More than a phone system: 7 cloud calling capabilities to know about

With a growing portion of the workforce embracing remote or hybrid work, traditional on-premises PBX phone systems are going away, and cloud calling is becoming the new standard due to its flexibility and scalability. With cloud calling, you can connect with your team or customers from anywhere, on nearly any device. 

Cloud calling delivers features like voice calls and video conferencing, but it can also do much more. 

Here are seven cloud calling features that you may not be as familiar with—features that can take your team’s collaboration to the next level. 

1) Business phone number and call routing 

Make it easy for your clients to reach you with a single phone number for your business. The cloud calling interface can notify you who is calling, after which you can take the call or transfer it to the next available employee. You can even keep your existing phone numbers, making for a seamless transition. 

2) Advanced calling features 

Cloud calling offers all the features you’d get from a PBX and more, like: 

• Phone menu 
• Call waiting 
• Hold/resume 
• Pickup 
• Forward 
• Do not disturb 
• Transfer 

Jump in and out of meetings as needed by simply joining another call or switch from your smartphone to your laptop without missing a beat so you can keep the conversation going. You can even turn any call into a meeting by adding other employees or clients. 

3) Messaging and collaboration 

Cloud calling isn’t just for making calls; it’s about simplifying all facets of communication. Touch base through a direct message, or reach out to your whole team with an announcement. Work together by sharing files of any sort, or collaborate via a digital whiteboard and brainstorm for your next project. Liven up your messages by adding emojis, animated gifs, and reactions. 

4) Calendar integration 

Never forget an important call or meeting again. Cloud calling seamlessly integrates with your calendar so you can keep track of your schedule and hop on right when you need to. 

5) AI-powered meeting assistant 

When your cloud calling system is part of an integrated collaboration suite, you can take advantage of additional features during meetings, including a voice-activated assistant. The meeting assistant can take notes and meeting highlights, so you can pay more attention to what’s going on. Real-time transcription and closed captioning mitigates the chance of misunderstood audio and makes presentations more accessible. 

After the meeting, the assistant can create recap emails that include highlights and action items to keep everyone in the loop.  

6) Recording 

Never worry about missing a meeting. Meetings can be recorded for later viewing, so you can stay up to speed with client and team needs. Also, consider auto-transcribing your meetings for accessibility or quick reference. 

7) Security 

Security is a priority for all services included with cloud calling, whether it’s video conferencing, sharing files, or taking a call with a client. You never need to worry about losing files, as they’re saved securely to the cloud where they’re ready whenever you need them. 

Cloud calling can keep you connected 

Communication should be seamless whether you’re working in the office, from home, or on the go.

Learn more and check out our Call plans today to see how you can create an inclusive collaboration experience for your hybrid team. 

Learn more

What’s new in Webex: June 2021

Webex Calling now includes expanded call recording capabilities

Introducing the Webex Suite: The first, best-of-breed suite for hybrid work