The shift away from old copper lines is already in motion. As technology evolves, older phone systems (Traditional on-premises PBX systems) are becoming less efficient and harder to manage. Rising costs, increasing complexity, and the demands of a hybrid workforce are making it harder to keep up.
Even a single outdated component can disrupt communications, and many teams are spending valuable time managing multiple providers and ongoing maintenance.
That’s why more organisations are turning to cloud-based systems like BT Cloud Work to simplify operations, support remote teams, and cut costs.
1. Cut the patchworks of multiple tools, bills, and login with a single platform
Legacy phone setups often involve a mess of disconnected systems: standalone fax machines, third-party meeting tools, separate audio and video conferencing platforms – each with its own contract and support process.
Cloud-based solutions like BT Cloud Work bring everything together in one platform. Calls, messaging, online meetings, video conferencing, voicemail, fax, and more – all accessible from one app, with one bill and one point of control.
It also integrates with popular cloud and back-office applications. That means less switching between tools and more seamless workflows across your teams.
2. Manage multiple locations from one interface – accessible anywhere
Supporting phone systems across multiple locations used to be a logistical headache. With different vendors, different hardware, and local dependencies, even minor changes could take days and cost a fortune.
With BT Cloud Work, everything is managed through a central online portal – from anywhere. Add new users, spin up phone numbers, or open a new site without having to send IT on the road or rely on third-party vendors.
You can even avoid the need for costly MPLS lines or dedicated exchange infrastructure. All voice traffic travels securely over the internet.
3. Flex your phone system to match business demands
Whether you’re onboarding new employees for peak season or launching a new office, a cloud-based system adapts to your changing needs. There’s no need to pre-buy capacity or rewire anything.
Just plug in a phone, assign a number, and you’re good to go. If your business scales back, scaling down is just as easy - no long-term hardware investments to worry about.
And unlike traditional PBX systems that cap your concurrent calls or require new cards for expansion, BT Cloud Work gives you virtually unlimited inbound and outbound calling capacity, right out of the box.
Going digital isn’t just a tech upgrade. It is a business advantage
4. Cut costs and repair fees by retiring bulky hardware
Installing and maintaining site-based phone systems can get expensive – especially across multiple offices. From PBX hardware to cabling, licenses, maintenance, and IT callouts, the costs quickly add up.
Cloud VoIP removes that burden. There’s no physical PBX equipment to install or maintain, and no need to pay for additional capacity just in case you grow. With BT Cloud Work, your infrastructure is hosted in secure, geographically distributed data centres, backed by 24/7 management and built-in redundancy.
You’ll not only avoid major capital expenditure, but also free up your IT team to focus on more strategic projects .
5. Empower mobile teams with anywhere, anytime connectivity
In today’s hybrid and mobile working world, employees expect to stay connected wherever they are. But legacy systems often don’t support this easily – unless you’re prepared to pay for expensive remote licenses or carry out custom setups.
A cloud-based system changes that. Your teams can make and receive calls, join meetings, send faxes, check voicemails, and access contacts – all from a mobile device or laptop, via a single app.
Better yet, outbound calls show your company number, not a personal mobile. That means your business looks consistent and professional, even when staff are working remotely. And if someone leaves the business, their number and contacts stay with the company – not with their personal device.
6. Get the latest features automatically, no upgrades needed
Traditional PBX systems often need manual upgrades for even basic features. And if your system is already outdated, getting new capabilities can mean a full rip-and-replace.
With BT Cloud Work, upgrades happen in the background. You’ll always have access to the latest tools like HD video meetings, integrated messaging, or voicemail-to-email without paying extra or incurring maintenance and disruption.
7. Stay in control with simple online management from anywhere
Just because your system is in the cloud doesn’t mean you lose control. In fact, you get more.
With BT Cloud Work, you can log in from any device to add users, route calls, change greetings, or access analytics. No more waiting on service providers or logging support tickets for simple admin tasks.
Even urgent and ad-hoc changes like setting up a new number or redirecting calls can be done in seconds from your laptop or mobile.
Why cloud voice makes business sense now
Switching to a cloud-based system like BT Cloud Work isn’t just about better calls. It’s about aligning your communications with the way your teams and customers work today.
Here’s a summary of what you gain:
- A unified system that covers voice, video and messaging
- Easy scaling across teams, departments, and locations
- Lower infrastructure costs with less maintenance burden
- More control, more mobility, and faster response times
- A consistent experience for customers and employees alike
Ready to upgrade your voice communications?
Contact your account manager or, if you’re a new customer, please call 0800 345 7984.