The Crucial Role of Hosted Phone Systems in Shaping the Future of Work

We can all agree that work has changed drastically over the last few years. Employees can split their time between the office and remote settings thanks to hybrid work. Some don't even come into an office at all, opting to work remotely full-time. Very few are missing the nine-to-five in-office grind. Let’s face it – waking up early, sitting in traffic, working, then sitting in traffic some more, only to go home and have it be time for bed isn’t exactly desirable, which is why a staggering 98 percent of American professionals want to work remotely. Even if it's only a few days a week.  

Alongside these trends, a "gig economy" has boomed. Instead of being employed by one company, many professionals take on short-term contracts and freelance work (aka "gigs") that align with their skills and preferences. This shift gives them more autonomy over their careers, and even more changes are set to come our way. Thankfully, hosted phone systems can keep up with whatever the future throws at you. Here's why.  

How Hosted Phone Systems Help You Keep Up with New Work Trends  

No matter what trends pop up moving forward, hosted phone systems are ready to answer the call. Let’s take a look at how.  

Cloud-Based Infrastructure Provides Greater Flexibility 

Because these systems are hosted in the cloud, they don't limit you to one location, one device, or one way of communicating. Software can be changed, capabilities updated, and code rewritten to accommodate all kinds of changes. With hosted phones, you have:  

• The flexibility to work from anywhere: Cloud9's hosted phones liberate you from being stuck in a fixed location. Whether you're in a bustling office, sipping coffee at your favorite café, or cozying up at home, these systems let you easily connect and communicate. Say goodbye to the frustration of missing important calls because you're not tied to your desk.  

• The flexibility to add new features and functions: Traditional phone systems often require complex hardware upgrades to add new features. Hosted systems flip this script. You can integrate fresh features that enhance your communication game with a few clicks. From virtual receptionists to call routing magic, you can stay ahead without the headache.  

• The flexibility to integrate with new technologies: The tech landscape evolves rapidly, and so should your communication systems. Hosted phone systems play nice with new technologies, allowing you to effortlessly weave in AI-powered chatbots, CRM integrations, and other cutting-edge tools that amplify your efficiency.  

They Can Be Easily Updated by Your Provider  

Hosted phone providers have one job – to keep your system updated and running smoothly, and the best ones do so 24/7/365, guaranteeing you don't fall behind the trends.  

• Instant access to the latest features: Remember those days of waiting for ages to get the "latest update"? Cloud9's hosted phone systems laugh at those days. Providers roll out new features regularly, and you're in on the action as soon as they're live. Stay at the forefront of communication trends without lifting a finger.   

• Fort Knox-level security: No matter your security concerns, Cloud9 hosted systems are here to fortify your defenses with end-to-end encryption, multifactor authentication, and more. Your provider's got your back, ensuring that your confidential conversations stay that way — confidential.  

• Updates without the headache: Remember the time you spent trying to update your old phone system? Yeah, we'd all like to forget. And hosted phone systems can help! They automatically update in the background, sparing you the typical IT headache. Now you can fully focus the tasks at hand, knowing your communication tool is always up to date.  

Accommodate the New Wave of Workers Quickly & Easily  

No matter how your employees choose to work, Cloud9 systems can help them achieve top-tier communications. How?  

• They empower gig workers with new levels of professionalism: Gig workers often juggle multiple clients. A hosted phone system gives them a professional edge with dedicated numbers, voicemail, and call forwarding. Impress clients with seamless communication, no matter where you work.  

• They can go wherever contractors go: Remote contractors need a "phone in their hand," just like everyone else. Hosted phone systems offer a device-agnostic softphone app, meaning these contractors can connect seamlessly, no matter the gadget they're wielding.  

• They make excellent communication accessible for all: Office or no office, everyone deserves the same perks. Cloud9's hosted phones level the playing field, ensuring that in-office and remote employees have equal access to features and updates. No one gets left behind.  

Future-Proof Your Business with Cloud9's Hosted Phone Systems  

Experience the seamless future of work communication with Cloud9VoIP's advanced hosted phone system. Connect with us now to stay prepared, stay relevant, and even stay ahead in the evolving work landscape! 

How Hosted Business Phone Systems Ignite Remote and Hybrid Work Success

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! 

5 Features of Hosted VoIP Phone Systems that Improve Customer Experience

When was the last time you felt truly connected to a brand? Odds are it wasn't just because of their shiny new offerings or competitive discounts. It was because they went the extra mile to make you feel valued and understood.  

