Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems

Hosted Call Centers: Transforming Customer Support with Key Benefits and Applications

Why are Hosted Call Centers Important?

A few years ago, companies required significant investment to purchase hardware and software and manage complex installation and maintenance. Additionally, customer support and sales agents were limited to physical workspaces with little flexibility and scalability. Complex sales calls and higher call volumes have also become challenging over time making it harder to deliver great customer service experience consistently. Advanced technology is the solution to make customer service more efficient and scalable. Hosted Call Centers have overcome these challenges using cloud-based omnichannel support tools. Let’s delve deep into how modern call centres can improve customer service and drive efficiency into your customer support operations. 

What are Hosted Call Centers?

When it comes to the term ‘hosted’ in a call centre environment, the setup or infrastructure needed to manage inbound and outbound calls is kept outside the business premises. Typically, a third-party vendor hosts the entire setup from their data centre, physical location or using cloud technology. Sometimes, the word hosted is also used to explain cloud call centers but they are not the same thing. Every cloud call centre is hosted, but not all hosted contact centres function in the cloud. Hosted contact centers function either on a physical server or are cloud-based and you don’t need to invest in hardwired equipment.

Navigating Through Key Differences Between Hosted & On-Premises Call Centers

Hosted contact centres on physical servers are generally single tenants, meaning only one client can use the software and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the ones which function on the cloud are multi-tenant allowing multiple customers to use the service as requirements. Let’s learn more about how hosted and on-premises call centres are different from each other.

1. Location: This makes the difference pretty clear as all the servers and infrastructure in on-premises call centres are located in your office while hosted contact centres are offsite. Meanwhile, call centre agents, whether customer service or sales representatives, must be physically at the office to access the system. A hosted contact centre allows agents to work from anywhere using an internet connection without the need to be present on physical premises.
2. Responsibilities:  Third-party vendors or service providers of hosted contact centre systems have their infrastructure and equipment to facilitate businesses. They manage maintenance and upgrades of your business, allowing you to focus on core activities. In the case of on-premises call centres, the enterprises own the physical phone lines and servers while installation and maintenance are also their responsibility. Additionally, an expert IT team is also required to manage all this.
3. Operation: Business phone systems function on traditional phone lines using PBX while computers are connected to the onsite servers through hardwiring in on-premises setups. It takes a long time to install the setup, you may need new wiring to add a new agent. On the other hand, hosted contact centres take advantage of VoIP technology to make calls over the Internet. You just need a router and an internet-connected device to make and receive calls.
4. Capacity: On-premises systems offer basic features like call transfer, hold, or voicemail. Although you can get more features or integrate with other communication channels and tools, it is not an easy job. Meanwhile, the hosted contact centres function in the cloud, making it easier to benefit from omnichannel customer support. They come with advanced features like auto-dialers, virtual receptionists and intelligent routing.
5. Security & Reliability: Investing in a hosted contact centre system means third-party experts are responsible for security and reliability. Your service provider ensures round-the-clock monitoring of the system to ensure your business information remains safe. Meanwhile, on-premises systems give you full control over your business data and security, but maintaining security is also challenging.

How Does A Hosted Service Work?

Instead of owning onsite hardware and software or taking responsibility for maintenance, companies can outsource their customer communication infrastructure to third-party service providers eliminating the need for onsite servers or software. Moreover, your agents can make and receive calls through softphones than traditional phones, anytime, anywhere. ACD system automatically routes incoming customer calls to the most available agents considering factors like availability, skills and priority. Your teams can access applications like chat interfaces, data dashboards, CRM systems and ticketing using web browsers. Companies can see agent performance, call flow and reports and easily scale up or down without making costly investments. They only pay the fee for the features and services they use. 

Which Industries Can Use Hosted Solutions?

Many companies use hosted solutions to improve some aspects of their business. Here are a few examples of industries that benefit from hosted systems.

