It is very important for a business to get the most out of its communication system in order to provide the utmost connectivity between the company and their clients. In today’s society, there are two main options for VoIP service, which refers to the internet-based phone systems that are currently available. The two options are a cloud-based VoIP phone system or a premise-based VoIP phone system. Continue reading below in order to learn the pros and cons of both systems.
Cloud-based VoIP phone system
The cloud-based VoIP system is maintained at a remote location away from your office. A VoIP provider houses and maintains all of the hardware and the software required to host a client’s communication system. This provider also maintains system security and technical support for the system.
Small businesses find cloud-based systems especially useful because they do not need a physical place to store the hardware for a communication system, nor do they need to keep an IT department on their premises in order to maintain and manage the communication system.
Many large businesses also decide to use cloud-based VoIP systems because they can limit their IT department by outsourcing their communication system upkeep. Some large companies have even downsized their own IT departments after they began to use a cloud-based system.
One aspect of cloud-based VoIP systems that some companies do not enjoy is the lack of control over their own system. For example, if something isn’t working correctly, then the company relies on their VoIP provider to fix the issue. This correction may not be completed as promptly as desired, since the company has to wait on the service provider to fix the errors.
Premise-based VoIP phone system
A premise-based communication system is located on your company’s premises, or property. Large companies are especially equipped to handle premise-based systems, because they usually have the physical space to house the required hardware, and they typically have a fully-staffed IT department. By having a premise-based VoIP system with easy reach, companies have more control over their own systems. If something breaks, a knowledgeable staff member can fix the problem without leaving the building. Many companies also like having control over their own systems due to company security procedures.
The main downfalls of a premise-based communication system are the initial cost of setting up the required hardware, having physical space to store it, and having an IT expert on staff to manage the system.
In conclusion, it is important for the successful communication of your business that you choose the VoIP phone system that suits your needs and size of your company. Communication is a key to success for most businesses; therefore, your system is something that should not be considered lightly.