VoIP or Cloud-based phone systems can easily replace your old system for big cost savings and more flexibility. Old physical PABX/PBX systems often have complex licensing and are not as configurable as newer cloud-based systems. Gone are the days of poor quality SIP trunk lines. Enjoy crystal clear calling anywhere you want in the world.

What can a cloud phone system do?

Having a cloud-based phone system lets you change the way you work quickly and easily. If you have a network connection or Internet connection, you can have a phone that is part of your office.

A cloud-based phone system is perfect if you have remote workers or need to work from home.

Types of phones

The days of terrible VoIP phones are long gone. There are many options available at all price points. Old digital phones for a PBX system were expensive, and old VoIP phones were light and of poor quality. The latest generation of desk phones are easy to use, fully-featured (including decent speakerphone), and allow you to attach a headset without extra connection options.

Softphone

If you’re a road-warrior and rarely at a desk, you can install a software phone on your laptop or mobile phone. This option lets you use your phone anywhere you are without the need to lug any extra hardware. Softphones are a great way to keep connected when you’re travelling nationally or internationally.

Desk phone

There are many great options and brands. We have been using Yealink phones for 10+ years now, and they’re a nice mid-priced option. If you want something more upmarket, you might consider a SNOM (we’ve used these for 15+ years) or some of the old classics like Cisco or Polycom, who are some of the first players. If you want a cheaper option, you could check out Grandstream, which have been in the market for a long time.

Other types of phones

• Conference phones – great for your boardroom.
• PA speakers – these are extensions in your phone system, great for announcements.

Risks and Benefits of Flexibility

Having your own PBX system means you can configure it as you wish. With many options already available out of the box, it’s a case of configuring your system. The downside is that you’ll need an additional server that needs maintenance and software updates, which may seem cost-prohibitive.

What features do you get out of the box?

• IVR (the voice prompt you get when you call a big company).
• Voicemail that can be emailed (this saves time checking voicemail on the phone).
• Queues (this is great for service desks or sales lines).
• Call recording and call logging.
• On hold music.

Should you have your own system or use a telco’s system?

The key driver here comes down the cost vs control. If you want maximum control and flexibility with your phone services, you’ll prefer your own system. If you don’t care or want to offload your phone system’s management and maintenance away from your IT provider or yourself, you’ll want to pick up the telco’s option. There is one benefit of going with the telco’s option – follow me mobile calling. If you pick the options from Vodafone, Spark or 2degrees, you can have a desk phone and mobile phone working in tandem on a single extension. This option is great if you’re in and out of the office often, as it makes configuration much easier.