For startup and small businesses cloud phones, or ‘VoIP’ (Voice Over Internet Protocol) seem like the ideal solution, but both VoIP and the traditional landline phones have their distinct advantages. Cloud-based technology is advancing businesses today, but a landline phone can also still serve you well.

This blog outlines the advantages of both landline and cloud phones, allowing you to decide which will be best for your business.

Advantages of a landline telephone

Everyone is familiar with the landline or ‘traditional’ phone and knows how to use it. While it needs copper wires and an engineering visit to be installed before use, once up and running the maintenance costs are relatively low.

Traditional phones are not connected to the internet. They use a purpose-built network designed for phone calls. The lines are secure and private, ensuring your calls aren’t overheard.

It is independent of any power supply, so even if the internet and power goes down or turns off, you can still make phone calls. The landline network is rarely down so won’t risk losing contact with your customers.

Advantages of a cloud-based phone system  or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Cloud phones are feature-rich and advanced phone systems. Easy to set up - no installation or engineering visits required - and use, they are an economical and cost-effective alternative to the traditional phone line.

Cloud phones use advanced technology and the internet to set them apart from a traditional phone. Small businesses can benefit from this, because a VoIP phone can be used remotely, via mobile apps as well as onsite. It is also increasingly being used for conferencing calling and video calling.

Another benefit of a cloud-based phone system is that there is no hardware (other than the phone/headset used to make calls) and therefore low maintenance costs. Because it is all run over the internet, automatic upgrades are part of the deal. You will also benefit from receiving the latest features as they are introduced.

One of the features that small businesses resonate most with when discussing a cloud-based phone system is the ability to scale. As your business grows and the number of staff grows, adding a new phone number is easy. VoIP systems allow you to use an unlimited number of lines. This massively reduces setup costs and ongoing maintenance.

Running costs of cloud-based phone systems are also lower than a traditional phone line. Because it uses the internet to transmit your voice, the cost to operate is covered by your existing broadband package. You only pay for the minutes you use. International call rates are also significantly lower.

Features

There are over 40 features that cloud phone users will benefit from, some of which are listed below:

• Voice messaging
• Conferencing
• Auto attendant
• Call forwarding
• Simultaneous ringing on multiple devices
• Dial-by-name

These features will allow your small/startup company to operate as a large corporation on the phone. The features are part of the system and come at no extra cost.

Final thoughts

There you have it. Now you’re aware of the advantages of both systems; you should be able to choose the right system for your company. If you’re still not sure which will benefit you most, call our team who will be happy to help. Call us on 020 3617 9950

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