Cloud phone systems (Cloud VoIP) is becoming increasingly popular for businesses of all shapes and sizes in the Northern Rivers NSW and across Australia.
If you are thinking about upgrading to a cloud VoIP phone system, here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision and get started.
Cicom can design and manage a business grade VOIP phone system tailored to fit your operation – Call Cicom directly on 1300 324 266 for information or advice.
What is a Cloud VoIP Phone System?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.
It essentially uses the internet to make calls to other fixed line numbers instead of the old copper network.
Think of your voice as data, similar to browsing the internet.
How Does Cloud VoIP Work?
Internet already plays an important part in the Australian telephone network. A VoIP Cloud system uses the internet to communicate to a Cloud PBX phone server that resides in a data centre rather than on your wall.
Each phone handset is capable of communicating directly through the internet to your Cloud PBX, creating flexibility in configuration and adaptability in deployment.
No more expensive phone hardware mounted to your wall.
Is a Cloud Phone System Right for my Business?
A cloud based VoIP system is adaptable to any business scenario and is particularly suitable for the following situations:
- Businesses needing more agility.
- Companies operating at multiple sites.
- Rapidly growing start-ups with unpredictable future needs.
- Businesses with remote employees or working from home.
- New businesses that want to conserve capital.
- Established businesses out of contract with current telephone provider.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based Phone System
Business conditions change and the ability to remain flexible in an ever-changing world is important to business success.
Your phone system should be scalable and efficient to manage communication services in a less costly, more streamlined, and agile manner.
The benefits of a cloud VoIP service go beyond flexibility to provide a broad and compelling feature set.
1. Cloud VOIP Makes Everything Easy!
If you have internet then you are most of the way to implementing your cloud VoIP system.
VoIP infrastructure can be provisioned quickly for speedy deployment without the need for expensive onsite hardware.
All managed from a centralised cloud portal by your internal or outsourced IT provider for responsive support and quick results.
2. Full Customisable
From simple call structures in a small office to complex call flows with Voice Assistants, a cloud VoIP system can be a simple or customised as you like.
Every deployment is unique and can be tailored to your business’s needs.
3. High End Features
No matter what size your business is you can enjoy high end features only found in corporate environments with a cloud VoIP system.
Access features like virtual assistant, auto attendant, message to email, out of office hours without paying extra.
4. Mobility – Multi Location & Multi Device
Today’s work environment is accessed from different locations on multiple devices.
Cloud VoIP gives you the options to use traditional VoIP handsets, softphones with headsets or dedicated mobile phone apps, increasing access to your office infrastructure no matter where you are.
Basically, you can access your phone and work anywhere with an internet connection.
5. Flexibility to Scale
As your business changes, so does the need employ new staff, open new sites, and scale up for more customers – Cloud VoIP systems can grow with you.
Adding more extensions, more virtual lines or better server performance for higher call capacity does not require new hardware. These are simple configuration changes for a Cloud VoIP system.
Of course, there are times you need to scale down.
Cloud VoIP resources can be flexible to your business changes no matter what they are.
6. Business Continuity
Imagine office phone connectivity from wherever you have an internet connection, allowing you to keep working if you can’t get to the office. In recent times we have learnt the value of working at home with cloud based tools to keep the business running.
Your office phone is no different.
Because VoIP cloud based systems are hosted in a data centre, any disruption at your site due to fire, theft or flood won’t affect your Cloud VoIP server, giving you options to get up and running quickly and improving your business continuity.
7. Improved Customer Service
Cloud VoIP systems can employ a “Virtual Receptionist” feature to better direct your calls. Combined with voice to email services and dedicated out of office hours your business has professional and automated call flow that provides a confident public image.
8. Easy Updates
Cloud PBX systems can be administered from anywhere, allowing for technician access to implement new features, extra handsets, or changes to call flow – No onsite callout required.
The speed of configuration creates a highly agile communications environment, adaptable to your business and responsive to your work environment.
9. Cost Savings
Traditional hardware based PBX devices installed on site cost in the thousands, and labour to service or configure these devices are charged at a pricey hourly rate.
Modern cloud VoIP systems do not require expensive infrastructure, saving significant money in deployment costs and freeing up your funds for other parts of your business.
Businesses who switch to VoIP reduce the cost of their local calls by up to 40% and reduce the cost of their international calls by up to 90%.
How to choose the best hosted VoIP provider
So you’ve decided to go down the path of a cloud hosted VoIP service.
Consider the following points when choosing your provider:
- Your provider should be available for support when you need it.
- They should understand how your business operates and how your phone communications relate to it.
- Use industry leading software like 3CX for your cloud VoIP platform.
- Host with a cloud provider like Google with high levels of dependability.
- Provide simple billing and minimal contract terms.
- Have a sound I.T. background.
Prepare To Make The Switch To A VoIP System
In deciding to move to a Cloud VoIP service it will be important to think through the steps for migration.
- Decide on your service provider and ask for a quotation
- Identify the phone numbers that will need to be ported to your new provider.
- Ask for an agreement that identifies the services provided and lists the costs involved.
- Identify where your new phones will be located and their access to internet.
- List the names of the extensions and work through the call flow with your supplier.
- Get a deployment date in tandem with your number porting for minimal disruption.
Cicom Can Help
Cicom is a leading provider of managed IT services for business.
If you would like advice on Cloud VoIP systems or assistance with implentation in your business, talk to Cicom on 1300 324 266 or contact us online.