4 Reasons Why Startups Should Leverage a Cloud-Based Business Communications System
Today's most promising startups are born in the cloud. Everything from email, to CRM, to document sharing are better managed, utilized, and updated in that big, invisible existence of data in the sky. But one thing that is sometimes an afterthought when it comes to hosting in the cloud is business communications.
Phone systems have evolved significantly over the past few decades, and today's platforms can do much more than just handle voice calls. Now, you can essentially have the equivalent of a desk phone, call center, or conference meeting all in your pocket. That's because the best business communications systems run on any device, anywhere in the world. And that's something a startup of 1 or 100 can get behind.
Here are 4 reasons startups need a cloud-based business phone system as soon as they get up and running.
1. Cost - Cloud-based phone systems are inexpensive, especially compared to traditional desk phone systems that require hardware updates. The average business will spend about 30% of its total IT budget on obsolete on-premise services like updating devices, installing new lines, and other maintenance items. While businesses that choose cloud vendors can see savings of 30-90%. And with remote work more prevalent than ever, the case for an anywhere-enable business communications system has never been easier to make. Founder tip: here are five other ways your small business can save money.
2. Call/meeting quality & reliability - Cloud-based VoIP communications aren't like your cell phone carrier networks. They leverage both high-speed internet and wireless LTE/5G connectivity and pair that with modern voice technology (including traffic shaping, WebRTC, and HD calling). This means that cloud-based business communications are even more reliable and higher quality than traditional desk phone and meeting systems. Want to really geek out? Check out why WebRTC is the gold standard.
3. Implementation, ease of administration, and mobility - A cloud-based business phone enables admins to set up and manage everything in just a few clicks. Plus, adding or removing offices or licenses can happen in seconds. All this results in fewer internal support queries, freeing up more time for startups to focus on what matters—growing the business. And to help your business capitalize on the already widespread use of personal cell phones by more than half of all U.S. employees, why not implement a technology that runs on their device of choice?
4. Security - Speaking of so many employees using personal phones, most businesses don't realize how much data they are losing until it's too late. Protect those conversations and keep contact info stored safely on a cloud phone system while still allowing employees to work how they want on mobile. A cloud phone provider should follow the various IT security standards, like ISO/IEC 38500 and X.509 certificates. Ensure your cloud provider takes all the necessary precautions to keep your business communications safe, with security features like customizable retention and data ownership.