1. Retail & E-Commerce: Hosted infrastructures can streamline the customer support process and are an efficient way to answer customer queries in the retail and e-commerce sectors.
2. Healthcare: These service-oriented sectors can benefit from hosted solutions that assist various customer support operations such as billing inquiries, appointment scheduling and specialist referrals.
3. Transportation: Hosted or cloud call centres offer proactive updates about delays or changes and can resolve customer issues instantly. Transportation services can easily manage their deliveries and improve customer service through customer feedback.
4. Finance & Banking Services: Customers expect 24/7 support in the banking and finance sector. These services can offer continuous service, facilitate secure transactions, provide personalised services and cross-sell or upsell considering customer information.
5. Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Businesses: Cloud call centres can help companies improve customer service experiences to boost loyalty and satisfaction. Hosted setups allow companies to scale seamlessly to achieve their dynamic business goals and offer insights about customer experience and agent performance. 

How to Find the Right Hosted Service Provider?

Companies face constraints regarding customer service operations, security issues and maintenance. They can streamline their customer-oriented operations through hosted infrastructure. However, selecting the right vendor is also challenging. You can consider the following factors to make the right selection.

• Ownership Cost & Pricing Model: Enterprises must compare monthly fees and upfront costs when deciding to invest in hosted contact centres. They must also be clear about the additional charges regarding storage, training, and integrations. Similarly, they should understand the total ownership cost of technology lifespan because some service providers offer usage-based pricing plans that can change as business needs change.
• Security Measures & Compliance: While reviewing the vendor information, get detailed information about the policies and procedures to protect data. Inquire about 24/7 availability, real-time status updates and disaster recovery plans. If the service provider meets all those requirements, consider it for investment. Likewise, you must have their compliance certificates to make an informed decision.
• Features & Integrations: Make a list of the features which you require to ensure efficient business communication. Consider an integrated omnichannel approach to handle your communication channels efficiently. Don’t switch to different service providers but consider the one that offers your required features and integrations. Your hosted solutions should provide automation, intelligent routing, predictive dialers and automatic call distribution. This will increase your agent performance and make management easier.
• Predictive/Auto Dialers & Automation: You can analyse service provider features like add-ons, reliability, geographic redundancy and auto dialer functionality to collaborate with the best vendor. Moreover, you can grow digital channels through AI-based automation to resolve customer issues faster and boost satisfaction.
• Customer & Agent Experience: Agent performance has a great impact on customer experience. For this reason, considering your agent’s needs is important when investing in hosted or cloud solutions. Hosted infrastructure automates many routine tasks and equips your agents with an easy-to-use interface to increase their focus and reduce distractions. 

Top Advantages of Hosted Call Centers for Efficient Customer Support

A Less Expensive or Cost-Efficient Solution

Call centres must maintain their infrastructure to manage inbound and outbound calls in case of on-premises solutions. Overall, it can be expensive, especially regarding high upfront costs for the equipment and employing a specialised IT team. Meanwhile, when on-premises becomes outdated, it fails to provide a good ROI. However, hosted solutions can lower these costs as the subscription model enables companies to pay monthly or yearly service costs. You don’t have to buy any equipment and can employ remote agents to offer efficient customer support. Additionally, VoIP solutions are cheaper leading to significant cost savings. 

Ensure Better Agent Experience

Your customer service and sales agents are the frontline workers so you can make their jobs a lot easier by providing the right tools. For instance, hosted/cloud call centres allow you to manage high-volume calls and route customer calls to the most relevant agents. Moreover, self-service tools like IVR lower your agent load and let customers save time by handling basic inquiries. Likewise, implementing auto dialers or predictive dialling solutions can automate manual dialling tasks, reduce manual error and improve overall productivity. Furthermore, flexible remote working promotes a healthy work environment and keeps agents and customers happy. 

Offer Advanced features & Countless Integrations

Hosted solutions especially the cloud-based give you access to advanced integrations and features that may seem impossible with on-premises systems. For instance, companies can offer self-service options using interactive voice response technology or provide answers to simple queries through chatbots and route the complex queries to live agents. Meanwhile, they can integrate other communication channels like email, SMS, instant messaging, video and chatbots to enhance their business communication infrastructure. Integrating business phone systems with existing apps and tools such as CRM further increases operational efficiency and customer experience. 

