Is your business ready for a cloud transformation? Migrating your business communication system to the cloud can not only make you appear cutting edge and innovative, it will provide many benefits for a more efficient and effective work environment.  

The post-pandemic new normal demands a distributed workforce where employees are no longer required to come to the office. This pivot to the new WFH (Work from Home) business model mandates that employees be able to work remotely and have the tools to be able to collaborate and communicate from multiple devices anytime, anywhere. 

The cloud is a powerful and modern communications technology system that creates more mobility for remote employees. VoIP phone technology allows for the use of hard phones and/or soft phones. Downloading an app to a desktop, tablet or mobile phone allows for state-of-the-art collaboration tools like video conferencing, instant messaging, screen sharing, and presence. Unified Communication (UC) also combines voice, email, text, fax, to ensure better, more constant communication. 

One important advantage of a hosted system over premise is it is Disaster Recovery ready.  Since the phone system is in the cloud and is protected by Zulty’s multiple data centers, any local power or internet outage does not mean the telephone system does not work or business downtime.  Calls can still be answered by mobile phones, apps or from IP phones, desktops or laptops at other locations.

VoIP and UC also have the additional benefit of integration with third party CRM (Customer Retention Management) systems like Salesforce and Outlook making employees more productive and delivering better customer service. These integrations also allow employees to use their own personal devices. 

The cost of moving to the cloud is probably the biggest reason to migrate. Upgrades to software are much easier to roll out and less expensive on cloud-based phone systems than on-premise updates. You do not need to hire a staff to manage it and there is no special equipment to buy. 

There are many things to consider.  

1. Each organization must consider the distribution of their offices and their staff. Cloud-based solutions work best for businesses with multiple locations and a large staff. Companies can benefit from collaboration tools with remote workers or hybrid work situations. 
2. A major consideration is the capital investment and upfront cost spent to install a new telephone system.  A hosted system can provide a lower up-front cost since you will only be purchasing/renting telephones, peripherals and equipment necessary to run a VoIP system.  You are not responsible for purchasing and repair/replacement of the main common telephone equipment itself.  This is performed by the hosted vendor as part of your agreement.  
3. Disaster recovery – Hosted system provides built-in disaster recovery plans such as power outages, natural disasters, local building outages.  Hosted systems are protected by multiple data centers. User appliance can be moved at any time to a location with internet connection so users can continue to work.
4. Another benefit in deciding to upgrade from archaic phone system is that users can connect multiple devices to the hosted system such as IP telephones, cell/mobile devices, softphones, desktop apps for enhanced productivity and to provide alternate means of communications should one be unavailable or damaged.  
5. With VoIP, (Voice over Internet Protocol) you use an internet connection for your phone system.  There is no need for on-premise equipment, telephone lines or office space to house all this equipment. The cost savings are significant since you don’t have large upfront costs. You can set up monthly payments allowing you to spread the cost over time with payment plans to meet your budget.  With a hosted system you always have availability to upgrade to the latest features and security is included as part of your hosted agreement.
6. The traditional on-premise phones systems require a separate storage room that is climate controlled and managed by an in-house IT department. Additional monthly, or long-term contract fees to a service provider are incurred for SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), PRI or traditional trunking services. The additional cost of space and personnel also need to be considered. 

Although there are many benefits to a hosted cloud base solution, there are many advantages to a premise-based phone system. Other than face-to-face, the telephone remains the most effective method of communication for any business.

1. With a premise-based system, the organization is housing and completely controlling and maintaining the system. The equipment, hardware and software are onsite.
2. For a single location or small offices, premise systems work well.
3. Premise-based phones are perfect for offices with low or slow internet speeds.
4. Signaling is through your LAN (Local Area Network) not over the internet which is not always dependable.
5. Cloud based systems depend on the internet. If the internet fails, the business comes to a standstill. Landlines are reliable through power outages.
6. Although a premise phone system comes with a larger up-front cost, there are customers that don’t want a monthly payment.
7. Some companies prefer the option of a lower long-term cost over of the life of the system.