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What is Cloud Telephony?
Cloud telephony is a type of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) that allows for voice communications via a third-party host. Instead of storing the network and routing elements of a business phone system somewhere in your office, cloud-based telephony takes everything offsite. This type of phone system is hosted in the cloud, which essentially means your data is securely stored on a server that can be accessed via the internet.
When it comes to using cloud telephony, you and your staff won’t notice any dramatic differences. For phone users, very little changes and calls are made and received in the same way.
Behind the scenes, however, your calls will be processed in a new way. Instead of being routed through an on-site PBX, your calls will now be sent directly to your phone thanks to the innovative switches in our cloud system.
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How Does Cloud Telephony Work?
Cloud telephony works by converting analogue voice signals into data packets, then transmitting them via the internet. Once a number has been dialled, a third-party VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service provider handles the process of routing the call. This technology solution completely erases the need for traditional PBX systems, which are typically very costly, and must be managed by the user.
At the beginning of the process, an organisation will select a provider capable of delivering a telephony platform end-to-end.
This includes the creation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of the service. Providers will often use a subscription model to enable customers to have access to their cloud calling solutions, with payments usually made monthly. This highly flexible structure promotes business agility by negating cumbersome contracts and unnecessary physical equipment.
While most welcome the opportunity to outsource maintenance efforts, some may still want to keep the option to have direct control. The powerful and flexible nature of cloud technology means that IT teams can still tweak and adjust system settings via an easy to use, online dashboard. This provides the opportunity to have direct influence over call forwarding, numbers, and extensions.
Benefits of Cloud Telephony
Future proof
Industries across the world are standing on the cusp of significant change, with various emerging technologies set to mature and begin a new era of business. Because of this, organisations require as much room to scale and compete as they can get. Leading VoIP systems will equip you to add new features and users as required, with an ability to only pay for what you need and use.
Secure
With increased innovation and opportunity, security has also become a greater concern than ever for businesses. As threats increase and regulations tighten, VoIP provides Secure Voice and SIP over TCP, keeping calls and other communications within the security of your network. Crucially, VoIP enables organisations to give their workforces the benefits of remote and flexible working, without compromising on security.
Cost effective
Above all, VoIP is a cloud-based phone system that alleviates the need to buy expensive equipment and conduct costly maintenance. This benefit compounds if your organisation operates across multiple sites, as there is no need to buy and maintain duplicate equipment in other locations and countries. Other cost-saving opportunities include lower rates on long-distance calls and pay-as-you-go efficiency.
Dynamic
Cloud calling solutions enable users to not only have access to a wide range of features, but also access new ones as they emerge or as they are needed. A prime example of these features is the ability VoIP provides to integrate mobile devices, enabling incoming office phone calls to be diverted to mobile handsets. This ensures that effective on-the-go communication can be maintained. Other key features include call-forwarding, transfers, and efficient three-way calling.
Flexible
Remote working trends have made it essential that teams are able to make calls via the office phone system from anywhere. VoIP solutions provide this important capability that is so conducive to productivity and business continuity. In addition, VoIP also allows employees to securely use instant messenger to share data and communicate, promoting agility and saving time. The inflexibility of landline approaches is becoming a major inhibitor of growth and scale.
WHY IS CLOUD TELEPHONY IMPORTANT?
Cloud telephony is important because it delivers a host of benefits that are unavailable with traditional telephony systems.
These benefits include scalability, ease of use, lower total cost of ownership, and more.
This means that businesses can:
Greatly improve collaboration
within their teams
Increase efficiencies
across the company
Save money
on their phone bill.
Furthermore, cloud telephony retains familiar features such as voicemail-to-text transcription, call forwarding and caller ID.
Additional features include:
- Accepting calls on a device of your choice
- Hybrid comms – integrated video, voice, and text chat in one app
As a result, cloud telephony is an important tool for any business looking to improve its communication.
