Hosted IVR applications, whether they are serving enterprise-level clients or being used on a smaller scale, exist in the cloud. Hardware and infrastructure for hosted IVR systems are housed in world-class data centers located nationally and internationally. These systems are equipped with state-of-the-art features that enable engineers to manage multiple applications in a highly effective and efficient manner.
For those interested in deploying an IVR application to streamline business processes, Plum offers the choice of hosted or onsite systems. As my previous post Cloud Migration stated, one of the primary benefits of the cloud is efficiency.
Cloud applications do not require the amount of onsite infrastructure or maintenance demanded from their onsite counterpart, and users can be working with their desired software in a matter of minutes since it has been previously developed and is ready to be instantly deployed.
What about the additional benefits of deploying a hosted system? An article in Wired by Edwin Schouten explores the top five benefits (excluding efficiency, which is already acknowledged as one of the primary benefits) of cloud computing. Per the article, these benefits are business agility, new business models, fewer operational issues, better use of resources and less capital expense. Their unique benefits are expounded upon below.
1) Business agility: Forget about the tedious and drawn-out process that often accompanies technology projects. Utilizing cloud computing can greatly minimize project development and deployment time because the necessary infrastructure is already place, which expedites delivery and completion.
2) New business models: With project deployment time shortened considerably, cloud computing not only enables a greater volume of projects but also increases collaboration and combination, thus producing what Shouten refers to as “new and innovative business models, new value propositions and new revenue streams.”
3) Fewer operational issues: Businesses using cloud computing are typically doing so via seasoned service providers who are experts in managing cloud solutions. This minimizes potential issues and reduces the amount of time spent in-house managing the technology.
4) Better use of resources: Outsourcing computing functionality frees up employee time that may be spent on activities that maximize value for the company. This redistribution of resources allows for in-house employees to dedicate their time to other useful activities.
5) Less capital expense: Per Shouten, “there are no long-term financial commitments” associated with cloud computing. The activity essentially allows businesses to lease hardware and infrastructure, so there is less of a financial burden associated with deployment.
The above issues are all things to think about for anyone contemplating a hosted versus onsite IVR system, or any system for that matter, and the pros of cloud computing far outweigh the cons, so welcome to the cloud!
