Silver Lining Logo Focus Group

Hosted Business Phone Systems for Small Business: Enhance Office Communication

Published on:
Published in:
Author
4 November 2024
Hollie Agombar
Back to Resources

If you've ever thought, "There has to be a better way to manage our phone systems," you're not alone.

Traditional systems can be clunky and expensive and don't always adapt well to growth or changing needs. In contrast, hosted business phone systems offer a flexible, scalable solution that businesses of all sizes are embracing for smarter call management, messaging, and collaboration.

In this blog, we will explore what hosted business phone systems are, how they work, and why so many businesses are switching.

What Are Hosted Business Phone Systems?

Hosted business phone systems are cloud-based communication solutions, otherwise known as cloud phone systems. No hardware or on-site installations are needed; all you need is an internet connection.

Calls, voicemails, and messages get routed through secure servers online, making it easy for businesses to connect with clients and teams wherever they are.

But why is it worth switching from a traditional phone system?

Here’s the

  • Scalability: As your business grows, adding users is as simple as updating a subscription.
  • Cost-Effective: Forget costly hardware and maintenance fees; hosted systems are typically billed monthly, so you pay only for what you use.
  • Flexibility: Work from the office, at home, or on the go—no special setup needed.

Why are Hosted Phone Systems Features

As a business owner, you want to ensure you get the most out of your money. Let's see some of the benefits of business hosted phone systems.

1. Cost Savings

With hosted office phone systems, the bulk of your infrastructure lives in the cloud, saving you from expensive hardware, meaning there is less cost for repair.

One report found that small businesses save up to 40% on local calls and up to 90% on international calls by switching to hosted systems, which shows proof of the advantages this type of phone system provides.

2. Easy Integration with Other Tools

Modern business needs don’t just rely on phones. From CRM tools to project management platforms hosted phone systems connect with other software seamlessly.

Using a cloud-based phone can open the door to lots of This integration, which means one platform to handle all your customer interactions.

3. Support Remote and Hybrid Work

Remote work is here to stay, and hosted phone systems allow employees to work from anywhere while staying connected to their main business line.

It’s all online, so your team can log in and get to work without being constrained by your desk phone.

4. Improved Customer Service

When your phone system integrates with your CRM, you can get a full view of customer information before answering the call.

This can cut call handling times and improve satisfaction by having all the info you need right in front of you, allowing you to offer better customer support.

5. Advanced Features at No Extra Cost

A hosted phone system gives you a number of advanced features and benefits.

  • Auto-attendant
  • Call forwarding
  • Voicemail to email
  • Mobile apps
  • IVR System 

The communication features make it easy to manage calls efficiently without added fees.

Types of Hosted Telephone Systems to Choose From

Here’s a look at the main types of hosted phone systems there are to choose from.

Legacy Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

Often called landlines, this traditional phone system dates back to the late 1800s and uses copper wires laid underground to connect calls. It is the oldest phone service for communication.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

PBX phone system use hardware to manage multiple phone lines within a business, allowing employees to share lines instead of requiring individual ones. This setup is typically more cost-effective than traditional landlines, which is why many telecom providers prefer PBX for business communications.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Unlike PSTN, VoIP systems transmit data and calls over an internet connection rather than using copper wiring via a cloud-based phone system. VoIP creates a virtual phone line, making it a popular choice for modern offices when they choose how there telephony will operate.

How to Choose the Right Hosted Phone Telephpony Service for Your Business

Choosing a phone system provider depends on your needs and whether you want to take advantage of features like call forwarding.

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Scalability: How many users do you need, and is there an easy path to add more?
  • Reliability: Never drop out of a call due to the reliability of a hosted phone.
  • Budget: Understand the billing model. Some are per user, while others offer packages based on features.
  • Features: Think about your "must-haves." Call forwarding, CRM integration, and auto-attendants are basics, but some systems offer even more.
  • Mobile and Remote Access: If remote work is important, look for a system with strong mobile support.

By comparing these points, you can narrow down your options.

Advantages of Choosing Silver Lining for Hosted Business Phone Systems

When you partner with Silver Lining, you receive more than just a phone solution. Our team works closely with you to ensure your phone systems are tailored to suit your needs, including ensuring flexibility, allowing for easy adjustments as your business scales.

With reliability and security, our VoIP phone system has built-in redundancies and robust security protocols, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your data remains secure.

We understand that efficient communication is key to business growth, so our solutions come with advanced features, from call forwarding and recording to team collaboration tools, making communication smoother both internally and externally. Silver Lining’s commitment to continuous support also means that if you ever need assistance, our 24/7 team is just a call away, ready to help keep your systems running smoothly.

FAQs About Buisnese Hosted Phone Systems

Is a hosted phone system reliable?

Yes, hosted phone systems are very reliable, especially when provided by reputable providers like Silver Lining. They come with built-in redundancies and security measures to ensure minimal downtime. Plus, with internet connectivity improving, hosted systems often outperform traditional phone lines in terms of reliability.

What is the difference between PBX and hosted?

The key distinction between a traditional PBX and a hosted PBX is location. A traditional PBX phone system is housed on-site at your office, giving you direct control over the system, while a hosted PBX phone operates in the cloud.

What is the difference between PBX and IVR?

An IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system is designed for a variety of automated voice applications. For instance, field technicians can use an IVR application to file job completion reports and check their next assignments without human assistance. IVR systems also support outbound calling applications, while a PBX system typically offers only basic outbound call capabilities.

Share on:

Latests news & insights

Take a look at the latest news, insights, materials & content from our resource centre
4 November 2024

Hosted Business Phone Systems for Small Business: Enhance Office Communication

In this blog, we will explore what hosted business phone systems are, how they work, and why so many businesses are switching.
Learn More
1 2 3 117
Silver Lining Logo Focus Group
© Silver Lining Convergence Ltd
Registered Company Number: 06212357
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram