The common practice of modern companies to use cloud-based telephony is proving to be the right choice. What is the logic behind this? Remote working seems to be a new norm, so using the Internet for messaging and video calls is the perfect solution. Even for people who work in the same facility, digital communication is far easier and more convenient than traditional phone systems.
It’s safe to say that systems like Microsoft Teams Voice are becoming the new standard. Analog lines are slowly becoming a thing of the past. They’re there to fall back on in case of emergency, safe and reliable as always. Still, as Internet connectivity is now firmly rooted worldwide, we can expect that most communications, business and otherwise, will permeate the digital sphere. Click here for more info.
Key Elements
Microsoft Teams has been a staple in cloud-based technology for several years now. It allows you to communicate via chat, one-one and in groups, share files, and its voice options enable clients to use messaging, VoIP, or video conference calls. The goal, of course, is to establish real-time and cost-effective communication, making it an invaluable tool for modern companies who strive to complete tasks using large networks of people.
Let’s see what exactly makes this technology so convenient and user-friendly. To make it accessible for everyone, you just connect the phone system with the public network, better known as PTSN, using Direct Routing or Microsoft Calling Plans. As for availability, there are no limitations: you can make calls on any device. All you need is a stable Internet connection, and you’re set.
In essence, you can look at Teams Voice as an extra feature of your existing Microsoft 365. The fastest and most effective way to do this is to hire a company specializing in cloud communications. They can connect VoIP to your platform, take care of the licenses, and set up every little detail related to your new phone system.
Aside from the essential functions, users can enjoy all the calling benefits of a cell phone. This means you can forward calls, check your call history, dial by name directory, see who is participating, etc. It’s an all-encompassing experience that’s available anyplace, 24/7. There’s simply no other communication technology at the moment with such high levels of versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Making The Most Out of It
There’s no such thing as a single Teams protocol for all companies. This is because businesses are different, and each requires a customized call plan to satisfy their needs. Owners want to know what they’re paying for, and rightfully so. For that reason, your communication partner will provide you with call plans that meet your particular needs, making sure you won’t lose a dime in the process.
The plan, of course, is to use every available asset and allow it to become a regular part of your company’s IT experience. The format is less important: be it email, document sharing, IM, or conference calls, the communication has to be high-level and fluid. Using traditional phones when you have the digital technology to do the very same thing, only more effectively, seems redundant and unpractical. Visit https://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5328913_enable-vpn-passthrough.html to learn more.
Location is Irrelevant
Broadband communication is superior to plain old telephone service in so many ways. Stationary phones could be very frustrating in the past, where if the person you were trying to reach wasn’t at their desk, you had to wait indefinitely.
Luckily, we’ve managed to overcome these issues: now you can be anywhere on Earth, and unless you’re deep inside the Amazonian jungle or inside an igloo in Antarctica, chances are you’re you’ll have a good enough connection to make a call. The point is that, unlike before, you’re now able to target people instead of devices, and that’s the way it should always be.
Flexibility
As we already mentioned, cloud phone systems allow you to tailor call plans as you see fit. For instance, you can customize access for different departments in your company. Some employees need it more than others, so it’s logical to increase their connectivity level or set up lines just for them. Also, access to the public network is not mandatory: you can limit the phone system to office use only if you wish.
Dealing with international calls can be tricky. Cyber-criminal is on the rise, and there’s always a chance someone from another part of the world will try a scam phone call. Because of this, you can limit your finances team, for example, to only make and receive domestic calls. That way, you’ll ensure the safety of your company and avoid falling victim to fraud.
Free domestic calls, short or long distance, are free with VoIP. Businesses can benefit significantly from this. They often have to phone different countries to make deals happen; the truth is, emails can never replace verbal communication, no matter how eloquent your writing is.
Hosting a conference is far easier with a platform than a traditional phone system. Yes, it’s possible to use the latter for getting in touch with multiple callers, but you’ll have to pay additional fees. Instead, relying on the Internet for a comfortable conference call will save you time and money, plus it’s way more convenient to organize.
Potential Disadvantages
Trying to extol the virtues of a particular service is fair only if you present some drawbacks too. Cloud communication isn’t perfect, of course, but it’s safe to say that the benefits outweigh these faults by a wide margin.
The first thing that comes to mind is the Internet connection. It’s the be-all and end-all of every VoIP system, so we must ensure that it’s stable and reliable. Unfortunately, that’s always the case. The audio can suffer significantly because of this, ruining your entire calling experience. Few things are more nerve-racking than a call that drops every few minutes when you’re catching up with a friend on the other side of the world.
Then there’s the issue with older generations who aren’t accustomed to new technology. They might be skeptical about the voice integration system, preferring the traditional way of making calls. However, you can easily overcome this with proper training and help from younger coworkers. Combining these methods will quickly result in uniform and productive communication in your workplace, where everyone will benefit equally from it.
System maintenance can also be a bit of a burden if your IT personnel already has too much work. The best solution would be to have a select team to tackle these issues, enabling others to go about their business without any obstacles.
Read More: Are analog room telephones still relevant?
Final Verdict
The ways things are headed, the future is digital and bright looking at that. Systems are becoming more accessible and user-friendly by the day, and IT literacy is reaching unprecedented heights. Even older people, who first started using computers and mobile devices later in life, have no problems operating basic tasks.
This leads to the conclusion that it’s worth using a cloud-based platform for your entire office communication. It doesn’t mean you should give up traditional telephony, at least not yet. But keeping up with technology is what keeps businesses afloat, and digital communication is definitely here to stay.
