---
title: Overview
slug: business-phone-system/overview
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-10-10T12:19:58.941Z
---

Cloud telephony, also known as cloud calling, is a type of *Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)* that enables businesses to manage voice communications over the internet.

In traditional telephony setups—whether **VoIP-based** or **PRI/PSTN-based PBX systems**—the initial capital expenditure for hardware and infrastructure is significant.
Cloud telephony eliminates this by moving all telephony operations to the cloud.

With cloud telephony, users can place and receive calls directly from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Businesses no longer need to purchase or maintain standalone hardware such as PBX boxes.

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### Example Setup

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/SK2urIgCC2ml99YyqWOSl/zhfSF6ETjoEBDujj9NnCp-20260729-045329.png?1373008987)

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## How It Differs from Skype or Similar Services

**Skype**, **Viber**, and similar applications are **peer-to-peer (P2P)** VoIP communication tools, typically used for **computer-to-computer** calls.

Key differences include:

- Skype requires both parties to be using the Skype application.
- Calls cannot originate from or terminate to regular phone numbers.
- Skype and similar tools are primarily designed for **personal use**, not for managing or routing **business calls**.

From a business standpoint, such applications are **not suited for handling customer communications**, as they lack the scalability, routing logic, and integration options offered by cloud telephony systems.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/SK2urIgCC2ml99YyqWOSl/PkoaH3Wnz4hWDScVhlnC--20260729-045330.png?1373009066)