There’s lots of buzz around the cloud these days and cloud communications is no exception. But buzz isn’t always an indicator of a business case for technology purchases. Smart businesses are asking what’s driving the rush to the cloud and how do MSPs play a part in managing cloud solutions. Here are 10 real-world reasons.
1. Cost
Predictable monthly costs. This may seem like old news, but many companies don’t realize just how much they can save by moving their communications to the cloud using a Unified Communications as a Service model. By hosting a phone system over the Internet, businesses are charged on an “as needed” basis, paying only for what they use. That makes cloud-based communication systems especially cost-effective for small businesses-eliminating the need to pay for the installation and maintenance of a traditional phone system.
2. Management
Outsource IT support to a trusted Managed Services Provider (MSP). The management of an on-site solution can be very costly when it comes to time and resources. Because of the complexity of today’s communications systems, it often takes an entire IT department to manage, leaving little time for anything else. Cloud-based communications can help alleviate the burden by eliminating maintenance, IT workload and some of the more costly internal infrastructure, including servers and storage systems.
3. Scalability
Scale up or down based on users. Anyone who has moved or expanded an on-site phone system knows just how difficult it can be. Whether a business is growing, moving or sizing down, the cloud provides the flexibility and scalability the business needs now and in the future. And with cloud-based systems, businesses can access and add new features without any new hardware requirements.
4. Vendor management
One vendor for everything. With cloud communications, an MSP manages communication systems off-site, and IT departments are freed up to focus on other high-priority issues. Have an issue with your phone company? Global CTI will handle it for you as part of our MSP responsibilities.
5. Technology
Managed updates. With cloud communications, service is outsourced, and upgrades are deployed through your MSP at a time that minimally impacts your business. Many businesses are starting to see the benefits of cloud technology as they no longer have to worry about the security of their data. MSPs and cloud-based communications providers include cyber protection in their managed services. In Global CTI’s case, we partner with The Compliancy Group to ensure data is secure and protected, even when audited by HIPAA.
6. Quality of service
Maximize uptime and downtime coverage. For many businesses, uptime is pivotal. To keep things running, they rely on the ability to scale and leverage remote work teams or serve customers from anywhere. For these kinds of businesses, once they have learned how to manage a secure remote workspace and are confident in doing so, cloud communications maximize uptime and coverage through multiple, remotely hosted data centers, helping them avoid costly interruptions and downtime.
7. Affordable Redundancy
Leverage shared resources. With an on-site communication system, hardware and software geographic redundancy can be challenging to deliver. But when multiple businesses share resources in a cloud environment, they get access to a level of redundancy that would be too expensive to procure with an on-site solution.
8. Disaster recovery
Business continuity made easy. Businesses are using the cloud to protect themselves from the effects of disasters. With cloud communications, they can get up and running quickly after a disaster, or in some cases, continue running the entire time. Some reroute calls to remote locations and cell phones. Others rely on remote access to voicemail or use cloud-based auto attendants to continue taking calls and providing information. It’s a hard-to-resist combination of reliability, resiliency and redundancy. As a trusted MSP. Global CTI can help your team decide on, implement and routinely test BDR systems to ensure they are ready should a failure or catastrophic event occur.
9. Cloud-based applications
Access customized applications in the cloud. When businesses are connected to a cloud communications platform, they get access to the latest communications applications and developments, like customizable business workflows. These applications help boost productivity and revenue streams for their businesses in ways that traditional communications programs cannot. Collaboration is also greatly enhanced with chat, video and email capabilities, all additional channels built in to most UCaaS systems that can be used to boost communication between your team and your customers.
10. Future-proofing
Digital transformation is here. Most companies have started transitioning to the cloud in one form or another to future-proof their businesses, as most applications today are being constructed in the cloud. Making the most of new applications requires the ability to integrate fluidly with business communications systems. Integrating cloud-based applications with a cloud-based communications system is significantly easier today than it was just a few years ago. Global CTI can be that extra set of knowledgable hands to ensure the implementation goes smoothly.
Making your own call
Is cloud-based communication right for you? Maybe so. Maybe not. But it is right for the 1.6 million business people who rely on our cloud communication technology day in and day out. If you’re not sure, you can always contact the friendly folks here at Global CTI to find out what’s best for you! Drop us an email at sales@gcti.com or call us at 800-366-1711.