Why Businesses are Shifting to Cloud Communications & VoIP

If your business still communicates with an on-premise phone system, these reasons may sound familiar:

• "We bought the system years ago and don't spend much to maintain it."

• "It works just fine."

• "We don't really use the phone system that much."

• "We don't want to spend time or money on the project to make a switch."

• "We only pay for our PRI phone services."

• "Our staff just uses their cell phones."

So, the question becomes: Why fix what isn’t broken?

With an ongoing shift to all things cloud-based, the phone system has been less of a priority for small and midsized businesses and nonprofit organizations, especially if it 'just works'. But with shifts in telecom technology, decisions by traditional on-premise/PBX manufacturers, and infrastructure/connectivity advancements, keeping the status quo with your legacy phone system is risky.

Nortel PBX Phone System

What’s Going On With On-Premise Phone Systems?

Let’s break down what’s happening in the telecom industry and why shifting to cloud communications isn’t just a trend, it’s the business communications standard.

Traditional PBX (premise-based) phone system manufacturers continue to shift their focus, resources, and innovation for the SMB market to cloud-based phone systems (also known as Hosted PBX, VoIP, UCaaS, Cloud Phones).

Legacy telecom manufacturers include:

• Cisco

• Avaya

• Mitel/ShoreTel

• NEC

• Panasonic

  
  

These PBX manufacturers are reducing support for systems or discontinuing them altogether with ongoing EOL (end of life) announcements. This is a red flag and risky when businesses require support, parts, and system updates. Not to mention, when systems and software are not kept up to date, there's increased security vulnerabilities and limitations that can impact operations.

According to Gartner, cloud-based UCaaS adoption is growing at over 18% year-over-year, largely due to limited manufacturer support for legacy PBX systems.

What’s Going On With Traditional Phone Services?

Traditional landline carriers like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, and Windstream are increasing prices, issuing end-of-life announcements, and even terminating circuits on short notice.

The FCC confirmed carriers are no longer required to maintain copper infrastructure, resulting in significant POTS/PRI service decommissioning across the U.S. (FCC Source)

Some businesses have reported 30–50% increases in legacy phone line costs year-over-year due to shrinking carrier support (UC Today).

Why Say 'Hello' to Cloud Communications and VoIP?

Here are 5 key reasons why small and midsized businesses and nonprofits are making the shift to cloud communications:

1. Future Proofing

Cloud communications are constantly updated with new features, security patches, and system improvements. Because the cloud communications model is 'as a service', all system capabilities are included in your monthly subscription.

With a shift to VoIP and cloud phone solutions, say 'goodbye' to outdated hardware, expensive software licenses, and vendor end-of-life surprises.

According to Forbes, 94% of businesses say automatic software updates and scalability are key reasons they switched to cloud communications (Forbes).

2. Rock-Solid Reliability

Unlike on-site systems that rely on local power and internet, cloud platforms are hosted in multiple geo-redundant data centers. That means even if your building or home office loses power, phone calls can automatically route to automated attendants, voicemail boxes, cell phones, answering services, mobile apps, or softphones.

3. Enterprise-Level Security

From HIPAA compliance to SOC 2 certifications, today’s cloud communications platforms are built with top-tier security measures.

Reliable cloud communications platforms are enterprise-grade and built with runZero, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Intune, Paloalto, Automox, Akamai, Cloudflare, and many other leading solutions.

4. Feature-Rich Flexibility

Cloud systems offer hundreds of features that help people connect anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

• Support hybrid staff and empower a 'work from anywhere' model with remote IP phones, mobile apps, and computer softphones

  
  

• Integrate with Microsoft Teams to empower staff to make/take/manage business phone calls in a familiar interface

  
  

• Streamline workflows by integrating with CRM to gain access to features like screen pops, automated call logging, or click to dial

  
  

• Seamless communications integrating the phone system with overhead paging or door access solutions

A 2024 Metrigy study showed that businesses that integrated cloud phone systems with collaboration platforms saw a 57% improvement in employee productivity (Metrigy Research).

5. Simple Management

Cloud phone systems are 100% web-based and can be accessed and managed anytime and anywhere without logging into premise-based system hardware.

Simple management software empowers system admins to make changes to manage users, call flows, and settings from anywhere, with no special training required.

What's With All The Options?

Here’s the tricky part: With so many business VoIP and cloud communications providers to choose from, it's all about finding the right fit for your organization.

Whether going directly with a big-name, working through a reseller/broker/consultant, or partnering with a white-label VoIP provider, not all cloud providers are the same. Shifting from a legacy on-premise phone system and traditional phone services takes expertise and collaboration, and that’s where we come in.

At Recent Communications Inc., we have 25+ years of expertise truly partnering with small and midsized businesses and nonprofits helping shift from traditional on-premise PBX phone systems and landline services (PRI, T1, POTS line) to cloud and VoIP phone solutions.

As a long-time Avaya Channel Partner, we have an expert team of engineers and access to resources to ensure the migration from legacy to cloud is smooth.

Is It Time to Rethink “Good Enough”?

Don’t wait for your legacy phone system to hang up on your business.

The shift to cloud phone solutions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner fueling reliable, secure, and feature rich solutions, it can be one of the smartest moves you make for your business.

Let our trusted team of experts help your organization evaluate and find the right-fit communications solutions!

Contact:

Call: 484-998-4500

Chat: info@recentcom.com

Click: www.recentcom.com