26 May 2023

Introduction

Communication is crucial in the fast-paced corporate climate of today. Businesses must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with their partners, customers, and workers if they want to remain competitive. Hosted telephony is a cutting-edge method for giving organisations a flexible and affordable means to interact. The advantages of hosted telephony, such as cost savings, scalability, increased mobility, and access to cutting-edge features and capabilities, will be outlined in this article. We will also review the recommended practices for establishing hosted telephony and how to pick a provider.

What is hosted telephony, and how does it work?

Hosted telephony, or hosted PBX (Private Branch Extchange) enables companies to place and receive calls online. Hosted telephony employs Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send voice calls as data packets instead of conventional phone lines. A third-party service provider manages and maintains hosted telephony systems, so organisations are spared the expense of purchasing pricey gear or software.

Voice calls are sent over the internet as data packets utilising VoIP technology in hosted telephony systems. At the opposite end of the conversation, voice signals are created from the data packets once more. Due to the fact that a hosted telephony system is cloud-based, a business may access it from any place with an internet connection.

Why it's becoming the standard in business communication

Hosted telephony is a cutting-edge communication method that benefits companies of all sizes in several ways. Undoubtedly, it is becoming the norm for business communication due to its rising use and the desire for remote and mobile work. Due to the expansion of remote work and the requirement for more adaptable and scalable corporate communication solutions. Following are some apparent reasons for hosted telephony becoming the standard in business communication for start-ups and small and large enterprises.

  • First, a hosted telephony system provides better customer service thanks to effective call routing and individualised interactions.
  • Second, having access to sophisticated features and functionality may improve productivity and cooperation. Examples include unified communications and tools with AI capability.
  • Thirdly, there might be cost savings because upfront hardware expenditures are eliminated, predictable monthly costs, and decreased IT personnel and maintenance costs.
  • Additionally, hosted telephony's adaptability and scalability simplify adding or removing users and payment options.
  • Moreover, it is also simpler to operate from any location and integrate with virtual office settings because of enhanced mobility and remote access.
  • Furthermore, hosted telephony also offers improved collaboration and communication features, such as team conferencing and opportunities for real-time file sharing.

Benefits of hosted telephony systems

A good hosted business phone system provides many advantages and benefits, including greater collaboration and communication, better customer experiences, access to cutting-edge capabilities, and less need for maintenance and IT support. The following are the most immediate benefits of a good hosted telephony delivering modern corporate communication:

1. Simple installation

A standard phone system's installation can be time-consuming, complex, and expensive. Hosted pbx makes installation easy and inexpensive compared to traditional phone systems. The cloud-based pbx setup is done online, eliminating the need for a physical installation and making it ideal for small businesses and remote teams.

2. Reduces overheads

Hosted telephony can save businesses money in several ways, including:

  • Lower upfront costs

Hosted telephony systems do not require a large upfront investment in hardware or software.

  • Lower IT support/maintenance

A hosted phone system has lower maintenance costs. You can repair the issue at the office without calling an engineer. This means businesses don't need to hire additional IT staff.

  • Economical call rates

Hosted telephony providers often offer lower call rates compared to traditional phone providers.

3. Cost-effective equipment compatibility and integration

Existing hardware or any available modern device can be used with hosted phone systems, including softphones, office phones, mobile devices, and VoIP phones.

4. Exceptional customer experience

Hosted telephone systems provide cutting-edge features and capabilities that can improve the client experience. For instance, call routing, IVR, and call recording technologies can assist firms in providing better customer service.

5. Improved scalability

Adding new team members or new features should be easy and enjoyable, like traditional phone systems requiring a call-out. Depending on the business's need, hosted telephony solutions may be scaled up or down.

  • Adding or removing users

Hosted telephony systems can easily add or remove users as the business grows or changes.

  • Adding or removing features

Hosted telephony systems can easily add or remove features as the business needs change.

6. Great mobility

Remote teams can benefit from the flexibility of a hosted phone system, which allows them to answer calls from anywhere, whether working from home or traveling overseas. There's no need to use a wired desk phone in the office. Therefore, hosted telephony systems provide businesses with enhanced mobility and remote working capabilities. For instance:

  • Access from anywhere

Hosted telephony systems can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which means employees can work from anywhere.

