Cloud Based Business Phone System: A Beginner’s Guide

Cloud Based Business Phone System: A Beginner’s Guide

If you want to take your business communication to the next level, cloud based business phone systems are what you need. Cloud based business phone systems offer plenty of features and are incredibly user-friendly for managers. 

They boast an excellent customer support reputation. Some cloud based business phone systems even provide 24/7 phone assistance.

What is a Cloud Based Business Phone System?

Cloud based business phone systems, or VoIP, are online calling service that offers businesses numerous advantages. These include superior call management tools, reduced operational expenses, and customizable subscription plans.

Cloud based business phone systems differ from traditional ones. They are hosted at one or more secure data centers, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and cables and making them more cost-effective and easier to maintain. 

Cloud-based phone systems are ideal for small businesses seeking to boost efficiency and enhance communication. Companies can add as many extensions as necessary to accommodate growing call volume or cancel these extra lines when unnecessary.

They provide web-based customer portals to simplify IT employees' systems management. Cloud based business phone system reduces project management time and frees up more energy to focus on tasks that help the business expand.  

A cloud based business phone system might be beneficial if your business operates remotely or has many traveling employees. These cloud based business phone systems enable users to communicate through mobile phones, tablets, or laptops and integrate with other applications like CRM, email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.

Employees can communicate easily with clients and other teams around the globe through this cloud based business phone system, which also enables remote working and provides a better way to support customers who may be away on vacation or dealing with an urgent situation.

Cloud based business phone systems offer businesses a reliable and high-quality call experience, helping them build relationships with clients and customers while creating an impressive brand image.

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Cloud Based Business Phone System Examples

Cloud based business phone systems are VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions that enable companies to make and receive voice calls over the Internet. Cloud based business phone systems are often more cost-effective than traditional telephony solutions since they only need an internet connection.

Many cloud based business phone system examples offer collaboration features like in-call instant messaging, screen sharing, remote screen control, file co-editing, and whiteboard tools. These can help make meetings more realistic and efficient.

Furthermore, these cloud based business phone system apps integrate with other business software and applications, like CRMs, to share data. This saves time and simplifies obtaining details about a caller when they leave a message.

Additionally, most of cloud based business phone systems offer various tools for managing and tracking calls, such as call recording, voicemail transcriptions, and call forwarding capabilities. These cloud-based business phone system features are usually included in all subscription plans but may also be purchased separately as add-ons.

Cloud based business phone system tools can be especially beneficial in the call center, where customer support representatives must handle calls quickly and efficiently. Standard systems provide call queueing, skills-based routing, and round-robin routing so customers are connected with the appropriate agents according to their needs.

Other cloud-based business phone system features commonly included in a cloud-based business phone system include CRM integrations, visual voicemail, and automatic syncing of new contacts. All cloud based business phone system capabilities can benefit businesses looking to enhance productivity and reduce expenses with cloud based business phone systems.

What are the Best Cloud Based Business Phone System Features

A cloud based business phone system should have features that enable companies to make and receive calls more conveniently. These should include a unified communications solution, voicemail transcriptions, customer relationship management (CRM) software integrations, and call pops.

Unified Communications

Unified communications solutions integrate business phone systems, teleconferencing, voicemail, messaging, email, and more into a streamlined user interface. This can enhance employee productivity and resolve organizational customer service issues by streamlining communication with cloud based business phone systems. 

Team Collaboration

Teams that work remotely or away from the office need tools to stay connected to one another and their clients. A cloud based business phone system can offer various collaborative calling features like instant messaging, voice/video conferencing, and real-time project contributions.

Adaptable Availability

With the correct cloud based business phone system, team members can adjust their availability to ensure they can take client calls when required. This feature saves time, boosts team morale, and reduces misunderstandings among coworkers. 

Scalable Number Options

A flexible calling plan is essential when your business expands, or the team adds new members. Adding numbers at any time saves money and improves efficiency in the long run when using cloud based business phone systems.

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants can be an invaluable asset for small businesses, helping employees answer common business inquiries and offer quick solutions to customers. These cloud based business phone system virtual assistants automatically route phone calls to the correct person or department.

Voicemail Transcription

Voicemail transcription turns audio files into a text format accessible across many devices, allowing users to quickly scan messages for important information without having to listen to a recording when using cloud based business phone system.

How Much Does a Cloud Based Business Phone System Cost?

The cost of a cloud based business phone system varies based on the features you select. Cloud based business phone systems offer the ability to make and receive calls over the internet, unlike traditional analog phones, which rely on copper wires or optical fibers for connection. Cloud based business phone systems route voice communication through secure data hubs located off-site that is compatible with a range of devices, from traditional phones with adapters to modern smartphones, as well as computers equipped with software enabling VoIP service.

Another factor to consider when selecting a cloud based business phone system is how well it integrates with other business processes. Look for a cloud phone system connecting all your applications - including CRM and Slack - for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.

Finally, find a cloud based business phone system that works well with your remote staff and is customizable for growth as your company expands. This means finding one that allows additional team members without worrying about capacity limits or costly upgrades.

If your business relies on mobile workers, ensure your cloud-based phone system can quickly and automatically update your company's E911 address when locations change. This information helps emergency services know where to direct calls when an incident arises.

Cloud based business phone systems should be easy to set up and offer a comprehensive selection of performance-enhancing features out of the box. These could include auto attendants, CRM phone integration, video/remote conferencing, virtual voicemail, call recording, and other valuable options.

How to Find the Best Cloud Based Business Phone System 

The ideal cloud based business phone system should offer your team the tools and features for greater collaboration. Furthermore, these systems should boast superior call quality, scalability, and value for money.

To find the ideal cloud based business phone system, research various options and pick one that meets your company's requirements. Start by reading reviews and speaking to other small businesses in your industry for advice.

It would be best to evaluate how the cloud based business phone system provider manages and updates your system remotely, helping prevent downtime and maintenance interruptions that could negatively affect productivity and reputation. 

Additionally, search for a cloud based business phone system with an impressive uptime history so your clients and customers can know they can reach out to your business when needed. 

Another advantage of cloud based business phone systems is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional landline telephone services, cloud based business phone system costs are much lower as the service relies on an internet connection instead of costly physical hardware. 

Many of these cloud based business phone systems offer additional features like visual voicemail transcriptions that enable users to listen to their messages on a computer rather than one at a time. This saves time and makes it simpler to skim through voicemail messages quickly to get important information. 

Another time-saving feature of cloud based business phone systems is contact notes, enabling you to track past client interactions. This makes your calls more tailored for each individual and gives your team members a reference point when answering client calls so they have all of the information needed for success.

Compare the best cloud based business phone systems to find the best fit for your business. 

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