It would be wrong to think that the long-running debate over Cloud versus on-premises communications solutions has been settled decisively either way. The recent uplift in interest in hybrid systems suggests both have an important role to play in the future of business telecommunications.
It is, however, fair to say that the rise of cloud communications has transformed the market forever. Looking at business ICT in general, the Cloud is now part of the mainstream, with 88 per cent of UK organisations using cloud applications and services in one form or another.
That level of adoption does not happen by accident. If almost nine out of 10 businesses are using the technology, there must be some very good reasons.
Benefits of Cloud Communications
As part of our Technology Track series on cloud communications, UC Today thought it would be well worth a close look at exactly what those reasons are. Here is what we came up with - let us know if you agree or not.
1 - Remove physical barriers
Traditional on-premises communications systems have always been limited by the physical hardware required. Most obviously, legacy telephones had to plug into a wired network, but you also had things like the size of your PBX server limiting the number of users you could plug in.
The Cloud has removed all of that. Built on the physical infrastructure laid down for the internet, and supported by wireless technologies like and 4G, the Cloud has created an alternative, virtual plane for data sharing and communication. In theory, it is limitless in size and can be accessed from anywhere.
From a business telecoms perspective, if you don’t want to be tied down to one place by wires, and limited by the number of connection points you have, the Cloud opens up new horizons. And this freedom from physical restrictions underpins many of the other benefits, as we shall see.
2 - Reduce operating costs
The other consequence of removing the dependence on hardware is that the Cloud has created a new service-based business model for telecoms vendors. Instead of selling equipment and software to customers, service providers host the platforms in the large-scale data centres which form the physical backbone of the internet, and sell access to those platforms by subscription.
This has created cost savings for end users on all sorts of levels. With no capital infrastructure costs, transparent pay-as-you-go subscriptions and maintenance and system management included, TCO is stable, predictable and lower compared to traditional CAPEX systems.
3 - Simplify deployment
Unified Communications solutions are by their nature complex. Whereas traditional telephony involved setting up, configuring and managing one mode of communication, UC involves many - voice, video, conferencing, IM, email, mobile, presence and so on.
The UCaaS model hands responsibility for running complex multi-modal communications systems to third party providers. Because there are no physical systems or software to install, all the end user has to do is sign up and pay.
4 - Achieve true unity
Because UCaaS provides communication platforms in a virtual environment, it is much easier to run a uniform network across multiple sites. Even for businesses with offices spread across the globe, all you need is an internet connection to run the same platforms in all locations. Not only does this make it much easier for people in different places to talk to each other, you also don’t have to worry about dealing with different carriers and providers, tolls for long-distance calls, web conferencing costs etc.
5 - Scale to your requirements
In the first point we talked about how the Cloud’s virtual infrastructure was to all intents and purposes limitless in capacity and scope. For business communications, this means there is no ceiling on growing your network. You can add as many users as you like, as many locations as you like, and all simply by changing your subscription.
6 - Increase agility
The world of work is changing, possibly at a faster rate than ever seen before. Changing work patterns, with more and more people looking to work remotely and from home, changing technologies and changing customer behaviours all create pressure on businesses to be more agile than ever.