That's the power of excellent customer experiences (CX). If you treat customers well and ensure productive interactions, they will be five times more likely to keep buying from you. They might even become ambassadors for your business, which is the most effective form of advertising – also the least expensive! The importance of delivering exceptional CX cannot be understated. According to Accenture, positive CX is your business's secret weapon to stand out from competitors. As more brands compete for public attention and more options become readily available, CX provides a way to put your product and brand at the forefront.  

If you’re ready to start building a great CX strategy, we've got the perfect place for you to start – your hosted VoIP phone system. Though often overlooked, it can have a massive impact on your CX. Especially when you utilize these five features.  

Feature 1: Advanced Call Routing  

First impressions are crucial, especially when customers contact your business. Advanced call routing, a hallmark of hosted VoIP phone systems, instantly ensures incoming calls are directed to the correct department or agent. It slashes wait times and reduces the likelihood of misrouted calls, which, in turn, reduces customer frustration. Win-win-win. 

Cloud9's hosted VoIP phone systems take this a step further by offering personalized routing options. For VIP customers or returning clients, the system recognizes them and directs them to their preferred contact. This personal touch demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction right from the start.  

Feature 2: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems  

Want to give your customers the option of self-service but need to maintain personalization? Enter the IVR, one of the crown jewels of Cloud9's hosted VoIP phone systems. It acts as an automated guide for callers, letting them navigate through menu options to find answers to their questions.  

While an IVR is no substitute for a human being, they're great at handling routine questions, such as "What's my account balance?" Or "What's the status of my order?" Now your customers won't have to waste time waiting for an agent, and your agents are freed up to tackle more complex tasks.  

However, please remember to design your IVR system with the customer in mind. IVR systems that force customers to repeat themselves or leave them on hold for extended periods do far more harm than good.  

Make sure your IVR menus are easy to understand, short, and helpful so customers get where they want to go ASAP.  

Feature 3: Call Analytics and Monitoring  

In the quest for exceptional CX, data is your ally. Call analytics and monitoring offered by hosted VoIP systems give you the data you need to improve your processes by identifying the following:  

• Bottlenecks: Call data analysis can help you identify and remove common delays.  

• Call Abandonment Rates: If a lot of customers are hanging up before reaching an agent, it might be time to reevaluate your wait times and call routes.  

• Peak Call Times: By determining the hours (or days) you get the most calls you can staff accordingly and watch your wait times plummet.  

• And more!  

Armed with this information, you can make tweaks to provide your customers with a smoother, more effective experience.  

Feature 4: Customer Relationship Management Integrations (CRM)  

Imagine your agents having a dossier of customer information at their fingertips before they even say hello. That's the magic of CRM integrations with Cloud9VoIP. As soon as the call comes in, the platform gives your agents all the necessary information – from purchase history and preferences to past interactions.  

This helps agents make the customer's experience memorable and solve their problems in just one call –no transfers needed. Not only is that what every customer wants, but increasing first contact resolution (FCR) rates, a KPI in customer service that gauges the percentage of customer inquiries or issues that are resolved during the initial interaction, can increase sales opportunities and decrease operational costs! 

Feature 5: Unified Communications   

According to a survey by Salesforce, 78 percent of customers use multiple communication channels to reach out to you. Sadly, a lot of companies only monitor one or two channels. If a customer reaches out via email, for example, it might take weeks for them to get a response. Or they might not get a response at all. A staggering 62 percent of companies do not respond to customer emails! Ninety percent of customers say an instant response is vital, with 60 percent defining an immediate response as ten minutes or less. This is why voice still reigns supreme in the digital age.  

Thanks to unified communications (UC), you can change that. It's a feature of Cloud9's hosted VoIP phone systems that unites multiple channels into one cohesive platform. Now, no matter how your customers reach out – phone, email, text, etc. – your agents can see their requests and provide prompt, consistent responses.  

With UC, every customer will get the attention they deserve.  

And there you have it! Five features of VoIP phone systems that, if used well, can increase your satisfaction rates like never before. 

Cloud9VoIP is ready to help you out. Our hosted VoIP phone systems can elevate your customer experience like nothing else. Contact us today to discuss how to best utilize VoIP for your business and improve your customer experience! 

What Is VoIP? An Introductory Guide

While VoIP has been around for quite some time, it remained largely under the radar. Until recent years, when VoIP stepped into the spotlight and took the world by storm. Suddenly, business owners found themselves asking, "What is VoIP? Why is it so important for my business?"  

If you're one of them, you've come to the right place. We here at Cloud9 will walk you through the ins and outs of VoIP like only we can.  

What is VoIP?  

