP trunks can accomplish even lower cost calling. Presently, it's the need for a straightforward way to connect at-home workers and employ dispersed teams.
Cloud based Phone Providers offer Advantages with Integrated Communication Apps
Cloud-based business phone services have advanced significantly. Many VoIP companies provide omni-channel communications like video, text, collaboration tools and CRM integration. And remote employees have shown to significantly benefit from utilizing their innovative cloud based apps. Repeatedly it's the integrated tools that turn into the means for small businesses to facilitate efficiencies, advance team collaboration and improve customer service.
Currently, these seven advantages are regularly mentioned by small business owners as their leading reasons to convert to cloud-based VoIP services. Benefits of an Internet-based phone system.
7 Business Benefits of Moving from an On-Premise PBX to a Cloud Phone System
-
VoIP systems include Mobility,
Connectivity, easy setup of at-home Workers and CRM Integration.
There's been a steady growth in the percentage of employees that
work from home. With this increase, businesses have discovered the
importance of being able to implement effective business tools along with
voice communications. Cloud-based VoIP providers allow employees from anywhere
using their computer, desk phone, or smartphone to utilize the same apps as though they were in the office. Most UCaaS VoIP providers
also implement platforms that integrate with popular CRM
applications effortlessly. And multi-location organizations find remote offices are able to connect without the need for auxiliary equipment
when connecting through a cloud based VoIP service. - Reliability, Stability and Security. VoIP providers deliver reliable communications over secure networks. Platforms are designed to integrate phone, chat and video together without the complexities of multiple vendors. Some providers implement HIPAA compliant services. It's long ago when VoIP was considered not reliable enough.
- Future Proof your Communications. You won’t have to worry about another large capital equipment upgrade in three, five or eight years. Business owners realize that these cost savings must be considered when transitioning to cloud phone services. Technology advancements are taking place at a faster pace than just a few years ago. Managers now recognize how significant the costs can be to keep current. With a cloud based business phone system, it's the providers that implement the upgrades and develop new features that they then roll out to their customers.
- It's Easy to add Extensions, Services, and Phone Numbers. Immediate scalability for all services. Adding a new employee has never been easier.
92% of customers are satisfied using live chat services as compared to other means of communication (phone, e-mail and social media support).2
- Get Multichannel Communications with One Provider. It's convenient to deal with one provider, rather than managing multiple vendors. Simplicity reduces costs and lessons complexity.
- There's no need for on-premise PBX Technicians. If you manage a small business, chances are you call a telecom professional when you require programming changes to your existing PBX. Not merely is this an expense, but with many PBX systems it's becoming more and more difficult to find capable vendors.
- Ease of Administration with Provider Support Included. Cloud-based hosted VoIP services include customer assistance with setup and administration. Their platforms are designed to make its use as easy and intuitive as possible.
Which VoIP...we recommend business
VoIP from popular cloud providers.
Receive tailored quotes to compare
from leading hosted VoIP providers.
Conclusion
With
more employees working from home, business owners have realized that
integrated communication solutions represent an extremely compelling
choice. The trend to use remote workers and dispersed teams
will accelerate the move to cloud-based solutions for many businesses.
Once cheaper phone calls represented the number one reason mentioned for
moving to hosted VoIP; presently it's the need for a straightforward way
to connect at-home and mobile employees. Cited as well, was the ability
to select a basic plan first, then move to a more comprehensive plan, if
required. Most cloud PBX companies offer an abundance of advanced phone
features. Adding apps like integrated video, chat and team collaboration
tools has evolved into another significant motive.
Small businesses typically lack the budget or ability to employ experienced
IT administrators to customize solutions. Cloud phone solutions allow more limited companies to compete
like larger corporations without the considerable expense. Initial
implementation and setup costs remain minimal and can
be completed almost instantly. Systems have been developed to integrate with CRM
software without the need for expensive custom solutions.
Cloud-based phone
services include customer support, an additional saving over time.
Administration is straightforward and can be managed in-house by
employees. Business owners
likewise, suddenly realize there will be no need to replace an aging
PBX in four or five years. The last two years have seen a
significant
shift in the reasons small business owners are choosing cloud phone
services. A trend that will continue.
Resources
1
channelfutures-spike in ucaas sales
2
customerthink-live chat impact
Forbes 100 stats on digital transformation
Best Cloud PBX Business Phone Systems Which Phone Systems are Better for Your Company Best on-premise PBX Phone Systems