  • Seamless call forwarding

Furthermore, hosted telephony systems can forward calls to any phone number, which means employees can stay connected even when they are away from the office.

  • Collaboration tools

Additionally, hosted telephony systems often come with collaboration tools, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, which enable remote workers to communicate effectively with their colleagues.

7. Disaster recovery & continuity

Businesses can rely on hosted telephony solutions for business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.

  • Data back up

Most importantly, hosted telephony solutions include automated failover capabilities. So if one system component fails, calls are automatically sent to an active component.

  • Auto failover

Hosted telephony solutions frequently provide data backup features, allowing businesses to swiftly recover their data and keep in touch with their clients and staff in the case of a crisis.

8. Detailed call analytics and reporting

Hosted telephony systems offer comprehensive analytics and reporting features, enabling businesses to monitor call metrics such as volume and duration.

9. Enhanced security measures

Hosted pbx systems provide an extra layer of protection with robust identity management tools offered by reputable Hosted VoIP providers like Wavetel Business Hosted Phone Systems. Social engineering is a common data breach tactic where hackers pretend to be your phone provider to obtain sensitive information. This ensures you won't fall victim to hackers and give away critical information.

Who can benefit from Hosted Telephony?

Till now, we have become quite familiar that hosted telephony is a modern communication solution that offers businesses a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems. It allows companies to make and receive calls over the Internet, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs. Hosted telephony can benefit businesses of all sizes and types, from small startups to large enterprises. It is particularly useful for remote teams, mobile workers, and businesses with multiple locations, as it enables seamless communication and collaboration across different devices and locations.

1. Startups and growing businesses

Hosted telephony is ideal for startups and growing businesses that need to scale their communication systems quickly and easily.

2. Small and medium-sized businesses

Likewise, hosted telephony is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want to improve their communication capabilities without investing in expensive on-premises systems.

3. Large enterprises

Further, hosted telephony is also ideal for large enterprises with multiple locations, as it allows them to centralise their communication systems and reduce costs.

4. Digital nomads

Hosted telephony is ideal for remote workers and freelancers who are always on the road. Using any device allows them to make and receive calls from anywhere.

Must-have features of a hosted phone system for your team

Not all hosted phone system providers offer the features necessary for your business, as there are several suppliers to choose from.

1. Advanced call management

  • Call recording and reporting options for monitoring and analysing call data.
  • Automated attendant and call routing capabilities for effective phone handling.
  • Conferencing and multi-line features for organising calls and meetings.

2. Voicemail to email transcription

  • Voicemail is crucial for not missing important calls and losing potential customers.
  • Voicemail to email transcription sends transcriptions to your inbox for easy access and response.
  • Saves time and provides a permanent log of incoming calls.

3. Video conferencing features

  • As remote work becomes increasingly common, businesses seek phone system providers with video conferencing features.
  • Hosted phone systems may be a video conferencing tool for smooth communication.
  • To avoid the need for add-ons like Zoom or Google Meet, ensure the phone system bundle you choose supports video conferencing.

4. Prominent professionalism

  • Customisable voicemail and greetings in regards to representing a business branding.
  • Options for call queuing and music on wait for a polished caller experience.
  • Options for local and toll-free numbers to establish a local presence and broaden customer reach.

5. Pay-as-you-go

  • Without requiring hardware updates, the ability to quickly add or delete users.
  • Pricing structures that are pay-as-you-go that can reduce expenses.
  • Without further charge, automatic upgrades and software updates.

6. Real-time monitoring

  • Businesses can report on team effectiveness using real-time call statistics from some hosted phone systems.
  • Inbound, total, answered, missed, toll-free, internal/external, international, voicemail calls, and calls in queue are among the call statistics offered.
  • Teams may use this capability to analyse accurate data and boost performance.

7. Excellent Call Quality

  • Compared to traditional phone lines, hosted VoIP calls offer a significantly crisper quality.
  • Although a reasonable internet connection of at least 100 Kbps is required, most ISPs offer at least 10 Mb, enabling high-quality conversations.
  • Virtual phone systems are a practical substitute for wired lines and provide dependable call quality for long-distance conversations.

