How To Setup VoIP: What You Need and How To Do It Yourself

In today’s fast-paced business world, the right communication tools are essential to your success. Small businesses and large corporations are leaving traditional phone systems—and all their limitations—behind and transitioning to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication platforms. This modern communication solution can save you money and boost the efficiency of your workforce whether they work in the office or at home. 

When you know how to setup VoIP, the transition can be simple and painless. In this blog, we’ll tell you what you need to setup VoIP and walk you through the step-by-step process. 

VoIP 101: The Basics

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication technology that uses an internet connection, rather than traditional, analog phone lines (also known as landlines), to make voice calls. VoIP systems use IP phones or softphones (mobile and desktop apps) to convert audio into digital data that is transmitted over the internet using the internet protocol (IP). 

To setup VoIP at your business, you don’t need to host any hardware or software, nor do you need to deal with the cost and hassle of installing and maintaining the phone lines and dedicated phone jacks that are required with traditional analog phone systems. VoIP phones work through an internet connection (via Ethernet cable or WiFi) to make and receive phone calls. Your VoIP provider maintains the VoIP server and all the other technical infrastructure needed.

The ability to use the internet for voice calls gives businesses greater flexibility and scalability while reducing costs per call. It can help to increase productivity and enhance the customer experience with features like:

  • Intelligent call routing
  • Call queues
  • Ring groups

It also enhances team communication with features such as:

  • Extension-to-extension dialing
  • In-app chat
  • On-demand  videoconferencing
  • Instant messaging (0ne-to-one SMS)

What You’ll Need to setup VoIP

  • High-Speed Internet 

VoIP calls require a reliable high-speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth (100 kbps of bandwidth for each concurrent call) to seamlessly transmit audio data. Most of today’s broadband internet services meet this requirement.

Although a wi-fi connection will work, a wired ethernet connection is preferred to limit interruptions or interference and quality issues.

  • VoIP Service Provider

VoIP calling requires a reliable VoIP provider like CloudG. When you subscribe to our hosted service, our platform routes your calls over the internet. You can choose to implement new phone numbers or transition existing phone numbers to the system. Subscription costs are based on the number of features and phone lines you need.

  • VoIP-enabled Hardware

VoIP-enabled handsets, IP phones, wireless headsets, and/or a softphone application (which works through your computer, tablet, or smartphone) are needed to make and receive VoIP phone calls.

It is also advantageous (though not required) to have VoIP-compatible routers which allow you to configure quality of service (QoS) to prioritize important calls (data packets). 

If your business has numerous phones, you can save some money by purchasing Analog Terminal Adapters (ATAs) which enable regular analog phones to connect to your router to work with your VoIP system.

How to Setup VoIP: 6 Easy Steps

Now that you know how VoIP works and what you’ll need to get started, here are the steps you’ll need to take to setup VoIP at your business.

Once you have subscribed to a VoIP service and setup VoIP at your business, all that’s left is to train your staff how to use the new system. Providing proper training is a must to ensure that your staff is using all the capabilities the system offers. Most VoIP service providers like CloudG have training guides and customer support teams available to assist you in training your staff so you don’t have to go it alone.

