The answer is a very determined yes.
The biggest reason why SMBs should move their phone systems to the cloud is the reduced costs. Even though calls placed and received over an analog network is still considered more reliable, the fees you have to pay for just a single call are ridiculously high. In contrast, VoIP calls are significantly cheaper regardless of whether the call’s destination is abroad or within the borders of the U.S.
In fact, almost all cloud phone companies provide subscription plans in which you receive free minutes to be used for making calls to U.S., Canadian, Puerto Rican and often Mexican phone numbers.
Another important aspect of cost reduction is that VoIP needs barely any hardware – aside from internet cables, phones (optional), and computers. To make things even more convenient, VoIP is backwards compatible meaning that old analog desk phones can also be connected to the system with the use of an ATA.
Moreover, as the system exists in the cloud, you don’t have to worry about software updates since they are automatically handled by the provider.
Speaking of the cloud, this is yet another huge reason why VoIP is better than an analog phone system. If a device is connected to the internet directly, either with an ATA or via a mobile network, it can connect to your phone system as well. This way, no matter where you go or what you do, you can be reached at any time on your business phone number and can call others using the same number without consuming valuable minutes in your personal mobile plan. Not to mention that most VoIP providers support softphones, meaning that calls can be placed and received on a regular computer in the same fashion that would on Skype.
Maintaining multiple lines and extensions with a regular phone system is a true nightmare, as it requires the use of automated switches. A cloud phone system can handle this without any major hassle: depending on your subscription there can be multiple phone numbers, a divided phone line so calls can be placed and received simultaneously, and each of your team members can have their own extension. And one of those multiple phone numbers can be used for faxing purposes, too – without the need for an actual fax machine.
Last but not least, there is one thing not everybody takes into consideration: the trend factor. Switching to VoIP is not only beneficial on your side, but it also makes your business more marketable, since the vast majority of people still consider internet phones to be new and exciting technology.