8. Security and reliability

  • Built-in security features to protect against cyber threats.
  • Options for disaster recovery to maintain company continuity in the event of disruptions.
  • High-quality voice and video call with minimal downtime.

9. Flexibility and mobility

  • Apps for mobile and desktop for mobile communication and remote work.
  • Options for softphones that enable computer or mobile device users to place calls.
  • Overall connectivity to widely used corporate technologies, including email, CRM, and project management platforms.

How to choose the best hosted telephone system for Your business needs?

Any company's success depends on selecting the best hosted telephone system. Unlike conventional on-premises systems, hosted telephone systems provide users access to cutting-edge features and capabilities. The following are some considerations to make while choosing a system:

1. Business requirements

Consider your needs carefully before selecting a solution.

2. Cost

Select a system within your means, accounting for up-front and continuing expenses.

3. Scalability

Make sure the system can expand along with your company.

4. Reliability

Look for a company with a high uptime guarantee and a solid reputation for reliability.

5. User-friendliness

Ensure the system is simple to use and comprehend for your employees.

6. Integration

Consider a system that works well with other company applications you employ, including CRM or accounting software.

7. Security

To secure critical corporate data, ensure the system has strong security measures.

8. Customer support

Look for a service provider that provides dependable and timely customer assistance.

Future of hosted telephony systems

Ever-emerging trends and technology are expected to influence the future of hosted telephony. Following are some noteworthy tech adoptions that will further increase the need for hosted VoIP telephony:

1. Artificial intelligence

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can enhance customer service and automate routine tasks.

2. Cloud-based integrations

Integration with other cloud-based systems, such as CRM and ERP, can improve workflow and data management.

3. Hybrid solutions

Combining hosted telephony with on-premise systems can benefit both.

4. 5G networks

The rollout of 5G networks will enable faster data transfer speeds, improved call quality, and more robust mobile connectivity.

Wavetel Business emerges as the top hosted phone system provider across the UK

Wavetel Business is a leading hosted phone system service provider in the UK, known for its unbeatable pricing, exceptional services, and cutting-edge technology. With a focus on providing reliable and affordable communication solutions to businesses of all sizes, Wavetel Business is already the first choice of thousands of small and large enterprises all across the UK.

Competitive pricing for any business size

One key feature that sets Wavetel Business apart from its competitors is its pricing. With open pricing mechanisms that make it simple for businesses to understand and control their communication expenses, Wavetel Business provides some of the most affordable rates in the sector. Wavetel Business offers plans that may be customised to fulfill your individual business requirements, whether you are a tiny start-up or a big business.

Robust features

But pricing isn't the only thing that makes Wavetel Business stand out. Wavetel Business also provides several features and services to enhance communication effectiveness and streamline corporate processes. In addition, Wavetel Business offers all the collaborative tools you require to keep in touch with clients and coworkers, including conference calls, voicemail, call forwarding, and video conferencing.

Cloud-based platform

Moreover, Wavetel Business' hosted phone system is built on a state-of-the-art cloud-based platform, ensuring unparalleled reliability, scalability, and security.

24/7 customer support

With 24/7 customer support and regular system updates, businesses can rely on Wavetel Business to keep their communication systems running smoothly.

Ready to elevate your business communication with Wavetel Business

Hosted telephony is a modern communication solution that offers several advantages and benefits for businesses of all sizes. With its undoubtedly growing popularity and the increasing demands for remote and mobile work, hosted telephony is becoming the standard in business communication. Wavetel Business' hosted phone system services are one of the top providers in the market, offering flexible and cost-effective solutions for businesses.

selecting a service provider, it is important to consider factors such as features, support, and reliability. Implementing hosted telephony requires careful planning and preparation, as well as ongoing user training and support. Success stories from other businesses can provide valuable insights and lessons learned. Further, with the emergence of new technologies and trends, the future of hosted telephony looks bright and promising.

Wavetel Business is the best option if you're seeking a hosted phone system service provider that offers exceptional rates, outstanding services, and cutting-edge technology. Why then wait? Make a call to Wavetel Business right away to advance your company communications!

 

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