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From Desk Phones to Digital: Why Businesses Are Upgrading Their Phone Systems

Cluttered office desk with a traditional landline phone, paperwork and cords, illustrating outdated communication technology.

In today’s fast-moving business landscape, agility, cost-efficiency, and flexibility aren’t just buzzwords — they’re operational necessities. Communication is at the heart of every organization, and as technology continues to evolve, businesses are making a critical shift from legacy desk phone systems to modern, cloud-powered communication platforms.

Whether it’s through VoIP phone systems or digital tools like eFax, companies are embracing digital communication not only to stay competitive but to also prepare for a future that demands mobility and innovation. This blog explores why businesses are making the switch and how providers like Unite Communications are helping organizations modernize their communication infrastructure.



Why Traditional Desk Phones Are Becoming Obsolete

Not too long ago, having a multiline desk phone was a symbol of a well-equipped office. Today, it’s a limitation.

Common Drawbacks of Legacy Phone Systems:

  • High setup and maintenance costs: Traditional systems require physical wiring, PBX hardware and regular servicing.
  • Inflexibility: Desk phones tie employees to a location. In a remote or hybrid work environment, they’re ineffective.
  • Limited functionality: No call data, no voicemail-to-email, no app integrations — just basic calling.
  • Scalability issues: Growing teams mean complex installations and added costs.

As business models evolve, these systems simply can’t keep up. They weren’t designed for cloud collaboration or decentralized teams.



VoIP: The Communication Backbone of Modern Businesses

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is more than just a new way to make phone calls — it’s a strategic upgrade for business communication.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is more than just a new way to make phone calls — it’s a strategic upgrade for business communication.

Core Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems:

  • Significant cost savings: Cut down on long-distance charges, reduce hardware expenses, and eliminate the need for separate voice and data networks.
  • Scalability on demand: Add new users or features with just a few clicks — no need for new infrastructure.
  • Work-from-anywhere functionality: VoIP works on laptops, mobile phones and softphones — perfect for remote teams.
  • Advanced features: From auto-attendants to video conferencing and voicemail transcription, VoIP provides tools that streamline operations.
  • Reliability & quality: With strong QoS (Quality of Service) and bandwidth, calls are clear and uninterrupted.

Businesses using VoIP experience improved collaboration, lower costs, and greater control over their communication environments — and that’s a game-changer.

Remote worker using a laptop to attend a virtual team video meeting, representing modern VoIP and cloud-based communication.


Modernizing Faxing with eFax: Security, Speed and Simplicity

Yes, faxing is still widely used, but it doesn’t need to involve bulky machines and reams of paper. eFax or internet faxing is the digital answer.

What is eFax?

eFax lets you send and receive faxes using email or an online portal. It’s perfect for industries where faxing remains essential — legal, healthcare, finance — but the need for speed, mobility and security has increased.

Why Businesses Are Adopting eFax:

  • Remote accessibility: Send faxes from your email or mobile device, no matter where you are.
  • Compliance-friendly: eFax solutions support regulatory requirements like HIPAA, PIPEDA, and more with secure encryption and audit trails.
  • Lower operating costs: No more toner, paper or fax machine maintenance.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduce paper usage and physical storage needs.
  • Cloud integration: Automatically store incoming faxes in platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access and archiving.

With Unite’s eFax solution, businesses modernize this classic tool while maintaining security and professionalism.



Integration Is Everything: Make Your Tools Work Smarter

Modern cloud communication platforms don’t just replace phones — they become a hub for business productivity.

Key Integrations That Drive Efficiency:

  • CRM integration: Link calls to client records in tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho for real-time updates and detailed call histories.
  • Helpdesk tools: Sync with platforms like Zendesk or Freshdesk to improve customer support experiences.
  • Productivity suites: Integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace enables team collaboration and centralized scheduling.
  • Call analytics and reporting: Track call volumes, response times and agent performance with powerful dashboards.

By integrating communication tools into your existing tech stack, you eliminate silos and boost operational efficiency — a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced markets.

Cloud computing concept showing a central cloud icon connected to various business tools like messaging, email, analytics and file storage.


Security, Redundancy and Uptime: Built for Business Continuity

Cloud-based communication platforms are built with business-grade security in mind.

What to Expect from a Reliable VoIP Provider:

  • End-to-end encryption: Ensuring all data, including voice and fax transmissions, is secure.
  • Geographically redundant servers: Reduces downtime risk by hosting services across multiple data centres.
  • Disaster recovery features: Forward calls, access voicemail, and manage communications even during outages.
  • 24/7 monitoring: Proactive system checks and support to maintain uptime.

With Unite, your communication infrastructure is built to withstand disruptions while ensuring data privacy and business continuity.



Why Businesses Trust Unite Communications

At Unite, we don’t just provide VoIP and eFax solutions — we deliver complete communication ecosystems tailored to your business needs.

What Makes Unite Different:

  • Canadian-based support and infrastructure
  • Tailored solutions for small businesses and startups
  • Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
  • Hands-on onboarding and ongoing support
  • Flexible plans that scale with your business

We understand the challenges small businesses face in adapting to new technologies. That’s why our approach is rooted in simplicity, affordability and long-term value.



