Is Voice Over Internet Right For Your Business ?
July 29, 2009
For small businesses there are many advantages to using a VoIP solution over a regular phone service. The Internet has enabled communications to advance in leaps and bounds and VoIP is just another way to do this at a lower cost than regular telephone providers. Of course there are some shortcomings with VoIP however the advantages still outweigh these.
Less expensive: reduce costs
For most small businesses the main advantage of VoIP is in cost savings. With VoIP you are not paying per call for local and inter-office communications. International and long distance calls are also much cheaper as VoIP avoids telephone carriers by using the Internet to transmit calls. Calls to other VoIP users are also free which will mean reduced costs for your small business when more people sign up for VoIP. Some businesses have seen as much as 90% in cost savings.You should check out hosted voip as well.
More VoIP Options
You can integrate many of the features in to your managed PBX that you are used to. Some of these would be faxing, caller ID, caller waiting and even video conferencing. All this with your managed VoIP phone system. VoIP voicemail is probably one of the most useful features as a voicemail message is sent to your email for you to listen to and forward onto relevant coworkers if needed. Advanced features such as E911 for enhanced emergency services, anonymous call blocking and change a phone number are also provided by many VoIP companies. Many of these services are Internet only and cannot be easily replicated by regular telephone providers.
Supports a dispersed workplace
Many of todays businesses are spread out and workers are often based remotely. VoIP supports this by having no additional cost to talk to colleagues within the office network, regardless of where they may be located.
Scalability
VoIP networks and their use of soft switching systems make it easier and less costly to expand your business compared to traditional phone networks.
Cheaper equipment
For most small businesses, all that is required is a VoIP compatible phone and a broadband connection to set up VoIP in the office. This is much easier and less costly than a regular PABX solution which is not only quite expensive but also rather complex to install.
Roaming Internationally
When traveling abroad you can call your office using VoIP through a wireless connection rather than a cell phone roaming plan. Global roaming fees can be very costly and you’ll have much satisfaction in being able to call across the world for next to nothing.
Monitoring and usage reporting
Better statistics can be reported on through a VoIP system. If you have a customer support center or need to track in and out bound calls there are many sophisticated reporting tools that can be used with a VoIP system.
Conferencing
Small businesses do not need to invest in complex conferencing systems when high quality conferencing can be done through a VoIP solution. VoIP data transmission allows for better handling of data over the carrier and means that more calls can be handled on one line.
With all its advantages, VoIP is a compelling communications solution for small businesses today Check our voice over IP for more info and details.
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