Pros and Cons of a Cloud-Based Phone System
December 15, 2016
Category: Business Phone Service
Copper landlines used in a business application are slowly being replaced with cloud-based phone systems—and there are many reasons for the switch. Take some time and consider the pros and cons of a cloud-based phone system so you can decide for yourself if it is right for your business.
What is a cloud-based phone system?
A cloud-based phone system is one that operates mainly over the internet in the “cloud”. This means that phones calls are handled over the internet and treated like data. What was once a mess of wires, is now all hosted on the internet.
What are the pros of a cloud-based phone system?
A cloud-based phone system for your business is going to offer many benefits.
- Flexible — A cloud-based phone system offers the highest level of flexibility in terms of a phone service. It can do some of the most advanced calling features such as call forwarding, conference calls, and remote access. Since it is cloud-based, these phone systems also have the ability to quickly scale to the needs of the business by adding or removing lines at will.
- Saves Money — With a cloud-based phone system, you have the ability to save a lot of money. All the hardware and software will be managed off-site. This means you won’t have to pay to constantly update, maintain, or replace anything as it breaks or becomes out-dated. Additionally, this type of phone system can reduce IT and administrative costs significantly as these expenses are handled by the provider.
What are the cons to a cloud-based phone system?
There are a few cons to a cloud-based phone system, but it’s important to note that depending on the provider of the service, many of these cons can be avoided and non-existent.
- Power Outages — As with any technology, there is always a risk of downtime when the power goes out—hurricanes and blizzards can’t be avoided but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. A cloud-based phone provider can recognize power outages and forward calls directly to cell phones or auto-attendants. Additionally, make sure the provider has redundancy programming and wireless backups in place in case of emergencies.
- Cyber-Attack — There is the small threat of a hack or security breach when dealing with a cloud-based phone system. To mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack, it’s important to partner with an established full-service communications provider like Datastream Communications.
Weighing the pros and cons of a cloud-based phone system will help you in determining if this type of phone system is the right fit for your business. Let the communications service professionals here at DataStream Communications help you in your decision by talking through your needs and creating a custom solution for your business. Give us a call at (800) 974-2605, or contact us online today.
