Why are businesses so against cloud phones?

“BT has announced that it’s going ahead with plans that would see its existing public switched telephone network (PSTN) shut down in favour of having all phone calls be made using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol, or cloud phone) systems.” Read more here.

With businesses moving to the cloud, working from a smartphone is now a reality for many people. Faster internet speeds, and WiFi hotspots everywhere we go - even on the Tube! People are increasingly using their smartphones to get more work done, whether it is while commuting to and from work, or at home.

GDPR is the new data protection legislation coming into action on the 25th of May 2018. As well as any customer data you collect or process, your cloud phone calls are also going to be affected. You’ll soon need a legitimate reason for retaining phone numbers and recording calls, notifying and gaining permission from the user before you do so. Likewise with contacting old leads by phone. If you’re storing lead data, the user must be informed and give consent.

As a sole trader or the single employee of your business, the most important person in your business is you. It’s vital that you remain connected to your customers, suppliers and partners at all times. If you’re at a meeting or out of the office - which many business owners are - you still need to answer all your phone calls, wherever you are.

There is no doubt that cloud phones are paving the way for how businesses will be run in the future. But research shows that over half of small businesses in the UK still aren’t using the cloud.

Cloud phones or VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) have become increasingly popular with businesses of every size.

The reasons for this are quite simple: small businesses need to find cheaper ways to communicate without compromising efficiency and productivity of their phone lines. And cloud phones do just that!

Stop using a mobile number as your work phone, switch to cloud phones. The secret is - you don’t have to stop using your mobile! Most people, your customers included, feel more comfortable answering the phone and calling a landline rather than a mobile.

Just like map books, floppy disks and Blockbuster video shops, the traditional phone line is FAST becoming obsolete, being overtaken by cloud technology.

Following the crowd or ‘being a sheep’ has many negative connotations, and in business, you’re hardwired to be different from your competition. So us telling you to join the masses and sign up to the cloud revolution must be an odd thought...BUT, Cloud-based services are becoming hugely popular, especially with UK start-ups and small businesses.

Most myths are harmless, just like that of the Loch Ness Monster, or Santa Claus for children (and possibly some adults out there). There are some myths, however, that have a direct negative impact, like those surrounding VoIP and cloud technology.