Reliable and professional communication solutions are the cornerstone of today’s commercial world. When you hear a “business telephone line”, you may think of the traditional device with copper wires. However, the modern version is very different to that and includes unique benefits for businesses. Here is everything you need to know.
What is a modern business phone line?
Legacy phone systems, primarily the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), have served businesses for decades. However, their time is drawing to a close. While they certainly provided a reliable connection for many decades, today’s modern alternatives offer much more than that.
A modern business telephone line is a cloud-based system that completely digitises voice signals and, instead of transmitting them through copper wires, does so through data packers over the internet (this is also commonly known as a VoIP phone system). As such, these phone lines rely on nothing but stable internet connection, as opposed to on-premise hardware and infrastructure. Crucially, modern systems are also software-driven, meaning calls can be made and received via various different devices, including desk phones, computers, mobile apps, etc.
The advantages of upgrading your phone system
Migrating to a modern, internet-based phone system offers a lot of substantial benefits, with cost-effectiveness being one of the primary. Since cloud-based systems usually work on a subscription model, the initial implementation is incredibly fast as well as doesn’t require hardware investments. All you have to do is create an account and pay for a specific number of users or lines. Crucially, businesses only have to pay for the functionality they need, with the option to increase their capacity when demand rises, which makes it even more cost-effective.
Enhanced flexibility and scalability is another huge advantage. Modern phone systems allow you to easily add or remove users and upgrade to multi-line systems, letting your business be agile in its growth. The ability to access the system over the internet, from anywhere in the world, is also beneficial for those with hybrid or remote employees. Calls can be made on the go, as long as you have reliable Wi-Fi.
Finally, modern telephone line solutions come with a wide range of functionality, which go way beyond the simple call queuing or routing. This helps businesses achieve higher efficiency, where agents can maximise their productivity and improve customer experience simultaneously.
Features you can expect from a modern business phone line
As mentioned above, modern business phone lines come equipped with all basic call management features and more. Beyond simple call waiting, routing, transferring, and queuing, a state-of-the-art system will feature such functionalities as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) or an auto-attendant for a more efficient management of incoming calls.
What’s more, calls can be made through usual phone lines or as video conferences, with the ability to record and transcript the conversation for data. The system will typically use this data to provide you with real-time analytics, helping you evaluate the agent’s performance and make strategic decisions to improve customer experience.
Most importantly, many modern phone lines are able to connect with third-party business tools, such as a CRM system, seamlessly transferring relevant data between the two platforms. The list goes on and the functionality you get will depend on your chosen phone system or plan.
Future-proofing your business
The transition from traditional business phone systems to the modern cloud-based solutions has been gradual over the years. Today, however, it is arguably a necessary step, not just to save costs and get convenient features, but to stay ahead of your competition.
