Local vs. Big Names: Business Phone Service in Cedar Rapids

There’s an argument to be made that bigger is better, but that saying doesn’t ring true when it comes to business phone service in Cedar Rapids. A local partner who can cater directly to the business environment that you’re in is hard to pass up, especially when it comes to business phone systems. Here’s the kicker: partnering with a local provider doesn’t mean the service is lacking either; you get a top-tier system with rapid and personalized support in your own backyard. What more could you want?

United Business Technologies prides itself on being local to Cedar Rapids and providing service and support that exceeds anything the big telecom providers can offer. We started in Cedar Rapids and will continue to do everything in our power to back our business community. Read on; there’s more to this hosted VoIP and local provider story.

What is a Hosted VoIP Phone System?

Definition and Benefits

A hosted VoIP phone system is a cloud-based communication technology that sends voice calls online, eliminating the need for traditional analog phone lines. Cloud VoIP services offer significant advantages over traditional phone systems, including cost savings and enhanced features. Hosted VoIP systems have exploded in popularity because they are cost-effective and powerful, scale your business, simplify call management, and keep your team connected from anywhere. Furthermore, since it’s cloud-based, you have much less onsite management, which should be a great relief from an IT perspective.

This is where having a local provider makes such a big impact. No matter how reliable something is, you need to plan for technology to fail, or you will have issues interacting with other services. Your business can’t be without functioning communication, and by having an expert, local provider, you can be assured that your possible issues will be resolved quicker and with you having to do less to get the system up and running again. Do hosted systems go down often? No, but when they do, every minute counts.

Finally, hosted VoIP phone systems offer a wide range of advanced features like conference calling, voicemail to email, mobile apps, and automated attendants. We’ll get into the feature list, but know that you’re getting a feature-packed communication solution that’ll make your business run smoother.

Related content: The Most Common Pain Points a VoIP Phone Alleviates

How Hosted VoIP Works

Hosted VoIP works by turning your voice into digital signals called voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and sending them online. Reliable internet access is crucial for the seamless operation of hosted VoIP services. When you can run your voice communication over the internet, it simplifies the needed connections and reduces costs. Your calls and internet data act almost identical now and are connected to the internet via the office router. Once there, the data is dispersed and transferred to remotely hosted VoIP servers. The server processes and manages the call, routing and connecting it to its appropriate digital destination, all in the blink of an eye. The journey through the internet to deliver a call is very similar to how a call works over analog lines, so there aren’t delays or latency concerns.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) vs. VoIP

PSTN lines have been a reliable standard for well over 100 years, but their time has ended. A private branch exchange (PBX) is a traditional telephone network used for internal and external communication, which differs from modern VoIP solutions. The FCC has deregulated PSTN lines, and the system’s stability will deteriorate over the next few years. On the other hand, in the United States, the internet infrastructure has matured greatly, allowing cloud services to blossom and helping businesses achieve more for less.

Related content: The Countdown to the Retirement of POTS Lines: Is Your Business Prepared?

Benefits of Using a Hosted VoIP Phone System

Cost Savings

Hosted VoIP aims to reduce your monthly phone bill and communication subscriptions by offering consistent pricing and eliminating surprise long-distance charges. Choosing the right VoIP provider is crucial for maximizing cost savings and ensuring reliable service. UBT understands that your budget isn’t a suggestion.

Plus, hosted VoIP grows and flexes with ease, so you only pay for what you use, making it a budget-friendly solution for businesses of all sizes.

Low Maintenance

When you work with a local MSP (managed service provider) like UBT, you ditch the complex, on-site PBX you managed and finally get to say goodbye to maintenance headaches. A VoIP system requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional phone systems, freeing up your IT resources. Any maintenance and needed updates are handled by our technicians, leaving you to focus on your business.

Scalability

Most, if not all, VoIP providers offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business. Hosted VoIP is a great investment for small businesses with growth plans because it provides instant access to your online portal to add and remove users whenever you need.

The expansive feature set, reduced cost, and ability to support a remote or flexible employee base means your business can keep up with larger companies. In Cedar Rapids, the battle for good talent could come down to anything: don’t let technology be the reason employees go elsewhere.

Mobility

Remote work isn’t possible or allowed for some companies, but what about accommodating an employee with a sick kid at home? A hosted VoIP service allows employees to stay connected and productive from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s about increasing your options to work from anywhere with your business phone number and using an internet connection to stay connected and productive.

You can choose from VoIP desk phones, softphones on your computer, or mobile apps to suit your needs and individual preferences. It’s up to you how you want to run your organization.

VoIP Services and Features

Auto Attendant

• An auto attendant is your virtual receptionist friend. It’s like having a professional greeter who’ll take your calls, guide you to the right department, and even handle those pesky after-hours messages.
• With this underappreciated marvel, you’ll never miss a lead or an important message again. Plus, from the start the auto-attendant gets basic information, allowing the calls to be funneled more precisely and it frees up your team for more strategic tasks.

Integrations

• Hosted VoIP can easily connect with your existing CRM software, making it super convenient to automatically fill in call logs, voicemail transcripts, and caller details without causing double work for your employees.
• With this added information sharing, you’ll have a clearer picture of your customers and can tailor your interactions to them better.

Redundancy and Disaster Recovery

• Hosted VoIP business solutions are available even during the most difficult circumstances. Since the PBX isn’t location-dependent like on-site options, if a fire occurs in your building complex, your employees can work away from the location while the extent of the damage is understood.
• Hosted VoIP is a natural companion to your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan.

Advanced Features

• Increase your team’s ability to work together and easily implement other communication channels like video conferencing and instant messaging, all seamlessly integrated within your phone system.
• Become more connected with workflows that include voicemail to text, auto attendants that route calls efficiently, and call forwarding for on-the-go accessibility.

UCaaS and Softphones

If your business needs expanded communication abilities and analytics, then the next logical step is UCaaS. The cool thing about collaborating on your business phone service in Cedar Rapids with a local business like UBT is that you get personalized attention. Our people are more than willing to walk you through all your options and test what’ll work best for your business over the phone or in person.

Definition and Benefits of UCaaS

• UCaaS (unified communications as a service) is a cloud-based communication technology that offers a single piece of software for all your communication needs.
• By simplifying communication workflows, you boost collaboration and help you save time for your team to focus on what matters most: your customers.

What are Softphones?

• Softphones are often underused, but they’re an important innovation that modern VoIP systems bring to business communications. Being able to go without a desk phone is huge for budgetary reasons as well as for any businesses that have seasonal workers.
• Softphones let you use your PC, laptop, or other devices to offer the same capabilities as a desktop phone but on the go.

Related content: Every Business Needs a Cloud Contact Center

Partnering with a Local Provider is the Secret Business Weapon You Need

As much as you might think running a business is a solo effort, it couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ll need to bring in expert partners to manage areas of your business that are outside your expertise, or you’ll waste countless hours and resources trying to learn something that can be outsourced. A business phone service in Cedar Rapids is one of those functions you should be outsourcing to a local partner. Fifteen years ago, United Business Technologies was created by local businesses that teamed up to fill a void here. We take what we do very seriously and want to help the local community thrive. Contact us today! We’re here for your success.