The last few months has seen many businesses have to find creative ways to manage day-to-day activities like their telephony systems.
Businesses with on-premise phone systems have found home working particularly challenging. Many sales teams have been using personal mobiles (and minutes) as work phone replacements; many receptionists have tried and failed to transfer calls remotely; and most employees have resorted to asking customers to email them instead.
At the same time, other companies may have been congratulating themselves for migrating their telephony systems to cloud-based phone solutions. A number of our customers have made this transition, either using direct routing or by going all in with a 100% cloud deployment. For these businesses a cloud-based phone solution has delivered significant benefits – especially with a remote workforce – which include cost savings and simplify technology.
As Microsoft Gold Partners our focus has been on deploying Microsoft 365 Business Voice for customers who want a cloud-based phone system specifically designed for SMBs. This solution has the added benefit of integrating into Microsoft Teams; creating an all-in-one communication solution delivered entirely through Microsoft’s reliable and trusted cloud.
For those companies who’ve deployed Microsoft 365 Business Voice it has proven to be a simple and cost-effective solution that’s supported their businesses through the pandemic, and will continue to support a digital, potentially remote-first, workplace into the future.
If you’re new to Business Voice, here’s a snapshot of the key benefits for SMBs:
Working remotely with Business Voice
Businesses already set-up for cloud-based telephony have transitioned to remote working fairly smoothly. Their business phoneline operates as normal, existing phone numbers remain the same and employees make and answer calls from anywhere, on any device.
The integration with Teams means that calling, meetings, chat and files are all housed together in a single application, and Business Voice also includes audio conferencing so customers, vendors or suppliers can join a meeting using a dial-in number. Headsets, desk phones and other devices can be added to enable a more seamless set-up.
Reducing costs
In an ROI-driven world, reducing costs spent on technology is a priority. Using a cloud-based phone system like Business Voice can eliminate PBX maintenance costs, reduce support hours and eradicate upgrade fees. A recent Forrester study highlighted that 3 SMBs using Business Voice had saved over 30% in costs associated with PBXs.
Streamlining technology
Simplifying technology makes it easier for employees to use and easier for IT support to manage. Employees can enjoy a consistent Teams experience across all devices without needing to switch between software or systems. Business Voice integrated into Microsoft 365 offers a centralised set-up and management system housed within the wider M365 admin portal. As a complete cloud-based phone system delivered through Microsoft, Business Voice is secure and scalable to suit your business.
If you’re looking to improve your business’s remote working policy with a cloud-based phone system, or would like to save money and simplify your technology, Business Voice could be just what you need.
To explore this in more detail we host regular Microsoft Teams 365 Business Voice workshops (currently online) to explore this solution in depth. If you would like to join our next workshop please register your interest via the link below, or get in touch directly if you would like a trial, bespoke workshop or to discuss this solution in more detail.
Call 08456 808538 or email hello@cloudbusiness.com
