For some small business owners, aspects of cloud migration give rise to a certain ambivalence. So a discussion of ubiquitous utilities might be more useful than a protracted dissertation on the comprehensive advantages of cloud migration.
For example, there are several reasons that cloud-based VoIP is a benefit to businesses of all sizes. These are metrics to which all business owners and managers can relate, and why so many have come to believe that if a small business hasn’t yet adopted VoIP services, it should be their first order of business.
Cost. Cloud-based voice service is probably one of the least costly cloud solutions that a business, large or small, is likely to enlist. Given the financial constraints of smaller businesses compared to mega-corporations, VoIP is the prudent move. While the overall cost is contingent upon the size of the business, service provider, and features, it is a major cost-cutter over traditional phone service.
Access to Data. Not only can calls and messages be stored with cloud-based voice service, but all of the information about them can be stored as well. Available data solutions allow the end-user to set a wide range of parameters for data storage. This obviously increases efficiency. Voicemail messages can be stored and accessed via email, enhancing collaboration and accountability.
Simplicity of Call Routing. With premise-based systems, managing call routing involves a great deal of busywork, and making spontaneous modifications is a complicated proposal. With a VoIP system, designated personnel can swiftly and easily modify the routing of calls from nearly any location—even in the event of a natural disaster or power outage.
Better Customer Service. Improved technology, connectivity, data integration, call logging, and accessibility all add up to better customer service. Valuing customers’ time goes a long way toward building trust and customer retention. A satisfied customer is some of the best advertising around, and moving voice services to the cloud is one of the best avenues toward upgrading customer service.
Ease of use. Finally, VoIP is one of the easiest solutions to use. Customizable, user-friendly interfaces and ongoing updates translate into ease of use and, of course, smoother and speedier function.
VoIP can enhance and simplify many areas of doing business, from conferencing to telecommuting and beyond. The easier communications solutions become, the less time business owners and managers have to spend addressing them–which means more time for them to do what they do best.
