SaaS (or cloud) communication platforms, offered on a subscription basis, have revolutionised the business communications market. Cloud communication means the communication platform is a set of licenses in a Data Centre, instead of a system in a cupboard that handcuffs you to a carrier.

Many businesses opt for cloud communication solutions because they realise that it can help them transform their customer and employee experiences. With one system of engagement for voice, video, collaboration and contact centre, as well as one system of intelligence on one technology platform, cloud solutions help businesses to communicate more efficiently and to exceed the speed of customer expectations.

However, the benefits of cloud communication systems do not end with exceeding customer expectation. The best-in-class solutions can offer both small and large businesses a whole range of benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.

Reduced cost

Cloud communication platforms are often less expensive than traditional on-premises phone solutions – a critical factor in today’s competitive business landscape where every penny counts. As new cloud services arrive, costs will likely reduce further over the next 5-10 years.

Easy to change providers in the future

Pre-2017 it was typical to have a premise-based solution for 7-15 years. The arrival of cloud means a cloud hopping behaviour will emerge where clients can chase new benefits or lower costs every 3-5 years. That means your decision to go cloud is not so scary!

No more on-site hardware hassles

As the name suggests, cloud phone systems are hosted in the cloud, removing the need for complex on-site hardware and the hassle of dealing with them. As a result, organisations also no longer need to pay maintenance fees, reducing the overall cost of the communications solution.

Work from anywhere

Cloud communication systems remove the traditional requirement to be present in an office to work. Now, employees and managers can work anytime, anywhere – all they need is an internet connection.

Increased security & reliability

While some businesses are concerned about reliability and security, both are proven to be better for cloud systems when compared to on-premise communication solutions, mainly because redundancy is usually included with the licensing fee. Some cloud solutions offer 99.99% uptime and encrypted communication.

Everything in one place

Access everything in one place: phone, messaging, chat, meetings and contact centre, enhancing customer and employee interaction, increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Easy to Manage

Cloud communication systems are easy to manage and don’t require a certified engineer for day to day administration.

Advanced features

Cloud communication platforms offer advanced features like HD video calling, the ability to stream live video as private or public YouTube stream, team collaboration with a simple button click, enhanced collaboration via virtual rooms IM, the ability to deploy remote offices anywhere in the world and to work from anywhere using softphone, mobile or physical handset.

Seamless integrations

Most leading cloud telephony solutions will offer either out of the box or easy to configure integrations or plugins for the leading software productivity applications like Microsoft Outlook and Office365, and G-Suite for emailing and click-to-dial. Many also offer direct integration with most leading CRMs like Netsuite, Salesforce, Salesforce Lightning, Bullhorn, MS Dynamic 365 and others, as well as APIs for custom integration.

Built to stay ahead

Latest software updates and new features are usually pushed via automatic updates directly in the backend with no, or very minimal, impact for the end-user. No more scheduled on-site outages due to on-premise hardware or firmware upgrades.

Learn more about cloud communication

To learn more about cloud communication platforms, including how they are different from traditional phone systems and how you know whether it is the right solution for your business, download our free whitepaper, Migrating to Cloud Communications Platforms: a Buyer’s Guide.

Buyer's Guide

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