I recently switched to a new smart phone. To make sure that I didn’t lose any of the over 600 very important pictures that had collected on my phone over that last four years I decided to move them to the cloud. They are there. I’m sure. I’m just not really sure how to get them down. But I am confident I will.
I decided to do a little research and google searched all things cloud. And now my head is about to explode. There are probably as many articles on cloud computing as there are clouds in the sky; probably more. One thing for certain is that the cloud is here and the number of companies embracing it grows EVERY DAY. I stumbled on the results of a 2016 State of the Cloud Survey in an article on Cloud Computing Trends in (where else) a Cloud Management Blog. Cloud, Cloud, Cloud.
95% of the over 1,000 IT managers surveyed responded that they are using the cloud. That number has grown 2% since 2015. Since the survey began in 2013, security has always been the top challenge in cloud. This year, security came in second to ‘lack of resources/expertise’ making additional training and staff development the new focus.
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to embrace cloud. You are going to keep hearing about it. The question is – when is it right for my business?
Here at Unified Technologies, our main business is voice communications. Most of us here at Unified started working in voice communications before it became part of the data network. Now we are looking at the advantages of voice in the cloud. I am amazed at how much voice technology has changed in the last 25 years. There are many options available today. It can be confusing and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Are you looking at changing the way you handle calls in your business? Is it time to consider cloud? Are you concerned that the switch from a premise based traditional solution to cloud is extreme? Are you even sure what you’re looking for?
If you are looking at a “hosted” solution then you are looking at cloud. Maybe the best solution combines the best of both worlds; traditional premise and cloud. There are many choices. Here are a few things to consider while you investigate your options.
Considerations
- What features are available? What features does my business really need from a phone system and can I get that in a cloud solution?
- What support is available? If I have a problem, who do I call?
- How can I guarantee the quality of my voice calls?
- Does my office have the necessary network in place to support my choice whether cloud or premise?
Every week we assist businesses who have had a bad hosted experience; not because hosted is bad but because it was not designed properly. Most left hosted solutions because of poor quality of voice or support. They partner with us because we have a better solution. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s a hosted concept with full service and support. It’s a solution that is a direct result of discovery and due diligence. If a premise-based solution makes the most sense, we can do that. If cloud is the best fit for you, we can handle that as well. If you are wondering if your new or old voice communication system is providing the right tools for your business today, call us. We will help you sift through the options available and lead you to the best possible solution for your business.
