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The Basics of a Cloud-Based Phone System

Hosted Phone System with McEnroe Voice & Data

If your small business is shopping for a new phone system this year, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “cloud-based phone system” thrown around. While “cloud-based ” might seem like a buzzword, these systems are not just here to stay, but are affordable alternatives to traditional telecommunications.

Cloud-Based Phone Systems 101

The terms “cloud-based ” and “VoIP” might be used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two. Just like all squares are rectangles but all rectangles aren’t squares, all cloud-based systems are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, but not all VoIP systems are hosted. Cloud-based phone systems use the internet to transmit data, however, the heart of the system (servers, applications, etc.) is located at a secure data center, not at your business.

How Does a Cloud-Based System Work?

In modern cloud-based systems, like those set up by McEnroe Voice & Data, your phone system will have servers and switches held in a data center, and you pay a fee to connect to your phone system. You will have IP-based phones on your desks that will automatically connect back to the off-site system. At the data center, we will take care of completing updates and upkeep as needed, so that you don’t have to worry about installing upgrades, completing repairs and the stress of managing a phone system. You will also enjoy monitoring and support around the clock.

What Are the Benefits of a Cloud-Based Phone System?

  • No Server Onsite: With a cloud-based solution, your phone system resides in the cloud, in a controlled environment.  Power outages, user error, and irregular temperatures in your IT room are something you won’t have to worry about.
  • Effortless Upgrades: Are you worried about upgrading your whole system just for it to be outdated in a year or two? A cloud-based phone system is constantly being upgraded and monitored at a remote location, so you never even need to think about it, your system will always be up-to-date.
  • Line Sharing: McEnroe’s unique cloud-based phone solution allows sharing lines at multiple locations. If you have a business with two or three locations, you don’t need to have strict dedicated lines at each one, rather, you can have 20 lines total and share them between all your locations. Moreover, if all your lines are in use, our cloud-based phone system will allow you to “burst” and use another line from the cloud, so no more missed calls!

Partner with McEnroe Voice & Data for Your Cloud-Based Phone System

McEnroe Voice & Data provides versatile, affordable and flexible telecommunications and security solutions to businesses throughout Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. With access to the best manufacturers and excellent customer service, you can trust McEnroe. To learn more, please call us at (410) 785-1600.