Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Business Phone Systems: Which One is Right for You?

If you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective business phone system, you might be wondering whether to choose a cloud-based solution from Besanz or an on-premise system from a traditional provider. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

What is a Cloud-Based Business Phone System?

A cloud-based business phone system is a service that uses the internet to deliver voice and data communication to your devices. Instead of installing and maintaining hardware and software on your premises, you simply subscribe to a cloud provider like Besanz, who hosts and manages the system for you. You can access your phone system from anywhere, using any device that has an internet connection, such as a desk phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop.

What is an On-Premise Business Phone System?

An on-premise business phone system is a traditional solution that requires you to purchase, install, and maintain hardware and software on your premises. You need to have a dedicated server room, wiring, phone lines, and equipment for each user. You also need to hire IT staff or contractors to manage and update the system regularly. You can only access your phone system from the devices that are connected to your network.

How Do They Compare?

Let's look at some of the key factors that you should consider when choosing between a cloud-based and an on-premise business phone system:

Cost

One of the main advantages of a cloud-based business phone system is that it has a lower upfront cost than an on-premise system. You don't need to buy any hardware or software, or pay for installation and maintenance fees. You only pay a monthly or annual fee based on the number of users and features you need. Besanz offers flexible and affordable plans that start from $24.99 per user per month.

An on-premise business phone system has a higher upfront cost than a cloud-based system. You need to invest in hardware and software, as well as installation and maintenance fees. You also need to pay for phone lines, electricity, and IT support. The total cost of ownership can vary depending on the size and complexity of your system, but it can be significantly higher than a cloud-based system.

Scalability

Another advantage of a cloud-based business phone system is that it is more scalable than an on-premise system. You can easily add or remove users and features as your business grows or changes. You don't need to worry about running out of capacity or upgrading your hardware and software. Besanz allows you to scale up or down with no hassle.

An on-premise business phone system is less scalable than a cloud-based system. You need to plan ahead and anticipate your future needs when you buy your hardware and software. If you need to add or remove users or features, you might need to buy more equipment or licenses, or replace your existing ones. This can be time-consuming and expensive.

Reliability

A cloud-based business phone system is more reliable than an on-premise system. You don't need to worry about power outages, natural disasters, hardware failures, or software glitches affecting your communication. Besanz has multiple data centers across the world that ensure 99.99% uptime and redundancy. You can also enjoy automatic updates and backups that keep your system secure and up-to-date.

An on-premise business phone system is less reliable than a cloud-based system. You are responsible for ensuring that your system is functioning properly at all times. If anything goes wrong with your hardware, software, network, or power supply, you might experience downtime or data loss. You also need to perform regular updates and backups manually or hire someone to do it for you.