First of all, you need to know that cloud-based phone systems use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to connect calls. All you need to make this happen is a stable Internet connection.
From small businesses to large-scale companies, phone services in cloud-based technology offer significant advantages. However, since there is no such thing as perfect, it is worth evaluating both the pros and cons of cloud-based answering services.
Cloud-based phone system pros and cons
There are thousands of different companies and organizations – small, medium, and large-scale businesses – that are now enjoying the benefits and advantages that only cloud-based telephony systems can provide.
Let us talk about the pros first.
Lower cost – compared to conventional phone systems, a cloud-based phone system is much cheaper because of the fact that it doesn’t require any upfront investment and hardware installation.
Reliable performance – unlike other on-premises telephony systems, a cloud-based PBX relies on remote data centers. This means that in case of untoward situations such as natural disasters, human errors, or cybersecurity attacks, a cloud-based answering service can continue providing service without interruption.
Easy setup and implementation – your business growth may take a longer time if you are using a traditional phone system. There is a lot of time and energy that needs to be consumed before you can complete adding the new phone lines and ports to your new employees. On the contrary, a cloud-based phone system can expand your trade quickly and efficiently. It will continue to keep your business running smoothly regardless of how fast your business is changing.
Less maintenance – with a cloud-based phone system, there is no need for you to manage and maintain your cloud-based answering service since it is your service provider that handles all the issues and concerns that might come up with the cloud-based service. This means that there is no need for you to hire IT experts to monitor and make necessary repairs in case of malfunctions or damage.
Advanced call features – unlike conventional phone systems, cloud-based phone systems provide advanced VoIP features that you will be needing to enhance your overall customer service and experience. The following are some of the robust features that you can get:
- Automatic call recording
- Call queues with on-hold music
- Caller ID
- Easy conference calls
- Auto attendants
- Call logs and analytics
- Advanced call forwarding
- Voicemail to email
- And many more!
The above-mentioned features are for you to enjoy only if you integrate a cloud-based phone system into your communication process.
Now, let’s talk about the cons of cloud-based phone systems.
Reliable and high-performing equipment needed
First, you need reliable and high-performing equipment such as switches and routers. Routers are responsible for shaping the network bandwidth and assigning IP addresses. And if you decide to go for a modern VoIP system, your old router may not be compatible enough to perform its job. Another thing is that if you’ve never implemented a wireless site audit before, chances are you may encounter some dead spots in your area.
You need a reliable Internet connection
Even if you have the best cloud-based phone system but your Internet connectivity fails, everything will also fail. Fortunately, this is also the only requirement that you’ll ever need to make your system run smoothly. Over the past years, Internet speeds continuously improved as well as their reliability. Guess this type of cons can be totally avoided if not eliminated.
But in case you are not sure about the reliability of your Internet connection, you can always use an online speed test to determine your Internet speed and strength.
Call interruption
Yes, cloud-based telephony systems are reliable. But you need to know that there are instances when you experience sudden disruption on calls due to latency and jitters. So what are latency and jitters? Latency occurs when there is a delay in what is being said and the time it is transmitted. It refers to the amount of time it takes a bit to be transmitted from the source to its final destination.
Jitter, on the other hand, refers to the delay that varies over time when packets don’t show up in the same order as when they were sent.
Final Words
Though there are few cons when it comes to technicalities, the fact that the numerous advantages and benefits a cloud-based answering service can offer outweighs those cons. You should not be discouraged from adapting this awesome telephony system given the current trend of our communication technology. It may be worth considering knowing more about this technology to learn its value and how you can get the most out of it.
If you are interested to get more information about a cloud-based answering service and how it can help you grow your business, just visit Telnum and our Tech Experts will be happy to provide you all the much need information about this awesome technology.
