Here in Florida, we know a lot about clouds – we keep an eye on them every year from the start of May through to the end of November. But there’s another type of cloud that’s crucially important to Florida businesses: Cloud computing. It’s behind some of today’s top technological innovations.
It might seem like only yesterday when cloud implementation was sweeping the nation. Starting with the Fortune 500, the cloud is now available to businesses of all sizes – including here in Central Florida. More companies in Ormond Beach, DeLand, and elsewhere are using it.
With the cloud, you have access to software resources, support, and many other assets that might be tough to obtain with a traditional in-house model. You no longer need to worry about tracking down the right talent or making expensive hires.
As long as you have high-speed internet, you can make use of the cloud in a matter of minutes. Cloud services are designed to be used and interpreted by the software you have now. A single cloud platform can typically deliver its advantages to many different types of hardware, too.
There are two key areas where cloud computing adds to the bottom line:
Software
For many years, companies needed to pay for business software on a per-seat basis or else look for low-cost alternatives that might not offer power or flexibility. With more bandwidth available, software firms have moved toward “pay forever” subscription models in exchange for updates.
Just like cord-cutters looking to get away from traditional cable, businesses that adopt cloud services get more value for less. A single flat fee for cloud services can empower enterprises of all sizes with productivity software and much more that could cost 10x as much from individual vendors.
Support
Since it provides secure access between your business network and that of your provider, the cloud is an ideal way to get IT support when you need it. This can take many forms. By closing in-house help desks, many companies have cut headcount and saved money while improving service quality.
Other managed IT services within the cloud include patch management and virus removal. These help you keep mission-critical software up to date and limit disruption in the event a hacking attack takes place. With millions of automated attacks launched daily, it’s a sound investment.
The capabilities of the cloud might seem nearly endless, and a “pay as you go” model makes them even more attractive. Services can be metered precisely, so you don’t buy a bundle of things you never use. Recently, business phone system innovators are applying this model to your telephone.
The timing couldn’t be better. The choice of Florida business phone system is becoming more important to how Florida businesses are perceived. Investing in the best telephone solution for your needs can help deliver memorable, branded experiences that inspire customer loyalty.
With More Customers Dialing in, Your Business Phone System Is Critical
Even though the majority of Americans carry a powerful supercomputer in their pockets, the business phone system has often been neglected when it comes to advancing technology. That no longer needs to be the case, with a cloud-based business phone system offering remarkable utility at a great price.
Some Florida businesses have been slow to update the business phone system, often for two reasons:
- Concerns about the disruption caused by phone system downtime and replacement
- Perceptions of reduced call volume and dwindling importance of the phone system
A recent study shows that, though they appreciate having options, about 60% of customers prefer to call a small business on the phone. Small businesses in particular can make a strong human connection over the phone because they are perceived as part of the community and more approachable.
A phone call stood out as the best option, with only 16% choosing #2, email.
But that’s not only true for small businesses. Don’t count out the larger brands.
Large firms may suffer from a perception gap when it comes to the quality of their phone service. No one wants to get stuck in a phone tree, routed from one voicemail to another, or sent to someone who can’t resolve their issue promptly. But research shows they still prefer to talk to a human being.
No less a source than Harvard Business Review describes voice communication as “faster, easier, and more effective” than typing for the average consumer. This is based on the estimate that humans speak at around 125-175 words per minute and can listen to more than 400 words per minute.
On the other hand, typing lowers that rate to around 40 words per minute.
(And, of course, typing with your thumbs on a mobile phone makes it even slower.)
The more complex the purchase decision, the more important it is to the average person that they use a phone. Companies of all sizes should invest in a business phone system that will deliver a reliable and positive experience – to consumers as well as the personnel who use it every day.
For these needs and more, it’s the cloud to the rescue.
The Cloud Makes Its Debut in Florida’s Best Business Phone System
The cloud-based NEC Univerge Blue Connect is a business phone system designed to make the lives of your customers and staff better. Its core communication experience is second to none, and the cloud augments it with world-class productivity and collaboration software at a fraction of the cost.
Central Florida businesses are flocking to choose the NEC Univerge Blue Connect.
Let’s look at some of the biggest reasons it stands out:
Easy to Set Up and Use via Desktop or Mobile App
Rolling out NEC Univerge Blue Connect for the first time takes minutes rather than days or weeks. You can get started using your current phone system along with preconfigured hardware that “just works.” A suite of 90 enterprise-grade features complements the industry-leading call quality and uptime.
A Wealth of Built-In Productivity and Collaboration Features
With a cloud-based system, the underlying architecture behind your NEC Univerge Blue Connect easily interfaces across your network, delivering a unified experience for chat, video, conference calls, screen sharing, file management, and more. It even integrates with the third-party software you already use.
Exceptional Cost Efficiency for Florida Business
NEC Univerge Blue Connect is so easy, it ends one of the big issues tethering Florida companies to their old phone systems: The disruption factor. There’s no complicated hardware to buy, install, or manage. Billing is based on the number of users rather than the number of lines, with flat rates and no hidden costs.
Increased Transparency for Remote Work
NEC Univerge Blue Connect was built from the ground up to be just as easy to use and manage through its mobile application as with its desktop software. You can choose a single phone number as the main point of contact and route calls between devices seamlessly based on colleagues’ availability.
Contact us at Atlantic Communications Team to learn more or get started.