2.Which Calling Features are Most Important?

This is a question each business owner must answer. The key is identifying the features available within each phone system and aligning them with the needs of the business.

Included Features and Add-On Features: Most providers offer a set of “included features” that can be fairly extensive, as well as “premium features” that can be added to plans for an additional cost. While many features are similar from provider to provider—and even across traditional and cloud platforms—there can be slight differences in functionality and even quality. Cloud-hosted solutions are also likely to offer mobile apps, computer desktop functionality, system control via admin portals, and integrations that tie the phone system to CRMs and other applications that businesses use every day.

Updating System Features: With cloud-hosted solutions, VoIP phone features are updated on the system automatically and new features can be added virtually and quickly. With traditional providers, these updates are enacted by the provider at the location of each business customer.

Cloud-hosted solutions are likely to offer mobile apps, computer desktop functionality, system control via admin portals, and integrations that tie the phone system to CRMs.

Over the last decade, the convergence of business VoIP technology and cloud hosting has revolutionized the business phone landscape. Cloud-hosted systems deliver robust VoIP phone features that can be updated automatically, full mobile access, integrations with other cloud business platforms, and pricing that can be dramatically lower than traditional service.

Vonage’s Business Cloud small business service comes with 40+ calling features including Virtual Receptionist, Voicemail to Email, mobile and desktop apps, integrations with leading business applications, and more. (Additional features can be easily added to the account for an additional fee.) The service also includes conferencing and collaboration tools from Amazon Chime.