The cloud is the go-to platform for business operations and communications in today’s digitally transforming landscape. Promising exceptional flexibility for businesses ready to adapt to changing trends in any industry, the cloud allows for infinite growth and innovation.
While there are many flavors of cloud technology, one of the most widely adopted solutions today is cloud calling. Cloud calling solutions allow companies to connect with customers and colleagues wherever they are, using the internet to facilitate connections.
With “Bring Your Own Carrier” functionality, companies can even choose their ideal vendor to align and enable their communication services with the tools they use for conferencing and productivity. The question is, with so many cloud solutions available on the market, how do you choose the right BYOC system for your calling strategy? Here are some key tips for comparing platforms.
Step 1: Know Your Specific Feature Needs
First, it’s important to know what you’re looking for from a cloud calling provider. For instance, do you need standard cloud telephony for your internal teams, or are you looking for something with pre-existing contact centre functionality, so you can transform your conversations with clients?
A BYOC solution can come with a huge range of additional features to suit specific requirements. Knowing exactly what you’re going to be doing with your tech investment from day one should help you to make better decisions about what kind of tool you need.
It’s also worth looking at the existing applications and systems your team already uses. For instance, if you’re already developing a business collaboration and productivity hub in Microsoft Teams, it makes sense to use Direct Routing or Operator Connect functionality to bring calling functions into your Teams landscape too.
Step 2: Examine Flexibility and Scalability
One of the biggest benefits of investing in BYOC solutions, is it allows you to control your communications strategy based on your specific needs. As your business evolves, and your needs change, you’ll need your cloud calling technology to adapt.
A BYOC provider that gives you the freedom to add new features and functionality, as well as extra numbers and locations to your platform at the touch of a button will be a huge advantage. Look for a cloud calling solution capable of offering not just what you need now, but the technology you might need in the future too. For instance, you might want your cloud provider to offer support tor chat and SMS conversations, as well as voice.
A good way to assess the flexibility of a BYOC solution is to determine how accessible it is to integrations and add-ons through APIs. Most vendors will offer a range of APIs to help you make the most of your service.
Step 3: Global Reach and Local Presence
Another huge benefit of working with a cloud calling solution provider offering BYOC technology, is the ability to expand your communication reach as far as you like. BYOC solutions can offer you access to carrier support in regions all over the world, ensuring you can maintain high-quality voice and video conversations wherever you are.
When comparing your BYOC technology options, look for companies with an existing presence in the countries you need to be connected to. A strong knowledge of the data and privacy requirements in these areas, as well as any regulations will help you to avoid any set-up mistakes.
Aside from looking at what kind of global coverage you can get, and the amount of direct connections with mobile operators, it’s also worth thinking about the local presence of your company. The best vendors have hands-on experience of the regions you’re operating in, and can provide you with specialist solutions to match different needs.
