Do you work with small to medium businesses (SMBs)? What solution do you suggest when they rely on you for a business phone system that’s both affordable and sets them up for success?
The answer: a hosted PBX system.
Hosted PBX provides SMBs with the ability to communicate with their staff and customers on any device at any time. Advantages such as 24/7 access, cost savings, reliability, and regular technological advances will help your customers retain their competitive edge while keeping you in demand as their communications partner. Moreover, the benefits translate to companies in nearly all industries from retail and technology to hospitality.
To help your customers understand why a cloud PBX phone system is the best option for their business, we’ve provided a clear definition of the term as well as the top four reasons it’s a viable solution for their business.
Hosted PBX by any other name, sounds just as sweet.
One of your roles as a communications partner is to help customers understand what a hosted PBX phone system is without all the industry jargon and marketing fluff.
What is a hosted PBX system? A simple definition goes a long way: A hosted PBX business phone system is a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) phone system that’s accessed over the internet and hosted in an off-site data center.
It’s also referred to as a cloud-based business phone system, hosted VoIP, or moving your business phone system to the “cloud.” A hosted PBX provides all the features and functionality of an onsite phone system without the CAPEX, management and end-of-life restraints.
Hosted PBX systems don’t solve all life’s problems. However with the right VoIP ready network configurations, it can provide your clients with the technology edge they need to take their business to the next level.
Four Reasons SMBs Grow in the Cloud
SMBs are constantly evolving and growing. As a result, they also need to evolve in the way they communicate with their customers and employees. Talk to them about these four reasons they’re probably already ready for cloud phone systems.
1. They’re ready to save money.
With an upgrade in technology and advanced features, cloud communications end up being more affordable than older analog and other wireline products. Businesses can say goodbye to expensive fees for unlimited local, long distance, and international calls.
Clients that embrace cloud communications also save money on infrastructure and maintenance costs. Onsite business phone systems are expensive and require ongoing upgrades and maintenance. Traditionally, businesses invest in installation, equipment, service arrangements, and IT costs – all of which are no longer costs with hosted PBX systems.
2. SMBs are ready for remote control.
Companies love remote access for two main reasons. The first, it’s perfect for businesses with more than one office. And second, it’s ideal for companies that have remote employees.
A remote workforce is only becoming more popular as more companies embrace work/life balance and give their employees the flexibility to work from home. With a hosted PBX phone system, companies can communicate with their teams and clients no matter where they are through their IP phone or softphone app. This means teams have access to important business software no matter where they are. A communications system in the cloud allows companies to run operations smoothly while providing a consistent presence regardless of the location.
3. Companies are ready for reliable business phone systems.
SMBs lose a lot of money due to internet downtime. Your clients have probably experienced the pains of outages. With hosted PBX, companies can rely on a working phone system even in the event of a power outage due to a storm, fire, or other natural disaster.
Hosted PBX phone systems provide reliable service because of what’s called geographic redundancy, or having multiple servers in various locations. This means that even if there is a problem at one data center, service runs as usual. Your clients can stay connected to their employees and their customers.
4. Customers are ready for integrated communications systems.
Moving business phone systems to the cloud make it possible for customers to select the features they want. Customization as well as having all their critical business tools in one web-based application has been proven to increase business efficiency and productivity.
Does your client need telephony, UC, collaboration and virtual call center features all in one platform? They can have all that and more with a hosted PBX phone system. And since it’s in the cloud, their communications system will always update automatically, keeping them up to date with the latest technology and features.
Clearing the Fog Around the cloud
Helping your clients understand the powerful concepts the cloud provides them with useful information and helps to strengthen your relationship. For some companies, moving their phone systems to the cloud will be their first step in moving technologically forward – putting the power for growth in their hands and yours.