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that gives you the ability to make - and take - phone calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Although it's been around for a while, this technology has boomed in recent years.  

Thanks to the surge in remote and hybrid work. And it's showing no signs of stopping.  

But how does VoIP work? We're glad you asked.  

First, your voice is captured by a microphone on your device. The microphone converts your sound waves into electrical signals. Then, VoIP turns these electrical signals into something your computer can understand through encoding. It's a process that turns electrical signals into a string of numbers representing sound waves.  

Next, these numbers are split into small pieces called "packets." Think of them like small envelopes that carry a part of your voice, and each packet has a label saying where it came from and where it's going. This helps the packets reassemble in the correct order when they reach their destination.  

Once that’s complete, the system sends these packets through your internet connection. When they arrive at the other end, the receiving VoIP system puts the packets back together and translates the numbers back into an electrical signal. That electrical signal is then changed back into sound, which is what your recipient hears on their end.   

How VoIP Systems Works  

Now that we've answered the question "What is VoIP?" it's time to answer the question "How does a VoIP system work?" Well, a VoIP system consists of several key components:  

IP Phones and Softphones  

IP phones are devices specifically designed for VoIP calls, while softphones are software applications that turn computers or mobile devices into VoIP-capable phones. Both devices handle the conversion of sound into digital data and vice versa.  

VoIP Gateway   

A gateway acts as a connection point between traditional telephone networks (PSTN) and VoIP networks. Its job is to convert analog voice signals from regular telephones into digital packets that can travel over the internet and vice versa. This allows communication between VoIP and conventional phone systems (aka the PSTN). 

Internet Connection  

The quality of your VoIP calls is dependent on how fast and reliable your internet connection is. Voice data packets must be transmitted and received smoothly for clear, uninterrupted conversations.  

Benefits of VoIP for Businesses  

Cost Savings   

Using VoIP means all calls are transported on the internet, which also means no more back-breaking long-distance and international call charges, and no more expensive maintenance costs. Since they rely on your existing internet connection and require minimal setup. 

Especially compared to more traditional systems.    

Scalability and Flexibility   

Adding or removing users with VoIP is a breeze because it doesn't need complex installations or rewiring. All it takes is a call to your Cloud9 rep. Now you can adapt to match changing demands within hours, rather than days or weeks. Since VoIP platforms are accessible online, you can support remote and hybrid teams without issue. They can log into the system or use the app to connect with customers and coworkers.  

Enhanced Features   

VoIP systems have a wide range of features that improve your business communication. However, instead of listing out all the features Cloud9 offers, here is our list of "essentials" that have a significant impact:  

• Call Routing distributes incoming calls to agents based on set criteria. It reduces wait times, transfer rates, and improves first-call resolution.   

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) uses voice prompts and customer input to direct calls,     shortening the time spent on hold.   

• Call Recording monitors and records agent-caller interactions, storing them securely in the cloud. They can be reviewed quickly and easily, giving valuable insights into agent performance.  

• Visual Voicemail transcribes voicemails to text and sometimes sends them to your email, allowing you to prioritize callbacks well.  

• Call Forwarding sends incoming calls to different numbers in the order you choose. Now you can easily forward a client to a remote agent's cell phone without putting the caller on hold. Cloud9's system lets you forward to multiple devices or agents if needed.  

VoIP can also integrate easily with essential business tools like your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and task management apps. It speeds up workflows and helps employees be more productive.  

Geographic Independence   

All VoIP phone numbers are virtual. You don't have to install a physical phone line to use them! You can establish a global presence without planting physical offices in multiple locations. Now you can reach more customers, hire international employees, and provide better service without breaking the bank.  

So, what is VoIP? It's a way to make your day-to-day communications work for you, not against you. Let's be honest, traditional phone systems just can't keep up.   

Security and Privacy   

Over the years, we've gotten a lot of questions about VoIP, and one of the most common has to do with security. Some of the most common concerns include:  

• Eavesdropping, where unauthorized parties intercept calls.  

• Identity spoofing, where attackers manipulate caller ID information.  

• Call tampering, where the content of conversations is altered in some way, and  

• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, where spammers flood your system with excessive traffic  

We've done something about their concerns, because what is VoIP without top-notch encryption protocols? Here are just a few you can expect from a Cloud9 solution:  

• Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) encodes your voice so only the person you're sending it to can understand it. If someone tries to listen in, they'll only hear gibberish.  

• Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). When devices communicate over the internet, they have to prove their identity to each other. TLS and SSL are like super secure digital IDs. They ensure that the device you're talking to is who they claim to be.  

