iNET Blog

The technological jump from POTS to cloud-based phone systems is the equivalent of going from a 1984 Ford F-150 barebones single-cab truck to a 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck with everything you could imagine, including the ability to give power to your house in a blackout. For its time, the 1984 Ford was a workhorse that could do everything and, over the last 40 years, has been a stable fixture in your business. On the other hand, it’s 2024, and many, many, many advancements have made their way into the automotive world. The demands of the current world and customers’ expectations have made the necessary decision easier to upgrade to the 2024 F-150 Lightning. 

Just like the 1984 F-150, your POTS lines and traditional phone system have had their day in the sun, and now it’s time to move to a cloud-based phone system. If you need any more reason, the FCC has deregulated copper telephone lines, and service and maintenance are no longer required. This doesn’t mean they will be shut off overnight, but over time, they’ll be less reliable and more expensive to maintain. 

With a cloud-based phone system from iNet, you get a fully supported, round-the-clock system monitored with the state-of-the-art communication system of your dreams. Don’t believe us? Read on to learn how we make these transitions as smooth as possible for you and, in most cases, for much less than you’re paying now for service with a modern VoIP service. 

What is a Cloud Based Phone System? 

A cloud phone system is a type of phone system that uses internet protocol (IP) networks to deliver voice communication sessions from anywhere the user is. You may also hear a cloud phone system called hosted voice, cloud voice, or even VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. Technically, there are slight differences, but for our purposes, we’ll use them interchangeably. 

Cloud phone systems are hosted in the cloud, eliminating the need for complex, on-site infrastructure and maintenance. The need to buy entire systems for your business has disappeared, while purchasing access to enterprise-level hosted voice systems has become the norm. According to G2, you can save as much as 90 percent on your initial investment and up to 50 percent with ongoing costs moving to VoIP from a traditional PBX. 

How Cloud Phone Systems Work 

Cloud phone systems use internet protocol (IP) networks to deliver voice communication sessions. They convert voice into a digital signal, also known as VoIP, that travels over the internet. VoIP services operate over a broadband connection, offering significant advantages such as cost-effectiveness and flexibility compared to traditional phone systems. These phone systems are available through a distributed network of data centers that make up the cloud. The distributed nature of data centers means that if there’s a power outage or natural disaster at one, the traffic and access to your system automatically shift to another data center without you even knowing it. The built-in redundancy alone makes a cloud phone system worth the switch, but there’s plenty more reason, and we’re getting to those. 

Cloud phone systems can be used with a computer, VoIP desk phone, or mobile device, giving you even more freedom in running your business. Deciding how to interact with the system can offer additional money-saving opportunities. 

Benefits of Cloud based Phone Systems 

There’s a benefit to cloud-based phone systems that can be overlooked if not working with an experienced provider, and that’s customization. For example, you could have 12 remote workers, 30 in-office, and three seasonal employees, and the cost is standard across the board. You don’t get dinged because you want remote access, and the seasonal workers can have their profiles and lines disabled and not charged when they’re not there. You get a system that molds to you and fits your needs, not vice versa. 

• Cost savings: As mentioned above, cloud phone systems reduce ongoing business phone service costs by up to 50 percent. Over the span of your using the system, you’ll end up saving a lot more since you don’t pay for upgrades, unexpected hardware failures, and more. 

• Scalability: You have the power to adjust on the fly with hosted phone systems because the platform makes it easy to add or remove users, features, and call capacity without extensive hardware upgrades or installations. Gone are the days of waiting weeks for a technician to become available to roll out to your location. 

• Flexibility: With cloud phone systems, you can decide how your business operates by enabling employees to make and receive voice calls from anywhere with an internet connection. 

• Productivity: Regarding productivity, cloud phone systems can increase employee productivity and give customers more direct access to what they need, thanks to features that streamline communications and call handling efficiency. By taking advantage of advanced call routing and forwarding, you can better engage with your customers and build loyalty to your business. 

• Full-service management: A cloud voice system takes the maintenance off your plate. When you work with iNet, we’re a partner who’s always there for you with ongoing support, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting, reducing the load on your internal IT teams. 

Features of Cloud Phone Systems 

The benefits of a cloud-based phone system are a direct result of the wide range of features that come with it. The more you take advantage of the available features, the chances are you’ll have greater benefits. Is this a scientific fact? No, but when you transition from POTS to cloud voice, the number of features you can access is almost overwhelming. Here are some features you can expect:   

• Basic and advanced calling features, including call routing, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and call recording. 

• Integration with other cloud-based communication tools that streamline your business while providing access to other options like SMS, video, instant messages, and presence. 

• Unlimited domestic calling and competitive international rates to encompass all communication needs. 

• Mobile and desktop app for remote work and flexibility. Adding in remote possibilities doesn’t mean your business needs to offer remote work, but it’s critical for disaster recovery. 

Benefits of a Managed Service Provider 

The cloud voice system is only as good as the company providing it. All the bells and whistles in the world will only get you so far, and that’s where an experienced MSP comes into the picture. On top of that, not only does the system and support need to be rock solid, but the transition from POTS to cloud voice needs to be seamless as well. From initial installation to ongoing support, iNet has you covered. Below are claims you can trust:  

• We provide high uptime and reliability with minimal downtime. 

• Redundant infrastructure and backup systems come standard. 

• Regular maintenance and updates that keep your system in tip-top shape. 

• You’ll always receive proactive monitoring and issue resolution. 

Fast Track Your Transition to Cloud-based Phones Systems with iNet 

The truth is that upgrading one of the most integral parts of your business isn’t something to take lightly. The FCC imposes regulatory obligations on interconnected VoIP providers, particularly regarding 911 calls and compliance with law enforcement regulations. We know that spending the time needed throughout the sales, onboarding, and ongoing processes is the only way you’ll be successful. At iNet, we’ve been in this industry for decades and know what it means to be there for our customers. We take the responsibility of providing service to your business seriously. Contact us today, and let us show you what it means to be taken care of.