What is Hosted Telephony?

Today’s world is unpredictable. Whether it’s laptops, mobile, or applications, businesses need cost-effective, flexible and scalable technology solutions to support their staff and sites. Increasingly, businesses are opting for cloud applications and cloud technologies over traditional on-premise alternatives, and the same applies to business telephony systems – but what is hosted telephony? How does it work? And what are the benefits?

So, what is Hosted Telephony?
Traditionally, telephone systems use hardwired phone lines to connect a caller and receiver. This can often lead to an array of problems, like high maintenance costs, limited compatibility with the modern devices we use every day, and tracking is more difficult. Not to mention the fact that ISDN lines are being phased out by 2025.

Hosted Telephony works in much the same way, except call data and call traffic are hosted in the cloud and transmitted using SIP trunks (essentially digital phone lines). This connects callers and receivers securely via the internet – hence ‘Hosted Telephony’.

Don’t understand the jargon? Check out this Hosted Telephony glossary of terms.

Benefits of Hosted Telephony
Now that we know what it is, what drives organisations to Hosted Telephony, and what are the benefits?

Compatibility
Digital transformation is accelerating change; our devices are smarter and increasingly inter-connected. From smartphones and mobiles to IP handsets and desktop apps, Hosted Telephony offers more handset compatibility options.

Flexibility & Scalability
Configuration, installation and setup are easy, all you need is an internet connection. Unlike traditional phonelines, which keep you tethered to a single spot, Hosted Telephony offers more flexibility by enabling users to move around, whether at home or in the office - simply plug in and go. Licences are also scalable, allowing you to easily add or remove them in line with the needs and changes to your business.

Curb the Cost
For a fixed monthly cost per user, Hosted Telephony is cost-effective and easier to manage. There’s also no expensive hardware maintenance and upkeep costs to worry about, and some providers even offer extras, like free internal calls – how bad can that be?

Quicker service turnaround
There’s no need for service staff to visit and fix phone lines or hardware issues. Support for Hosted Telephony is provided remotely to get you up and running again in no time.

Find out more about how hosted Telephony can benefit your business?

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