  1. Test your internet connection to make sure you have the required bandwidth to support VoIP calls. As we mentioned before, a wi-fi connection will work, but an ethernet connection is preferred to minimize interference. If using VoIP-compatible routers, configure QoS to prioritize calls.
  2. Acquire VoIP-enabled hardware as mentioned in the “What You’ll Need to setup VoIP” section above.
  3. Subscribe to a VoIP service with a reliable, trusted provider like CloudG. Make sure your provider has advanced call routing features and offers all the other features and services you need, including encryption and security protocols. We can explain all the features available, stuff like auto attendant and interactive voice response (IVR), analytics, videoconferencing, instant messaging and much more.
  4. Determine your phone number. To setup VoIP you will need to decide if you will “port over” existing phone numbers or obtain a new phone number(s). Your VoIP provider can handle this porting process for you.
  5. Install and configure your VoIP devices as follows: VoIP-enabled phones/IP Phones: Connect to your internet router with an ethernet cable, then enter your VoIP Provider account information to setup VoIP on the phone. VoIP-enabled Wireless Headsets: To setup VoIP headsets , follow the instructions that come with these devices to connect with cables or pair to a Bluetooth connection. Softphone application: Download and install the softphone app from your VoIP service provider to setup VoIP and enable calls to come through your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Once the software is installed, configure your account settings (username, password, server information) with the credentials provided by your VoIP service provider. 
  6. Test the quality of your setup to troubleshoot any issues with the connection and audio quality (including static, echoes, and latency/delays). Make sure to test for calls during typical high volume network activity periods and test calls for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the system’s firewall does not terminate calls inadvertently.

Now that you know what tools you need and how to setup VoIP at your business, contact CloudG to get started.

Best VoIP Business Service

Determining the best VoIP business service can depend on various factors such as the specific needs and preferences of your business, budget considerations, and desired features. However, several VoIP providers are widely recognized for their reliability, features, and customer satisfaction.

Contributing Factors in Determining the Best VoIP Business Service

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is a technology that enables the transmission of voice communications and multimedia sessions over the internet rather than traditional telephone lines. With VoIP, voice data is converted into digital packets and transmitted over IP networks, such as the internet or local area networks (LANs), allowing users to make calls using their internet connection. There are several benefits to using VoIP technology, including cost savings, flexibility, scalability, and advanced features. Identifying the best VoIP business service comes down to the following contributing factors:

  • Reliability: A good VoIP provider should offer reliable service with minimal downtime and disruptions. This includes having redundant networks, backup systems, and robust infrastructure to ensure continuous availability of communication services.
  • Quality of Service: High-quality voice calls are essential for effective communication. A good VoIP provider should prioritize voice quality, offering clear, crisp audio with minimal latency, jitter, or packet loss. This ensures that calls are intelligible and professional, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Scalability: Businesses evolve over time, so it’s crucial to choose a VoIP provider that can scale with your needs. A good VoIP provider should offer scalable solutions that can accommodate growth, whether you’re adding new users, opening new locations, or expanding operations.
  • Feature Set: Different businesses have different communication needs, so a good VoIP provider should offer a diverse range of features and functionalities to meet those needs. This may include basic call management features like call forwarding and voicemail, as well as advanced features such as auto-attendants, call recording, and conferencing.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and intuitive workflows are essential for ensuring that employees can easily adopt and use the VoIP system. A good VoIP provider should offer intuitive dashboards, mobile apps, and training resources to help users get up to speed quickly and efficiently.
  • Security: Protecting sensitive voice data and ensuring regulatory compliance are critical considerations for businesses. A good VoIP provider should implement robust security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and secure data centers to safeguard communications and protect against unauthorized access or data breaches.
  • Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential for addressing technical issues, resolving challenges, and providing guidance to users. A good VoIP provider should offer dedicated support channels, timely assistance, and personalized service to ensure that clients receive the help they need when they need it.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While cost is an important factor, it’s essential to consider the overall value provided by the VoIP provider. A good VoIP provider should offer competitive pricing plans that align with your budget while delivering reliable service, advanced features, and excellent customer support.

By considering these factors and evaluating VoIP providers based on their reliability, quality of service, scalability, feature set, ease of use, security, customer support, and cost-effectiveness, businesses can choose a provider that best meets their communication needs and objectives. Using these metrics, it makes it easier for prospective customers to identify the best VoIP business service for operational needs. 

