Drop the Landline: Mobile Call Forwarding for the Small Business Owner

Today’s telephony technology has finally made installing and operating an advanced phone system a real, affordable possibility for the small business owner. Through a combination of Hosted Cloud PBX and mobile phone forwarding, any business, regardless of size, can implement a seamless system that conserves both money and resources.
Many businesses are still tied to traditional Public Branch Exchange (PBX) phone systems. While once these systems were the height of phone technology, they are laden with disadvantages that can increase business overheads while impeding workflow:

• Installation Costs: Traditional PBX systems are expensive to install and often require costly maintenance and part replacement.
• Line Limitations: While new lines can be added to traditional PBX systems, each line comes with an installation fee. When your PBX system reaches its capacity, it is often necessary to install a second PBX system.
• Service Reliability: PBX systems are generally completely reliant upon the service of the telecom provider that they are connected to. If that service fails, then your business phones fail until such time as the provider is able to facilitate repairs.

So what alternatives are available to traditional PBX, and are they worth investing in? In short, yes. The combination of the two following systems overcomes all of the problems of traditional PBX and comes with some added benefits, too.

Hosted Cloud PBX

Hosted Cloud PBX is similar to traditional PBX in its capabilities, but with many systematic improvements. Hosted PBX is essentially a virtual version of traditional PBX, wherein incoming company calls are routed via a third party call center. Hosted PBX offers the following features:

• Free Installation: Because Hosted PBX systems are managed virtually, there are no installation costs associated with service activation.
• Unlimited Extensions: With a Cloud PBX system, there are no line extension limits. New lines can be added online at any time without any associated costs.
• Failover Routing: Hosted PBX systems work with multiple telecom providers and can route calls virtually using VoIP protocol to ensure call reliability even through natural disasters and inclement weather.
• 24/7 Control Center with Cloud Storage: IP technology enables web phone system management and virtual storage of call logs and data.
• Low Cost Long Distance and International Calling: The VoIP capabilities of Hosted PBX systems enable cost free distance calling, creating a greater network reach for small businesses and even facilitating low-budget international expansion.

Mobile Phone Forwarding

The forwarding services offered by Hosted PBX systems eliminate the need for business landlines altogether. Calls made to a single virtual business number can be automatically forwarded to any business-related mobile device. By converting from landline to mobile service, business owners can enjoy the following advantages of wireless systems:

• Improved Customer service: With a forwarding system that sends incoming calls directly to the intended customer service representative’s mobile device, any small business can provide an improved customer service experience.
• Increased Workflow: By using mobile devices in lieu of landlines, business workers can remain accessible even during sales and purchasing field work.
• Resource Conservation: Many employers today cover the cost of both business landlines and mobile calling. With mobile call forwarding, these telecom overheads can be cut in half.

Eliminating business landlines may seem like an unconventional move, but the cost benefits for struggling small businesses are undeniable. With mobile PBX, expansion ventures, national networking, and international marketing can become a real possibility.