There’s a lot of buzz around Cloud Voice these days. But “buzz” isn’t always an indicator of a business case for technology purchases. Smart businesses want to know what’s driving the rush to the cloud for voice communication.

Here are the Top 10 reasons companies of all types and sizes are turning to cloud technology to transform their business:

1. Cost – By hosting a phone system over the Internet, you’re charged on an “as needed” basis, paying only for what you use. What makes cloud-based systems especially cost-effective is that it eliminates the need to pay for the installation and maintenance of a traditional phone system.

2. Features – In addition to all of the usual calling features available with a premises system, a cloud solution can provide a more comprehensive set of advanced capabilities, including Unified Communications.

3. True mobility – Local and remote teams can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and productivity with reliable access to corporate phone features from virtually anywhere they happen to be working, at home or on the road.

4. Management – Cloud-based communications can help alleviate the ongoing burden of maintenance, IT work load, and costly internal infrastructure, including servers and storage systems.

5. Scalability – Whether you’re growing, moving or sizing down, the cloud provides the flexibility and scalability you’ll need now and in the future. And with cloud-based systems, you can access and add new features without adding new hardware.

6. Vendor management – With cloud communications, a single vendor manages your systems off-site so your IT team is free to focus on other high-priority issues.

7. Technology management – With cloud communications, service is outsourced, and upgrades are deployed through automatic software updates.

8. Quality of service – Cloud communications maximize uptime and coverage through multiple, remotely hosted data centers, helping you avoid costly service interruptions.

9. Disaster recovery – With cloud communications, you can get up and running quickly after a disaster, or in some cases, continue running the entire time.

10. Resource reallocation – Resources and personnel traditionally devoted to maintaining separate voice and IT systems and networks now can refocus on developing new apps and services that help grow the business.

When it comes to their phone system, businesses now have more choices – a premises solution, public or private cloud voice services, or a mix of both. For smaller businesses struggling with procuring and maintaining their own servers, software and phones, it may make more sense to rely on the cloud for voice communication.

For larger multi-site businesses, deploying a premises system at headquarters and a cloud solution for the branch offices – all interconnected and centrally administered over a broadband network – may be the best way to go.

Jeff Nolte is President and CEO of CTS, a leading voice and IT services provider based in Millersville, Maryland. He may be reached at (800) 787-4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.