When I started educating clients on the benefits of UCaaS (unified communications as a service) many years ago, their biggest apprehension was that it was a cloud-based offering.
At that point in time, cloud technologies were not being embraced fully because there were so many unknowns. Today the cloud is part of our daily lives and discussions are typically starting with determining if a cloud solution is the right fit versus a traditional offering.
As we move in and through the age of cloud, IoT, and big data, many organizations are starting to approach voice solutions in this less traditional model.
So how do you know if a UCaaS solution is right for your business? If you or your supervisors are posing the following questions:
- How can our organization become more flexible?
- How can we reduce our capital expenditures?
- How do we get out of the IT business?
- And most importantly, how do we get out of the “phone business” completely?
A UCaaS solution can often be the answer to many of these questions. Below I have outlined some of the key reasons for your business to consider a cloud-based VoIP solution.
Fixed Operational Cost
Many cloud-based VoIP providers include PSTN connectivity by including a SIP trunk for every seat. Not only does this eliminate the need for a voice provider, but many times long distance costs are included.
Ideally, cost for management, upgrades, PSTN, maintenance, and development are all included in a per-seat cost. Even the endpoints can be turned into an operational expense.
Management
Managing a PBX can be complex due to the number of different components like PSTN services, call routing, voice-mail integration, servers, gateways, etc. Many of these components are provided and/or managed by different service providers, vendors, and manufactures which can add to the complexity
UCaaS solutions can be very simple to deploy by leveraging existing ISP connections, and the equipment (outside of a handset) is managed by a single provider.
In addition some of our clients effectively used soft keys on the phones to encourage end users to call directly into ShoreTel for end-user support. This can reduce the impact on a company’s help desk.
Redundancy
Many times I find that companies don’t have the necessary redundancy built into their PBX. There is a single point of failure for a very important communications tool. If designed correctly, a cloud-based PBX can improve your business continuity and DR plans.
Mobility
Mobility is playing a much larger part in the way organizations are moving to the cloud. Some of our clients need to be able to seamlessly connect with mobile employees regardless of whether they are in or out of the office.
Flexibility
Agility is what many executives are asking for in today’s rapidly changing market. Organizations typically need to depreciate a PBX over 5, 10, or sometimes even 15 years. I have also seen organizations wait for a system to fail because the idea of making a change can be daunting.
With a cloud based solution, your flexibility is key. Improving time to deploy, flexible terms, or even having the ability scale up or down based on what is needed can greatly impact the flexibility for an organization.
Cloud PBX is only as effective as the design and application for use. If you would like to learn more on how to effectively determine if cloud is right for your business, MicroAge is ready to help.
Keep your organization connected.
Let’s talk
Ready to spark collaboration across your organization? Our experts can help you identify the best UCaaS platform for your business requirements.
