Voice

We all know disaster can strike anytime—a broken water pipe, fire, weather event … all can do damage and wreak havoc on your business. And when time is money, getting your business up and running after a disaster is paramount. Most businesses focus on being able to access their applications and files after a disaster, but don’t consider the impact of losing their communications system. In emergency situations, customers, employees and others need to be able to reach you. And you need to be able to reach them. If your communications system is offline, you—and your customers—are out of luck. A cloud-based communications system, however, can keep your business running post-disaster. No matter where your employees are located, a cloud communications system gives them the same functionality they have in the office. And when your system includes collaboration capabilities, your employees are capable of accomplishing even more. Here are four reasons why cloud communications should be a part of your disaster recovery strategy:

1. Business continuity:

   Cloud-based communications services are hosted in data centers away from your business and safe from harm. Your customers are still able to reach your business for important post-disaster information, if necessary, or to continue their day-to-day business. And you can continue communicating with your customers and employees without skipping a beat.

2. Work anywhere:

   Often in a disaster event, your employees may not be able to get to the office and instead could end up working from their homes, in libraries, at coffee shops—anyplace with an Internet connection. With cloud communications, they can use a softphone on their computer or their mobile device to access all the functions of the communications system, enabling them to conduct business as if they were in the office.

3. Collaboration means more productivity:

   Having communications features available is one thing, but being able to collaborate with colleagues and customers presents a higher level of productivity that a cloud-based communications system affords. Unified communications, including instant messaging, audio conference calling, web collaboration, desktop sharing, point-to-point video calling and room-based video conferencing, are all available via cloud communications, helping your employees work at an optimal level no matter the circumstances.

4. Low cost:

   The monthly subscription-based pricing model makes the move to the cloud a cost-effective option in disaster recovery planning. Plus, chances are you already have other apps and services in the cloud, so why not add communications to your list?

No one can be fully prepared when disaster strikes, but having a disaster recovery plan in place can help mitigate the impact to your company. Including cloud-based communications in your planning ensures not only that you can reach—and be reached by—your customer’s post-event, but also your employees can work productively no matter where they are.