In the information technology world—or IT—the term cloud refers to a system which operates through an Internet network.
In the case of cloud telephony, a network of telephone servers is installed within a reliable data centre, and they interact over a distance to provide an advanced telephone system. Therefore, rather than having a local phone system set up within your building with a network of physical phone lines, your phones will connect directly to their telephone servers over a long distance.
It is thus no longer necessary to install and maintain cumbersome hardware, and your phone system is all the more flexible in being able to connect to the servers over long distances, from anywhere you please—geographical limitations need not apply.
Cloud telephony offers a large selection of advantages:
Reduced cost: Cloud telephony is without a doubt the most cost-effective means of telephony available today. While standard phone systems require hefty installation and maintenance fees as well as large licensing costs, cloud telephony helps you avoid these altogether.
With cloud telephony, the prices are very low.
Your savings are immediately noticeable, with tens of thousands of dollars saved on hardware installation and communication fees, thanks in particular to the option of obtaining unlimited calls.
Moreover, you will notice increased productivity and mobility with functions such as call forwarding, automatic receptionist, extensions system, conference call centre, voicemails sent to your email, virtual fax, voice recognition and more.
Availability and flexibility: As opposed to traditional telephony, with cloud phone systems you can be reached at all times, even during a power outage.
Backing up and restoring: Since your phone system is installed directly within the cloud, backing up and restoring data is made much simpler than with traditional telephony. Your provider is also no doubt competent enough to facilitate the recuperation of your data. Thus you can move houses or offices without any preoccupations about the safety or recovery of your data, or you can ask your provider to reconfigure your phone system without the need for a costly technician team.
Easy access to information: Once more, since your phone system is installed within the cloud, you can access your information at any time and from anywhere; all you need is an Internet connection. In this way, you can avoid geographical barriers and stay connected to your collaborators and clients, wherever you are.
Quick and simple deployment: Cloud telephony systems are usually operational within hours or minutes of acquisition. The time taken will depend on the exact technology required for your business.