CloudG – One of the Best VoIP Business Services

CloudG Solutions is a leading provider of cloud-based communication solutions, specializing in offering the best VoIP services for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on delivering reliable, scalable, and feature-rich communication solutions, CloudG Solutions empowers businesses to streamline their communication processes, enhance productivity, and improve collaboration. Here are some key aspects of CloudG Solutions:

  1. VoIP Services: CloudG Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of VoIP services, one of the best VoIP business services on the market. The CloudG VoIP package allows businesses to make voice calls over the internet using their existing internet connections. These services typically include features such as call management, voicemail, conferencing, auto-attendants, and integration with business applications.
  2. Cutting-edge Technology: CloudG Solutions leverages cutting-edge VoIP technology to deliver high-quality voice communications with superior call clarity and reliability. In order to offer one of the best VoIP business services on the market, the technology has to be at the forefront of the industry. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced networking capabilities, CloudG Solutions ensures seamless connectivity and optimal performance for its users.
  3. Scalability: CloudG Solutions’ VoIP solutions are highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily add or remove users, features, and services as needed. Whether adding new employees, opening new locations, or expanding operations, CloudG Solutions can accommodate businesses of any size and scale their VoIP solutions accordingly. Growth and expansion is a key factor for many operations in seeking out VoIP providers. CloudG Solutions understands these efforts and works to support clients in these endeavors by ensuring its solutions remain one of the best VoIP business services. 
  4. Feature-rich Solutions: CloudG Solutions offers a wide range of features and functionalities designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. From basic call management features like call forwarding and voicemail to advanced capabilities such as video conferencing and contact center solutions, CloudG Solutions provides the tools businesses need to optimize their communication processes.
  5. Cost-effectiveness: CloudG Solutions’ VoIP services offer cost-effective communication solutions that help businesses reduce their monthly phone bills and overall communication expenses. By leveraging existing internet connections and eliminating the need for traditional phone lines, CloudG Solutions helps businesses save money while enjoying advanced communication features.
  6. Security and Compliance: CloudG Solutions prioritizes security and compliance, implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive voice data and ensure regulatory compliance. With features like encryption, firewalls, and secure data centers, CloudG Solutions provides peace of mind to businesses concerned about data privacy and security.
  7. Exceptional Customer Support: CloudG Solutions is committed to providing exceptional customer support, offering responsive assistance and personalized service to clients. Whether troubleshooting technical issues, assisting with setup and configuration, or providing guidance on optimizing VoIP solutions, CloudG Solutions’ dedicated support team is available to help clients every step of the way.

CloudG Solutions stands out as a trusted provider of cloud-based communication solutions, offering reliable, scalable, and feature-rich VoIP services that empower businesses to optimize their communication processes and achieve greater success. Businesses looking to scale operations or branch out communication efforts need the best VoIP business service on the market and CloudG Solutions can be an ideal fit. Contact us to start the conversation!

CloudG Offers More VoIP Features than Eight by Eight (8×8) at a Fraction of the Price

If you’re considering switching from a traditional phone system to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution for your business, you’ll want to explore your options to find the features and the provider that best meet your needs. You can choose one of the big-name providers, like Eight by Eight (8×8), or you can get your fully hosted VoIP solution from CloudG and get double the features for a mere fraction of the cost.

Naturally you want the most efficient and cost-effective telecommunications solution for your business. In today’s competitive and often hybrid work environment, your business needs the flexibility, scalability, reliability, and security that a VoIP system provides—all at an affordable cost.

A VoIP system connects your team, partners, and customers seamlessly, no matter where they are and offers many advantages that you just can’t get with an outdated landline system. VoIP offers advanced features like mobile app, auto-attendant, call routing, music on hold, and much more. But, beware, not all providers offer the full range of features and services you need, and prices vary greatly across providers. 

Whether you need the full gamut of features/functionality at the get-go or you want to start small and add services down the road, CloudG is the experienced provider that offers a full range of functionality at the best price.  Compared to Eight by Eight’s 8x8x4 plan, our plan offers nearly four times the features at one third of the price.

