‘Cloud’ is the latest buzzword and with good reason. Very basically, the ‘cloud’ refers to applications delivered over the internet – it makes things simpler, more convenient and more importantly, cheaper.
An easy way to dramatically cut your telecommunications costs is to switch to a cloud-based phone system – commonly known as ‘VoIP’ (Voice over IP) or hosted/virtual PBX. Instead of using a traditional landline, VoIP delivers your calls over an internet connection (the cloud). It is a more affordable alternative as it has lower rental, lower setup fees and no contract pre-paid options available.
A recent ACMA survey revealed that 21 percent of Australian SMEs currently use a VoIP (Voice over IP) service, with many more aware of and considering moving to a VoIP system. An NBN environment will soon see VoIP becoming the default phone option and has spurred many businesses to begin taking the ‘virtual leap’ towards high-quality, feature-rich VoIP or hosted/virtual PBX solutions.
Traditional PBXs are notoriously complicated and expensive. A hosted/virtual PBX phone system also eliminates the frustrations of limited lines and inflexibility of traditional PBXs to accommodate the changing needs of your business. Plus, because it is a pure digital service, the voice quality will be much better than a traditional landline as long as you have a good internet connection.
Most providers offer the ability to manage your virtual PBX via an Online Portal, which means you can say goodbye to unnecessary maintenance costs and the need to call a technician every time you want to make a change to your system. A virtual solution gives control of the phone system back to its rightful owner, you.
TIP: A VoIP provider that offers number porting is an important consideration. This means you can bring your existing phone numbers across into ‘the cloud’ without worrying about having to distribute and advertise a new number.
Improve Operational Efficiency and Customer Service
‘The cloud’ hasn’t just improved our phone systems; it has also taken faxing to a new level. Save time and maintenance costs with a Virtual Fax solution which delivers faxes directly to your email address as PDF documents and sends faxes directly from your computer. Plus, because it’s virtual, it has the unique ability to receive multiple faxes simultaneously with a fax line that is never ‘busy’.
Demonstrate your focus on customer service from the first impression with a 1300/1800 number and let customers call you for the cost of a local call or even free. 1300/1800 numbers can now be hosted in the cloud, making it more economical and functional with additional features available including the ability to direct the call to the appropriate branch geographically, add an auto-attendant IVR or divert it to voicemail if required – it’s all possible in the cloud.
Leverage virtual solutions to minimise your operating expenses and enhance customer experience with a demonstrated focus on customer service and efficiency – it’s a win-win. Businesses that have taken the ‘virtual leap’ towards next-generation solutions such as VoIP have reported savings of up to 60 percent. Isn’t it time you did too?
– Rene Sugo is the CEO of MyNetFone, Australia’s leading provider of hosted voice and data communications services for residential, business and enterprise users. For more information, visit www.mynetfone.com.au/business or call 1300 395 468.
