With an almost equal number of pros and cons for choosing hosted phone systems, you’ll need to evaluate your circumstances carefully to determine whether this type of telephone service is right for your business.
Here are some of the things that may fall in the cons category when assessing what is the right decision for your company.
Call Quality Issues
While call quality of VOIP has improved significantly over the years, you still may experience from consistent to sporadic call quality issues. If a vendor tells you that cloud phones are simple plug and play in to your network, run away. The call quality you experience (or don’t) is directly tied to quality of your computer network and internet provider. If you want to have the best experience, expect to invest more in these elements of your technology budget. If you enter into the world of cloud phones with the expectation of zero call quality issues, you will most likely be disappointed and should consider a traditional phone system instead.
Most Cloud phone vendors don’t understand voice technology
Cloud based phone systems can offer your business many great features that can save time and money. However, due to the low barrier of entry into this space, the wrong vendor can leave you with a fantastic business tool that is not set up properly. Again, avoid the “plug and play” type vendors that offer free installation. You will get what you pay for in this scenario. To avoid this trap, find vendors that understand voice and data communications, how they need to work together, and are committed to getting you set up right.
Cloud Phone Systems Cost more over the long term
If you are going to make the change to cloud- based phones, don’t let the desire to save money be the driving factor. To make the move to the cloud, there are two factors that will drive costs to that above a traditional phone system on the wall in your office. 1. To properly deploy a cloud-based system be prepared to invest in your data equipment, building wiring, and internet access. 2. Cloud phones are priced based on a monthly recurring cost per user for as long as you are in business. Having a set monthly cost is beneficial in the short term, but over time the total cost of ownership increases because you never acquire full possession of the system. While you can argue that this is offset by the automatic upgrades, lack of capital expenditure, and the ongoing support, it is a factor that you need to consider.
Most Cloud phone systems lack some traditional functionality
Cloud phones can offer small businesses many advanced features contained within the monthly subscription costs. However, there may be some basic features that may be lacking. These types of phones are often built on an open standards platform. While this may be a pro, often, some basic functionality may be lacking due to the non- proprietary nature of the systems. Make sure you carefully review the current features you rely on, before you sign a contract, so you don’t paint yourself in a corner post installation.
