Month: July 2020

As data centres and legacy solutions continue to migrate systems onto the cloud, it may be time to consider letting go of your on-site PBX. Though transferring your telephone systems to cloud-based servers sounds simple enough, it requires a fair amount of planning to pull off and avoid cloud migration mistakes. Customisation and programming options can be exciting, especially given a newfound ability to configure existing features into something that sells more. However, you must avoid making the following common mistakes when upgrading your telephony system into the digital age. 

1. Assuming hosted solutions are identical to your PBS solutions

Despite the promised efficiency of cloud-based hosted telephone systems, you can’t underestimate the time and effort spent on marrying this new technology and your corporate culture. 

Not every department will maintain its current functions and working methods, so it’s important to help them transition into your newly available options. In some cases, moving towards cloud-based solutions can pose limitations in the way employees manage their telephony. Knowing how these systems work can make the transition smoother and more seamless.

2. Foregoing a better disaster recovery plan

With the ability to outsource IT solutions, more traditional business leaders often choose to forego a disaster recovery plan even amid frequent outages. However, an on-site PBX system is far more susceptible to issues such as power failures, bad weather, natural disasters, or Internet outages in your area. With an efficient disaster recovery plan in place, you can guarantee business continuity by relying on dual-powered cooling equipment, independent distribution paths, and fault-tolerant infrastructure. Though most cloud phone systems will already have reliability features in place, it pays to explore other plans. 


3. Promising IT staff control over your telephony system

Once protectors of your company network, IT staff members fearing a loss of control over your telephony system is not uncommon. However, they’ll simply have to get used to new tools and monitoring systems to efficiently manage cloud-hosted phone communications. With customised monitoring features such as real-time updates, cloud solutions can remove the unnecessary complexities that come with an on-site PBX system. 


4. Lack of communication between teams

As phone systems move to the cloud, end-users will find that the speed dials, contact lists, greetings, voicemails, and call handling systems are no longer what they used to be or eliminated. Thus, migration teams need to communicate changes to end-users in advance. When opting for cloud-based solutions, educate your staff on how these systems work to achieve greater efficiency and value. 


5. Neglecting a proper analysis of your bandwidth

As we continue to experience the rise of remote working environments, video conferencing and messaging are more dominant than ever. Without a proper analysis of your bandwidth, you won’t know whether your new system can handle more than a voice call. Before migrating your work to the cloud, consider how reliable your fibre connection is. As your bandwidth grows, you’ll need a connection that can keep up with exorbitant amounts of bandwidth, eventually displacing all analogue devices. 


6. Forgetting to analyse your network devices for compatibilityIf you’ve been running on legacy technology for years or even decades, chances are not every online device will perform as seamlessly on the cloud. Some of your devices may not be compatible at all. To streamline your process, work with your IT department and a support provider to identify devices that need upgrading. 


7. Ignoring contracts and compliances

If you’re adhering to a contract with a primary rate interface (PRI) or session initiation protocol (SIP) company, look into any termination fees before moving to the cloud. If left to the final hour, you could be delaying your migration project entirely. Remember to note your new partner’s compliance terms to direct your next steps. 

Conclusion

As traditional telephone systems grow obsolete, millions of companies are turning to cloud-based solutions to keep up with an evolving digital landscape. By knowing the ins and outs of these systems, you can create a more productive work environment that knows exactly what it’s doing. 

For a cloud-based telecom system that works for you, visit Teleproject U.K. We provide users with integrated business telecom solutions that are configured to meet your company’s requirements. 

In a world of technological advances and digital transformation, a business that cannot keep up is a business bound to fail. Small businesses are no exception – with cloud communication systems and technology readily available, even small business employers are moved to invest in it. This communication strategy is convenient and efficient, which enables your employees to be more productive and work more efficiently.

Cloud communication also continues to enable small businesses to have access to top-grade communication technology, something which has previously been reserved for big companies. Without having to spend more, small businesses can now move away from outdated physical phone systems for their offices, helping them make their business operations more advanced and efficient. 

Beyond cost-effectiveness and convenience, cloud communications pose plenty more benefits for small businesses to grow. Here’s why you need to invest today:

Benefit #1: You’ll have access to advanced features for low costs

Cloud communications plans come with cloud delivery models, which allows entrepreneurs to save time and money. There will no longer be any need for capital investments and expensive on-site equipment, as cloud communications allow features like call screening, call forwarding, and auto-attendant with just clicks of a button. 

Benefit #2: You’ll be able to support a remote workforce

Cloud communications allow your business to become more versatile and flexible especially when it comes to remote work. Since it operates mainly on the virtual space of the internet, your employees will be able to access your company phone system from anywhere, so long as they have access to the internet. 

For small businesses, this is a major advantage. The possibility of hiring remote employees can now be an option, which could now then open your door to global talents—not just your city. With talents from all over the world, you’ll have more opportunities to grow. 

Benefit #3: You’ll see an increase in the agility of business operations 

The world of labour is changing and at an alarming rate. Changing work behaviours and patterns have now paved the way for remote work. On the other hand, continuously changing technologies and buying behaviours continue to pressure businesses to become more agile—it’s a survival of the fittest at best, but investing in cloud communications will see that you remain at a competitive advantage. 

Since your business is operated virtually, deployment and remote work are now easy. All your employee needs is a mobile phone or a laptop, while your customers can now access your products and services with just simple taps on their smartphones. 

Benefit #4: You’ll witness an increase in employee productivity

Thanks to cloud communications, your business is now as agile as ever. An agile business has always known to be a penchant for productivity—due to this, you’ll be working with employees that are happier and more productive, even if they’re working remotely.

You allow them a platform that enables them to get in touch at any time, anywhere. Files and documents can easily be shared, while conference calls can be scheduled at the best possible times. By allowing them to do more in less time, you help them stay motivated and satisfied.

Conclusion

Cloud communications systems are a technological advancement—for small businesses desiring change, a cloud phone system may perhaps be what all it takes. The benefits are undeniable. With low costs, greater business agility and efficiency, improved productivity, and the capacity to support remote work, cloud communications truly opens up doors. The only thing left to do now is to invest on your own!

If you’re looking to invest in UK cloud-based telecom business phone systems, Tele Project offers you the best solutions. Allow us to help your business grow to its full potential—reach out to our team today!