Experts from business communication specialists at TelephoneSystems.Cloud have shared little known tech terms for business owners to learn.
Incorrect definitions of common terms could lead to misinterpretation and confusion, which could lead to issues with communication and interrupt operations.
This comes ahead of major changes expected for the telecommunications industry which will see businesses across the UK have to adapt to The Big Switch in 2025, where all non-VoIP phone systems will be completely shut down and unusable.
Juliet Moran, founder of TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: “It is essential for business leaders to have at least a basic understanding of common tech jargon in order to create the most effective systems for their employees and customers.
“Understanding what key terms mean can dramatically improve the way a business operates, as it is easy for misunderstandings to affect operations.
“When business owners grasp concepts like WiFi vs cable connections, VoIP, packet loss and encryption, they’re better equipped to make informed decisions and run an effective business which benefits both customers and employees.
Tech Jargon
Cable vs WiFi
When setting up, business leaders will need to decide between using WiFi or cable connections within their office. Wired ethernet connections use physical cables to transmit data, and WiFi uses wireless signals. While WiFi is more flexible as you don’t rely on cables to connect to the network, wired connections are faster and more reliable as they don’t suffer interference or load limitations. It’s important for business leaders to understand the difference in order to make the best decision for their business and employees.
VoIP
Confusion can arise as your office phone system can look just like a standard, wired-line PBX, but if it’s coming from an Internet line instead of a landline connection then all calls will be via VoIP. If your business uses a Voice over Internet Protocol system for your phones, then it works over an Internet connection.
Packet loss
Packet loss is a symptom of a network failure, when packets of data are unable to reach their destination because they are interrupted. The issue can cause performance issues across all types of digital communication, which is why it is so detrimental to businesses. Every internet activity requires the transfer of ‘packets’, so any business experiencing packet-related issues is sure to see consequences in day-to-day actions (particularly with live communications such as VoIP & Unified Communication, such as Teams, whether this be communicating with employees and colleagues or with customers.
Encryption
Computer encryption is a process of storing data in a way that is unreadable to protect it from being compromised, changed or stolen. This helps to prevent hackers and other unauthorised personnel from reading private information. It is important for cybersecurity and cloud security to ensure all private and confidential information is encrypted.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a service that masks your IP address and encrypts data to create a secure connection between your device and the internet. Businesses can use VPNs in a number of ways, including allowing employees to securely access a business network from anywhere (including public WiFi). VPNs can also be used to manage access to a business’s internal network.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRM software tracks interactions with customers and can help with marketing efforts. The system collects customer data and provides insights to help with future deals, customer relations, prioritising leads and personalising messaging to fit customer needs and trends. They can also expand into larger database systems that manage all business processes, not just customer relationships, such as production and job management.
Cloud backup
Cloud backups allow businesses to store their data and applications on remote servers to protect it from loss or damage. The benefit to businesses is the ability to quickly recover any lost data from accidental deletion, malware attacks or data corruption.
Written on 06/01/2025 by Juliet Moran
As the Technical Director at TelephoneSystems.cloud and an MSc in Computing, I bring over 27 years of extensive experience in cloud technology. As a woman in the tech industry, I am committed to paving the way for the next generation, demonstrating that innovation in technology should be inclusive of both women and men. My goal is to inspire and empower future generations to actively contribute to the advancement of technology regardless of gender. About Juliet
