Business Voip - Does It Make Sense To Switch?

By Author: Daljeet Sidhu
Total Articles: 4717
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VoIP phone systems are adaptable, multifunctional systems that promise high voice quality and useful features at reduced costs.

In fact, VoIP has uses way beyond the capabilities of traditional phone systems such as call center features, voice mail and fax forwarding to email, fixed mobile convergence, and more.

In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, some businesses are wary of replacing traditional phone systems with VoIP. They worry about poorvoice quality, insecure network, dependence on internet connectivity, costs and difficulty of implementation. In this article, we discuss how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the drawbacks, and how to get the most out of your VoIP system.

What do you gain with VoIP phone systems?
VoIP can bring down your telecommunications expenses drastically and improve productivity. Here is how it does it:

Advancing VoIP technology
Previously, VoIP limited users to computer systems and not so good voice quality. Today's regular phones (using VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise consistent voice quality, good mobility, and a variety of practical features. ...
... Businesses leverage existing networks for phone calls within the office, leading to huge savings and increased employee productivity.

VoIP slashes telecommunication costs
Traditional phone systems need constant administration and maintenance of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. VoIP cuts down implementation and maintenance overheads by using one network for voice and data. Moving the phone with the employees that typically costs about $100 per head is cut out completely by just plugging an IP phone into a new broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP providers charge lesser too than traditional phone system vendors.

Mobility and accessibility with VoIP
An IP phone can be used wherever there is a high speed internet 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 come with a software application which can be used to make and receive calls on your laptop by plugging in a headphone and a microphone.

Trouble-free VoIP configuration
VoIP phone systems can be set up to forward voice mails and faxes to your email inbox and read emails into voice mail . You can easily manage all your communications 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 desired area code.

VoIP improves productivity
Research indicates that productivity is impacted positively through the use of VoIP phone systems. VoIP phone system features manage employee's time effectively. Your VoIP phone number can ring simultaneously on your cell phone and landline before reaching voice mail, making sure you always take an urgent call.

Making the most of VoIP phone systems
As you can see, VoIP has much to offer. If you still have concerns about potential hurdles, these tips will help you stay on top of them.

1. Hire VoIP service vendors
Though a typical VoIP phone system is fairly simple to install, hire a VoIP service provider for larger implementations. 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 backup during this phase.

3. No missed calls with call forwarding
Set your VoIP phone system to forward unanswered calls to a landline or a cell phone or both. If there's ever an electricity outage, you won't miss any calls till an alternative power source gets going.

4. Secure your network
The only way to circumvent call hacking is to protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Network security should be updated on priority and checks should be thorough.

VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the benefits of a technologically evolved telecommunications system. Small businesses can substitute travel with videoconferencing to save costs, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other compelling benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering easy switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users have a lot to look forward to in terms of great service at compelling savings.
About Author:
Daljeet Sidhu is at Tradeseam B2B Marketplace. Read Small Business VoIP advice. Compare VoIP Service quotes.