How to Build a Functional Cloud Communications Infrastructure

Almost any business uses the cloud in some way. It’s the hallmark of a modern company that wants to ensure access, agility, and mobility. One of the most important cloud applications is for your communications platform. With hybrid and remote work, along with the ease of meeting or collaborating from wherever, cloud communications infrastructure is critical to supporting efficiency and productivity.

So, how do you build a functional cloud communications infrastructure? And why does it matter?

What Is Cloud Communications Infrastructure?

Cloud communications infrastructure describes the hardware and software elements needed to enable cloud communications. Those communications often include:

• PBX phone systems
• Video conferencing
• File sharing and storage
• Chat
• Call center features

All these tools live under one application and live in the cloud. As a result, people can use the app on desktop or mobile devices as long as they have Wi-Fi and a login. It simplifies communication and collaboration workflows. Because all these solutions reside in the cloud, your operations are much smoother. Let’s look at all the benefits you can gain from cloud communications infrastructure.

The Benefits of Cloud Communications Infrastructure

Adopting cloud communications delivers many advantages to companies. See what you can achieve.

Reduce Costs

If you’re using on-premises solutions, the cloud will dramatically cut expenses. You’re no longer on the hook for servers on-site. Nor do you need telecom technicians to install new phones. Instead, you pay one provider for all your communications solutions, one price every month. Research suggests that a single provider for cloud communications can deliver a 56 percent lower total cost of ownership.

See how much you could save by using our cloud communications savings calculator.

Improve Productivity and Efficiency

Every business wants to improve productivity and efficiency. There are many ways to achieve these goals, and cloud communications is one of those. When all tools are in one platform with one sign-on, your employees don’t spend time moving back and forth between systems. Data is always syncing in the cloud, which means it’s usable across the enterprise. It can deliver insights that impact productivity and efficiency significantly.

They’ll also appreciate instant ways to message through chat to resolve an issue or ask a question. Then they can carry on with the task. Integrated tools drive efficiency and productivity in almost any workflow because they are easy to use and access. Onboarding new folks is a breeze as well and doesn’t require hours of training to get started.

Enable Access and Equitable Experiences

If you have hybrid or remote employees in any capacity, you want every employee to have the same tools, resources, and experiences. Otherwise, it’s hard for people to stay productive and work together.

Cloud communications infrastructure provides a path to this. Your employees have lots of flexibility in how they interact with the app — from a desk at home to on the go. Additionally, no matter where they are or the device they use, they have the same features.

When video conferencing is part of this infrastructure, attendees have the same experience and functionality (e.g., screen sharing, annotation) regardless of where they are.

Collaboration, whether in a meeting or another channel, is easier, too. This capability is critical in the current work environment. In fact, employees increased the use of collaboration tools by 44 percent since the pandemic.

File share and storage solutions are part of the infrastructure of your cloud communications. Individuals can work on the same document simultaneously, and it tracks all changes. It’s a much better way to finalize a document than sending it back and forth through email.

Strengthen Security and Reliability

Is the cloud secure? It’s a question that any technology decision-maker considers. There’s no perfect scenario in technology where there’s no risk. However, the cloud has many security advantages if you have a provider that uses the most comprehensive, layered defenses. They’ll also have redundancy measures in place and design their cloud to deliver reliable performance.

Security and reliability are the core competencies of cloud communications infrastructure. If it’s not secure or reliable, all the other features and functionality don’t mean much. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a cloud partner that has the fundamentals in place.

Building Cloud Communications Infrastructure

The good news is that with the cloud, your “building” requirements are few. Servers and other hardware don’t have to be physically on-site. Instead, your provider hosts the cloud for you. They manage its upkeep and updates, so downtime is rare.

Your organization’s role is to provide employees with an access point and a company computer. If they are working in one spot, you just need a secure internet connection. If they are remote, you should recommend that they use a VPN (virtual private network) to connect to your cloud for added protection.

Ready to Adopt Cloud Communications Infrastructure?

With so many benefits and the burden of building a cloud off your plate, you’ll want to consider this migration. The cloud offers so many advantages that will support your organization today and as it grows. Adopting cloud communications infrastructure is a smart move that improves processes and user experiences while decreasing costs and complexity.

Learn more about our cloud communications Intermedia Unite to take the next step.