As technology advances, it’s understandable to feel lost among all the changes and new additions. Traditional phone systems that don’t use IP services will be obsolete before we know it, with BT planning to switch off the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) systems by 2025. That means there’s no time like the present to learn all you need to know about hosted telephony.
This blog explains what hosted telephony is, how it works, and why you need it. For personalised information for your business or to find out more, contact our team at Blackbox UC today.
What is Hosted Telephony?
Hosted telephony is a cloud solution service that houses your business phone system in the cloud, rather than in your office. It allows your business phone to service to be delivered by an Internet connection, so that no matter the size or location of your business, you’re connected with your colleagues when you need them most.
How Does Hosted Telephony Work?
Hosted telephony uses the same LAN (Local Area Network) as office Internet. It automatically connects to the associated IP network, using a router to communicate. When your business receives a phone call, the call first connects to the IP network and then to the remote host before being sent through to the intended department or individual.
What are the Benefits of Hosted Telephony?
- Affordable— Hosted telephony is software rather than hardware, so it is cheaper to purchase.
- No maintenance— When it does require an update every couple of years, your VoIP provider performs these updates for you.
- Simple to use— With hosted telephony, your business can manage communications across numerous sites from multiple countries through one simple interface.
- Remote working opportunities— You can divert calls from your office phone to your mobile when you’re out of the office, something that is becoming more common as more people work from home.
- No downtime— Hosted telephony means less phone-related issues to your business that affect your bottom line. Traditional phone systems can malfunction, plunging businesses into disarray, while hosted telephony can divert calls to other devices instantly.
- Call management features— In addition to diversion, you can set up call forwarding, recording, and transfer, among other options, simplifying processes.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows anybody to make phone calls over an Internet connection, giving you more options and capabilities at less than half the cost of traditional phone lines. It may sound new, but it has been around for a long time, forming an essential component of the internet.
When your phone connects to the router in your LAN, your IP phone tells your VoIP service provider to dial the number you entered. The VoIP service then makes the call, exchanges data packets from your IP phone, and converts these signals so that you can hear them through the phone.
Can My Telephone Integrate with Microsoft Teams?
Yes! Most of us are very familiar with Microsoft Teams at this point, and hosted telephony understands its importance in today’s workspaces. CallSwitch for Teams offers productivity benefits such as having all of your communication needs in one place, and allows for features such as:
- Intelligent call routing
- Native call recording
- CRM integration
- International numbering
- Inclusive call bundles
- UK-based provisioning and support
Microsoft Teams allows you to make and receive voice calls, consolidating communications into one easy-to-use application.
What Hosted Telephony Products are Available at Blackbox UC?
Hosted telephony products we offer at Blackbox UC are:
- 1 Voice— a cloud-based system combining your landline and mobile communications, a great solution for small and medium sized businesses
- Yealink— a mobile smartphone that you can use anywhere, at any time
