8 Things You Didn’t Know about Hosted Phone Systems
5 min read
Hosted phone systems are one of the easiest ways to set up an office that uses multiple phone lines without requiring extensive work from an IT staff.
Cloud PBX, virtual phone systems, and hosted phone systems can provide your business with the same functionality as a physical PBX system, such as call transfer, automated attendants, message on hold, and much more – without the hassle of managing physical equipment or running lengthy cabling throughout your building.
Here are 8 things you might not know about hosted phone systems that can help you decide if they’re right for your business.
1) What is VoIP?
The term VoIP stands for voice over Internet protocol. Basically, it’s a way to turn any computer into a telephone. Instead of using copper wire or fibre optic cable like traditional phone systems do, VoIP uses your existing high-speed Internet connection to make and receive calls. It’s cheaper, more convenient and more flexible than old-fashioned landlines.
2) Virtual or physical?
Cloud PBX, hosted phone systems and virtual phone systems are often used interchangeably. However, they are actually different from one another. Virtual PBX and hosted phone systems provide all of their features through a telephone, computer or mobile device.
They do not require any hardware in order to work. A virtual PBX does not require physical hardware to work; it allows you to turn up new employees very quickly with just a call or two. A hosted phone system is also available without any hardware investment on your part. However, unlike a virtual PBX, it will take some time for them to set up and configure your system before use.
A hosted phone system is delivered as software over IP (SIP). The whole purpose of SIP is to eliminate unnecessary infrastructure by delivering functionality via an Internet connection rather than traditional network lines.
3) Cost savings of using VoIP phone systems
Yes, you can get all of your phone services in one central location, with one simple monthly bill. Because VoIP phone systems use Internet connections instead of expensive landlines, they save business owners a significant amount of money each month.
For example, local businesses that rely on traditional phone systems may pay more than $600 per month for their service; whereas cloud PBX and hosted phone systems cost much less. The exact number depends on how many extensions you’re using and what additional features are there in your plan.
4) Cost savings from using a hosted Phone systems
With a hosted PBX system, you pay only for what you use. Cloud PBX systems help your company grow, so there’s no need to install new phone lines every time your business expands. Because you pay for cloud PBX by usage and not on a contract basis, there’s no need to worry about fluctuations in your business; an increase in call volume won’t result in increased monthly costs.
Every year thousands of businesses adopt cloud-based PBX solutions like Wavetel is offering to business; because of their low cost of ownership, scalability, and powerful functionality. To help small businesses better understand how they can benefit from modern communications technology Wavetel is offering its cloud PBX and virtual phone system services all over the world.
5) Why virtual PBXs are becoming so popular?
Cloud-based PBXs are becoming an increasingly popular choice among businesses. These virtual phone systems allow users to take their office anywhere, both figuratively and literally. You don’t have to worry about running wires or equipment, as one can access it through a computer network.
Additionally, with hosted phone systems, you can rest assured that your data is safe from hackers because it’s not stored in a centralized location. And if something happens to your physical offices, such as a fire or flood, cloud-based infrastructure allows employees to continue working on any devices with internet access.
6) How does VoIP work?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a popular way of making phone calls through your computer or mobile device. It works by converting voice into digital information and sending it over an Internet connection. By using a PBX system, you can make unlimited local and long-distance calls without incurring any additional charges.
These systems can also be set up to forward all incoming calls to other phones based on time or location, which gives you more control over how you handle incoming communications. One obvious advantage of this technology is that by hosting your company’s voicemail system in the cloud. You don’t have to worry about server maintenance costs—so that money goes straight back into doing business.
7) How does VoIP affect my network?
The old saying that garbage in, garbage out applies to telephone calls as well. If your network isn’t set up correctly, you’ll suffer poor call quality. The VoIP phone system works best when voice data travels over a dedicated circuit from your phone system to its data centre and back again.
A wireless link can degrade performance. If too many people try to use their phones at once, such as during an emergency or widespread event like a concert, callers may have trouble getting through at all. This is because cell carriers prioritize text messages over voice packets, ensuring critical alerts are delivered but potentially delaying other communications.
To guard against potential problems, avoid holding company meetings with live speakers via teleconference or video; instead, let everyone dial into a conference line so they can talk one by one. Work with your service provider to optimize local calling numbers and test them before rolling them out across corporate headquarters.
8) A comparison between an analogue system and a digital system in regards to cost savings
A hosted system will cost you more than an analogue system, but a digital phone system may save you money in regard to long-term costs. With an analogue system, you would need separate hardware and software, which would result in additional equipment costs and maintenance fees.
Digital systems are cloud-based PBX systems that tend to be cheaper on a per-line basis as you add new employees. Unlike analogue systems, there is no additional hardware or software required for digital systems—they’re accessible from any computer with internet access anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts – Where To Move Next?
Hosted phone systems are an excellent way to cut costs and increase productivity for businesses of all sizes. With the ability to provide a highly-customized phone system, it is possible to run a business without having to spend time managing technical aspects of your phone system.
There are many hosted phone services out there, but the fact is that most of them have certain limitations. In order to make sure you’re getting the best possible service for your business, it’s important to find a provider that fits your needs and budget.
There are many reasons why Wavetel is the best phone service provider in the UK. From our unique business model to our innovative solutions, we are a company that stands out from the crowd. Our products and services include Virtual Phone Systems, Dedicated IP phones, Cloud PBXs, SIP Trunking, Business SMS, and more. We can also provide all of these solutions on-premise or on a hosted basis. If you need help with your current phone system, contact us today!