Cloud Phone Solutions for Remote Workforce : 3CX and Microsoft Teams

Two Recommended Cloud Phone Solutions for Remote Workforce: 3CX and Microsoft Teams

What is 3CX, and how can it help your business goals?

Best Remote Work Solution On The Market.

With remote work on the rise, many SMEs are looking to upgrade their communication systems, helping employees collaborate productively from home and beyond. In most cases, on-site systems need to keep running too. 

Unfortunately, many traditional communications solutions don't support remote working – and are costly to boot. And during these strange times, reaching your business goals is more crucial than ever.

Cloud-based phone system

This is where cloud-based phone systems step in. Hosted phone systems market leader 3CX keeps your employees in the loop across desktop, mobile and traditional phones. This saves you the cost of communication breakdowns while also helping you keep your business objectives on track. 

But what is a 3CX phone system, and how can it help you adapt to the new way of working (link)? Furthermore, how do you install and manage a 3CX phone system – and is it possible without professional IT support?

Diverse features

3CX is an evolved business communications system. Technically speaking, it's an open-platform VoIP phone system that integrates into the Cloud. As part of one easy-to-access service package, you get fully integrated video conferencing, SMS, live chat, phone calls, and more across desktop, mobile, and telephone for your entire company.

Not only does 3CX integration boost productivity, but it also increases mobility – perfect for the new wave of remote IT business solutions. Wherever your teams are located, you're guaranteed robust communications both on-site and working remotely.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration hub that incorporates the following Microsoft features:

• Exchange: group work software associated with electronic messaging
• SharePoint: application allowing the sharing of information between several users
• Skype for Business or Lync: "unified" communication platform integrating means of communication such as video or audio calls and instant messaging.

A direct descendant of Skype for Business, the primary use that a new user has of Microsoft Teams is the instant messaging (or chat) part found in the "Conversation" tab.

Like on Skype and Lync before, chats can be between two people or multiple people, inside your organization or outside, if the person has a Teams account.

Audio and video calls

Like Skype, you can make calls with Microsoft Teams, audio, or video. You will find screen sharing and remote control features. If you have to meet with clients, prospects, or partners and are in a non-professional environment, Microsoft Teams allows you to blur the background or even add wallpaper (open space, office, meeting room).

Thanks to its connection with Exchange, you can manage your calendar and send meeting invitations remotely directly from the application. These contain a link that allows recipients to connect to the meeting remotely, even if they do not have a Microsoft account.

Teams can also support telephony (VOIP). With Teams, make calls with a local number and received on your application (mobile and desktop) or a Teams-compatible landline calls received on your direct line or switchboard. This feature ensures a seamless unified communication experience for your users.

Presentation

The innovation, and the power of Teams, reside on the Team's part. This specific Teams tab groups the teams you have created, or people inside or outside your organization have added you. Inside these teams, you can create channels, i.e., sub-teams, and submit all team members' access. For example, you can create a group for a department and channels per project.

Learn more about:

• Hybrid work models
• Technology for remote learning
• How to secure your home network