August 23, 2010
Switching To VoIP Phone Service – Does It Add Value To Your Business?
VoIP office phone systems are adaptable, multifunctional systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without compromising on voice quality or features.
In fact, traditional phone systems cannot match the capabilities of VoIP with features such as virtual phone numbers, forwarding faxes and voice mail to e-mail, fixed mobile convergence, and more.
In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, some businesses are wary of implementing VoIP at their offices. They worry about poorvoice quality, insecure network, losing service during internet outages, costs and difficulty of implementation. In this article, we talk about how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the drawbacks, and how to get the most out of your VoIP system.
What makes VoIP the best choice?
VoIP service has the potential to cut down your telecommunications expenses drastically and improve productivity. Here is how it accomplishes it:
Advancing VoIP technology
Earlier, VoIP restricted users to computer systems and not so good voice quality. Today’s regular phones (equipped with VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise high voice quality, good mobility, and a range of helpful features. Businesses leverage existing networks for phone calls within the office, resulting in significant savings and increased employee productivity.
Business VoIP slashes telecommunication costs
Typical phone systems need constant administration and upkeep of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. VoIP cuts down installation and maintenance overheads by maintaining a single network for voice and data. Moving the phone with the employees that incurs a charge of about $100 per head is cut out completely by just plugging an IP phone into another broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP providers fall cheaper too than conventional phone system vendors.
Use VoIP services wherever you are
VoIP keeps you connected wherever there is a broadband connection. You can take calls from clients and associates at the office, your home, a hotel or even a friend’s place. This cuts down your cell phone expenses. A lot of VoIP systems include software that allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop with a headphone and a microphone.
Trouble-free VoIP configuration
Faxes and voice mails can be forwarded to your email inbox by setting up the VoIP phone system. Emails can also be recorded and delivered as voice mail. It lets you manage your messages and mails at one place.
Virtual phone number
If you are making calls to customers outside your area, you may want to use a local number. With VoIP, you can have a virtual phone number with the preferred area code.
VoIP improves productivity
Research indicates that VoIP systems improve productivity by almost 4 hours per employee per week. VoIP phone system features manage employee’s time effectively. Your VoIP phone number can ring concurrently on your landline and mobile phone before reaching voice mail, making sure you never miss an important call.
Making the most of VoIP phone systems
VoIP is a worthwhile investment. If you still have doubts, these tips will help you stay on top of them.
1. Use professional VoIP services
Though a typical VoIP phone system can be installed effortlessly, hire a VoIP service provider for bigger projects. Some network providers manage installation and configuration of VoIP solutions for small businesses.
2. Run a pilot project
Have a small group of people use the VoIP system and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you’re satisfied, implement it across the office. Hold on to your traditional phone system as a fall back during this phase.
3. No missed calls with call forwarding
Configure VoIP phone system to forward unanswered calls to a landline or a cell phone or both. If there is a power failure, you won’t miss any calls till an alternative power source gets going.
4. Build up network security
The only way to circumvent call hacking is to protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Make it a priority to update network security and to check it thoroughly at regular intervals.
VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages of an advanced telecommunications system. Small businesses can minimize travel costs with high quality videoconferencing in real time, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other cost effective benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering seamless switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more cost savings and attractive offerings. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.
Tags
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet