Cloud VoIP Transforms How Work is Done

When it comes to effective business processes, cloud computing technology has been a powerful force for change, especially as cloud-hosted communications solutions such as AccessDirect's hosted PBX systems become more popular. Recent research conducted by 451 Research and commissioned by Microsoft, which involved a survey of 1,500 businesses located around the globe, found that 52 percent of respondents are looking to the cloud for help, finding cloud computing technology to be particularly helpful for growing their business or altering company strategy, IT Pro Portal reported.

SYS-CON Media contributor Calum Mackinnon also explored the relationship between the emerging new corporate environment and IP-enabled and cloud VoIP collaboration tools like VoIP. Historically, telecommuting used to encompass a person working from their kitchen table, using floppy disks to save files and sending materials to the office by way of a dial-up modem. However, cloud technology has drastically changed this, and today's workers can take part in virtual meetings from any location. With virtual PBX from AccessDirect, collaborating with colleagues is simple. Business extensions can easily be added to existing smart devices, allowing employees to utilize a variety of apps and additional features to participate in regular office happenings.

"We saw a shift from telecommuting being a largely disconnected function meant for production work done in isolation and with little oversight, to part of an ecosystem where individuals and groups collaborate in earnest from multiple remote locations," Mackinnon wrote. "What happened to make this change? There are two main factors: the enabling technology, and the emergence of a different business model. Both components were necessary."

Cloud technologies enable collaboration
The enabling technology that Mackinnon referenced is largely cloud computing and voice over internet protocol. Because VoIP technology delivers voice data using the Internet, companies can more effectively communicate using a computer and reduce costs simultaneously. Mackinnon also stressed that business models changed alongside the technological solutions.

"Today's businesses, initially out of economic necessity and then enable by cloud and VoIP technology, have moved away from vertical structures into a new model of utilizing business process outsourcing, freelancers, teleworkers and even crowdsourcing to not only accomplish routine day-to-day tasks, but also manage, make decisions and accomplish the creative side of the business," Mackinnon wrote.

In particular, small and medium-sized businesses have benefitted from VoIP and cloud technology, as it evens the playing field against larger competitors with vast resources. With enterprise-grade solutions from AccessDirect, SMBs can leverage the power of the cloud and VoIP to project a consistent, professional image that instills a sense of trust in the business's capabilities.