09 May What is a cloud phone?
With cloud computing on the rise, we have seen many businesses take advantage of cloud technology and seriously look at the possibility of taking their customer service operations online. There are clear benefits to this, namely cost and convenience. But to channel Apple’s famous “What is a computer?” marketing campaign, we dare ask: What is a cloud phone?
A quick history of Telephony
To fully explain what a cloud phone system is exactly, it would help to discuss the basics of phony systems before it came along. Back in the day, businesses deployed physical keyphone systems. Also known as private branch exchanges (PBX), these hardware relied on Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) that were run by traditional telephone companies. On top of paying for the maintenance of these lines, companies also shouldered the high costs of installation and configuration.
With the introduction of Private Automated Branch Exchanges in the early 1960s, the way we communicate was forever changed and made easier. PBX systems also came with voicemail, fax, and call routing features — features which would eventually grow and set the template for the future.
A definition
A cloud phone works pretty much the same way as traditional IP phones, but it uses voice over internet protocol to make and receive calls. As a telephony company, Nautilus hosts these lines and allows customers access to their state-of-the-art cloud phone software.
Through our Cloud PBX, you get a real phone number with the possibility of multiple extensions. You can make local and international phone calls at a fraction of the cost!
Benefits of a cloud phone
- There’s the clear benefit of savings. The average per minute charge of a phone call varies per region, but it’s a definitely more noticeable difference. Where the savings really start to stack is when you consider the absence of a physical hardware, one that might require installation and maintenance fees. So that’s two fees that you can simply cross out!
- Scalability is one thing you don’t hear of a lot, but it is a benefit of a cloud phone system. With it being a cloud-based architecture, you can simply choose the plan that works for you at any given time. You can add or remove extensions based on the growth of your company.
- A cloud phone system allows you to connect to your loved ones and your customers anywhere, anytime. Since it practically runs on a browser (ideally Google Chrome), that means you can use the cloud phone anywhere as long as there’s internet connection. This mobility is perfect for this work-from-home revolution that we’re all going through.
- A cloud phone is a lot easier to learn and master than a physical phone system. And there’s the fact that if an on-premise phone system breaks down, you need to schedule an appointment for a technician to come and do repairs. You lose precious hours in the process! A cloud phone, on the other hand, can be remotely fixed by a team of IT specialists easily. So its ease of use and reliability are major selling points!
- If you’re worried about the safety and accessibility of your call recordings, worry not! A cloud phone system means that your calls are all recorded on the cloud, which you can use for whichever purpose. This is perfect for businesses who require that level of security and accountability.
Do you need a cloud phone?
If you’re a someone who constantly needs to connect to family, or if you’re a business that wants to improve your communication channels — yes. In this day and age, it’s all about having a reliable and easy method of connecting. Whether it be for personal or business use, the solutions offered by a cloud phone system are hard to deny and too good to pass up on.
So what are you waiting for?
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