Small Business Technology News

Cloud Based Phone Services Increase In Popularity With SMBs

Written by Jenna Weiner
Published: 10/27/2011

The latest version of advanced communication technology is becoming more available to small businesses.

A recent study from eVoice found a significant increase in small business usage of cloud-based phone service, as the technology has proven to reduce costs, save time and increase both revenue and mobility.

Cloud Based Phone Services for SMBs

Between January and June 2011 compared to the same time last year, mobile app voicemail retrieval has increased 180 percent, saving customers money and reducing minutes used on cellphone bills. The number of consumers using both toll-free and local cloud-based phone numbers has also doubled in the last year, as a toll free number gives the impression that the company is larger than it is.

"Based on the numbers, it's clear that entrepreneurs are continuing to embrace virtual phone services while also taking advantage of mobile applications to help run their businesses," said Mike Pugh, vice president of marketing for j2 Global. "This usage data underscores how cloud services, such as eVoice, are essential for bringing today's entrepreneur the mobility, scalability, and efficiency advantages of the cloud."

In response to this growing trend, Fonality recently launched Fonality trixbox Pro through the Intel AppUp Small Business Service. The service can be used on most commercial servers and SIP phones, and offers consumers a server, a catalog of prepackaged small business applications and Intel-developed software to track and manage usage of the communications tools. The cloud-based hybrid model integrates voice, email, instant message and other applications into a shared desktop, giving workers access to information and communications from various devices.

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