Enable You to Provide a Better Customer Experience

When your agents are engaged and satisfied, they make your customers feel happy. However, this is not the only way hosted call centres enhance customer loyalty. Hosted or cloud solutions enable call centers to reach their customers on multiple channels, and provide maximum assistance in inbound and outbound interactions. Additionally, automated self-service and routing options also reduce the call queue list as customers don’t have to wait long on hold. Agents can access customer information through integrated CRM and offer faster resolution and personalised services. Meanwhile, the analytics tools also allow sales teams to monitor the entire customer journey and provide personalised solutions to their concerns to foster loyalty.  

Provide Scalability to Grow

Hosted systems offer greater scalability than on-premises systems so call centers can easily manage a high volume of calls and increase the number of happy customers. Meanwhile, they can easily add more agents as they grow or expand without installing new phone lines. Meanwhile, you can add extra users during busy times and remove them when things settle down. Additionally, as hosted call centres allow remote work you can hire top talent around the globe that can access your system on an internet connection. This flexibility enables you to employ and retain the best talent to offer exceptional customer service experience. 

Rapid Deployment & Enhanced Security

Another benefit of a hosted solution is its rapid deployment functionality. You can implement these solutions quickly compared to the lengthy setup of on-premises call centres. This allows businesses to start getting the benefits from the system sooner. Furthermore, the security of business and customer data is extremely important. Hosted or cloud call centers offer robust security measures including firewalls and encryption to protect sensitive customer information. Cloud infrastructure offers advanced disaster recovery plans, lowers downtime, and ensures business continuity around the clock. Thus, rapid deployment and enhanced security are the additional perks that encourage call centres to upgrade to advanced hosted or cloud solutions. 

Streamlined Maintenance & Upgrades

Your service provider manages all updates, maintenance, and upgrades with hosted systems, ensuring your call centre has the latest software and features without any disruption or downtime. In addition, regular upgrades and updates give you access to advanced features and improve security. You don’t need to worry about hardware and software maintenance as it is also your service provider’s responsibility. 

Final Words

Do you want to reduce your customer service overheads or turn the call centre from cost driver to revenue generator? Consider investing in a Hosted Call Center solution to manage customer interaction efficiently. This cost-effective, scalable and flexible solution simplifies maintenance and improves agility. However, selecting the right service provider is critical to increasing the value of hosted solutions. Partner with CherryBerry UCM experts to get the hosted solutions that transform your customer service operations, improve efficiency and increase customer satisfaction.

Why Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems Are Shaping the Future of Business Communication

Why are Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems Important?

With customer expectations rising and remote work becoming common, companies seek innovative cost-efficient solutions to ensure effective business communications. The traditional phone systems, once the backbone of communication, are expensive and outdated in today’s digital age where flexibility and scalability are the key to success. Enter Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems as future-proof solutions for all-size companies transforming internal and external business communication. Its ability to manage interactions seamlessly, enhance flexibility, and reduce costs has made cloud VoIP an essential tool for companies over the years. 

What are Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems?

Instead of traditional phone lines and physical wires, the advanced cloud-based VoIP systems are powered by an internet connection to handle incoming and outgoing calls. They work like conventional landline systems with only one key difference, they are hosted in the cloud. Interestingly, new VoIP telephony has replaced ISDN and PSTN phone systems to ensure continuous services. Flexibility, security, ease of access, and scalability are other reasons that make the traditional phone system obsolete. Meanwhile, VoIP systems have significantly impacted the efficiency of companies across various industries so utilising its potential is crucial to improve business productivity. 

Understanding the VoIP Phone Systems

VoIP converts analogue signals into digital data packets to transmit voice data. Meanwhile, it depends on packet-switched networks leading to efficient use of business resources. Companies can use broadband internet connection to communicate internally and externally rather than installing conventional phone lines. Here are a few features of this technology:

• Digital Data Transfer: It converts the analogue voice signals into data packets.
• Internet-based Communication: The technology uses a broadband internet connection for calls.
• Flexible Device Usage: You can access VoIP technology through computers, mobile devices, or phones.
• Resource Utilisation: Companies can benefit from packet-switched networks to save costs and resources.
• Flexibility & Integration: VoIP infrastructure allows companies to integrate the phone system seamlessly with existing business communication systems increasing overall efficiency. 

How Business Communication Evolves?

