A reliable, secure, and feature-rich phone system is paramount, whether you operate a large enterprise, mid-market organization, small business or nonprofit. This ensures effective internal and external communications, while streamlining daily business activities.
As more and more companies recognize the need to transition toward remote workforces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a properly designed communication system in place is critical.
Consider a cloud-based phone system for interconnectivity that’s reliable, secure, cost-effective, and easy to use. Also known as a hosted private branch exchange (PBX), it’s designed with a mobile workforce in mind.
Below, we’ll discuss this technology’s advantages, benefits, work-from-home tools, and more.
You’ll still receive all the features of a traditional phone system, and much more, such as visual voicemail and auto-attendant technologies.
This frees IT departments from spending extra time on installations and adding/removing phone lines.
Whether you’re maintaining communication systems in-house or working with an outside provider, cloud-based phones can help with limited budgets, mobility, bring your own device (BYOD) and work-from-home policies, scalability, and more.
Cloud-based phone systems feature the following tools and capabilities—all of which are beneficial for work-from-home employees:
Prior to COVID-19, most BYOD users were referred to as mobile workers or road warriors. Now, with social distancing mandates, this is used just as much by work-from-home employees (and sometimes an entire staff)!
A cloud-based phone system easily supports mobility and BYOD measures for these new setups. Consider the following features:
The final cost of a cloud-based system depends on design, implementation, and a needs-based subscription package. Most services should offer an “All-you-can-eat” usage plan that includes unlimited support, to prevent unexpected spikes in monthly charges. Predictability should be the new normal.
If issues do arise, it's best to work with a provider offering service level agreements (SLAs). This ensures quick emergency and non-emergency response times.
Most services should offer an “All-you-can-eat” usage plan that includes unlimited support, to prevent unexpected spikes in monthly charges. Predictability should be the new normal.
High quality cloud-based solutions (video conferencing, phone calls, etc.) include significant security to eliminate call bombing, hacking, intercepted calls, and other threats. Consider protective measures such as network security, data encryption, and other audio and video security components.
There’s also the physical security of hosted solutions. Network access is controlled with trusted connections—and physical access has the same level of security entrusted by large organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle.
A cloud platform provides added flexibility, functionality, and versatility. Scaling up or down is easy, convenient, and cost-effective, mostly because there is no equipment in the closet. This is one of the biggest benefits in moving to the cloud.
This is helpful for organizations experiencing greater call volumes at specific times, such as academic institutions, contact centers, automotive dealerships and other seasonally-busy organizations.
Whether your organization has expanded its remote workforce, or requires a more streamlined, cloud-based phone system, it’s best to consult an experienced provider for viable options and best practices.
CCi Voice provides innovative cloud communications solutions for remote workforces. Contact us for help with your organization’s platform, or to request a quote.