Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a telephone system that uses broadband Internet connections to send and receive calls, instead of using a traditional phone line. VoIP phone systems boasts advanced features at an affordable cost and is one of the easiest to use. While some phone system packages are specifically designed for different sized companies, any sized business will benefit from a VoIP phone.
Companies that make a majority of their calls to international numbers are big fans of the system. VoIP systems are not able to tell the difference between the destination of your call and its proximity to your physical location. Therefore, long distance and international calls are extremely affordable when it comes down to your monthly phone bill. Employees that are required to travel on a regular basis will also benefit from VoIP because they will be able to work with their same phone number while working out of the office. Businesses that change locations frequently will also benefit from a VoIP system, as well as a business with multiple offices because they can be connected to a company-wide network because the system works off an Internet connection. Employees can dial any office, no matter their location.
Before switching over, make sure your office uses broadband Internet access and can handle the increase in traffic. You will also need to purchase a VoIP adaptor in order to make calls. There are many features that are available with this system, including call blocking, call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, fax, 3-way calling, customized hold music, phone and video conferencing, Softphone support, and Outlook integration.
VoIP systems are more affordable than traditional phone systems and offer features that are not applicable with other systems. The cost of VoIP installation will vary on the size of your business and can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on which features you use. The number of phones in your office will also help to determine your monthly phone bill. Other costs to keep in mind are the initial start up costs and other fees in regards to upgrades and maintenance.
When deciding which vendor to choose from, consider if the vendor will provide training on how to use the system; if they provide installation services; if the vendor can perform any necessary maintenance or upgrades; how they handle customer service issues; how they work toward minimal packet loss; what types of features they offer to make emergency calls; what types of security measures they can provide to fight against hackers; and if they provide backup systems during power outages.
In order to make your final decision about which VoIP provider to work with, shop around for different vendors, read up on the system and its features to best determine which program will work best for your office, and contact their referrals to see how well the company worked with its prior customers.