Our CloudG hosted VoIP offers all the features as Eight by Eight (8x8x4) VOIP, including mobile app, auto-attendant, intelligent call routing, call queues, music on hold, and fax. We also offer features not included in the 8x8x4 plan; services like voicemail, basic SMS, CRM integrations, Microsoft 365® integration, Teams integration, video conferencing, call recording, analytics, and more! And we offer all these features and services for nearly one third the price of Eight by Eight’s 8x8x4 plan.

While you need the flexibility, reliability and security of a VoIP system to support your growing business and remain competitive, you don’t need to pay more for it.

Check out our comparison chart to see how we measure up to the competition and review our case studies to see how we’ve helped others improve customer experiences and communication, reduce IT spend, and enable growth. Then contact us to get started! 

Hawaii Businesses Can Improve Enterprise-wide Communication with Fully Managed Internet-based Phone Systems

In today’s digital world, the ability to communicate to anyone, anytime, anywhere is essential for productivity and business growth. Legacy phone systems simply cannot cover the modern needs of your Hawaii business—and can end up costing you time, money, and customers.

Unlike legacy phone systems, a VoIP solution won’t confine your Hawaii business to its physical location(s) and leave you with expensive long-distance charges. VoIP allows you to use the internet to make and receive calls and offers a plethora of features that you cannot get with a typical landline. The right VoIP solution—customized for your Hawaii business—from the right VoIP Hawaii provider will pave the way to efficient call handling and facilitate collaboration among your staff and customers.

As the premier VoIP provider for Hawaii businesses, CloudG will design and implement a custom-built solution that meets your internal and external communication needs. Our customizable solutions scale to businesses of any size, providing more options and features at a much lower price than other VoIP providers in Hawaii.

From hardware and software to our premium support services, you’ll get all the tools you need to connect your workforce (no matter where they are), improve productivity, and provide better service to your customers.

Our hosted VoIP service gives you all the communication tools you need in one unified platform. The following standard features keep you connected to customers and give employees access to all the necessary tools whether they are in the office, working from home, or working across the country:

  • Mobile App
  • Video Conferencing Platform
  • Auto-attendant
  • Intelligent Call Routing
  • Call Queues
  • Unique Voicemail Boxes for Each Extension
  • Text Messaging
  • Premium Support

Combined with easy access to performance analytics and an experienced customer support team, our VoIP solution for your Hawaii business allows you to stay connected with customers and employees and to log important business information from every interaction. 

Explore our customizable VOIP solution, see how our hosted VOIP solution compares to those of the other VOIP service providers in Hawaii, and request a quote.

Comparing VOIP Service Providers Utah

When it comes to providing telecommunication services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)—a requirement in today’s digital world—Utah businesses can get a custom-built solution that meets internal and external communication needs from a trusted, LOCAL partner—at nearly half the cost of the other leading VOIP service providers Utah. In addition to being a more economical option, our VoIP solution is fully managed by our team of professionals. This means that we will not only set up and customize the voice solution, but will also provide ongoing support and management of it. Whether you are a large corporation or a small business, you need a reliable service provider that can provide the right solution for your business; one that connects you to your customers and/or remote employees through today’s digital communication channels, including phone, video conferencing, text, and social media. 

One of the most critical communication technologies in today’s fast-paced world is VOIP. This scalable communication platform enables you to unify your hybrid workforce, improve productivity, and provide better service to your customers. Our hosted VOIP service includes features like mobile app, auto-attendant, intelligent call routing, call queues, music on hold, voicemail, CMS integrations, to keep you connected to customers and giving employees access to all the necessary tools whether they are in the office or working from home. And the best thing about our solution is that you get all the experience and features offered by the other leading VOIP service providers Utah at a more affordable price. 

Our solution gives you all the communication tools you need in one unified platform. Combined with easy access to performance analytics and an experienced customer support team, our solution allows you to stay connected with customers and employees no matter where they are and to log important business information from every interaction. Our reliable service is designed to minimize disruption—with an uptime guarantee of 99.99%—so you can stay connected and conduct business in snowstorms, thunderstorms, or any weather condition.

