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CLOUD PHONE SYSTEMeGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
OVERVIEWWHY CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS?Your phone system plays a critical role in your business operationsand in your company’s success. But with more employees workingfrom home and on the go, increasingly global markets, andever-changing customer demands, today’s workforce requiresdecision makers to think beyond the traditional phone systemsof days past. The modern workplace requires a completecommunications solution that not only lets employees interactwith ease, but empowers IT teams to easily manage and adapt to anevolving business environment.This eGuide explains cloud technologies, compares traditionaland cloud-based phone systems, and discusses how unifiedcommunications can elevate your communications experience.Use it to better understand cloud communications and determine ifa cloud phone system is right for you.1 CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS 1012 CLOUD VS. ON-SITE:CONSIDERATIONS AND BENEFITS3 BENEFITS OF A CLOUD-BASEDPHONE SYSTEM4 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLOUDCOMMUNICATIONS SOLUTION5 MICLOUD CONNECT SOLUTIONeGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
1CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS 101Chances are, you’re already using cloud technology in other aspects of your business. G Suite by Google Cloud ,Microsoft Office 365 and Dropbox are just some examples of cloud-based applications.The cloud simply refers to software and services that are hosted by the provider and run on the Internet instead ofequipment housed in your building. Since the documents, emails, photos and other software that live in the cloudare available from any device with a secure Internet connection, users can access the information and services fromanywhere.eGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
2CLOUD VS. ON-SITEWhen it comes to communications, a cloud-based phone service offers unique benefits that a traditionalon-site phone system cannot. Let’s take a quick look at how these two deployment models differ:On-site Phone System You fully own and operate the solution You are responsible for overall maintenance,upgrades, reliability and security Typically acquired as an upfront purchase, andaccounted for as a capital expenseCloud Phone Service Applications are hosted remotely by the cloud provideror a hosting partner Cloud provider manages the service, relieving in-houseIT of most or all network-related tasks Services are consumed as a monthly subscriptionexpenseeGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
ON-SITE CONSIDERATIONS2With an on-site phone system, IT maintains control of your solution. As a capital expenditure (CapEx), there areminimal-to-no ongoing costs to finance the solution. However, there are several important considerations tokeep in mind:Total Cost of Operations: Plan to factor in the additionalcosts of system maintenance, changes/adds/deletes,upgrades and replacements.Obsolescence: With technology constantly evolving, thereis risk of the equipment quickly becoming obsolete.Resources: If IT resources are limited, the complexity of thedeployment may pose problems in implementation and useradoption.Less Flexibility: An on-site solution mayhave limited flexibility when integrating with newapplications and rapidly supporting new sites orremote workers.eGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
BENEFITS OF A CLOUD-BASEDPHONE SYSTEM3Value: There are minimal-to-no upfront expenses as you paymonthly on a subscription basis. Plus, with many cloud providers,upgrades are automatic, and maintenance or installation fees areeither low or non-existentMaintenance: Cloud phone services require minimal-to-no onsite equipment, eliminating the need for equipment that requiresvaluable time from IT staff and space in your buildingAccessibility: Employees have access to the same features andfunctionality whether they’re in the main office, working from aremote location or on the roadIntegrations: Easier integrations with popular back-office cloudsolutions, such as CRM, ERP and other apps, turn a cloud phonesystem into a communications hub that enhances productivity andcollaborationScalability: Adding locations, growing teams and seasonalfluctuations become simple to handle in a cloud environment,with new users able to be provisioned in minutes“While the benefits still largelyrevolve around cost savings, thereasons for deploying UCaaS are toEMPOWEREMPLOYEES &IMPACT THEBUSINESSon a variety of fronts.”- AMY LIND,IDC RESEARCH MANAGEReGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
