From the rise of AI to metaverse to virtual reality headsets, the technology landscape is starting to look like it came out of a movie. But the truth is that technology is advancing quickly, and business phone systems are no exception. New features and characteristics make our phone systems smarter, faster, and more reliable. Below, we’ll delve into the upcoming trends for business phone systems in 2024.
The Continued Rise of Cloud-Based Business Phone Systems
Cloud will be the preferred tech consumption model by 2024 in North America. Steering away from on-premises services, more and more businesses will opt to go entirely to the cloud. With remote and hybrid work becoming a more permanent way of life instead of a passing trend, it only makes sense that businesses would prefer to have their communications managed by the provider in a remote location.
Automatic updates and maintenance performed by service providers ensure that organizations always have access to the latest communication technologies without the burden of in-house maintenance. Overall, the convenience, versatility, and potential cost savings of cloud-based phone systems make them attractive for modern businesses seeking to modernize their communication strategies.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been increasingly gaining popularity, but it looks like it’s coming in strong in 2024. The global IoT market grew to $662.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to around $3.3 trillion by 2030. This is because this technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries by connecting everyday objects and devices to the internet, enabling data collection, automation, and remote control. IoT can be incorporated in several ways in business phone systems to enhance efficiency and productivity.
For example, IoT devices like smart thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can be integrated with business phone systems. For example, employees can use their office phones or mobile apps to control office temperature, lighting, or security remotely, creating a more comfortable and secure work environment.
AI-Powered Functionalities
AI is slowly making its way into most of our technology, and business phone systems are also coming along for the ride. Cloud phone systems increasingly integrate AI-driven virtual assistants that can handle routine tasks, answer frequently asked questions, and route calls to the appropriate department or agent. These virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support, improving customer service and reducing wait times.
On the other hand, AI capabilities incorporated with a business phone system can also help you gather important data. For example, cloud phone systems with AI-driven speech analytics can analyze recorded calls to extract valuable insights. This technology can detect sentiment, identify common issues or trends, and help businesses make data-driven decisions to enhance their services and products.
Enhanced Security Measures
As phone systems become more integrated with other technologies, they become more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. This is why integrated security measures are strong for business phone system trends in 2024. Measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication will be doubled, but tougher security measures might also emerge.
One of them being mesh architecture. In cybersecurity, mesh architecture is a network design strategy that takes a decentralized approach to enhance security and resilience. Unlike traditional networks that rely on a central hub (like a main server) to manage communication, a mesh architecture spreads communication and data flow across multiple interconnected devices or nodes.
5G Technology and its Impact
Another trend impacting business phone systems this coming year is the introduction of 5G connectivity. 5G, or “fifth generation,” is the latest and most advanced generation of wireless technology for cellular networks. 5G networks offer much faster data speeds, lower latency (the time it takes for data to travel between devices), and the ability to connect many devices simultaneously.
For business phone systems, 5G enables high-quality video conferencing, seamless file sharing, and real-time collaboration without the lag or buffering that slower networks often experience. This means that voice and video calls on business phone systems become crystal clear, enhancing the quality of communication both internally and with clients. Furthermore, the low latency and minimal downtime of 5G will enable businesses to have more reliable communications. We can’t forget to mention that the capacity 5G has to power a vast number of connected devices will empower businesses to grow their networks and teams.
Customization and Personalization
Modern phone systems already have the advantage of being highly customizable to fit a business’s needs. However, the customization trend will grow even stronger, adapting to the changing needs of today’s customers. In a customer-centric era, personalization is key to success. Customized phone systems can be designed to greet callers by name, offer personalized menu options, and even route them to preferred agents or departments. These touches enhance the customer experience and foster stronger client relationships.
Furthermore, many businesses rely on a suite of tools and software for their daily operations. Customization allows integration with existing systems, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, email, or appointment scheduling platforms. This integration helps make processes easier and ensures data consistency across different communication channels.
Are Your Communications Ready for 2024?
Stay ahead of the curve in business communication! Explore the latest trends and innovations in business phone systems with us. Ready to upgrade your communication infrastructure? Contact Gibson Teldata today for expert guidance and tailored solutions.
