While Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for quite a while, many businesses have been slow to completely adopt a cloud-based phone system.
They get attached to what they have always understood a phone system was, which was something plugged into the wall and that was landline based.
One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic (which isn’t yet over) has done is wake busines owners up to the need to have flexible business systems that can be accessed from anywhere.
It’s projected that by 2021, 90% of IT leaders will stop purchasing on-premises communication tools entirely.
Even before the pandemic came along to further accelerate cloud and VoIP adoption, 50% of IT leaders already stopped purchasing landline systems. That number was expected to reach 90% by 2021, but it will most likely be sooner.
Landline based phones are one of the last technologies tying companies to a physical office. Many small businesses in Massachusetts have already transitioned to cloud applications like Microsoft 365 or QuickBooks Online.
That was a life saver when everyone had to suddenly close up shop and send employees home to run the company remotely.
Companies that had a cloud based VoIP phone system fared much better that those that didn’t because the ability to transition was already built in and would not have changed the experience of their customers.
If you’re still stuck in the past with a landline-based phone system, it may be costing much more than an inconvenience when employees work remotely.
Why Cloud Phone Systems Have Become Critical to Businesses
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Back in January, no one thought that the entire country (or world) would be bascially shut down and hunkering down at home due to a pandemic.
Business continuity plans are more important than ever, which includes having flexible business systems and processes that are agile and can be run from any location if needed.
57% of surveyed businesses said their need to use cloud solutions increased unexpectedly due to the pandemic.
Why is now the time to switch to a VoIP phone system? Here are the most critical reasons to use a cloud-based phone system at your company.
Eliminate Downtime in a Crisis
There are any number of reasons that you may need to vacate your main office and have employees work remotely. Of course, a global pandemic has turned out to be a major reason, but there are also fires, storms, and Snowmageddon events (like we’ve seen in recent years.)
Any kind of downtime for your business costs you. The average cost of downtime for a small business is between $137 to $427 per minute. So, say that a large snowstorm took out your phones for half a day (4 hours). At the lowest estimate, that could cost your business over $32,800.
VoIP phones aren’t impacted by the physical events that may happen around your office. They’re hosted on cloud servers that have redundancies built in to ensure uptime. This eliminates downtime in the event of a crisis.
Keep Your Customer Experience Consistent
When your employees are working remotely from home, how do they answer their desk line? Do you use a forward from your analog phone system to employee mobile phones?
For the customer this can create an experience that’s not as professional as they’re used to. For example, say when they call in, they normally get a dial by name directory and the ability to speak to a friendly receptionist.
But when your lines are forwarded, the dial by name directly is gone and they get a “Hello?” on the other end because an employee may not recognize it’s a customer call on their personal mobile.
The features you have available and the customer experience calling into a VoIP cloud system are identical whether your team is answering phones at the office or from their homes. This also means you can easily transfer calls as needed just like you do when everyone’s in the office.
Reduce Your Operating Costs
“Tightening your belt” has taken on a whole new meaning in the post-pandemic world. Many businesses had to drastically cut operating costs while they were figuring out how to serve customers and stay open virtually in the midst of a lockdown.
VoIP phone systems cost significantly less than landline phone systems, due to savings on equipment costs, calling plans, and the ability to eliminate other cloud subscription services (like video conferencing).
So, at a time when companies are looking for ways to optimize and lower costs, VoIP offers a perfect way to do that without having to give up any capabilities.
Enable Employees to Work Remotely, Professionally
We’re already more than halfway through 2020, and some states are talking about reclosing due to a resurgence in the virus in many areas.
So those companies that have only just reopened may be looking at another lockdown happening at some point.
It’s vital to have a phone system in place that can enable employees to work remotely and maintain the professional feel of your office for callers.
Using a VoIP phone system means employees don’t have to use their personal home or mobile phones to call out to customers or vendors. They can use VoIP from anywhere and any device and the person being called will see your company’s name in the Caller ID, just as they do when you call from your office.
Be Prepared For Anything & Lower Costs with PTG Voice
Pro Tech Guy’s PTG Voice VoIP phone system offers you the flexibility, security, and affordability needed in today’s business climate.
Contact us today to schedule a demo! Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.