Traditional phone systems were standard for many years but had some limitations in terms of flexibility and costs. This is why companies have switched from analog to digital communication. Meanwhile, internet integration proved a turning point for business communication and promoted unified communication methods. Nowadays, instant messaging, email, and video conferencing have become integral parts of a business allowing more flexible and faster communication. Even VoIP has eliminated the need to develop costly infrastructure and phone lines making communication more scalable and efficient. Let’s take a look at different business communication systems.

• On-Premises PBX System: This phone system is physically installed in office premises and consists of wires connecting office data centers with employee desk phones. The main PBX system or server is placed inside your office. These phone systems can be expensive to establish because of costly equipment and infrastructure requirements. Moreover, it needs more integration capabilities. Your teams can only access the system on the office premises so it does not facilitate remote working. Additionally, maintenance is inevitable and you need a dedicated IT team to repair these problems that can add additional costs to your business.
• Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems: Cloud telephony system works similarly to on-premises systems with the only difference being the way calls are made using an internet connection. It gives companies much freedom and flexibility to work as they don’t have to develop setups like in legacy systems. Furthermore, cloud systems are cheaper than their traditional phone systems as you only pay for the services you are using, no extra cost is required. Likewise, as the connection is developed through VoIP, it also facilitates remote working teams. Your distributed workforce from all around the globe can make phone calls and join conference calls by installing VoIP software on compatible devices. 

Which is Best to Invest in for Your Business? A VoIP or Traditional PBX?

It has become clear that on-site PBX systems come with limited features and large upfront costs. However, it does not mean companies should rule them out completely because they still suit some companies’ needs. But how do you know which is the best system for your business communication or decide whether switching to the cloud can benefit your business? Consider the questions below to make the best decision for your business.

1. How Much Budget Do You Have to Invest?

No doubt the most important thing while deciding between on-premises and hosted VoIP systems is your budget or investment cost. The service provider of both phone systems will provide you with an estimate of upfront and monthly service costs. However, overall cloud-based VoIP is much cheaper than on-premises phone systems in total cost. This is because you only have to pay a monthly fee for the service and maintenance as your service provider remotely manages all this without disrupting services. You do not need an IT team for repairs, updates or maintenance. Meanwhile, setup costs are minimal and you can also facilitate remote employees.

2. Do You Want to Facilitate a Remote Team?

On-premises phone systems do not facilitate remote team members. The main reason is that a phone connection is made inside the office from PBX to the devices. This is why on-premises phone systems are not a good choice for companies that employ remote teams. On the other hand, cloud solutions facilitate remote working allowing them to use the system from anywhere globally to access their business phone system through VoIP. They just need a strong internet connection to make and receive business calls. Interestingly, the call quality is also better so if you are looking to expand your business internationally, investing in the cloud VoIP is an ideal choice.

3. Do You Want to Expand Your Team Globally?

A cloud-hosted phone system offers more flexibility and scalability than its traditional alternative. The reason is that you don’t need to connect the extra wire to the data center. You can add another line using an online account or create a new team member account instantly. Furthermore, you can also use the business number on existing devices which means the expansion is easier with hosted VoIP. It is a superb solution for your growing teams and call management is also easier. Thus, if you plan to expand your business by hiring professionals from a global talent pool in the coming years, choose cloud-based IP phone systems to streamline your business communication.

4. How Much Control You Need On Your Business Phone System?

An on-site phone system is suitable if you want complete control over your business phone system. It gives you direct control of your business data but you may need an expert in-house team to manage the issues in your network. However, if you prefer to avoid the hassle of maintenance and updates, a cloud solution is perfect for you. Your cloud service provider will be responsible for all the upkeep and you do not need additional equipment in the office. You can continue working on the devices by updating the software. 

How are Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems Transforming Business Communication?

1. Offer Unmatched Call Quality: The End of Bulky Phone Lines

There was a time when cracking lines and poor connections interrupted your business communication. Nowadays, cloud-based VoIP technology uses an internet connection to ensure high-quality audio and video calls that exceed traditional phone systems. Meanwhile, efficient call routing systems offer clear and stable connections for international and long-distance calls. Thus, the cloud system ensures smooth and professional communication if you speak to a local client or discuss deals with an overseas partner.

