Small Business VoIP – Does It Make Sense To Switch?

VoIP phone systems are flexible, feature rich systems that promise high voice quality and useful features at an affordable price. In fact, VoIP has uses way beyond the capabilities of conventional phone systems such as call center features, voice mail and fax forwarding to email, switching from Wi-Fi to cellular network, and more.

In spite of the advancement in VoIP technology, a few businesses have reservations about 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 talk about how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the potential hurdles, and how to get the most out of your VoIP system.

Why choose VoIP 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 high voice clarity, good mobility, and a variety of helpful features. Businesses leverage existing networks for intra-office calls, resulting in huge savings and improved employee productivity.

VoIP reduces telecommunication costs

Conventional phone systems need constant administration and upkeep of expensive infrastructure as per industry norms. VoIP cuts down implementation and maintenance overheads by using one 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 charge lesser too than traditional phone system vendors.

Use VoIP services wherever you are

An IP phone can be used 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. You don’t need to use your cell phone. Many 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.

Straightforward 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. 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 preferred 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 landline and cell phone before reaching voice mail, ensuring you always take an urgent 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. Hire VoIP service vendors

Though a typical VoIP phone system is fairly straightforward to install, 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

Test the VoIP system with a set of users and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you’re satisfied, roll it out across the business location. Retain your traditional phone system as a fall back 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. Build up network security

Networks are always in danger of getting hacked. 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 advantages of a technologically evolved telecommunications system. Small businesses can minimize travel costs with high quality videoconferencing in real time, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other compelling benefits of VoIP. With modern wireless phones offering easy switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more services at affordable costs.

Daljeet Sidhu. Small Business VoIP advice. VoIP Services quotes.