Our coverage area reaches across the state, covering all counties, so no matter where you are in Utah, we have you covered. Coverage areas include:

  • Alpine
  • American Fork
  • Bluffdale
  • Bountiful
  • Brigham City
  • Cedar City
  • Cedar Hills
  • Centerville
  • Clearfield
  • Clinton
  • Cottonwood Heights
  • Draper
  • Eagle Mountain
  • Enoch
  • Farmington
  • Heber City
  • Herriman
  • Highland
  • Holladay
  • Hurricane
  • Kaysville
  • Layton
  • Lehi
  • Lindon
  • Logan
  • Midvale
  • Millcreek
  • Murray
  • North Ogden
  • North Salt Lake
  • Ogden
  • Orem
  • Park City
  • Payson
  • Pleasant
  • Grove
  • Provo
  • Riverton
  • Roy
  • St. George
  • Sandy
  • Saratoga Springs
  • Smithfield
  • South Jordan
  • South Ogden
  • South Salt Lake
  • Spanish Fork
  • Springville
  • Syracuse
  • Taylorsville
  • Tooele
  • Washington
  • West Haven
  • West Jordan
  • West Valley City

Explore our customizable VOIP solution, see how our hosted VOIP solution compares to those of the other VOIP service providers in Utah, and request a quote.

CloudG VOIP Services Compared to Nextiva VOIP – All the Features at Half the Price

With today’s hybrid working environments, it is crucial to have a scalable communication platform that connects your team, partners, and customers seamlessly, no matter where they are. A fully managed VOIP system is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity! 

When it comes to VOIP providers, you have a choice. You can choose one of the big-name providers, like Nextiva VOIP, or you can opt to purchase a service with the same features—and more—from CloudG.

Our fully managed VOIP solution enables you to unify your hybrid workforce, improve productivity, and provide better service to your customers, all at a price that our competitors can’t touch! Our CloudG hosted VOIP offers all the features as Nextiva VOIP, including mobile app, auto-attendant, intelligent call routing, call queues, music on hold, voicemail, CMS integrations, and other common services.

We also offer features the other providers don’t have. Services like Microsoft 365® integration, an open platform on which you own your own numbers, video conferencing, customer caller ID and more! And we offer all these features and services for less than half the price of Nextiva VOIP and other competitors. 

Check out our comparison chart to see how we measure up to the competition and review our case studies to see how we’ve helped others improve customer experiences and communication, reduce IT spend, and enable growth. Then contact us to get started! 

That Random Text Message Could Cost You

We’ve all been warned for years about cyber criminals trying to steal our passwords and personal information to gain access to bank accounts or steal our identities. Phishing and smishing attacks—sending fake emails (phishing) or texts (smishing) that seem to be from reputable companies to get us to reveal personal or financial information, click on suspicious links, or download harmful software—are, unfortunately, commonplace today.

But these types of attacks aren’t the only ones threatening to empty our wallets. The Federal Trade Commission reports that more than 46,000 people fell victim to cryptocurrency (a.k.a. “crypto”) scams, losing more than $1 billion in the 18-month period from January 2021 to June of 2022, and that number is on the rise. 

But, wait, you say, “I am not a millionaire, so I am not a target for these scammers.” Think again. 

Crypto scams are on the rise, and they are targeting individuals at all levels of our society. It can be as simple as a “wrong number” text that starts the “game” and ends with you losing big. In fact, the threat has become so widespread that Senator Diane Warren (D-Mass.) recently introduced a bill, the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, which aims to make it easier for government regulators to track suspicious activity around crypto and shut down scammers. 

The Best Defense Against Crypto Scammers

Being aware of the types and scope of crypto attacks can be your best defense against falling victim to these scams. The more you know about it, the better you will be at spotting the clues and determining that “something’s not right.”

