Voice over Internet Protocol, often called VoIP, is a technology that allows you to use your phone over the internet. Also, you can also send and receive data and video using the same service. VoIP works by converting your phone calls into a digital signal and creating data packets that then travel over the internet, in the same way, your email does. A variety of VoIP services exists to meet your personal and business needs from basic phone service to more complex levels of business communication.
How VoIP Works for Your Business
When you combine all your communication needs into one service, you realize cost reductions, increased productivity, and improvements in communication. All these features create a perfect environment for collaboration.
The cost cutting advantages include managing one network for all your communication needs, enjoying the flexibility to add or subtract extensions at multiple locations as your business grows, and having a variety of communication options. Your team can easily communicate from home, hotels, airports, or anywhere that an internet connection is available. Some services include hotspots that let you connect to the internet from almost anywhere.
Features and Benefits
Consider how the benefits of more effective communication will increase the efficiency of your workforce. They will have the capacity to send videos or documents, chat face to face with customers or video conference with each other. The real beauty of VoIP is that all of the above is possible simultaneously and seamlessly. Some of the features you have to pay for with your legacy phone service come as part of the package with VoIP.
- Voicemail
- Caller ID
- Conferencing
- Forwarding
- Unlimited Long Distance
Getting Started
A good rule to consider when first entering into the world of VoIP is to start slow and keep things simple. The following four steps will put you on the right track.
- Analyze your needs so that you understand the type of services you need. Get a grip on the how much equipment you’ll require and which communication features match your business functions. Ask yourself what type of calling you do. Is your business conducted locally, within a specific geographic area, or globally? Do you send and receive large amounts of data or video?
- Create a set dollar amount you can spend and find a program that meets your needs within the confines of that budget.
- Your number one priority in choosing a VoIP service is how well it fits with how you serve your customers. Other considerations are security, cost, reliability, warranty or guarantees, and of course, cost.
- Take the time to check out user reviews for the services you are considering. Make sure the sources you review are unbiased.
Many experts believe that landlines will be completely obsolete very soon. Take your business to the next level and maintain your competitive edge by upgrading to VoIP. The time is now to jump into the Twenty-first century.
