Comparing Business Communication: Cloud, Unified and VoIP

Before the rise of internet communication in the form of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), PBX systems were the height of business communication technology. PBX systems have traditionally offered features that are never found in consumer services like automated assistants, queues, call forwarding, conference calling, and internal (extension) calling. However, as copper wire phones became obsolete, wireless phone systems based on internet signal were the natural replacement. Thus, the rise of business VoIP phone systems.

VoIP introduced the idea of a wire-free business phone system, seeking to replace the traditional PBX system with an alternative that works for any business with a reliable internet connection. Business VoIP plans offer all the same business-specific features that PBX perfected, building on that feature list based on new wireless capabilities.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of internet phones is the ability to use one number from any access point. All you need is to install the VoIP software on any internet-capable device. Which leads us to the evolution of cloud communication systems and the principles of Unified Communication (UC).

Cloud Communication

As the name suggests, cloud communication focuses on the interoperability between internet phone systems and, like all cloud features, the ability to access your phone numbers and business features from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud communication focuses on the interaction between internet phone systems, the fact that many businesses and individuals are now using internet phones so legacy communication is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Copper wire is becoming the sole domain of household wiring and speaker systems. SIM cards need only be used for wireless hotspots. For all our communication needs, we have the cloud.

Unified Communication

With cloud communication comes the concept of unified communication or UC. This puts additional emphasis on the idea of doing away with traditional phone systems and devices altogether. No longer do professionals need one number for the handset at their desk, another separate number for their cellphone, or to be reached at a separate business office number when traveling to alternate work locations. Instead, any modern device including the desk computer, laptop, cell phone, and tablet can all be used with the same number, unifying communication systems.

Cloud Communication vs VoIP

How exactly is a cloud communication plan is different from business VoIP? The fact of the matter is that there really isn't an effective difference. UC is simply a new term for the best development that VoIP brought us - device independence. One business number no matter where or on what device a professional chooses to connect is all you need.

And the difference between cloud communication and VoIP? To find out, all you have to do is compare features and packages item by item. Many internet phone providers offer both products on the exact same page with the same price and features. In reality, cloud communication is simply a new way of looking at the excellent developments and bright future of VOIP.

"What's in a Name?"

And the final question, why has VoIP suddenly become UC and cloud communication?  VoIP is a legacy term from when internet phones were first conceptualized back in the 80s, though truly effective implementation didn't occur until the 2010's. However, every other development using the same universally internet-accessible technology is referred to by the term 'cloud'.

We store our documents in the the cloud, our virtual servers are on the cloud and we design cloud-based software to users who want to access their data from anywhere. So it only makes sense that as VoIP becomes the predominant form of business communication, that we rebrand it to match the rest of popular technology that functions in the cloud.

With less hardware, no hardline hassles, and the ablity to use a single business number for each professional no matter where they are, it's no wonder why businesses all over the world are making the switch.