While cloud-hosted PBX systems offer a range of benefits to businesses of all sizes and ages, a number of these advantages are specifically suited to businesses and start-ups who are focused on cost savings and flexibility. Dental practices; GP surgeries; solicitors; daycare centres; schools; hairdressers; beauty salons; guest houses and bed & breakfasts; freelancers; or small businesses with regional or home offices, are just a few of the prime candidates that would benefit from moving to a cloud or virtual telephone system. 

While gaining popularity due to its cost effectiveness and range of features available, a cloud telephone system may not necessarily be the most appropriate solution for your business. The truth is that some businesses are better suited to a traditional on-premise PBX system. We have prepared the following guide to help you understand the basic workings of a cloud or hosted telephone system, and to assist you in making an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for your business.

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A cloud, hosted or virtual PBX is simply a business phone system without the traditional incoming copper landline. A cloud telephone system is physically hosted off-site, meaning that all hardware is housed in a dedicated datacentre and maintained by a service provider. The only equipment you need within your business are the phones being used. These phones can be traditional business IP phones; or you can use your existing smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC (or any combination of these) as your office phone. 

Most businesses in London and Essex are making the switch from traditional landlines that run on the copper wire network, to VoIP or virtual landlines. These modern-day landlines use a broadband internet connection or your mobile data to make and receive your business’s phone calls. United Telecoms provides virtual landlines included in our cloud-based telephone system.

Apart from being substantially cheaper than traditional landlines, the great thing about virtual landlines is that they allow you to port your existing phone number over to the new line and service provider, this means, you do not need to worry about losing your business’s valuable phone number, and you are able to retain this number for as long as you like, no matter where your business relocates to. If you require a new number, we are able to provide you with an available geographic number of your choice within the United Kingdom.

Cloud telephone systems were initially designed to offer small businesses a cost-effective and efficient communications solutions. Cloud phone systems are now used by companies of all sizes, across the commercial, retail, education, medical, non-profit or hospitality sectors within the United Kingdom. While most users highlight the benefits of substantial cost savings and flexibility of the system, there are a number of attractive features that could be advantageous to your business, whether you are new, upsizing, downsizing, relocating, offering seasonal or temporary employment, or looking for advanced communication features.

Cloud phone systems are housed in dedicated datacentres, which means that the initial cost is extremely low, as the user does not need to buy or maintain any of the system’s hardware. By drastically reducing your upfront investment in a telephone system, you can put that money back into other areas of your business. The only upfront cost is that of the IP phone – if you do not already have a compatible one, and do not wish to use your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC as your office phone.  

In addition to the low initial costs, a virtual PBX has a low ongoing cost, with call cost savings of between 30-75%, when compared to traditional PBX solutions. There are no ongoing maintenance costs, as the management and maintenance of the equipment is provided by the hosted services provider. There is also no need to employ a specialist IT resource to manage the system, as it is set up remotely by a technician and managed by the user. The system is user-friendly and intuitive and requires minimal training to use. 

Start-ups and smaller companies in particular opt for a cloud or hosted telephone solution, which offers the scalability needed when growing your business. Users and telephone extensions can be added or removed as and when needed, simply and quickly, with no need to purchase or replace any hardware. This is particularly useful to business who anticipate growth, deal with high volumes of staffing changes, or have temporary or seasonal employment needs. 

A hosted phone system offers you the benefit of mobility without impacting on long-term communication links with customers. If your business moves premises, you can maintain your existing telephone number, even if you move more than once. An additional benefit is that you don’t have to purchase or relocate any bulky equipment when expanding or moving your operations, or sacrifice precious office space for a PBX switchboard.

It is widely recognised that cloud phone solutions offer superior call quality and connectivity. The service providers also have few issues with downtime and connections due to the resilient design of the hosted data centres. 

With a hosted phone system, the features and integration options can be fully customised to suit your individual needs, and can be easily adjusted to suit the ever-changing needs of a growing business. An auto-attendant feature can be customised to welcome incoming callers with a professional and consistent service, forwarding calls to the correct extensions while providing special greetings or messages.

A cloud telephone system is powered by the internet, so it is essential that your site has a reliable, high-speed internet connection in order for you to fully appreciate the benefits of this technology. If you do not have access to a strong internet connection at your business premises, you may be better suited to a traditional on-premise PBX solution. 

Cloud hosted telephone systems offer a range of benefits for any business that needs more flexibility in its office phone system offerings. Switching to a hosted PBX systems provides you with the benefit of a customised and cost-effective setup, and an ongoing high quality voice communications solution for your business. 

To learn more about a cloud PBX and what it can do for your London or Essex based business, speak to one of our specialists today by calling 020 339 8011 or e-mail us at info@unitedtelecoms.net. Our team is looking forward to answering your questions and providing you with a no-obligation, hassle-free quote.