How the Cloud is Changing Business Communication

With advancements in technology new business solutions like the cloud allow for greater work efficiency, security and cost savings. Businesses that fail to take advantage of cloud communication services risk falling behind while smarter companies are surging ahead.

There are several important ways the cloud is changing the way businesses communicate…

Makes remote work possible – Many businesses today operate from different locations, so the ability to collaborate through audio and video conferencing and real-time chat and call apps is becoming essential for continued success. This is especially true for companies that are decentralizing work by hiring more full-time remote employees. The cloud also gives these companies greater flexibility to hire talent from anywhere, including international locations.

Allows work on multiple devices – Cloud applications can work on any type of device, making information stored in the cloud accessible from mobile devices as well as desktop computers. Depending on the speed of the connection, even mobile users can run data-heavy applications and exchange large files easily. Office phone features, email and other services can sync between devices so employees can do business virtually anywhere with their preferred device.

Gives small businesses a competitive edge – Cloud services level the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete with bigger companies. Small businesses can start small, and gradually increase their usage over time, depending on their growth trajectory. Cloud communication services are also self-managed so businesses don’t typically need full-time IT staff to set up and maintain things. This allows them to deliver results faster, cheaper and with higher quality, enabling them to compete and win against larger firms.

Eliminates need for traditional phone system – With IP phones, the cloud provider hosts, maintains and upgrades all of the phone system technology, eliminating the need for a premises PBX. Setting up and configuring the system is self-managed through a web browser.  In this way, new lines and features can be easily added with virtually immediate availability.

Technology is flexible and cost-effective – Companies get their own piece of the cloud within a shared infrastructure. This solution is for organizations that value flexibility, managed security and affordability. Instead of an upfront capital investment, they simply pay a monthly fee on a per-user basis.

Others opt for a private cloud managed in-house by their own IT team. This gives them exclusive access and more control over their cloud infrastructure.

A hybrid solution uses both private and public infrastructure. The company’s IT team takes care of a part of the in-house cloud, while the rest is off-site. That way, a business can manage sensitive data like customer files in-house, but store less-sensitive information with a third party.

The demand for cloud communication services is growing. It’s just a matter of figuring out what kind of solution is best for your business. PhoneAmerica is ready to help you review the implementation choices. Contact us today: (610) 296-2850 or creimel@phoneam.com.