Between video calls, live chat, and automated customer service solutions, the office desk phone seems less of a requirement within your office setup. This begs the question: Can we do without the desk phone? The short answer: yes, if you want to.
Are Office Desk Phones Still a Thing?
It was commonplace to see an office desk phone on every employee’s desk. After all, that was the primary form of communication for the longest time — whether for internal communication or sales or customer support.
But slowly, we’ve found new solutions to replace traditional office phones—internal chat, email, live chat and customer chat solutions.
This has given way to many businesses dropping the office desk phone and updating their legacy phone system.
So, what is leading to the death of the office desk phone?
1. The Rise of Cloud Communication
The main reason desk phones are becoming obsolete is the growing popularity of cloud computing and cloud telephony. With these solutions, users can use the internet to connect with teammates and customers; this generally includes email, chat, and video conferencing.
One of the main reasons to transition to cloud communication is the ability to communicate from any location and device. And as remote working and telecommuting become the norm, cloud communications make it possible for teams to stay connected no matter where they are located. In other words, they do not need to be attached to an office desk phone.
2. Diverse Communication Options
Communication technology has come a long way since its advent. We now have several advanced and diverse ways of communicating with people near and far—chat, messengers, voice calls, video calls, conferencing, and email.
With these options, your business can open up new channels of contact with customers and business partners spread across the globe. Voice, text, and video communication over the internet has increased drastically with the introduction of apps like Google Chat and Meet, Video Conferencing, and more. We are no longer limited to one geographic location or device.
3. Softphones Over SIP and VoIP
A softphone (or web phone) is a software-based communication app that lets users make and receive calls over the internet and from any device. In other words, you can make business calls from your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This means that you do not need an additional office desk phone to make business calls. Simply download the softphone on any device and use it along with your VoIP phone service.
Related: Softphone vs. Desk Phone: 6 Reasons to Use a Softphone
4. PSTN Replacement
PSTN replacement services allow you to replace your public switched telephone network (PSTN) with alternative IP-based solutions instead. Companies may choose to do this for a variety of reasons:
- Upgrade office phone system to a more reliable one
- Add global voice coverage through a stable and global network
- Increasing scalability and flexibility
A PSTN replacement brings cloud calling to your business phone system without needing a total makeover or purchase of additional equipment. Want to learn more? Check out our PSTN replacement guide.
A New Era for Office Communications
You don’t have to give up your office desk phone if you don’t want to. But when updating your phone system, you might find it more convenient to have all communication-related services within one device. And a cloud phone system lets you do just that.
Want to learn more about upgrading legacy systems and bringing cloud communications to your office phone system? Speak with our telecom experts. We’re here to help you find the right tools and features to communicate effectively with teammates and customers, no matter where everyone is located. Chat with us online or call us at 1-888-908-6171 today!
