For over 20 years now, businesses have been transitioning to VoIP (voice over internet protocol) for their voice and data communications, moving away from traditional PSTN / POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) copper lines, and PRI/T1 services.

For many small businesses who are still operating legacy analog phone equipment that runs on a POTS line, it’s time to begin planning your transition to the cloud. Verizon has already phased out POTS/PSTN copper lines in 2020 and The FCC has issued Order 10-72A1 that relaxes the requirement on carriers to support POTS Lines in the USA effective August 2, 2022.  In many cases, this could impact your legacy phone system, security alarms, gate systems, and FAX lines that weren’t built for digital connections and still run-on analog lines! Prices for POTS lines could rise, or services could be discontinued without notice.

Making the Move to a Cloud Based Unified Communication Solution

The pandemic has already forced some businesses to make the move from analog to the cloud to be able to support remote workers and keep their teams connected, and others established work arounds which included forwarding phone lines to cell phones and using multiple apps to communicate via chat, video, and file sharing.

Cloud Based Unified Communication Solutions are more efficient, more flexible, and cost-effective solutions. For businesses who have not purchased a new phone system in 10+ years, you no longer have the upfront costs or long-term leases to pay for equipment. Today’s model is that of a monthly operating expense versus a capital expense, and maintenance is included, so there are no surprise expenses when it comes to receiving your bill or requiring maintenance and support.

Legacy phone systems are not designed for the data-rich communications that today’s businesses require to provide exceptional customer service. So, now really is the time to plan for your future telephony and communications needs. The sooner you begin, the more time you’ll have to select the option that is best for your organization.

What is Cloud Unified Communications?

A Cloud Based Unified Communication Solutions puts all your telephony infrastructure in the cloud, making it accessible from anywhere and on any device, and completely replaces your legacy (POTS) lines and onsite PBX. Unified Communication Solutions offers next generation technology, which integrates voice, video, chat, and other multimedia communications into one complete solution.

As a result of the pandemic, many organizations don’t expect to go back to full-time office working in 2021, or perhaps ever. More and more organizations are adopting Hybrid working – where employees split their time between the office home.

The fact is that Unified Communication Solutions are more remote worker friendly than legacy systems. Using softphones or personal devices to make calls is a cost-effective and flexible way of equipping remote workers. With UC solutions, employees can access a full suite of communications and collaboration tools wherever they happen to be. All they need is a good internet connection.

Forward thinking organizations who update their legacy technology, always come away with better, cheaper, more agile communications, and more robust data networks. Why not get ahead of the curve, and your competition? 2025 will be here before you know it.

Contact us to get more details and explore your options.