Unless you have spent the last five years living in a cave, you will not have failed to notice that the cloud is big. Very big. In fact, some of the most influential commentators are heralding it as the most important technical step we have taken in decades. But the benefits the cloud brings go far beyond simple data storage solutions; in fact, they filter down to more complex aspects of the business environment than you might think.
One of the most important is the area of communication, and there are a whole host of cloud-based systems that are taking the business world by storm. Communications experts The Network Union see the cloud as one of the biggest game changers in their industry, with cloud-based solutions now being offered by BT and all the other major players.
Benefits of Cloud Voice Systems
Known as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, you get everything that your traditional phone system brought, but with the big difference that it is all done over the Internet and hosted in the cloud.
This means less expenditure and more flexibility for your business, in the following areas:
- Cheap – VoIP is far less expensive than a conventional telephone system, particularly if you are making frequent long-distance or overseas calls.
- Flexible – you acquire your own VoIP number, so whether you are at work, at home or somewhere on the road, you can receive calls to your number as long as you have a good internet connection. You can still use your conventional handset with a VoIP converter or adapter.
- Portable – your VoIP connection is right there, wherever you are in the world. As long as you are connected to broadband, you can log in and get a dial tone, and there will be no additional cost or difficulty with connectivity. All you need to do is remember to take your headset or convertor with you.
- Versatile – a VoIP system is for more than making calls. It can also be used for videoconferencing, and is the perfect tool for keeping you and your team up to speed on ongoing projects, even when you are scattered around the country or the globe.
The future is up there
The communication age has now entered the cloud age, and businesses are deriving real benefits and a competitive edge. Make sure yours does not get left behind.