What is hosted telephony?

Hosted telephony is a cloud-based phone system. The intention behind the system is simple: to replace traditional on-premises hardware. By operating over the internet, a hosted phone system allows businesses to manage calls, voicemail, and conferencing through a secure cloud platform.

Forget about needing to splash out on costly physical infrastructure and maintenance. Unlike conventional systems, hosted telephony allows its users to make and receive calls from any device. The flexibility doesn’t end there. This solution is also effortless to scale, making it an ideal fit for businesses of all sizes.

With hosted phone systems, you can enhance communications while reducing costs at the same time. It’s a future-proof alternative to traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems in multiple ways.

How does hosted telephony work?

Hosted telephony utilises VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to transmit voice data over the internet. With a hosted VoIP phone system, calls are processed through secure cloud servers. Doing this eliminates the need for on-site phone systems. Instead, users can connect through one of the following methods:

• IP-enabled desk phones
• Mobile devices
• Softphone applications

Calls are routed through a hosted PBX. This then manages features like call forwarding, voicemail, and conferencing. A hosted business phone system includes a range of benefits beyond cost savings and flexibility. Automatic updates. Real-time call management. Effortless scalability. Plus, since data is stored in the cloud, employees can access their phone system from anywhere if they possess an internet connection.

From remote working to multi-site connectivity, you can enjoy more effective communications without the limitations of traditional landlines.

Hosted telephony benefits

• Cost savings: Hosted telephony solutions eliminate the need for expensive hardware, maintenance, and installation costs. You only pay for the features you need. With lower call rates and reduced overheads, you can significantly cut communication expenses – yet still profit from a high-performance phone system.
• A scalable system: Easily add or remove users without upgrading physical equipment. Hosted telephony adapts to business change. Whether scaling down or integrating new remote teams, the system flexibly adjusts to changing demands. It does this without any costly infrastructure upgrades being required.
• Business continuity: Cloud-based systems deliver uninterrupted service – even during outages. Calls can be rerouted to mobile devices or alternative locations. By keeping operations running, this flexibility minimises disruptions and allows your company to seamlessly communicate with customers.
• Remote accessibility: The use of mobile apps and softphones gives employees the ability to access the phone system from any location. It results in effortless communication, whether your business utilises remote teams, field workers, or hybrid workplaces. Hosted IP telephony supports flexible working environments without compromising efficiency or connectivity.
• Advanced features: A hosted phone system includes features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, auto attendants, and conferencing. These tools, along with allowing businesses to manage calls more efficiently, naturally enhance communication and productivity. Integrated analytics also supply valuable insights into call performance to further refine customer service performance.
• Enhanced security: Cloud providers implement advanced encryption and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive communications. As a result, a hosted business phone is less at risk of situations like eavesdropping, fraud, and data breaches.

Hosted phone system features

A hosted phone system includes an assortment of features. These features include:

• Call forwarding: Redirect incoming calls to another number or device.
• Auto-attendant: A virtual receptionist guiding callers to the right department or person.
• Voicemail-to-email: Receive voicemails as email attachments for easy access and organisation.
• Call recording: Record and store calls for training, compliance, and quality assurance purposes.
• Conference calling: Host virtual meetings with multiple participants.
• Call analytics: Gain insights into subjects like call volume, duration, and customer interactions.
• Unified communications: Combine voice, video, and messaging into one system.
• CRM integration: Connect with CRM tools to track customer interactions and improve service.

The ISDN/PSTN switch off: How hosted telephony can help

2027. That’s the year when the UK’s traditional phone network (PSTN and ISDN) is scheduled to be switched off. For businesses that haven’t already transitioned to digital solutions, the clock is ticking. That’s where hosted telephony can help.

Unlike outdated landlines, which will soon become unusable, a hosted telephony service utilises cloud-based VoIP technology for flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. More importantly in this situation, it’s a system that won’t disappear any time soon. By switching now, businesses avoid disruption and stay ahead of evolving communication needs. How will the switch off affect you? Read our blog about the ISDN/PSTN switch off and how it can affect your company.

Hosted telephony from radius

Say goodbye to outdated phone lines and hello to cost-effective, flexible communication. At Radius, we specialise in delivering bespoke, feature-rich hosted telephony for your business. With over three decades of experience, we handle everything. Consultation. Setup. Ongoing support. When you select Radius for your hosted IP phone system, you gain an all-in-one provider, one that makes the upgrade to cloud telephony effortless.

Learn more about our cloud communications services.