Best Cloud Phone Systems for Small Businesses
Effective communication is vital for UK businesses in generating sales and maintaining open communication channels between their teams. A cloud phone system operates exclusively in the cloud, removing the need for hardware. However, a limited number of UK businesses have actually adopted it.
All this comes as the ISDN switchover looms large over the UK’s business community.
If you’re considering switching, you might wonder which system to use. This guide discusses the best cloud phone systems for small businesses.
What are cloud phone systems for smaller businesses?
Small businesses often favour cloud phone systems because they can get the advantages of communicating over the internet without worrying about the big upfront costs of acquiring and installing hardware.
Since it operates purely in the cloud, you’ve got the flexibility and convenience of using any of your own internet-connected devices to call, text and communicate across the cloud. From a small business perspective, the affordability, flexibility, and scalability make it the go-to communications option.
UK businesses are experiencing real benefits from various types of cloud phone systems.
Features of cloud phone systems that benefit small businesses
A telephone isn’t just for making calls. Your entire business relies on communication for its success, whether that’s with prospects, customers or remote teams. Cloud telephony stands out for its advanced features, but what are some of the features you can benefit from:
· Call forwarding
· Call monitoring
· Call routing
· Auto attendant
· Call recording
· Call analytics
· Voicemail
· Virtual phone numbers
· Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
· Audio conferencing
· Number porting
· Custom messages
· Speech-to-text
· Instant messaging
· Shared business number
· Auto dialler
· Call screening
These are some of the features you can enjoy with cloud telephony, but that doesn’t include the thousands of possible integrations. Unlike VoIP, cloud telephony can integrate with everything from your CRM software to Microsoft 365.
What to consider when investing in a cloud phone system as an SME
Cloud phone systems come in all shapes and sizes. With 99% of the UK’s businesses falling into the SME category, you likely already know that your needs won’t be the same as a big publicly traded company.
So, how do you know which cloud phone system is best for you? Here are some of your core considerations:
- Cost – Cloud-based systems operate on subscription-based systems, where you pay for what you use. The flexibility is beneficial for any business, but particularly for those wanting to scale quickly. It’s also worth mentioning that there are no hardware costs.
- Capabilities – What do you want to use it for? Taking advantage of cloud phone systems means integrating them within your day-to-day processes and tech stack. That’s how you harness the full potential of this technology.
- Security – Cybersecurity has never been more critical. Your IT provider should offer robust security features that surpass what you’ve already got. Ensure your data is protected in line with the regulations impacting your industry.
- Scalability – How quickly do you need to scale, and what are the costs of scaling with your existing infrastructure compared to cloud?
- Integration – How well does your cloud phone system integrate? If you intend to invest in cloud-based tools, ensure your provider offers the compatibility you expect with your existing tech stack.
There’s no single cloud phone system that’s perfect for every business. That’s why liaising with a IT & telecoms provider like Matrix247 can support the analysis and decision making process.
Chat About your Cloud Phone Options
Best cloud phone systems for small businesses
1. Horizon With Webex
Horizon With Webex combines the Horizon cloud-based telephony system from Gamma with Webex’s collaboration tools from Cisco. The platform is designed for small businesses to streamline their communication but also enhance their collaborative efforts.
One of its standout features is integrating with some of the biggest collaboration tools, including Google Contacts and Microsoft Teams, empowering teams to work across multiple platforms.
2. Wildix
Wildix is an all-in-one cloud phone system that provides voice, video and chat. It offers an extensive array of features to collaborate, share and evolve your business communications.
Like Horizon with Webex, it plays nice with some of the most popular business applications, particularly Salesforce as a sales-orientated solution.
Others...
Even with both Gamma and Wildix options above, they offer a variety of solutions and subscription levels to suit businesses of all industries and sizes. We’re experts in the telecommunication industry and have years’ of experience in solutions across the market and the latest releases and features.
At Matrix247, we’re there to find the ideal cloud telephony system for you and then guide you through the migration process. If you want bespoke solutions that prevent day-to-day disruption to your company, contact us today to learn more.
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