As with all technology, making the decision to move your business communications system to the cloud can be met with trepidation. IT Administrators who are used to having crucial business platforms onsite may be reluctant to move them. After all, if it’s not broke and it’s not costing anything, why be the guy responsible for changing it? In reality, moving to the cloud is simple, affordable and the single, biggest step you can take to future proof your business. If you ask us, there’s a whole host of reasons to explore the benefits of the cloud with your clients. So many in fact, that we’ve picked out our top 10 to help you bring them on board.
1. Eliminate the Risk of Obsolesce
Physical hardware ages and needs to be replaced with time. But, this can be time-consuming and costly for clients. With a cloud solution, the responsibility for keeping the infrastructure updated shifts from the customer to the service provider. Updates and upgrades are also taken care of. Users just need to have an active subscription to enjoy up-to-date technology without needing to set aside additional funds and resources to maintain the performance of their system.
2. Simplify Location Management
Whilst maintaining one on premise system might not seem too demanding, the challenge with remote locations is that you typically need one installation at each site. If you have an issue, this can result in multiple site visits just for troubleshooting purposes. As you can imagine, the cost soon stacks up, especially if some of your sites are overseas. A cloud system, on the other hand, enables each office to access the same virtual server using an internet connection. The result is having one simplified system that enables internal calling between locations (imagine the call costs your customers could save). As an MSP simplified location management is also essential. Centrally manage all your clients’ communications, regardless of their location, through a single browser-based portal- you won’t even need to leave the desk.
3. Minimize Capital Expenditure
Investing in a new communications system is expensive. Why make it more so? Traditional systems require the purchase of servers, phones, network services and on top of it all, clients often pay hefty setup fees. By adopting a cloud strategy, your customers can expect to save thousands. (With Jeff Dodge Technologies utilizing the 3CX Phone System we can boast that we save customers as much as 80% on their current phone bill). With providers also offering exceptionally reliable communications via WebClients and native iOS/Android apps you’ll save even more on desk phones and corporate smartphones.
4. Consolidate Communications
A communications suite typically includes voice, video, remote working, SMS, presence, and faxing—all under one roof. It’s easy to simplify and reduce your costs when you receive all your channels from one provider on a single bill. Consolidating also leads to better, more consistent communications with co-workers and customers by allowing them to use their preferred channels. Additionally, because cloud systems are software-driven and maintained by the providers, they’re usually easier to integrate with other software platforms used internally. This can include CRM systems, PMS and IoT Applications.
5. Accommodate Remote Workers
On premises systems limit your ability to take advantage of remote workers because they generally lack a direct connection to employees on the move. In contrast, moving your system to the cloud removes technological boundaries. Cloud solutions can route call traffic to any destination with an active internet connection, so routing calls to smartphones and home offices is just as easy as routing them to an office phone. Another benefit, specialist features typically used in the office can be utilised remotely such as call transfers and voicemail.
6. Enhance Security
Whilst it may seem more secure to have all of your IT systems within hands reach, in reality, the opposite couldn’t be more true. On premise systems are subjected to more hack attempts than their cloud counterparts (61.4 attempts vs 27.8 attempts on average). Whether you’re using a private cloud or public cloud to host your client’s systems, they’re going to be in safe hands. After all, cloud providers are specialists in cloud security, unlike your average IT Administrator. They may well be tech-savvy, but they can’t provide best practice like encryption, security protocols, and active service monitoring, even if they had the time too.
7. Improve Disaster Recovery
Traditional recovery approaches typically entail offsite duplication of infrastructure and data. With cloud computing, disaster recovery becomes much more cost-effective with significantly faster recovery times. Many cloud providers will automatically include a failover to another data center in your monthly plan, so you can rest assured knowing a backup of your communications system is available should the worst happen. For extra peace of mind, you could even use multiple providers in varying locations to backup your applications.
8. Increased Functionality
Traditional systems are limited in terms of features. Each feature requires specific hardware components and configurations in order to work, which typically sends costs through the roof. In the Cloud, you can access business productivity features with none of the hassles. 3CX for example has a zero add-on policy. Customers can enjoy features such as voicemail, a digital receptionist, and HD video conferencing without adding extra charges to their phone bill.
9. Receive Automatic Updates and Cut the Hassle
The latest technology will give your business an edge on the competition. But upgrades can also come with a steep learning curve. They usually entail at least some downtime, costs and debugging sessions. With an on premises system, you bear the responsibility for the upgrades. Choosing a hosted service shifts that responsibility to the provider and because you’re in the cloud, it’s easier to roll out new updates and features at a faster pace. Why not take a look at Hosted by 3CX, our new managed hosting service for partners and see how it could make your life easier.
10. Take Advantage of New Technology
Hosting business applications in the cloud gives you a level of flexibility not possible with legacy solutions. This is especially true if your clients want to integrate with other essential business services. With a software-based, hosted solution from 3CX for example, you can easily integrate your communications with other essential business platforms to create one, easy to use, business hub. A hub could comprise of your clients 3CX Phone System and their CRM. Or perhaps they have a bespoke platform for making reservations- with a system in the cloud it’s easy to connect via APIs.
