VoIP Communication

VoIP, which also stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, has been one of the least expensive and most effective ways to provide your business with an effective and efficient telephone line. Voice over internet protocol is simply voice that is transmitted via internet lines. You can either purchase a dedicated line just for VoIP or use a high-speed internet connection like DSL or Cable to make calls using VoIP. Business VoIP services offer all of the same features as a residential grade telephone service. Features include auto-attendant, call forwarding, call waiting, call return, three way conferencing, integrated voicemail, night service and more. These features will improve the level of service you receive while simultaneously saving money.

VoIP phone service offers numerous advantages for both small businesses and larger corporations. In order to properly utilize these services it is necessary to have the right equipment. One such piece of equipment is a hosted PBX. Hosted PBX services are a cost effective solution for businesses that don’t currently have access to or don’t need a land line telephone.

Business VoIP utilizes an analog voice service instead of a digital protocol like traditional telephone lines.

This means that voice data is transferred in the same manner that it is transferred over the internet. Hosted telephones work just like a conventional telephone and can be accessed just like one. In addition to voice there are other features available through business VoIP services. VoIP video, faxes, email, conference calling, web conferencing, whiteboarding, instant messaging and other computer related applications can be used with a VoIP phone system.

One of the biggest benefits of VoIP phone service is that large calls can be made without using long distance rates. Landline and mobile phone plans have monthly fees and a portion of the monthly bill is associated with long distance charges. When a large call needs to be made, the customer will normally have to use their local long distance service. The alternative is to use a VoIP phone with an unlimited long distance plan at a much higher monthly rate. The advantages to this are that the company is not responsible for paying for extra long distance charges if an international call is made. Also the business may be able to save money by reducing their use of the service staff who would otherwise be required to answer each phone call and then transfer it to the correct location.

Many businesses that make VoIP calls have found that one or two features have been particularly useful to them.

For example, if employees take frequent calls from clients or customers, automated caller ID is a great feature to have. Another feature that is quite popular is the ability to check voicemail online. With a business VoIP system all calls made to an extension will display the number from which it was received.

Business VoIP is especially useful if your business is open in different parts of the country or has clients on the move. It is easy to keep track of clients who are sending you regular updates via email. If you have programmed a voicemail for these regular messages you can simply log into your VoIP office and retrieve their messages from there. This removes the need to carry around a telephone and still be able to listen to those important calls.

One of the disadvantages of switching to a VoIP based business system is that you have to buy a telephone or adapter that uses the same network as your existing phone service. If you are using a landline phone company, this is usually a simple process where you simply insert your current telephone card inside the adapter, and then voila! your phone works like it did before. For larger businesses it can be more complicated, because you have to take the additional step of buying an adapter to go with your new phone. This is an unnecessary expense and will end up costing you more in the long run since it’s unnecessary to buy extra hardware for your office.

  • VoIP phone service is ideal for small businesses that don’t necessarily require voice over IP features and for those who wish to have an internet phone number but don’t want it attached to their traditional telephone line.
  • It is convenient and inexpensive.
  • You can find plenty of VoIP providers to choose from.
  • Make sure you do the research required to make sure you choose a provider that provides excellent value and reliable service.