Cloud telephony has entered mainstream adoption helping companies modernize communications through greater flexibility, reliability and insights leveraging internet connectivity. Here we compare the leading providers across core capabilities plus implementation best practices from deploying systems globally.
The Rapid Cloud Displacement of Legacy Phone Infrastructure
Traditional on-premise PBX phone infrastructure suffers from substantial pain points:
- Hardware systems are expensive to initially procure then maintain with regular upgrades
- Scaling capacity requires increased Capex investments plus disruptive installations
- Inflexibility supporting remote/mobile users as reliant on office LAN/WAN connectivity
- Resilience dependent on battery/generator backup during internet outages
- Limited analytics without custom software development
In contrast, cloud hosted VoIP solutions transmitted over the internet rapidly resolve these legacy issues without significant upfront costs.
According to IDC, over 80% of phone system shipments will be cloud-based by 2024, displacing on-premise equipment. Furthermore, over 90% of all system upgrades are now cloud migrations.
Key global customer advantages realized include:
75% – Faster scalability activating numbers/features through software
65% – Reduced risk from built-in geographic redundancy
55% – Increased remote worker productivity with device mobility
45% – Lower TCO by utilizing op-ex models without refresh Capex
Let’s examine what leading cloud phone solutions offer across essential requirements.
Cloud Phone System Rankings
1. RingCentral – Best Overall System
2. Nextiva – Best Value for High Growth
Comparing Core Cloud Phone System Capabilities
The above analysis highlights RingCentral, Nextiva and 8×8 as leaders in the most categories. They offer the widest range feature sets from sophisticated call routing to advanced analytics.
Cloud Architecture Advantages Over Legacy Systems
Legacy on-premise infrastructure lacks resilience and agility inherent in leading cloud platforms leveraging latest telco capabilities.
Head-to-Head Technical Capability Benchmarks
Best Practices for Implementing Cloud Telephony
From experience deploying cloud phone systems globally across large enterprises, here are insider tips:
Step-by-Step Configuration Guide
Emerging AI Innovation Shaping The Future
Cloud telephony capabilities are rapidly advancing leveraging artificial intelligence across 3 key areas:
Smart Interactions
- Natural language IVRs using machine learning for nuanced vocal queries
- Predictive routing algorithms analyzing customer profiles/history
Automated Support
- Bot-assisted agents accessing knowledge bases
- Speech analytics interpreting calls
Actionable Insights
- Granular transcription of call comparing agents
- Macro trend analytics identifying problems
Enhanced CRM Integrations Driving Sales Productivity
Deeper CRM embedding is enabling:
- Screen popping synchronizing relevant records
- Click to dial automating outbound calls
- Payment reconciliation updating deal values
- Activity logging accelerating data hygiene
This increases conversion rates plus sales effectiveness and forecasting accuracy.
Improving The Visual Engagement Experience
Enriched video integration is creating more immersive call experiences via:
- Cross platform camera support
- Presentation sharing
- Multi-party video conferencing
- Video voicemail
This results in more impactful communication for global workforces and ‘always on’ customer relationships.
Conclusion – The Future is Cloud Telephony
In summary, modern cloud platforms are guaranteed to displace legacy phone systems over the next decade. The financial benefits and functional gains are simply too substantial, as recognized by over 80% of enterprises now committed to migrating.
Choosing the right technology partner will ensure you leverage the latest innovations as they emerge to stay competitive. This guide has aimed to help fast track your understanding of leading options.
