VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, basically refers to voice communications that take place over the Internet. Thanks to advanced technology and high speed Internet connectivity, VoIP has become a more valuable and flexible asset to companies and individuals alike.
Traditional analog and digital phone service was the main mode of telecommunications for most of the 20th century but it is / was mostly restricted by the feature set of the accompanying PBX or Key System it was connected to. Today, with continued build outs of cable and fiber optic networks, high speed Internet service provides a solid foundation for faster data transmissions and VoIP platforms.
VoIP solutions provide the consumer with a feature rich platform to build on. In many instances the technology delivered through the VoIP system becomes a valuable business tool. A reliable Internet connection with a strong VoIP provider become the building blocks for many growing businesses today.
Using VoIP for business means that you can expand, have flexibility and maximize productivity while often reducing expenses. Many VoIP providers offer both “Hosted” and “Premise” based delivery options. Other sections of the website will focus on the pros and cons of each.
A good VoIP offering delivers digital calls with clarity, compared to traditional analog phone service. In summary, the benefits for businesses are significant.
When focusing on business VoIP, there are several key business benefits that the service provides. This section will highlight a few of the most important ones as they relate to business users.
Cost Benefits
Pound for pound, VoIP service tends to cost less than traditional analog phone service. As the LECs (Local Exchange Carriers) and Cable Companies are adjusting the way they deliver access, VoIP immediately comes to the forefront. In today’s marketplace the larger carriers would rather push customers in the direction of VoIP. It makes sense from a delivery and maintenance viewpoint. As older infrastructure becomes more and more expensive to maintain, the carriers would rather invest in moving customers in a forward direction rather than invest in older and dated technology. VoIP technology is more robust and scalable on a long term basis. In the end, all of this technological advancement usually paves the way for cost reduction for the business consumer.
Functionality
With VoIP service, business users have access to a wide range of features and options that simply don’t exist with traditional phone service. With too many to list for this section, we will highlight some of the more popular examples below.
– Voicemail to Email Technology
– Call Recording
– Find Me Follow Me
– Real Time Call Accounting
– Interoffice Dial Plans
– Remote Workforce
– And many more….
In the end, whether you are a growing and thriving business or a new startup business, VoIP provides many useful features to assist with all aspects your business. No doubt that the benefits of business VoIP service for the small business, all the way to the major corporation, far outweigh traditional phone service that has been used for decades.