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Voice systems for business

Upgrade your outdated voice technology

Compare VoIP, UCaaS, and SIP trunking solutions, explore cloud-based platforms, and find the right POTS replacement with Clearlink Consulting.


We help you understand your options, so you can make informed, confident business decisions.

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Business solutions made easy. Questions?

Whether you're exploring your options or ready to upgrade, see how leading VoIP, UCaaS, SIP, and POTS replacement options integrate into your existing tech stack.

Upgrading or replacing legacy voice systems

Legacy phone systems, such as POTS, on-premises PBX, and TDM, are expensive to maintain, lack modern features, and are being actively phased out. If your company still relies on outdated technology, upgrading to a cloud-based voice system can improve security, lower costs, and keep your business future-ready. Read more or reach out to uncover your ideal modern voice solution.

Read more | Reach your advisor at 1-833-611-0579

Upgrading or replacing legacy voice systems

Legacy voice systems such as analog POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), on-premises PBX (Private Branch eXchange), and TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) networks were once the backbone of business communication. But as telecom carriers phase out copper lines and shift to IP-based infrastructure¹, maintaining this outdated technology is no longer a priority.

That means if your aging copper lines or PBX equipment fail, your service could be cut off without warning².

That’s why it’s best to upgrade your system early, but if you’re already facing any of the issues below, your transition window is closing fast:

  • Rising maintenance or line costs

  • Incompatibility with remote/hybrid work

  • Lack of integration with CRMs or collaboration tools

  • Limited scalability or geographic coverage

  • Critical systems (fax, alarms, elevators) still running on copper lines

Modern alternatives, such as VoIP, UCaaS, and SIP trunking, offer greater flexibility, stronger security, and seamless integration with cloud platforms. They also replace the need for aging PBX systems, offering easier management, better uptime, and full support for distributed workforces.


For fire, safety, and life-support systems—especially in commercial, healthcare, and multi-tenant buildings—a plug-and-play POTS replacement is a quick, reliable, and cost-effective option.

Upgrading your voice system isn’t just about communication, but about futureproofing your business.

Let our advisers guide you through the upgrades you need today and which ones can wait.

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Top voice systems to consider for your business

As businesses move away from outdated legacy systems¹, three leading voice technologies dominate the conversation: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol trunking), and UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service). While they’re all on an IP-based infrastructure, each offers distinct features and advantages.

VoIP

VoIP enables voice calls over the internet and is ideal for businesses seeking a low-cost, flexible phone system. 


SIP trunking

SIP trunking builds on VoIP by connecting legacy PBX (Private Branch eXchange) systems to the internet, offering a hybrid approach for companies not yet ready to fully transition to the cloud.

UCaaS

UCaaS offers a comprehensive solution, integrating voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a single, cloud-based platform—perfect for hybrid or distributed workforces.

With so much feature overlap, selecting the right platform can be complex.

Let our experienced advisors guide you toward the best-fit solution for your business goals.

Integrations that work with your tech stack

Modern voice systems don’t operate in isolation, they’re a critical part of your communications ecosystem. Choosing a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing tools, such as CRMs and productivity platforms, helps your team work smarter, respond faster, and stay connected.

While all of our provider partners are industry leaders, not every solution will be right for your business. That’s where Clearlink Consulting comes in.

Contact your Clearlink advisor to access the full, detailed chart at 1-833-611-0579.

Our advisors understand the nuances between platforms—whether key features are included in the base package or come at an added cost, which solutions require on-site IT support, and which are tailored for specific team sizes, industries, or budgets.

No upselling, no vendor bias. Just strategic, expert advice designed for your business goals.

Emergency elevator phone terminal.

What the POTS and PBX shutdown means for your business

Traditional analog phone lines, also known as POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service),  have supported critical business systems for decades. But as telecom carriers phase out copper infrastructure and shift to IP-based networks¹, maintaining these legacy lines is no longer a priority. Meaning that if your copper lines fail, your service could be cut off without warning, and with no obligation to repair².

Critical systems, such as fire alarms, elevator emergency phones, building access controls, and security monitoring, still rely on copper line infrastructure. And as this support declines, the cost of maintaining these outdated lines continues to climb, without added value or improved reliability².

The longer your business relies on POTS, the greater the risk of service failure.

And if your infrastructure still includes an on-premises PBX, now is the time to upgrade to a modern, cloud-based voice system that better aligns with your long-term goals.

Cloud-based voice systems replace outdated PBX infrastructure with integrated tools that are easier to manage, scale, and support.

Modern systems like Ooma AirDial (a plug-and-play POTS replacement) and various VoIP options offer the same core functionality as legacy analog lines and on-premises phone systems. In fact, these upgraded solutions are easy to install, often cost significantly less than legacy systems, and come with added benefits like remote monitoring, LTE backup, and built-in compliance.

Don’t get forced into an emergency upgrade.

Let Clearlink Consulting help you identify which of your systems are still tied to copper and see how easy it is to transition away from POTS.

Is a cloud-based voice system secure enough for regulated industries?

For businesses in heavily regulated industries, secure and compliant communication systems aren’t optional, but essential. Industries such as healthcare, finance, legal, education, and government face stringent data privacy laws, audit requirements, and operational risks that demand more than just reliable voice technology.

Customer service agent chatting on a video call.

That’s why Clearlink Consulting works exclusively with top-tier providers that meet the highest standards for enterprise-grade protection. Our partners offer solutions with end-to-end encryption, advanced access controls, and full compliance with frameworks such as HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, PCI-DSS, FERPA, and ISO 27001.

We specialize in helping regulated organizations compare modern voice systems — whether VoIP, UCaaS, or SIP trunking — against the specific compliance requirements of their industry. 

Our knowledgeable advisors can assess your current setup, identify gaps, and recommend providers that meet the strictest regulatory benchmarks without compromising usability, scalability, or cost efficiency. Let our team guide you through key considerations like provider certifications, audit trails, data retention policies, and feature-level security capabilities.

Whether you're a healthcare network needing HIPAA-compliant VoIP, a financial institution requiring encrypted communications with SOC 2 support, or a school district managing FERPA requirements, we’ll help you implement a solution that’s secure, tailored, and built to last.

No upselling, no vendor bias—just expert guidance that protects your business and your customers.

Do I need IT resources to manage the new system?

One of the most common questions during a voice system transition is whether your internal IT team needs to be heavily involved. The answer depends largely on the type of solution you're considering. 

For cloud-based systems like VoIP or UCaaS, there is typically minimal IT involvement required.

These platforms are backed by dedicated 24/7 support and are designed for simplicity, with intuitive interfaces, remote setup, and vendor-managed maintenance. Most updates, user management, and troubleshooting can be handled through an online dashboard, making VoIP and UCaaS an ideal choice for organizations with lean IT departments or distributed teams.

Large enterprises will typically need greater IT involvement.

Large enterprises managing hybrid or on-premises PBX systems—or those requiring advanced configurations, routing, or legacy integrations—will typically need greater IT involvement. While these deployments require more technical expertise, Clearlink Consulting remains a dedicated partner at every stage, offering guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and ongoing support whenever you need it. 

Get the right system for your IT capabilities.
Talk to an expert today 1-833-611-0579.

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