Wikipedia defines "cloud" in the modern, techy sense as,"A computing infrastructure and software model for enabling ubiquitous access to shared pools of configurable resources, which can be rapidly provisioned with minimal management effort, often over the internet." Isn't that fun? 
Chances are, I understood cloud-based technology far less than you did about a month ago. And if you’re like me, and haven’t spent much time working in the tech industry, chances are, you don’t really feel like “the cloud” affects you all that much on a daily basis, unless you’re already using it of course. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding when it comes to modern tech’s marvels might be costing you—cloud communication has blossomed in the last decade principally because it’s so cost effective. But that’s not the point of this. The point is to take away the techy intimidation of most cloud descriptions, and strip away words like “hosted” or “rapid provisioning,” or “hardware virtualization.” That said, let’s simplify this whole voice ☁ thing.
Time Magazine compiled a history of cloud computing that traces much further back than most realize—all the way to the '60s. During TIME Magazine's interview for "Where Did Cloud Computing Come From?," Danny Sabbah, IBM's CTO for cloud computing efforts explained, "We’ve gone through, shall we say, phases of centralization and decentralization in computing since the 1950s.” Read the full history here.
TIME Tech School demystifies the cloud in this brief video.
Last week, I was privileged to take a tour of one of the high-security data centers in which TeleVoIPs stores its servers. This enormous, freezing cold building comprises the physical side of the ever-present, omnipotent “cloud.” This said, the term “cloud” gets tossed around by IT teams and SMB-focused tech publications constantly, without ever really being explained. The space in which it exists is virtual rather than physical (with the exception of that aforementioned server in a data center).
When we say “VoIP,” or Voice over Internet Protocol, what we mean is, voice communication that runs through the internet—a system with both hardware comprise a space for storage and processes—actions like making and taking phone calls, and completing highly complex tasks too. VoIP phones use an internet connection instead of an old-school copper wire to reach the server in the data center, and then another VoIP phone, or the telephone poles you see on the side of the highway if you’re calling an analog phone. The sound travels as fast as light, and through all the effort that's been put into developing VoIP more recently, the call quality is crystal clear.
Each cloud is unique in that the programming of its software makes it so. Distinctive features, speed, and sound clarity all depend on your cloud 
provider's routers, switches, and network equipment. So yes, it absolutely matters. You also have a few options when it comes to the type of cloud you use—and they’re described by terms like "public," "private," and "hybrid," which simplified, means you can use a larger, more tech-savvy company's equipment and network (the most cost-effective option, described by our programmer here as "renting a Mercedes"), or you can choose to have your own equipment on your company's premises (this option is generally used by much larger businesses), or you can combine the two, and use onsite and offsite equipment.
If your voice communication needs are residential, you may not need a voice cloud unless you work from home regularly. If you're a small business, cloud-based phone service is often the most financially savvy choice. Plus, if you choose the right provider, you'll get tons of features that make taking business calls smoother than ever—like a mobile app to call from your business number anywhere, voicemail to email, and call queues at no additional charge. Now that you understand the voice cloud, you may want to consider what it could save your business. If your small business wants better phone service, request your complimentary cost-savings evaluation, or schedule a free demo today!
Until next time,
Katie
Marketing Specialist for TeleVoIPs
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