Business tips

Hosted IP Telephony: Six Benefits and Four Pitfalls to Avoid

September 20, 2023

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In 2023, 74% of businesses say that cloud-based phone systems are their top investment priority. That’s why you’re hearing more and more about cloud telephony and hosted IP telephony—which are both similar concepts. But what exactly are they? And could they be a game changer for your business? How do you make the transition seamlessly? To help you unravel the mystery, we’ve outlined six advantages of hosted IP telephony and four traps to steer clear of when planning your migration.

What’s Hosted IP Telephony All About?

It’s a phone system that operates over the Internet. Think of it like your conversations taking a trip through the cloud, rather than traveling via physical wires like traditional phones. You plug your phones into your existing Internet network instead of connecting them to a landline. So, having a reliable Internet provider is crucial for clear audio quality and to avoid call drops. And it’s a breeze to manage it all, thanks to an user-friendly dashboard.

The Six Advantages of Hosted IP Telephony

Hosted IP telephony is gaining traction across businesses of all sizes due to its advantages and user-friendly management.

1. Customized Setup

Right from the start, service setup is tailored to your business needs. A specialist and technician will ensure that your services align with your requirements, guaranteeing an optimal installation.

2. Cost Reduction

No maintenance fees, no unexpected bills. Reach out to your Internet provider to simulate costs and compare with your current expenses.

3. Centralized Features

Having hosted IP telephony is like having a mini phone hub with over thirty functions that enhance your efficiency.

Interactive Voice Response
On-hold Music
Sequential Ringing
Personalized Voicemail
Extension Dialing

4. A Flexible and Agile System

The hosted IP telephony system easily adapts to your company’s growth. You can add or remove users and features as needed, without investing in new infrastructure. For example, if call volume spikes during certain periods, you can add lines and remove them when the volume normalizes. And the best part? You don’t need to be an IT expert to manage it.

5. Remote Work

Your employees can access your company’s phone system from anywhere with an Internet connection, using an app. Enable them to work remotely without sacrificing functionality. It’s the perfect solution for optimizing remote work.

6. Data Backup

Typically, your hosted IP telephony provider manages data backup and offers disaster recovery options. This means your communication data is secure, and you can swiftly recover your system in case of incidents. Check if such a service is included in your package.

In short, hosted IP telephony offers numerous advantages for businesses. It enhances communication, flexibility, scalability and cost management, while providing access to advanced features.

Four Pitfalls to Avoid for a Successful Migration:

Every new technology comes with pitfalls to steer clear of. When migrating your company to hosted IP telephony, there are mistakes to avoid for a smooth transition.

1. Not Assessing Needs Properly

Before migrating, take time to assess your communication needs thoroughly. Choose a plan with the necessary features without paying for ones that won’t be useful to you.

2. Not Planning the Migration

Plan the migration carefully to prevent service interruptions. Coordinate with your previous provider to understand the procedures for a seamless transfer of services.

3. Neglecting Employee Training

Don’t forget to invest time in employee training. A new technology might require an adjustment period. Train them in using the new system to maximize efficiency and team productivity.

4. Overlooking Provider Choice

Ensure that your hosted IP telephony service provider listens to your needs, can tailor the service to your business, and has a responsive team when you need assistance.

Having hosted IP telephony for your business gives you greater autonomy, agility in daily communications and a boost in efficiency.

To learn more, feel free to reach out to your local business specialist and talk about your options. They’d be happy to hear from you.