Cloud communications platforms are rapidly becoming the most popular business communications solutions for various industries. As hybrid and remote work models become more common, companies are prioritizing omnichannel cloud communication platforms with high-performing phone systems and additional features to keep all teams connected in real-time. The best cloud-based platforms provide access to various channels of communication for better tracking and analytics throughout the business ecosystem, making them highly compelling.

To help you choose the right platform for your business needs, we will discuss cloud communication platforms, the best platforms available for businesses, and more.

What is a cloud communication platform?

A cloud communication platform is a comprehensive solution that allows businesses to manage their communication needs effectively. Companies can take advantage of telephony and other functionalities like instant messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, call recording, and unified communications call control features on the platform. Teams can access this integrated suite of software on the cloud easily, making storage and maintenance much more convenient.

Since the entire software is run on the cloud, the company's IT department doesn't need to manage upgrades or security patches as the additional layer of cloud security is enough for protection from hackers and intrusions. Other benefits include its easy-to-use, highly secure, and robust administration interface, which allows you to add and remove users, change permissions, and provide support.

With the power of the cloud, these platforms roll out new and more impressive features regularly. Moreover, since the equipment is not tied down with the physical equipment, cost-effectiveness, and scalability are pretty easy to accomplish as per your business needs.

Top cloud communications platforms with the best features

1. 8x8

8x8 is one of the best cloud communications platforms in the market. The reliable cloud-based unified communications system platform promises more efficient and smoother ways to connect employees and customers at an affordable price. In addition to high-speed internet, 8x8 offers VoIP features and high-quality phone functionalities, so even small businesses can avail everything they need at the best price.

No matter if you want functionalities like high-quality voice calling, video conferencing, or customer relationship management, you can get them all with 8x8. If you are looking for a communications platform perfect for employees in different regions, 8x8 can help you collaborate better and provide quality customer support.

2. Kandy

The Kandy cloud communication platform offers voice, chat, messaging, video, and collaboration features in any service, app, or business process. With Kandy, users can use CPaaS (Communications as a Service) support with APIs, WebRTC, and marketplace access and can access an entire suite of UCaaS tools as well. It also offers special applications to improve customer experience, which can make it a good option for all companies.

3. Whispir

The Whispir communications platform allows companies to improve their communications strategy and offer more actionable, practical, and timely content when needed. Users can also use extensive workflows to automate several aspects of the digital landscape. In case users want contact management tools to improve tracking for customer relationships or mine data for valuable insights, Whispir offers excellent reporting features for both.

4. ThinQ

ThinQ offers redundancy and control planning for communication stacks and is an easy-to-use cloud communications solution. The platform provides fantastic rates to several high-quality carriers and incredible APIs. You can scale the powerful SaaS platform according to your needs and avail great calling and messaging features anywhere. ThinQ also supports API integrations and call routing technology.

5. Vonage

Vonage is a well-known cloud communication platform. The Vonage Business Communications environment enables conversations through voice, SMS, messaging, social media, video, and more. They provide a good uptime and almost 50 business phone features to choose from. It is a suitable choice for small companies since they can enjoy the flexibility and collaboration tools that make remote or hybrid work effortless.

6. Twilio

Twilio is a flexible cloud communication platform that offers companies various ways to connect their communication stack and access customer data from different sources. Twilio offers SMS, VoIP, and video conferencing functionalities along with other communication methods with programmable communications. Due to the flexibility of the Twilio ecosystem, organizations don’t need to replace the communications tools they need to improve collaboration and customer service.

7. Telnyx

Telnyx helps organizations build extensive communication systems with the help of APIs. It is a well-known communication systems company in the CPaaS space that offers great ease of use. From calling to SMS, there are cloud communication platform APIs for all functionalities, even for a direct connection to leading tools like WhatsApp. With Telnyx, users can implement tools for verification as well as SIP trunking that can add voice capabilities to existing app structures.

Applications of the best cloud communications platforms

• Cloud-based communications platform for medical professionals

Cloud communication platforms are specifically beneficial for medical professionals who want to easily manage their practice. Communication issues in a clinic or hospital can result in billing problems, missed appointments, and insufficient or mismanaged patient information. Patients can also experience difficulty reaching the right person within the healthcare system and get disengaged due to a lack of follow-up communication.

A cloud communication platform can provide a telephony-powered patient portal to route the patient to a suitable representative. Cloud communications allow them to make appointments quickly, choose the follow-up contact, and set reminders according to their preferences. 8x8 offers customizability options according to the size of your medical practice or hospital. It can help you stay informed and connected with patients at all times.

• Cloud communications platform for business

Cloud communication platforms for businesses offer a range of vital and customizable features for instant messaging, file sharing, CRM, video conferencing, and team collaboration. Companies can enjoy an integrated suite of software with incredible tools on the cloud without investing in extra equipment or computational power. These business phone systems and additional cloud functionalities allow companies to provide timely and speedy customer support through exceptional call center capabilities. They also make remote work more streamlined so every employee can remain connected no matter where they are. Additionally, cloud communication platforms make adding new phone numbers easier and cost-effective.

Choose the most fitting cloud communication platform for your business needs

8x8 is one of the most cost-efficient cloud communication platforms with functionalities that power better internal and external communication for your business. With features like VoIP, excellent call and video conferencing, messaging services, & file sharing, 8x8 focuses on providing flexibility and ease of use to all. If you want to learn more about leveraging cloud communication platforms for your business, contact our Sales team today for more information or request a demo.

FAQs

1. What does the term “communications platform as a service (CPaaS)” mean?

Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is a type of Platform as a Service (PaaS). It is completely based on the cloud and is software-driven, and can help access digital and mobile features without any expensive network infrastructure. A typical example of CPaaS is a chat box popping up when you visit a site to help you navigate different features.

2. Do cloud communications support different platforms?

Yes, cloud communications can be accessed with a simple internet connection on a mobile device or computer. You can enjoy spectacular functionalities on your chosen device since the cloud can become an excellent platform for voice, video, and data.

3. How cloud-based communications platforms drive customer engagement?

To improve customer experience, a business must go for cloud-based technologies for its communications systems. Cloud communications allow companies to unify their entire work system, automate workflows, boost productivity, provide customer relationship management, and easily handle external and internal communications.

4. What is the common type of pricing or billing for cloud communications platforms?

Most cloud communications service providers for businesses offer a demo of their services as well as a monthly or annual subscription package. This can help keep costs low and ensure transparency at the time of billing as well. However, it’s best to discuss the best pricing option for your business with the Sales team before making your final decision.