The Top 4 Phone System Trends You Should Watch for in 2019

The new year is here, and we’re taking a look at the phone system trends we expect to take off in 2019.

Last year was a groundbreaking time for phone systems, but we think 2019 will be even better. Here are four phone system trends to keep your eye on this year!

1.   Unified Communications Will Take Off

Every business owner wants communication to be seamless in every aspect of their company, which is why we believe unified communication will take off in 2019. Unified communication blends VoIP, telephony, mobility, and data sharing, via Voicemail to Email, IM (Chat), SMS Text Messaging, Presence, and Video Conferencing.  This helps businesses streamline their internal and external communications and workflow.

According to one study, unified communication is set to double from $17.35 billion in 2016 to $28.69 billion in 2021. The versatility of unified communications will prove to be a powerhouse for businesses in 2019 and the coming years.

2.   Landlines Are Out

Landlines have been a staple of the quintessential office setup for decades, but in recent years they’ve been pushed out by cloud and mobile services. According to Forbes, “cloud VoIP systems are projected to increase from $67 billion in 2015 to $162 billion in 2020.” A $95 billion increase in just five years is nothing to scoff at, and statistics show that 700,000 landline customers are cancelling service each month. With so many people leaving landlines in the dust, expect cloud VoIP systems to to take 2019 by storm.

3.   Businesses Will Move Toward Mobile Capability

Mobile systems allow employees to work anytime anywhere, and that versatile, on-the-go lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular in business sectors as well as people’s daily lives.  Having a cloud VoIP extension (mobile extension) on your mobile device allows employees to make and receive calls from their mobile extension, not from their smart phone or tablet.  Furthermore, when calls are placed from the mobile extension, the person called sees the employee’s work phone number, not their personal cell phone number.  It really is like having a traditional desk phone on your mobile device.

4.   Video Phone Systems Will Be Utilized More Often

Many companies are starting to recognize that video plays a huge role in how businesses interact with their customers. Whether it’s through marketing or tutorials, many businesses are jumping on the bandwagon, because it’s much easier to get a quick message across to their target audience.

Thanks to this realization, many businesses will take that knowledge and apply it internally in 2019. Video systems, both real-time and recorded, allow employees to work virtually, be more flexible with meetings, and share more than they would be able to during a traditional call.

There you have it! Four phone system trends to watch for in 2019. If you have any others you think we should add to the list, feel free to let us know at our Facebook page! If you’re looking to incorporate any of these trends into your business this year, reach out to us today. We would love to help your business in 2019!