There’s a lot of talk these days about “the cloud.” Companies in every sector are using “the cloud” for data storage, collaboration, and data analytics. When you sign up for VoIP services, you have the option of choosing between locally hosted hardware and software or taking advantage of cloud-based services.
While both systems have their pros and cons, cloud-based systems offer significant advantages for most hoteliers. Should your hotel move its VoIP system to the cloud?
1. Save on Operating Expenses
When your communication system is hosted locally, you’ll incur the initial cost of the hardware and software itself, in addition to installation, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance and IT work.
When you choose a cloud-based solution, you avoid all of those costs. Instead, you’ll simply pay a monthly fee that’s likely to be about the same as what you pay for your existing phone service. You’ll still be able to take advantage of all the features of your VoIP system, but without worrying about the upkeep of the hardware itself.
2. Network Reliability
Some hoteliers are still hesitant to offload their servers to a remote location since they won’t retain physical possession of the hardware that holds their data and software. Don’t let this worry you — modern cloud services boast uptime of better than 99 percent, so downtime is no more a risk with cloud services than it would be with on-site VoIP service.
Better yet, cloud services often provide significantly better security. The servers hosting your software will use high-end encryption and physical security protocols that most hotels can’t match.
3. System Versatility
Change is inevitable. To ensure that your hotel remains competitive, it’s important that your systems be versatile enough to adapt to the changing needs of your customers.
With a cloud-based system, you’ll be signed up for automatic software and hardware upgrades, compliance with new regulations, and new features that can improve the efficiency and guest experience of your hotel. You can also easily add or remove features without making alterations to infrastructure or interrupting service.
A cloud-based system also affords a higher level of flexibility. 2020 was one of the most difficult years on record for the hospitality industry with travel numbers plummeting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hotels were able to survive by allowing their staff to work from home, taking advantage of the versatility of a cloud-based VoIP system to service clients remotely without compromising health standards and restrictions.
4. Advanced Features
Cloud-based VoIP service also offers an array of advanced communication features that will improve the guest experience at your hotel. For example:
- The ability to generate “local” numbers that save your guests on long-distance calling
- Automatic call forwarding to guest cell phones if they leave the hotel for the day
- Remote check-in and checkout so guests never have to wait in line at the front desk
- The ability for outside callers to find your guests by name, rather than asking the directory at the front desk
- Integration with housekeeping and maintenance systems so guests can file maintenance requests and set remote “do not disturb” status
- Built-in online faxing and conference calling so business professionals can conduct meetings from your hotel
In addition, new features are often added during software updates, allowing you to offer your guests the most up-to-date communication features.
5. Ease of Use
Phonesuite’s cloud-based VoIP systems are simple, intuitive, and customizable so that administrators can make changes and grant permissions whenever they’re needed. The ease with which you can set up your system and initiate your staff will save you time, allowing you to focus on the guest experiences that matter most.
Talk to Phonesuite Today
Don't be afraid of the cloud. Instead, embrace it. By allowing your hotel's phone system to exist in the unseen world of cloud computing, your everyday needs can quickly and smoothly be attended to. If you’re ready to bring your hotel’s telephony system into the 21st century, a cloud-based VoIP system from Phonesuite is the perfect solution. Curious about the cost? Contact us today!
