The statistics don't lie - hybrid work has become the new norm - with a threefold increase in hybrid job postings over the past four years alone. However, this transformation comes with its own unique hurdles, the most pressing being communication.
Guaranteeing clear, instant, and reliable communication among team members scattered across the globe is a puzzle many businesses are still scrambling to solve.
Enter hosted business phone systems.
Understanding Hosted Business Phone Systems
A hosted business phone system, also known as a cloud-based phone system or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, is a communication solution that allows you to manage your phone communications through the internet rather than using traditional on-premises hardware and phone lines.
This type of system is provided and maintained by a third-party service provider, which hosts and manages all the necessary equipment and software in their data centers, and they are the bedrock of successful remote and hybrid work strategies. Here's why.
Hosted Business Phone Systems Offer Flexibility in Communication
One of the cornerstones of flexible work is the freedom to work from anywhere. Because Cloud9VoIP's hosted phone system is internet-based, it can function almost anywhere and on virtually any device. Employees can use the same business number on their laptops, smartphones, or tablets, meaning they can enjoy uninterrupted communication with colleagues and clients no matter where they are.
Here's an example of what these services can mean for your business. Jenna is a sales executive who divides her time between the office, home, and client visits. Now that her business has adopted Cloud9's system, she can switch between her office desk phone, mobile app, and laptop based on her current needs. With the Cloud9 solution, she never misses a crucial call or opportunity – even if she's on the road or traveling abroad.
Hosted Business Phone Systems Offer Enhanced Efficiency through Integration
That's five working weeks, or nine percent, out of their work year. The number could be even larger for some remote and hybrid teams. That’s a substantial figure and translates to a significant impact on productivity.
However, hosted business phone systems can solve some of these efficiency drains. Cloud9's hosted system, for instance, can easily integrate with a wide variety of tools. Video conferencing? Check. Instant messaging? Check. It's a DIY Unified Communications platform. Now, your employees can hop from a phone call to a video conference to a team chat within a cohesive ecosystem.
You can also integrate other tools with your hosted phone system. Take Markus, a project manager juggling multiple teams across different time zones. He integrated his Cloud9 system with project management software. Now, Markus can seamlessly schedule conference calls, share updates via chat, and hold video meetings, all in one place. One simple integration eliminated the need for constant app-switching, boosting his productivity and aligning his teams.
Hosted Business Phone Systems Boost Productivity with Advanced Features
Hosted phone systems offer a treasure trove of advanced features that encourage productivity. Features like intelligent call routing ensure incoming calls always reach the right person, reducing delays and improving customer service. Voicemail-to-email functionality means critical voicemails are never lost in the ether. Employees now receive them directly in their inboxes, guaranteeing prompt responses.
Consider David, an IT specialist troubleshooting technical issues remotely. With Cloud9's call routing, he can escalate calls to the appropriate experts immediately. Voicemail-to-email ensures that he doesn't miss urgent messages from his team even when he's elbow-deep in server configurations.
Hosted Business Phone Systems Offer Unmatched Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability
With traditional phone setups, each worker needs their own physical phone line, resulting in sky-high costs and a tangle of wires. But hosted systems? They operate over the internet, nixing the need for pricey hardware and complex installations. All your team needs to communicate are devices that can connect to the internet. And, of course, Cloud9's softphone app.
Cloud9's hosted systems can also accommodate changing team sizes and locations. New lines and features can be added with just a 30-second phone call, allowing you to expand with the greatest of ease. Whether your team is in the office, at home, or hopping between the two, hosted phones ensure everyone stays connected without burning through your budget.
Hosted business phone systems are the basis of hybrid and remote success. The benefits they offer – flexibility, efficiency, and productivity – are not mere buzzwords but practical solutions that empower you and your employees. So, are you ready to usher in a new era of work for your employees? Cloud9VoIP offers the perfect hosted business phone systems for remote and hybrid work models. Contact us to start personalizing your system today!