CloudComms vs digital voice: Which is right for your business?

If you think the landline is dead, think again. It’s here to stay, despite what you might have heard. But the future of the landline is all-IP. No more copper wires, no more traditional telephone services, just modern voice that takes advantage of your internet connection.

But not all options are created equal. Many businesses are choosing between a basic digital voice service and more advanced solutions like CloudComms. Here’s how they compare, and how to choose what’s right for your business.

What is digital voice?

Digital voice is the straightforward replacement for your old landline. It’s a phone service delivered over your broadband connection instead of copper wires. And that’s pretty much all there is to it.

It’s typically tied to a single location and device, with basic ‘phone’ features like calling and voicemail. Naturally, it’s best for simple needs and single-line setups. That’s why many smaller businesses have replaced their single landline with digital voice. It’s the closest thing to a like-for-like swap.

What is CloudComms?

CloudComms is a business phone system that’s built for the way modern businesses work. It’s cloud-based, and not tied to any single device or location, giving you the power to make and take calls, manage your number, and collaborate from anywhere.

CloudComms can scale as your business grows and supports anything from single-user startups to multi-person teams spread across multiple sites.

That’s why lots of smart businesses are choosing CloudComms instead of digital voice. Because it covers any need, any size of business, and has a host of features that digital voice can’t match.

At a glance: the key differences between digital voice and CloudComms

Flexibility

• Digital voice: Tied to a single location or specific device. Plug your phone into your router… that’s it.
• CloudComms: Use on your mobile, laptop, desktop. Wherever, whenever, however you work, CloudComms works with you.

Business resilience

• Digital voice: If you lose power or broadband, your line may be unavailable until service is restored. Battery backup devices can help keep you online in a power cut.
• CloudComms: Instantly reroute calls to mobiles or other users, so your business stays reachable, even during outages.

Number porting and business image

• Both options allow you to keep your business number or choose a new one. CloudComms can also give you a new number with any area code, helping you present a professional image wherever you are.

Scalability

• Digital voice: Usually designed for single-line setups, making it less flexible for growing teams.
• CloudComms: Easily add or remove users, change permissions, and much more. It’s the perfect choice for expanding or changing needs, and helps you prepare for those ‘what ifs’ that the future might bring.

Features

• Digital voice: Calling, voicemail, caller display, and other basics.
• CloudComms: Advanced call handling, call logs, chat, video, team messaging, and more.

Devices and hardware

• Digital voice: Usually requires a handset to plug into your router. Smartphone apps can also be used as long as you’re connected to your ‘home’ network.
• CloudComms: Works on your mobile, computer, or desk phone. Choose whatever works for you and make and take calls from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Which is right for your business?

If you only need a single line for a single location, and have basic needs, a digital voice service can work. But CloudComms Basic is also ideal for single lines, offering the same simplicity plus extra flexibility and the option to scale up if your business grows or changes.

If you want to future-proof your business, support remote or hybrid working, or need more features, CloudComms is the smart choice.

Cost and value

Digital voice is usually a low-cost upgrade for straightforward setups, but CloudComms is more affordable than you might think. CloudComms from Zen starts from just £5.99 per user, per month (ex VAT), and contains a host of options and features for growing and modern businesses.

And if you switch now, you can claim 2 months free per new licence before 30^th June 2025.

If your business still has a copper landline, there’s not much time left to make the move. If you don’t have a business phone at all, CloudComms offers so much more than your mobile.

Whatever the present and future looks like for your business, CloudComms gives you more.  Find out more.