In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest cloud phone system UK concerns small businesses may have about moving their phone system into the cloud and discuss how each of them is nothing to be concerned about.

You may have seen plenty of blogs recently about the benefits of moving your business phone system into the cloud. However, we see a lot of concern across the internet about the move with businesses worried about the security of a cloud phone system, the setup procedure, the learning curve and the cost.

1. “They are insecure because they use the cloud”

When making a purchasing decision, many small business owners express concerns over the security of cloud phone systems. Security concerns and the misconception that security is somehow compromised are a challenge for all cloud-based services. The term ‘cloud’ perhaps gives the less technical among us the impression that data is just floating around in an unprotected environment. In reality, we are still talking about data storage and software applications held in data centres.

The security concerns are the same whether you have a physical kit on your site or use a virtual environment in the cloud. However, because leading cloud hosting providers can afford to employ high-level, often military-grade standards of security, there is a case to be made that that data in the cloud is more secure than in a physical environment.

This is certainly the case with Mitel MiCloud Connect which uses the Google Cloud platform. Mitel considers security to be paramount. The decision to go with the Google platform offers users enhanced security whilst benefitting from the same robust engine that powers 3 billion searches and 4 billion YouTube videos a day, with Mitel delivering 2 billion connections every day and supporting more than 3 million cloud users all over the world.

Cloud services will no doubt have to continue the battle against the misconception that they are less secure than a physical environment, as a potential cloud telephone user……you don’t need to worry. Mitel MiCloud Connect has deployed out of Tier 4 data centres with several layers of redundancy and encryption, plus 99.995% uptime backed by SLAs and financial penalties if they don’t deliver.

2. “It is a pain to set up the new infrastructure”

A second concern with cloud telephony is that the transition will be difficult. It’s generally a real pain to install a traditional onsite PBX system, so it must be the same for a cloud-based solution too, right?

This shouldn’t be the case with a quality cloud telephony provider such as Mitel. The fact there isn’t much physical hardware to be held onsite, and that the planning can be done before installation means that come installation day, it’s practically ‘plug and play’.

The setup and installation process for Mitel MiCloud Connect is quick, simple and cost-effective.

3. “I don’t want to learn a whole new system”

Another major cause for concern a business may have is the requirement to learn a whole new system. This concern is likely to be based on prior experience with traditional PBX systems with convoluted management systems and a disproportionate amount of time spent looking after them.

With MiCloud Connect, the modern, intuitive user interface makes it easy for end-users and administrators to get work done fast. Making moves adds and changes is now a simple software-based process and can be done literally with the click of a mouse!

It is a short implementation for long-term success.

4. “Cloud phones are expensive”

Cloud is cost-effective. Yes, it is a different way of dealing with your business expenditure on telephony, but there are many benefits.

Purchasing a traditional onsite PBX telephone system nearly always incurs a huge upfront CAPEX cost. Cashflow is the king that is a big dent in the cash reserves and potentially a big risk. You may only have 7 users in the business but will likely have to purchase a system with a capacity of 10 or 15, meaning you are paying for unused capacity. Plus you are billed for calls separately. You will likely have an expensive maintenance contract running to thousands of pounds per year to ensure you can keep your business going if the system has an issue. You will also have to deal with end-of-life because updates will not be included and eventually you will have to replace the system with a more up-to-date one.

Cloud telephony, as with Mitel MiCloud Connect, is an OPEX cost where you pay a monthly subscription per user per month so you don’t pay for unused capacity. There is no large upfront outlay to deal with and all calls to UK landlines and mobiles are included in the monthly subscription. Even the handsets are included in the monthly subscription. The system is always up to date because updates and improvements are rolled out automatically and are included in the subscription. This also eliminates the end-of-life and the need for expensive maintenance contracts.

The ease of use of the system from an administrator perspective creates efficiencies in the amount of time it takes to manage your phone system in comparison to a traditional onsite system.

The OPEX model gives your business a predictable spend and protects cash flow, and the MiCloud Connect system enables efficient ways of working that will result in cost savings in other areas of your business.

Cloud Phone System UK Support from Intrasource

At Intrasource, we offer high-quality and complete cloud phone solutions for businesses in Hull and across the UK including IT and support services. With our first-class mobile device management, you can modernise your business communications. No matter what size your company is we will be on hand to assist with your IT services.

See our full list of IT services or contact us today via telephone at 01482 628800 or email at [email protected]

Read about our business phone systems here.