How does cloud calling work?
Cloud calling is the process in which calls are placed and received using an internet connection as opposed to a traditional phone line. Data is packaged and transferred to the receiver using a VoIP protocol. This stands for voice over internet protocol, it is essentially the method for transferring the data from the sender to the receiver using an internet connection. To the user there is no difference in the call, although they might find the call is clearer than traditional systems.
Published: 30/03/2022
Updated: 17/06/2024
What are the requirements for cloud calling?
The primary requirement for cloud calling is a stable, high-speed internet connection. We recommend a minimum internet speed of 200KB per second for a cloud phone system to function clearly and effectively. You can test your internet speed by using the speed tester on the right, or navigate to the bottom of our technical support page. If you don’t have a good internet connection, then cloud calling will be difficult. You may find that you experience lag time between speaking and the end user hearing your voice or issues with your voice breaking up during the call. Getting your internet connection stable and secure is key before opting for a cloud phone solution.
You also need to be set up with a cloud phone system to enable cloud calling. This is a simple process that can Enreach can provide. With just a few details we can set you up with an account and everything you need so you can begin cloud calling. You don’t need specialised devices and can access your cloud phone system on your computer or mobile device. However, we do also provide handsets that are compatible with cloud calling if you prefer a physical desk phone.
Minimum requirements for cloud calling:
- Internet connection (min. 200KB per second)
- Device capable to run VoIP software / apps
- VoIP service provider – like Enreach
3 considerations when choosing cloud calling
Connection Quality
OS Compatibility
Service Provider
Cloud calling features
There are several great features and benefits that you can access as part of a cloud based phone system. These features are not part of regular phone systems and are only provided as part of the cloud phone solution due to internet connectivity and the ease of integration with the cloud.
Video Calling | Video calling can be provided as part of a business cloud phone, this provides colleagues and customers the ability to communicate on a more personal level without needing to travel to their location. The Covid-19 pandemic saw many organisations change the way they work, and this change became a permanent part of working practices. Video calls have replaced many face to face meetings. This provides businesses with a chance to not only save time and money by reducing travel but helps employees achieve a better work life balance through enabling working from home. |
Professional Appearance | Even small businesses want to portray a professional experience to their customers, a cloud phone system can help with this. Professional voicemail, marketing on hold and virtual receptionist are three key features that help businesses portray a professional image to current customers, potential customers, and business associates. |
Additional analytics | Data and information can help a business improve in many ways, our cloud phone system uses the information and data available to provide reports to help businesses to improve and find issues. You can get vital information on any missed calls, the number of calls placed and received by each user, and the length of calls. Call recording also enables managers to check the quality of the calls and provide training if needed. |
Hosted in the cloud
All of these features and many more are hosted in the cloud on secure dedicated servers. These servers sit in a remote secure location. Your business and members of staff use the internet to access the information and business phone system that sits on these servers. If any issues arise our team of experts can remotely access the servers and fix the issue without needing to physically travel anywhere. The servers are also backed-up, in the unlikely case of an issue your business phone service can be provided using the back-up server until the main server issue has been fixed.
A cloud phone system is an incredibly flexible and easy way for a business to operate their communications. There is no need for any expensive set-up or specific expertise within the business. Enreach provides the knowledge, advice, and support to keep your business communicating.
FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP
JOIN THE 50,000+ USERS WHO CHOOSE ENREACH
FROM SMALL BUSINESS TO ENTERPRISE
Boost performance, protect your business
How to get a cloud phone system?
If you want to get a cloud phone system for your business, there are a few ways to do it. The first is simply to go to a provider and find out what setups they offer. At Enreach we will want to know:
- Whether it will be a new or existing line
- How many phones are required
- Whether the system will need to work on a single site or across multiple
- Features required
Cloud calling phone systems expand on features not offered with a traditional phone solution, you can get in touch with us to learn the many benefits that a cloud telephony solution can provide, and there are really a lot of benefits! To find out more, or for some friendly advice on any help you may need to create contact magic, give us a call on 0333 3603 723 or email us at enquiries.uk@enreach.com.
Frequently asked questions
First of all, traditional phone lines are being phased out with an expected completion date of January 2027. So migrating to a new setup needs to be considered sooner rather than later.
Additionally, a cloud based phone system provides greater scalability, cost reductions, flexibility and features.
Security is an important topic in a digital age. What your company will need will very much depend on the industry. But yes, cloud calling is secure for business use.
In short, if you’re only handling personal data then you will need to be FIT-2 compliant. If you are to be processing financial data, then PCI compliance will need to be achieved.