Seventy-five percent of businesses are currently using some sort of Cloud platform, and analysts predict that the total worldwide market for Cloud computing will reach $158.8 billion by 2014. Cloud computing provides companies of all sizes with the communications tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment.

In the past, businesses set up their phone systems and applications with physical, on-premise equipment. Now, they are increasingly turning to the cloud, where applications and systems are securely stored in off-site data centers. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of Cloud-based unified communications below.

1. Low Cost: Cloud-based unified communications is especially cost-effective for small businesses because it eliminates the need to pay for the installation and maintenance of a traditional phone system. By hosting a phone system over the Internet, businesses are charged on a “need now” basis, paying only for what they require. The cloud also offers small businesses access to high-end features and upgrades at a fraction of the cost.
    
2. Feature Rich: Cloud-based unified communications provide users with an array of sophisticated features like advanced email and voicemail options and automated attendants. Other examples include edge traffic shaping, which preserves bandwidth and helps to ensure call quality and reliability, and the ability to connect two Internet circuits on-site, which provides extra backup. The cloud allows small businesses to seem “bigger” than they actually are. 
    
3. Flexibility: Cloud-based systems enable businesses to access and add new features without any new hardware requirements. Whether your business is downsizing or growing, the cloud provides the flexibility you need now and in the future.
    
4. Scalability: Your business is bound to scale, and so should your phone system. Anyone who has moved or expanded an on-premise phone system knows just how difficult it can be. A Cloud-based unified communications system allows organizations to quickly and easily add more features without putting a burden on their IT departments.
    
5. Mobility: Your team needs to keep communicating, even when they are miles apart. Cloud-based unified communications empower remote workers with the ability to communicate with customers and co-workers, just as if they were sitting at their office desk.
    
6. Disaster Recovery: Your phone system needs to be up and running 24/7 to stay connected to customers. The cloud protects your business’ voice during disasters, giving you the reliability, resiliency and redundancy you need. Examples of available disaster recovery protections include the ability to remotely access voicemail from email, automatic call routing to remote locations and cell phones, and Cloud-based auto attendants that continue to take calls and provide information.
    
7. Uniformity: With a Cloud-based unified communications system, companies with multiple locations can deploy a more unified phone system, where users experience the same call quality and features. Users are able to seamlessly transfer calls to other locations, helping to improve overall efficiency. Even better, instead of paying numerous local providers, multi-location companies can pay a single bill to a single nationwide provider for all of their lines.
    
8. No IT Headaches: Your IT department has enough on its plate without adding phone system maintenance to the list. With the cloud, your vendor expertly manages your system off-site, and your IT department is freed to focus on other high-priority issues.