When it comes to telephone communications, the times are changing — along with the options businesses have for not only keeping up with those changes, but also using them to increase productivity and profits.
As technology advances, there are many emerging options for communicating over the internet that can improve business efficiency and cut costs. That’s where VoIP comes in. This technology lets you connect calls via the internet, offering a range of benefits for businesses and agencies that start with cost savings and employee flexibility.
Out With the Landline
First things first: What is VoIP? The acronym stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It’s a broad term that covers any phone calls made over the internet rather than via traditional telephone lines. This year alone, the number of business VoIP subscribers is estimated to be more than 41 billion, while the number of residential subscribers will top 76 billion.
The FCC explains it this way: VoIP technology allows you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.
In short, a VoIP service allows you to make and receive cheap or free local and international phone calls. In terms of price and practicality, it can be a great way to reduce your phone bill.
For a business, VoIP also can be a good choice if you want to get rid of the clutter of hardline telephones in your office, without needing to rely on mobile phones as an alternative. With VoIP, you can retain an official line for your business.
Skype and Vonage were some of the earliest providers of VoIP services. But the technology is rapidly advancing, so there are now many other companies that offer VoIP.
In With the Internet
Choosing VoIP offers several clear advantages for businesses:
- Cost savings: Internet phone service can potentially save you up to 40 percent on local calls and up to 90 percent on international calls.
- Equipment: You won’t need a telephone handset, just a computer with speakers and a microphone.
- Sophisticated call management features: In addition to voice calls, you can use a range of options such as voicemail, caller ID, conferencing, faxing, and video and image transfers.
- Telework: Employees have access to the office system regardless of whether they are telecommuting or traveling.
Networking Solutions
To make VoIP work for your business, you need access to professionals with the knowledge and expertise to make sure your network functions to consistently maximize the business value of your investment in the technology.
A VoIP rollout requires a proper connection and adequate bandwidth. Having the right connection and network infrastructure are critical first steps to ensuring high-quality VoIP calls. But there are other considerations, such as providing the right networking gear with a battery backup to protect the office in case of power failure.
That’s why it’s essential to have a managed services provider on board who will begin by assessing your current and future telecommunications needs, taking into account your business culture, staff expertise and budget. Only then can we work with you to design, implement and manage the robust network infrastructure needed to support your specific VoIP needs.
Are you ready to discuss the benefits of switching to VoIP? We’re here to help find the best way to manage your telecom system so it contributes to your company’s success. Our expert engineers can design a successful IT managed services process specific to your needs.
Since 1995, Manassas Park, VA-based V2 Systems has employed local systems administrators, network engineers, security consultants, help desk technicians and partnering companies to meet a wide range of clients’ IT needs, from research, to implementation, to maintenance. Concentrate on your VISION…We’ll handle the TECHNOLOGY!