A Basic Guide to Cloud Calling and Communications in the Cloud
You may have heard of it, but what exactly is cloud calling? In this article, I’m going to give you a rundown on the definition, features and benefits of cloud calling for your modern business.
The days where physical contact centres are long gone. In 2020, Gartner forecasted that 50% of contact centres would completely move their entire operations away from on-premises and into the cloud.
In addition to this, a study conducted by Market Research Future also predicted that by the end of 2023, the total market value for cloud PBX systems will reach $20.83 million. According to the study, this growing demand is being driven by the increased adoption of cloud calling and communications in place of traditional telephony systems. Cloud calling (or cloud telephony) is enabling more businesses to access more affordable, secure and reliable communications solutions.
I know these stats sound astounding, but they just go to show just how quickly digital transformation is picking up. With each passing day more and more businesses are taking the brave leap into the cloud – for everything from calling to collaboration.
What is Cloud Calling?
Cloud calling is a term used to describe the process in which calls are placed and received through the internet connection instead of through a traditional phone line. It is a core part of a broader Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) strategy. With cloud calling, voice communications are managed, delivered and support by a chosen partner. This gets rid of the need for traditional and clunky telephony systems.
What’s the difference between cloud calling and traditional telephony?
The main difference between this and traditional calling, is that with cloud telephony the call is placed through the internet, instead of through traditional phone lines. But there is no difference in the call itself. Although, some cloud calling service users claim to find the quality of cloud calling clearer. Cloud calling will allow you to make calls from anywhere, from just about any device, at any time you want.
What’s great about cloud calling services is the ability to integrate with other communications platforms, types, and channels. They typically will enabling integration with call centre platforms, CRM technology and collaboration workspaces such as Teams. This additional functionality isn’t possible with a traditional telephony approach.
How does Cloud Calling work?
When you embrace cloud calling in your business, your customers and employees may not notice the difference between their new cloud calling solution and their old PBX calling system however, there are small but valuable differences between the two, but they may only be noticed behind the scenes.
Cloud calling, otherwise known as cloud telephony works through a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provider.
So, when a user dials a phone number, your service provider will handle the call routing. It will then proceed to convert analog voice signals into data packets and will transfer these data packets through the internet. That is how your phone is connected to the person you are calling.
Over the last 2 years, many businesses have gone through the process of replacing their individual phone extensions with VoIP desk phones.
Why is this the case?
This has been the case because cloud telephony allows users to connect their phones into an existing network. This is opposed to going through the long and tedious process of connecting to a landline.
This functionality has allowed businesses that have a remote or dispersed workforce to conduct voice communications with ease. In addition to this, because cloud telephony is completely cloud-based, users can manage their entire business phone system through one online dashboard.
Why Cloud Calling? – Cloud Calling Benefits
1. Flexibility and scalability
The way many of us work today has changed drastically compared to a decade ago. With each passing day, more and more businesses and employees are making the switch to remote working. One of the biggest benefits of adapting a cloud solution is that it can scale and evolve with your business. Onboarding new employees no matter where they are located is far easier with the cloud. Furthermore, it can empower your business to become a lot more flexible and enable remote work. With cloud calling, remote workers can use and access voice communications from anywhere, if they have an internet connection.
2. Significant cost savings
One of the most reported benefits of switching to a cloud telephony is that it allows businesses to save money. This is because with cloud calling, the costs of purchasing hardware, upgrades, configurations, and security are all reduced. Instead, they are managed by a third party, saving your business time and money.
3. Increased productivity
Another benefit that your business will experience after adopting a calling solution is increased productivity from your employees. As many of the features that come with cloud communications systems are specifically designed to encourage and increase workforce productivity.
It can easily integrate with collaboration and communication platforms that include features like instant messaging, video calling, and quick file-sharing. This empowers your employees to seamlessly breeze through their daily tasks, without getting distracted switching between apps and platforms. Having many different functionalities within one cloud calling tool will help your employees be more productive.
Ready to embrace a modern calling solution?
By now you’re probably aware of all the incredible benefits your business is missing out on by not having a cloud calling solution. Nevertheless, my next question to you is:
Is your business ready to make the all-important move to the cloud?
If you are, then don’t worry about the “how” – you can leave that to us.
848 is a leading cloud solutions provider to businesses across the UK. We can provide your business with a fully integrated and customised cloud telephony solution that’s completely bespoke to your business. Our goal is to help your business thrive and grow. Just contact us and tell us about your business and what you want to achieve, and we can help you in every step of the way.