2. A Cost-Efficient Solution for Better Communication Without Heavy Bill

Cost efficiency is another top advantage of Cloud-Hosted VoIP Phone Systems. Enterprises have to pay high costs for setup, maintenance, and long-distance calls. These advanced business phone systems operate through the Internet and do not need such expenses. Meanwhile, businesses can also eliminate the costs of complex installations and on-site hardware and enjoy high-quality reliable communication leaving funds to be invested in other important business areas.

3. A Scalable & Flexible Solutions That Grows with Your Needs

A business’s communication needs also evolve with its needs and time. Traditional phone systems may require significant changes to accommodate growth or costly upgrades to be compatible with advanced solutions. Cloud PBX systems offer matchless scalability to grow and expand. Meanwhile, businesses can easily add or remove users or extensions considering their changing needs. Even if they want to expand their team or plan to open new office locations, the system scales with needs ensuring your communication infrastructure stays aligned with your business goals. In addition, your employees can communicate whether at the office, at home, or anywhere in the globe promoting a hybrid work environment.

4. Access to Advanced Features Beyond Phone Calls

If you are considering cloud VoIP to make and receive calls, it offers more than that. The phone system contains advanced tools and features to improve communication and productivity. From voicemail to email and call forwarding to video conferencing, cloud VoIP provides tools beyond basic voice communication. Furthermore, features like automated attendants, call analytics, and CRM integrations allow companies to track performance, streamline operations, and ensure meaningful and professional interactions. It enables your team to stay connected through video conferencing and share ideas of common concerns. 

5. Does Not Compromise on Reliability & Security

Thankfully, companies can avoid service disruptions that occur due to poor weather conditions and hardware malfunctions. Cloud VoIP phone systems are highly reliable systems designed to manage high call volumes without compromising on service quality. Moreover, VoIP service providers take data security seriously and employ advanced security measures to ensure secure communication and protect confidential information. They also offer advanced disaster recovery options and backup plans that ensure uninterrupted business communication even in case of system failure and power outage. 

6. Facilitate Global Reach with Clear Calls

Cloud VoIP telephony system is a game-changer for companies that have international clients or branches. International call fees are high in traditional phone systems. Conversely, cloud VoIP allows the making of low-cost international calls in the same clear voice as local calls. This phone system opens doors for companies to expand their business operations, collaborate with international teams effortlessly, and engage with customers globally.

7. Eco-Friendly Communication Reduces Carbon Footprints

Positive environmental impacts are other benefits of investing in cloud-based VoIP. Companies can reduce their dependency on physical infrastructure like wires and hardware to reduce their carbon footprint by sifting on the cloud. Moreover, VoIP supports virtual meetings and remote work that lower the need for business travel and routine commuting leading to a more sustainable business model. 

8. Remote Working Facilitate Employing Global Talent Pool

Earlier, traditional systems allowed for making and receiving calls on office premises. However, cloud phone systems enable users to call anytime and anywhere with the help of internet-connected devices. This facility is beneficial for remote teams that work from home, other regions, or time zones. They can access all the features of business phone systems which your in-house team benefits from. Additionally, they can collaborate easily through video conferencing and stay on the same page about customer and business issues. Companies can hire global experts and professionals to streamline their business communication. 

9. Countless Integrations Improve the Service Quality

Businesses should invest in a phone system with advanced customisation and integration capabilities. Legacy systems had limited integration options, cloud phone systems enable companies to customize the phone system to meet their specific business requirements. Cloud solutions can be integrated with existing business applications and tools like CRM to ensure the delivery of seamless customer experience. Your teams can benefit from CRM data to offer personalised services to clients and customers. 

The Bottom Line

Indeed, the cloud is the future of business communication, more than a technological upgrade. Cloud-hosted VoIP Phone Systems are transformative communication solutions that support scalability, growth, expansion, and innovation undoubtedly shaping the future of communication. They are easy to set up and use, offer countless integrations, and do not require costly equipment and hardware. Thus, if you want to take your business communication to the next level and need continuous support and maintenance to provide a seamless experience, choose CherryBerry UCM for smarter business communication.