35 MOST CITED REASONSfor Moving to CloudCommunications:1 WHY BUSINESSES ARE MAKINGTHE MOVE TO CLOUDThe key difference is that cloud communicationscan help your business to be more agile. Cloudsolutions are often more flexible, scalable,reliable, and offer greater access to innovativefeatures designed to make your employees moreproductive.2 3 AGILITYTOTAL COST OF OPERATIONSRESILIENCY4 LACK OF IT RESOURCES5 SCALABILITYSource: “The State of Cloud Communications,” 2015 No Jitter ResearcheGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
IS A CLOUD-BASED PHONE SYSTEM RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?Now that we’ve covered the differences and value a cloud solution can offer, you can consider if the cloud is agood fit for your business. Certain business dynamics are custom-made for the cloud. Do you see your businessreflected in the list below?31 Rapid Growth and/or the Need to SupportSeasonalityThe built-in flexibility of the cloud makes it a great fit forcompanies that need to scale.5 Outdated Equipment and/or Equipment Comingto End of LifeIf it’s time for an upgrade, there’s no better time toconsider moving your communications to the cloud.2 Multiple LocationsIf you’re moving or adding offices, cloud systems makeit simple to add new users quickly.6 Dynamic Regulatory EnvironmentThe right cloud provider will stay current withcommon industry requirements, ensuring complianceand conformity across multiple locations.3 Mobile WorkforceCloud phone services often provide seamless mobileapplications, so employees can communicate anytime,anywhere, from numerous devices.4 Limited IT ResourcesCloud communications offer expert installation,ongoing support and automatic software upgrades.7 A Need to Improve the Customer ExperienceCloud-based solutions offer greater integrationopportunities that, in turn can help you meet thedistinct needs of your business.8 Competitive PressuresThe increased agility of a cloud solution can help youincrease productivity, retain and attract top talent, andmore easily set your business apart in competitivemarkets.eGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
4WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONUnified communications (UC) technologies go beyond basic telephony by seamlessly integrating popularcommunications applications, helping to streamline every day workflows and improve productivity. As you’reevaluating communications solutions, take full advantage of what the cloud offers by looking for a solution thatincludes features such as:Chat/Instant Messaging: Collaborate andcommunicate with other employees across theoffice, across town or across the globe.Web Conference & Desktop Sharing: Increase theeffectiveness of your online meetings by sharingimportant documents and visuals with a single click.Video Conferencing: Integrated, cloud-based videoconferencing provides a seamless environment for amore personal communications experience.Mobile Applications: Apps let you take your business linewherever you go and seamlessly move from your desk to acomputer softphone to a mobile device without skipping abeat.Collaboration Tools: Eliminate email clutter with virtualworkspaces, team or project based chat rooms and taskmanagement tools.Back-Office Integrations: Solutions with a broad suite ofintegrations to your key back-office systems, such as yourCRM or helpdesk systems, help simplify routine tasks andimprove reporting capabilities.eGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
5MICLOUD CONNECT: A CLOUD COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONDESIGNED TO GIVE YOU MOREMore IntegrationsMiCloud Connect integrates with countlessapplications, so your business can do more.More FlexibilityMiCloud Connect makes it simple to add usersand capabilities as your business expands.More ValueIndustry analyst cite Mitel as the leader interms of total cost of operations for unifiedcommunications.More MobilityConvenient mobile apps and collaboration tools allowteams to stay connected and productive wherever theyare.More FeaturesGoes beyond just a phone system to provide richcollaboration features like desktop sharing, chat, videoand team workspaces.More SimplicityMiCloud Connect provides a complete UC solution andintuitive user experience for all users, no matter theirlocation or device.eGuide:WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ACLOUD PHONE SYSTEM
WHY WAIT?Isn’t it time you gave your phone system a fresh look? Learn how MiCloud Connect can benefityour business. Visit mitel.com to learn more.mitel.com Copyright 2017, Mitel Networks Corporation. All Rights Reserved. The Mitel word and logo are trademarks of Mitel Networks Corporation.Any reference to third party trademarks are for reference only and Mitel makes no representation of ownership of these marks.
CLOUD PHONE SYSTEM CLOUD VS. ON-SITE When it comes to communications, a cloud-based phone service offers unique benefits that a traditional on-site phone system cannot. Let's take a quick look at how these two deployment models differ: On-site Phone System You fully own and operate the solution You are responsible for overall maintenance,
