Written by Steven Try, Channel Manager at UK&I, Snom Technology.
Mobile phones have changed working habits across the UK – with almost 60% of British
business owners using them instead of laptops or desktops to run their operations. The
pandemic accelerated this usage, especially for business communications. As offices were shut overnight, teams were forced to reach into their pockets for their personal devices.
Businesses adapted to this new way of working and mobile phones helped keep us connected. Over five years on, however, many companies still rely on them – seeing this as a way to cut costs and avoid upfront payments on phone systems. But there are better communications options available that suit modern business needs.
4 Reasons Your Business Should Switch To A VoIP System
Here are four reasons we need to ditch this outdated culture and adopt a business-first
communications approach by investing in a VoIP network.
1. Security
When hackers target communication devices, robust technology is needed to fend off these
attacks. Malware attacks via insecure apps or weak operating systems can be a danger to
employees and businesses alike. It can result in the loss of sensitive data and severely damage your company’s reputation.
The threat is very real in the UK. 93% of companies have been targeted by fraud this year alone and, according to research by Visa, 40% of SMEs have lost on average £4,000 to fraudulent activities.
By taking personal devices out of the workplace and replacing them with more secure
communication options, such as IP DECT phones, businesses are able to better protect
themselves. The protection offered by these devices comes from in-built security features, such as high-level encryption and user authentication which can help to mitigate vulnerabilities.
2. Functionality
Mobile phones have changed the game for people working on the go. But in the office they do not offer the best functionality. The ergonomics of smartphones are better suited to the pocket, not the hand. They are not designed for long-running phone calls or forwarding calls to another device. Battery life is often overlooked too. You can’t confidently make a call on 15% charge without the anxiety of your phone dying.
Cordless DECT solutions – digital cordless phones that link into the overarching VoIP system – are built to last and can be used across a variety of work environments, from boutique
consultancies to large warehouses. Even in complex buildings like hospitals, DECT lets you
stay connected wherever you are without dropping off the line or losing signal.
More traditional functions like navigating in-phone directories and transferring calls are
straightforward, while regular software updates can keep devices running for many years. Using a dedicated business number is also important for customer-facing businesses as it projects a more established image and separates personal information from professional interactions.
3. Reliability
When individuals rely on cellular data to make business calls, there is a risk that connections may drop, falter or slow. A small latency can make business-critical calls a frustrating challenge, impacting the productivity of employees and resulting in lost customers. It’s crucial for your team to have confidence in your systems to carry out their work.
High-quality IP DECT phones can help your business avoid dropped calls and ensure clear
audio quality every time you pick up the phone, thanks to their use of a different frequency
band. If your workplace spans several floors and dead spots are a problem, DECT base
stations can also be set up to keep the signal stable and secure throughout the building.
4. Scalability
Most companies fluctuate in size. Whether consolidating, growing or just moving across town, it is important they have a flexible communication system that adapts to their size and location. However, the shorter life-cycle of mobile phones and the costs associated with purchasing new devices makes it tough to plan for the long-term.
With a VoIP-based communication system, adding extra devices is quick and easy. More users can be added through the simple setup; plug in the hardware, connect to the company network and download the latest firmware – it’s as simple as that to take your communications system to the next level.
