Cloud voice is transforming the way businesses communicate by combining the functionality of a conventional business telephone system (PBX) and modern communication methods into an all-in-one cloud-powered solution.
The main driver behind this transformation is modernising workplaces to improve productivity, communication and collaboration.
Microsoft has incorporated cloud voice into their application Teams, which is a collaboration platform that brings together chat, files, meetings, voice calls and Office 365 apps into a single hub. The platform removes the need for employees to move between multiple applications.
Cloud Voice vs PBX
A key driver behind the adoption of cloud voice is the growing need for businesses to be more competitive by improving collaboration capabilities. Cloud voice gives users an end-to-end modern workplace communication system that connects employees and external stakeholders.
Unifying business-wide communications to cloud voice simplifies multi-location and device management, which makes it easier to collaborate from remote locations, and multiple devices. This also reduces telecommunication usage costs that traditional PBX systems incur for international roaming and long-duration calls.
A cloud-based solution allows businesses to decrease cost ownership by using third-party software. This reduces infrastructure management costs by eliminating the need to maintain, upgrade and troubleshoot an on-premise communication system.
Traditional PBX solutions also have limited modern collaboration capabilities; there is now a greater need to incorporate a wide range of methods to streamline decision-making, increase profitability, and improve communication efficiency, especially during these trying times.
Cloud Voice in Microsoft Teams
The integration of cloud voice into Microsoft Teams is maximising the value of an Office 365 subscription. Businesses can use cloud voice to streamline communication and collaboration across teams, workplaces and time zones.
Key Features
Call escalation - Easily switch a 1:1 conversation to a group call while having full access to screen sharing and video options.
Do not disturb and breakthrough - Disable unwanted calls during certain times while allowing important callers to breakthrough.
Park and transfer calls - Park a phone call that other users can answer by entering a caller code, or utilise the consultative transfer, forwarding, safe, hold and block feature.
Auto-attendants - A menu system can be created that internal and external callers move through to locate the correct department and employee to take the call.
Switch between devices - Switch calls seamlessly between computers, mobile phones, tablets and meeting rooms to allow for better communication.
Integrated dial-pad - Dial a user by name or number in the dial pad or search bar to make quick calls.
Call quality dashboard - Helping businesses to monitor and manage call analytics through insightful reports.
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