As the impending 2025 landline switch-off draws closer, businesses should endeavour to transition to a digital phone system sooner rather than later.
Cloud telephony provides numerous benefits for businesses, including cost-savings, increased flexibility and a range of advanced features to improve internal and external communications.
Moving to a cloud phone system might seem like a daunting task, particularly if you and your team have grown accustomed to the system you currently use. But it doesn’t need to be.
Use this simple checklist to ensure you cover all the bases before dismantling and replacing your existing legacy system.
1. Research potential cloud telephony providers
Choosing a great small business phone system isn’t as simple as taking a stab in the dark.
The system you choose should be capable of meeting your business needs while providing you with the scalability and flexibility that will benefit you as a small growing business.
When researching which provider is best suited for you, it’s important to do the following:
- Compile a list of must-have and optional features
- Read through customer reviews
- Assess their uptime and security practices
- Consider whether the costs align with your budget
2. Assess your current business needs
You must choose a provider that aligns with your current business needs. This step involves assessing your current situation and requirements, so ask questions such as:
- How many phone lines do you need now and how quickly is your business growing?
- Do your team work from the office or remotely, or a bit of both?
- Which features would help your business benefit most?
3. Ensure your internet and bandwidth are up to standard
Having a stable, secure and fast business broadband connection is essential for a cloud phone system. The last thing you or your customers want to deal with is dropped calls or a poor connection.
Be sure to check with your provider that your internet and bandwidth configurations will support your new business phone system.
4. Purchase any new equipment
Next, take inventory of the current equipment you have and consider whether it will support a cloud phone system or if you need to make some new investments.
As VoIP phone systems only require an internet connection and store all your data in the cloud, there’s no need for extensive on-site hardware or physical phone lines, so cloud telephony equipment is minimal.
All you need to connect to a cloud business phone system is a desktop computer, laptop or mobile phone. Consider whether you’ll benefit from additional equipment such as VoIP phones or headsets.
5. Implement a disaster recovery plan
Before you can start leveraging your VoIP phone system, you will need to form a disaster recovery plan.
Talk to your chosen provider to develop a backup plan in case of emergencies or power outages.
Fortunately, with cloud telephony, you don’t have to worry too much because all of your call data and customer information is stored and updated automatically.
Moreover, if there’s a structural problem or the internet cuts out in the office, employees can continue working from home or take their business communications on the go.
Cloud telephony is quickly becoming the number one choice for small businesses – and not just because of the looming ISDN switch-off.
Along with access to advanced features, a small business cloud phone system from bOnline can help ensure your customers and employees are satisfied while awarding increased flexibility and scalability for growing businesses.
To find out more about how to move your business communications to the cloud, get in touch with us today.