First, let’s start with some basics about crypto.

Crypto 101

Crypto is digital currency—it only exists online. There is no physical asset. There are multiple types of crypto, with the most well-known being Bitcoin and Ether.

Crypto can be purchased electronically (using your computer or phone) through an exchange, an app, a website, or a cryptocurrency “ATM.” There are also other ways to purchase crypto which involve solving complicated puzzles. Once purchased, crypto is stored in a digital wallet from which you can spend or invest your money.

The major drawback with crypto is that it is not regulated and there are no legal or government protections for those who put their money into it. So, if you fall prey to a password breach or other type of fraud, there is no recourse.

Types of Crypto Scams

There are many types of crypto scams, so awareness is key to avoiding them. Watch out for the following:

  • Celebrity Enticement. Social media messages from celebrities promising to multiply any crypto you send to them are a typical scam. Think about it, would Brad Pitt or Oprah Winfrey really be looking to partner with you? 
  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Investment Opportunities. When an investment manager contacts you “out of the blue” with promises of big payouts if you invest in crypto, it is often a scam. Also watch out for those offering “free money” or guaranteeing unusually large returns on investment. 
  • Romance. The number one way scammers lure their victims is by promising romance. Scammers use dating websites to lure victims into believing they are in a romantic relationship. There have even been reported cases in which scammers send a “wrong number” text message to an individual, strike up a conversation, and develop a romantic relationship. Then, when trust is established, the scammer urges the victim to invest in crypto with them, with the victim transferring cryptocurrency or account information to the scammer. This story from the San Francisco Chronical shows you how easily the average guy can fall victim to scammers.

Once the scammer draws you in, false reports of huge gains keep you, the investor, “on the hook” and wanting to invest more money. Unfortunately, it is when you try to withdraw your money that the scam is revealed. Then it is too late.

The Bottom Line

No matter who you are or how much—or little—money you have, you need to be aware of the types of scams out there. 

Watch the news or read about scams on the internet so you know what to look for. 

Be vigilant—or even a little suspicious—at all times. Never click on unsolicited links in email or text; never give out account information (through email, text or phone) without verifying that the receiver is who you think they are (i.e., your bank, your credit card company, etc.), and even be wary of romantic partners looking to help you invest.

Finally, think! If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Gone Phishing: Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks

Turn on the television news and you’ll likely hear about malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks that extort millions of dollars from international corporations, small businesses, schools, and individuals alike. We hear about these “breaches” at an alarming rate. 

One of the fastest growing types of cyberattacks is phishing. Some experts estimate that up to 83% of all cyber security incidents involve phishing—and that number is increasing, as is the sophistication of the phishing techniques.

So how can you protect yourself and your business from falling prey to these scammers? First, let’s look at what phishing is and how scammers get to us, then let’s talk about the ways to protect against it.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of social engineering, a cyberattack that manipulates or “reels in” people (humans) into sharing sensitive information (i.e., account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, etc.) that hackers can use to steal money or create fake identities.

Phishing attacks are typically carried out through email, phone, text, and social media. Hackers pose as legitimate organizations and “bait” users into clicking links to malicious websites or revealing personal information. For example, a phisher may send an email that appears to come from your bank, telling you that there is a problem with your account and urging you to click a link to talk to a representative or to fix the issue. In fact, this type of attack is often referred to as “cloned phishing” as hackers try to duplicate or clone an actual email used by the bank in order to reel the user in.

Social Media Attacks

Another example of phishing scams that affect small businesses is social media attacks—also called “angler phishing.” Many small businesses rely on social media platforms to advertise and sell their products and services. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular and inexpensive ways to market a small business. Unfortunately, they are also easy targets for hackers.

