While some 52% of businesses1 stated that their customer communications had suffered over the last 12 months, savvy companies such as independent security coding company Identidot have been enjoying upgraded communications for less by using Cloud Net's cost effective business phone systems coupled with Cloud Net broadband.

Having used the same communications system since its launch in 1998, Identidot decided last year that it was time for an upgrade. After speaking to Cloud Net about her business' needs, Identidot director Caroline Whittock was so impressed by the internet switchboard and free handsets available that she immediately transferred her business' telephone and fax systems to the IT and communications provider.

Caroline explains: "While we wanted to maintain our excellent customer service, we also felt it was time to seek an upgrade as we'd been using the same system for the past 12 years. Concerned about conserving costs, I contacted a few suppliers and was really impressed by how reasonable Cloud Net is in comparison to other brands, even after installing an upgraded communications system."

Cloud Net was initially installed on three handsets, allowing Identidot to take advantage of the Voice Over IP (VoIP) solution that the provider uses. Caroline continues: "Cloud Net's VoIP solution has proven a real success as it instantly offered us additional business telephone features and halved our monthly telephone bills. When we transferred to Cloud Net, dedicated VoIP replaced our traditional small business telephone system without us having to pay out on PBX hardware or handsets."

In addition to VoIP's cost efficiency, Cloud Net is the UK's only VoIP provider to guarantee call quality by owning and managing its own network. This means the company's customers receive direct support and are guaranteed a consistently high standard of service.

As an independent security coding company, Identidot provides security coding and online asset registration for valued possessions through cutting edge, synthetic DNA technology. While its unique individual security coding acts as a strong deterrent to thieves, those unlucky enough to have their valuables stolen can rely on Identidot's fast action. Cloud Net supports them by getting calls through wherever they are, so that the  company can immediately upload photographs and full details of any stolen items onto its register, to be displayed worldwide.

"We've been using Cloud Net for the last nine months," says Caroline. "As our service is an internet-based system combining shared resources, software and information, we can access work anywhere. Whether we're at home or out and about, we are fully-integrated with the office. Cloud Net's communications system is easy-to-use and flexible, providing fast broadband that allows us to utilise services quickly and reliably. This means no matter where we are in the UK, we can always access our work and get back to customers as soon as possible, which is important to those who have had valuables stolen.

"If we run into problems, Cloud Net's team of consultants are just a phone call away, to answer questions and give us solutions that work. Time is money, and a company's bottom line is important when considering upgrades and technology, so we haven't looked back since transferring. I would definitely recommend Cloud Net to anyone seeking a customer-friendly, cost effective communications solution for their business."

Astute businesses want to take the time to align their communications systems with their precise needs and this is exactly what Cloud Net does for each of its customers. VoIP can be sensitive to delay and packet loss due to limited bandwidth (with many communications solutions operating on the same system), so there are some companies delaying installing it. But, with Cloud Net's unrivalled customer care and the success of its efficient VoIP system, why wait?

Cloud Net guarantees the quality of all its communications solutions, ensuring that certain types of traffic can travel from source to destination within a given time and, at the same time, enabling your business' network to prioritise traffic depending on its importance and your needs. While other providers are unable to provide complete end-to-end quality of service, meaning their connections may not be optimised for VoIP, Cloud Net offers ADSL and SDSL high capacity broadband services. These provide customers with an effective, end-to-end quality of service and, overall, a better, more enjoyable VoIP experience with crystal clear call quality every time.

For further information on Cloud Net and its VoIP communications solutions, log on to www.cloudnetuk.com or call 01922 213 333. For Identidot, visit www.identidot.com or call 01922 862 806.

[1]Computer Weekly (23/02/10) by Rebecca Thomson: http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/02/23/240392/recession-has-hit-communications-say-businesses.htm