Conclusion: Ready to Future-Proof Your Communication?

If you’re still using a traditional phone system, now is the time to explore modern alternatives. The benefits are clear: reduced costs, increased flexibility, powerful features and better alignment with today’s digital business needs.

Unite Communications is here to help you make the transition — with expert guidance, robust technology and customer-first support.

Contact us today to talk about upgrading your phone system.

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We’ve recently transferred our business telephone services from one of the big telecom companies to Unite. I have to admit – we were nervous to switch to a small company after only dealing with ‘Big Telecom’ for decades. All I can say is that I wish we had switched over to Unite years ago! Every communication and dealing I’ve had with them (in several different departments) has been amazing. It feels exactly like dealing with a local business where they care about you as a client, offer a good quality service/product at reasonable rates and have competent, smart people working for them.

Sarah Giovannone

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I wish I had found Unite sooner. We were using Rogers all these years with nothing but problems. The hold times trying to get service was just unbearable. A friend recommended Unite and I’m so glad they did. Cheaper than both Rogers and Bell with so many more options. Switching over was a breeze. I highly recommend Unite Communications for your business.

Mike Goldlist

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Other than the quick customer services and reasonable pricing, we were much impressed with the website design, too. Before we switched over from Bell to Unite, we were very hesitated and gone to a number of websites to check out their SNR services.
 
Once we saw the Unite site, all our concerns regarding the switch-over were answered: plain and simple. we called and the customer representative was very knowledgeable, reassuring and friendly.
 
Since then, we have a few special requests and these were answered promptly and great suggestions were provided. We would and have referred Unite to a few of our friends/vendors.

Porter Fine Printing Limited

I’ve been with Unite for over 2 years. I work in Account services, setting up clients with new business tools such as Unite Hosted PBX, Conferencing and Virtual Attendant. I also work with internal teams to ensure all customer requirements are met. My Operations background is an advantage because I’m able to help our customers immediately. I love introducing our clients to new products that assist them in improving communications with their clients. My goal is always to ensure the process runs smooth on both sides. Happy customers are my best measure of success. I’m Margarita Asatrian and I work at Unite.

Margarita Asatrian

Account Manager

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I have been on the Unite team for over 14 years. Watching the company evolve and grow into one of Canada’s fastest growing companies (2 years in a row) is a privilege and a source of pride. In addition to sales support, I work with customers to make sure the onboarding process is organized and efficient. I continue to support our clients as their needs also evolve and grow. I believe the team, and how we work together to ensure we offer the best product and service, is the primary reason for our organic growth. 

 

One of things I like best about Unite is that it’s 100% home grown. We are Canadian owned and operated. At a time when many companies were letting go of staff (or exporting jobs to foreign markets) we were growing and creating jobs at home. It makes me happy to be a continuing part of it.

 

I’m Christine Nicoll, and I work at Unite. Visit us at unite.ca

Christine Nicoll

Client Services Manager

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I am a Customer Service Specialist for Unite. I have been a part of the team for over two years. Having the ability to make someone’s day makes my job very satisfying. A positive customer service experience and happy customers influence the attitudes of my entire team. My job is important and my role is key to the team’s success.

Giving my full attention to the customers and their concerns is the best tool I use to respond to an issue or circumstance in a timely manner. When customers observe a quick response time, it shows our respect and commitment to the customer’s time. I love to see the customers happy by being able to solve their problems.

Working for a company with continued growth gives me a lot of peace of mind. I look forward to watching Unite grow. I am fortunate to be a part of this growing company.

I’m Marta Woszczyna, and I work at Unite.

Marta Woszczyna

Client Services Specialist

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I have been on the Unite team for over 2 years as a Business Development Manager – responsible for helping customers find solutions to understand and solve their business telecom challenges. Customers are often surprised how easy it is for us to streamline their telecommunications with affordable, flexible and reliable alternatives. We are able to customize a solution for each customer, making the experience both personable and actionable. Unite is a great place to work. Looking forward to implementing and sharing our next iteration of projects. I’m Jeremy Rozen, I work at Unite.

Jeremy Rozen

Business Development

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As a Business Development Associate for Unite, I work with potential and existing customers to demonstrate products and answer their questions. I believe strong communication skills, excellent customer service skills, relationship management skills and an in-depth knowledge of Unite’s products or services are the best tools to be successful. Most of the time, I continue to be the main point of contact even after the final purchase is made. When this happens, I know I have done right by the customer. I am a people person, when the customer is happy, I am very happy. 
Our products and services make it easy to continue to assist customers. I help assess any current business constraints and will introduce the customer to relevant services that can have a large impact on productivity. Unite also provides me with a lot of flexibility. We don’t just sell Unite services – we use them. This allows me to work from the cottage when I need a break from the city. I have a central office, wherever I am. This flexibility has made a positive impact on me both professionally and personally.
Working for a company that I believe in and believes in me is awesome. I am Margaret Sutton, and I work at Unite.

Margaret Sutton

Business Development Associate