Angler phishing scams can include fake URLs, bogus profiles, or phony instant messages. For example, a user may receive a fake notification that there was a problem with one of their posts or an instant message request from known contacts. Once the user clicks on a malicious link, a hacker can take control of the user’s account and hold it for “ransom.” The user cannot access the account and must either pay the ransom to regain access or start all over again, losing the site they’ve built and the audience they have worked so hard to attract. It can cripple an entrepreneur and kill a business.

How to Protect Against Phishing

With phishing attacks becoming more frequent and phishing tactics becoming more sophisticated, it is crucial to guard against them. Nothing is fool proof, but there are things you can do to mitigate your risk. For example:

  • Installing up-to-date security software and firewall protection is the first line of defense. Things like two-factor authentication and password management can go a long way in protecting against vulnerabilities.
  • Since phishing baits the end user—human beings— to gain access to systems or sensitive information, training employees how to spot phishing attacks can help prevent breaches. Awareness is key to avoiding a phisher’s bait. Some “warning signs” and best practices include:
  • Avoid posting personal details on social media (i.e., birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
  • Look for odd or non-standard URL and email addresses
  • Look for misspellings, language differences, grammar mistakes, or things that catch your attention
  • Only open attachments from trusted sources
  • If you get an email about an account (i.e., bank account, utility account, subscription, etc.) don’t click through the email. Instead, verify the information by calling the organization or by going to the organization’s website and signing into your account as you typically do
  • Never give account numbers, credit card information, or other sensitive data to unsolicited phone callers
  • Never reveal personal information over email or in text messages

Phishing attacks can severely damage or even kill a business. Even scarier, they are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. If you’re not taking steps to prevent a phishing attack, you are leaving yourself and your business open and vulnerable. 

Don’t get caught in a phisher’s net. Make sure you are protected with the latest software and prevention tools. Contact CloudG to get started.

Supporting Your Work-from-Home Staff: Technology is Key

Two and a half years after Covid closed offices around the world and required millions of workers to perform their jobs from their homes, the work-from-home “job feature” has gained a foothold across varying demographics, occupations, and locations, and remains a reality for more than half of the US workforce. According to a recent McKinsey & Company report*, more than 58% of the American workforce (approximately 92 million people) have the option of working from home at least one day a week and 35% have the option to work from home five days a week.

While this flexible staffing model is convenient for workers and typically more cost-effective for employers (less office space is required), issues can arise if you don’t have the right technology to support a work-from-home model. If your office staff fields customer calls, you need to ensure that the customer experience remains consistent whether your staff is in the office or at home.

One of the ways to ensure productivity and minimize issues is to upgrade your phone service to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This technology, which allows office-based and remote employees to work on the same system, keeps your remote employees connected to your business no matter where they are. 

How it Works

VoIP uses the internet to digitize the user’s voice and send it to the receiver. Calls can be routed throughout offices and to remote locations without having the phone company run “lines.” This digital setup includes many features you can’t get with analog phones, including intelligent call routing, video conferencing, screen sharing, voice-to-text and call recording, analytics, and more.

Further, employees can be assigned a single number whether they are in the office or at a remote location and can integrate the technology—through an app—with their smartphones, allowing them to perform their work from anywhere.

Benefits of VoIP

Efficiency – VoIP uses an automated attendant to route customer calls, getting your customers to the right agents no matter where those agents are—all with one call to a single number.  In addition, changes such as adding more lines, scaling back, or reallocating lines, are quick and easy.

Cost – VoIP is a cost-effective option for most employers. No hardware is required to run the system; all you need is an internet connection and a subscription plan. There is no need to purchase additional hardware or pay setup fees every time you add a new employee.

Security – When used over a virtual private network (VPN), VoIP encrypts the data being sent over the company network, giving you a secure method of communicating and sharing data.

Tracking/Monitoring – VoIP records calls and reports data to you, so it is easy to track performance of in-office and remote workers. Metrics such as missed calls, call volume, and availability are easily monitored.

To get started with VoIP for your workforce, contact us.

*McKinsey & Company, Americans are embracing flexible work—and they want more of it

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