• Two-factor authentication (2FA). With us, you need not just one but two ways to prove that you're you. It can be something you know (like a password) and something you receive (like a code sent to your phone). It makes it harder for unauthorized people to access and use your VoIP account.  

We also update our security protocols regularly and maintain compliance with all relevant data protection regulations because we believe in going the extra mile for our customers.  

Types of VoIP Services   

While there are many flavors of VoIP, two stand out: hosted VoIP and on-premises VoIP.  

Hosted (or cloud-based) VoIP means your phone system runs on your provider's servers. They're responsible for ensuring your calls connect and your communications run well. Many small to medium sized businesses choose this type because:  

• It doesn't require expensive hardware.  

• Users can be added or removed with a thirty-second phone call.  

• The service providers handle all their maintenance and updates.  

On the other hand, on-premises VoIP systems involve hosting your VoIP system on your own servers. It gives you more control over how the system is configured from a feature and security standpoint, but it also:  

• Needs a more extensive upfront investment (in servers, etc.).  

• It requires you to add users yourself, which can take some time.  

• Places the burden of updates & maintenance squarely on your IT team.  

• You can limit your options when it comes to remote work.  

This is why only the biggest companies with the most specialized requirements choose an on-premises system, but at Cloud9, we believe businesses of any size should be able to benefit from VoIP. Our solutions are always easy to use, built to meet your specs, and priced with utmost transparency.  

Transitioning to VoIP  

We've talked about your options – now let's talk about how to implement VoIP. When you work with Cloud9, you can transition in three simple steps: 

Step 1: Figure Out What Your Needs & Goals Are  

Why are you removing the old phone system, and what do you want from VoIP? Is it cost savings? Better features? Flexibility? Once you answer these questions, you will know what to look for in your new solution.   

Next, take stock of your current bandwidth because you'll need a strong and stable internet connection for VoIP to work well. Finally, talk to your team and make a feature "wish list." After all, you don't want to purchase add-ons they don't – and won't –use.  

Step 2: Plan Your Migration Process  

You can't just yank out the old phones overnight, which is why our technicians at Cloud9 help you work out a migration timeline. You decide how many phones to transition, how quickly the transition should go, and the end date.   

After the plan's set, we can help you decide on the phone types you'll need. Are you looking for desk phones, softphones on computers, mobile apps, or a phone system that can do it all? This will let you know what kind of hardware you’ll get– if any.  

Finally, get your IT team in the loop. They'll need to do a little work on your network to ensure your new VoIP system runs smoothly. When you go with Cloud9, you’re choosing a company that puts customer service at the forefront, meaning you'll also gain access to our network techs, who can give you expert advice whenever you need it.  

Step 3: Train & Support Your Employees  

Don't assume employees will "get" the new system right away. Cloud9 works with you to set up training sessions to show them how to use the new system. We've got an all-human help desk that operates 24/7/365 because we understand technical glitches aren’t always polite and don’t just occur between 9-5 Monday through Friday, which is why your team needs someone to talk to when things go south any time of day or night.  

We'd also recommend keeping a feedback channel open. If something isn't working, your team should feel comfortable telling you, and you should feel comfortable telling us!  

So, is VoIP a Good Fit for My Business?  

Before we answer, let's summarize everything we've covered about VoIP in today's post.  

• What is VoIP? It is a protocol that lets calls travel over an internet connection, replacing traditional phone lines.  

• VoIP digitizes voice signals, divides them into packets, and sends those packets over the internet, ensuring precise and timely communication.  

• VoIP offers significant advantages over traditional phone systems that can significantly benefit your business:  

• Cost Savings: VoIP reduces long-distance charges and maintenance costs, providing cost-effective communication solutions.  

• Scalability and Flexibility: VoIP adapts quickly to changing business needs, allowing effortless addition or removal of users.  

• Enhanced Features: VoIP systems come with a large library of features that make communicating more efficient.  

• Geographic Independence: Virtual phone numbers enable global reach without needing physical offices, while location flexibility enhances customer service.  

Considering these advantages, yes. VoIP is an excellent solution for businesses. Whether you're a startup, a small enterprise, or a Fortune 500 company, VoIP can help keep your communication relevant for years to come. After all, it stays up to date for you, allowing you to adjust to new communication trends in days, not years.  

That's well worth a month-to-month investment, wouldn’t you say? 

Ready to Get Started with VoIP? We're Ready to Help!  

Cloud9VoIP is here to help you with your transition into the VoIP world. Our team can guide you in the best direction for your business no matter your size and no matter your industry. Give us a call today so we can get you started on your VoIP journey.