Since the beginning of 2020, over 93 percent of businesses have dived headfirst into cloud communications. Their results, three years later, are nothing short of impressive. Studies revealed that companies that jumped to cloud communication witnessed a 47 percent increase in ROI, 46 percent happier customers, and a 32 percent uptick in their employees' productivity.
Thanks to a myriad of benefits, cloud communications have become more than a temporary fix. They are now ingrained in our daily work routines. But what exactly is "cloud communications," and is it the key to success in our modern world? Just keep scrolling, and you'll find out.
What is Cloud-Based Business Communications?
Cloud-based business communications are communication services, like voice, messaging, and collaboration tools, that operate using the internet and cloud computing technology. Why is that such a big deal?
In the "pre-cloud era," communication systems were confined to the office. They consisted of physical phone lines and on-premise servers that handled all your calls and messages. But now, cloud communications allow companies to break free from this stereotypical setup. It takes all these functions off-site, moving them to virtual servers typically managed by a third-party provider.
This enables greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for companies regardless of size and industry. More on that later.
How Do Cloud Communication Platforms Work?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - sometimes called "cloud telephony" - is the backbone of all cloud communication platforms. This protocol enables voice and video calls to be transmitted over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional telephone lines and allowing cloud communication to exist at all.
But cloud communications platforms can do much more than just make and take calls. Messaging, video conferencing, and various collaboration tools are integral parts of the package. This combination of services and features is often known as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), and it's transforming the way we look at communication.
6 Ways Cloud Communications is Changing Business Communication
1. Allows for Easy Setup, Use, and Management
Are you concerned about setting up cloud communications? No PhD in tech is required. With cloud-based communications, there's no need for fancy installations. Just sign up and log into our web-based portal. Cloud9VoIP does the rest, from installation to day-to-day management. That's right, when you need more features or more users, you just give us a call and we'll have it done in minutes. Now you can stop worrying about your phones and start taking care of business.
2. Enables Remote and Hybrid Work
Did you know that over 98 percent of workers want to work from home? Well, cloud communications can make that desire a reality, allowing your employees to use your voice, video, and messaging tools from any location and device without losing quality.
According to one study, remote job listings receive double the number of applications as in-office listings.
Not only does this satisfy your employees and boost company morale, but it also opens you up to a broader talent pool. After all, you're no longer limited to the confines of your city or state. With cloud communications, you can find – and keep – excellent employees from anywhere with an internet connection.
3. Increased Employee Satisfaction
Happy employees, happy business. Cloud communications boost employee satisfaction by offering flexibility. Gartner, a leading tech research and consulting firm, warns that companies risk losing up to 39 percent of their workforce if they insist on full-time office work. Employees are seeking better work-life balance, and cloud communications provide the ticket to a stress-free, engaged workforce. A win for them is a win for you.
4. Reduced Operating Costs
Cloud communications solutions don't require a considerable investment in more office space or specialized hardware. Are you concerned about maintenance and upgrades? Cloud9VoIP's got that covered. We offer a single online platform for voice, messaging, and collaboration at a low monthly rate. This translates to lower costs and a happier finance department.
5. More Streamlined Workflows
Communication shouldn't be a bottleneck in your workflow. Thanks to its built-in flexibility, Cloud9VoIP's communication platform can easily integrate with business software, breaking down information silos and streamlining data sharing. It's like having your business in your pocket.
6. Expanded Communication Channels
As mentioned earlier, cloud communications from Cloud9VoIP encompass far more than just calling. This is great, considering 73 percent of customers want to be able to reach you on multiple channels – not just one. One of their favorite channels, especially for Millennials and Gen Z, is texting. Yes, it's "newer," but it can set you apart in your industry if used correctly. For instance, texting can:
Speed Up Support. Imagine you're running a repair shop. A customer facing a technology issue can simply record a video of the problem and send it via text, allowing your team to diagnose the problem ASAP.
Improve Real-Time Collaboration. Say you're managing a landscaping business. Your crew is on-site, and a client wants to make a last-minute change to the garden layout. Instead of playing phone tag, the client can send photos and ideas via text, ensuring everyone is on the same page instantly.
Delight Your Customers with Convenience. One excellent example of this is a customer of ours - a paint store. They allow their customers to order custom paint via text. All the clients must do is take a picture of the QR code on the paint bucket and text it to the store. The store then mixes the color for them, so it'll be ready by the time they arrive. It's both efficient and delightful.
At Cloud9VoIP, we encourage our customers to come up with new and exciting ways to use texting and mobile apps. We want our customers to know that our platform supports more than simple word texts, and that these new and creative uses can improve customer service and customer experience.
Dare to Succeed with Cloud9VoIP
Ready to embrace all the benefits a cloud communications platform can provide? Then, it's time to reach out to our team at Cloud9VoIP. Our solution has all the features you want at the price point you need, no matter your size. Plus, an S-tier support team that's ready to answer your questions day and night. Just give us a call and experience it for yourself!