Cloud-based phone systems are taking the market by storm. Here is what you need to know:
Cloud-based phone systems have been taking over businesses because they are easy, affordable, productive, and more reliable. Now that VoIP phone systems are better than traditional landlines due to technological advancements, businesses have numerous reasons to make the switch to a cloud-based phone system.
What Exactly is a Cloud-based Phone System?
A cloud-based phone system, which is also popularly known as a VoIP, or “Voice over Internet Protocol,” is a phone system that transmits calls through the Internet, rather than copper wires. This system is much more cost-efficient and can save companies hundreds, up to thousands of pounds of IT overhead, along with providing businesses with keen features such as flexibility and mobility, high-quality video and audio, and various call features. These call features can include call forwarding and queuing, voicemail customizations, and even a do not disturb setting.
Why The Sudden Storm?
Due to the advancement of technology and the fact that most people nowadays use digital phone lines, the UK has decided to phase out the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and instil a cloud-based phone system. In fact, by December 2025, the UK is planning to completely shut down the PSTN. According to Openreach, the organisation responsible for the UK’s digital network business, over 16 million lines and channels will need to make the switch before the shutdown occurs. Even though 2025 seems like years away, it is important that businesses begin assessing their inventory and prepare for the shut-off. As a result, numerous small businesses should make the switch sooner rather than later, as this will not only help them keep up with their competitors but also minimise the risk of potentially losing their business numbers forever. Ultimately, businesses are faced with the risk of going out of date in this digital age, which can result in a tremendous decrease in business, so now is the time to stay ahead of the switch.
However, the sudden storm is not just occurring throughout the UK, the sharp increase in cloud-based phone systems is happening worldwide. Entering the digital era, businesses need to be able to meet the technological demands that consumers are experiencing globally, so most businesses are shifting to meet this demand. According to Business Wire, the expected size of the cloud-based phone system market is projected to be $183.7 billion dollars by 2027, with billions of users worldwide. Additionally, cloud-based phone systems are growing at a compound annual growth rate of 15%, allowing more and more people to access VoIP phone systems.
How Does a Cloud-based Phone System Work?
Cloud-based phone systems don't use a traditional copper landline, or mobile phone signals. Instead, you use your smartphone or tablet to make calls using the internet, either through Wifi or through 4G or 5G. This makes it perfect for working on go, either from home or even in your work van!
What Are The Benefits of a Cloud-based Phone System?
When you sign up with a cloud-based phone system provider, you generally pay for a monthly fixed fee package. Kind of like you do with a mobile phone. These packages often include call minutes, allowing you to call abroad without worrying about things like roaming charges. And of course, if you take on more staff or move premises, you don't to go to the hassle and expense of purchasing additional landlines or mobile phones like you used to!
The other great thing about a cloud-based phone system is that you can have any number you like (as long as it's available). So you could have a London 020 number - even if you're not actually based in London at all.
Plus of course, by signing up for a cloud-based system you avoid worries about the landline switch off coming in 2025.
What Do You Need To Do As a Small Business Owner?
If you run a small business, it's time to ditch your old-fashioned analogue phone system and switch to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). A digital phone system offers many advantages over an analogue system, including cost savings, flexibility, and scalability. With VoIP, your small business can enjoy the benefits of a big-business phone system without the high costs. VoIP uses your existing broadband internet connection to make and receive calls, so there's no need to invest in expensive telephone lines. And because VoIP is a digital technology, it's easy to add features and functionality as your business grows. From call forwarding and caller ID to voicemail and conference calls, a VoIP system can be customised to meet the specific needs of your small business. So if you're looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution for your small business, VoIP is the way to go.
Based on market trends, VoIP phone systems are on the continuous rise and will soon become the new norm not only in the UK but also globally. So, in order to keep up with these technological features that consumers will soon become accustomed to, it is important that businesses are aware and ready to make the switch to being digital.
