The use of cloud technology is on the rise and has been prominent in computing for a while now. However cloud telephony is a technology that is fast catching on, and Ian Hilton, Director of Preston-based company Tech Advance, has been advising on whether a cloud telephone system is right for businesses, and what they could potentially be missing out on.
A cloud telephone system, also known as managed or hosted telephone system, means that the telephone system processor is located in a secure hosted environment offsite, as opposed to being in data cabinets or fixed to the wall onsite. A company would still purchase the telephone, setup and training, but instead of buying a system processor they would pay a monthly rental fee for the cloud. According to Fort Mill Times, cloud telephony “is poised for a banner year in 2013, thanks in part of the role so-called “big data” will play in improving the quality and depth of analytics and telecom applications.”
Ian Hilton has been talking about the advantages of a cloud telephone system, and discussed the factors businesses need to consider before deciding if it’s right for them.
He stated: “Cloud Telephony does offer some significant benefits to UK businesses today, however as with most technologies it is not for everyone as some companies promoting just these services would have you believe. A good rule of thumb is that if your organisation were considering the use of cloud computing in any form, then it would be worthwhile considering cloud telephony. Certainly organisations with smaller sites operating up to 20 phones on any one site can benefit, also with companies with a distributed workforce.“
“We are considering cloud telephony for more and more clients every year and this technology is certainly set to stay and grow with time, driven by better quality, faster and more cost effective Internet connectivity. Any organisation looking at upgrading their current telephone systems should be considering both a hybrid onsite telephone system and a cloud telephone system and take advice on which provides the best fit for them moving forward from a consultant able to delivery on both solutions.”
Property Aspects appreciates the contribution to this article from Ian Hilton of TechAdvance who has worked in telecommunications for 22 years. For more information, contact Ian via Tel: 0845 389 2311 or E-Mail: ihilton@techadvance.co.uk
