A hosted cloud based system may be the most affordable and scalable of the current telephone systems on the market, but it does have its limitations. It is important to understand these before you invest in this type of system, as it can affect the way your business works.
- High speed internet access is critical: Your ability to connect with customers and suppliers depends on how fast and reliable your internet lines are. You can only use hosted cloud based systems on fast lines, and while these are becoming more prolific—the Internet can turn off for periods of time.
- Access to emergency services: You access to emergency services is limited, as you will not be using normal phone lines to call for certain services. Make sure you let the operator know where you are, as they are unable to trace your call when it is routed through a hosted cloud based system.
- Natural interferences: Storms, fires and other natural disasters can interfere with your internet line speed or quality. This means that your calls could sometimes drop, or be disconnected, and you may experience trouble during the periods of time your internet is completely down.
- Decreased sound quality: Depending on the line, you may experience sound quality interference or distortions. This happens when outside factors make it difficult for packets of information to pass from one system to another.
- Reliant on electricity: When you use hosted cloud based systems you become reliant on electricity. To keep your phones working, you must install a UPS, or uninterrupted power supply, to charge your systems when the electricity is out.
- Waiting period for problems to be fixed: When something big happens to your cloud based phone system, it can take a few hours to fix. Your host will let you know that they are working on the problem, and they will notify you when they are done. The support is great, but it can lead to loss of sales.
These limitations do not mean that hosted cloud based systems are no good, but like any system—it has its weak points. Most small and medium sized businesses can easily work around these limitations so that they can enjoy the benefits of owning a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective system like this.