Hosted PBX VoIP

VoIP office phone systems are adaptable, feature rich systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without sacrificing voice quality or features.

In fact, VoIP has uses way beyond the capabilities of conventional phone systems such as virtual phone numbers, forwarding faxes and voice mail to e-mail, fixed mobile convergence, and more.

In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, a few businesses are unsure of adopting VoIP. They worry about poorvoice quality, call hacking, losing service during internet outages, costs and difficulty of implementation. Let us discuss how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the potential hurdles, and how to maximize your VoIP system.

What do you gain with VoIP phone systems?

VoIP service will undoubtedly improve the productivity of your business and drastically cut telecommunication expenses. Here is how it does it:

Progressing VoIP technology

Earlier, VoIP limited users to computer systems and not so good voice quality. Today’s standard phones (using VoIP adapters) and IP phones assure high voice clarity, freedom to travel with your VoIP phone, and a variety of useful features. Existing data networks are utilized by businesses for phone calls within the office, leading to huge savings and increased employee productivity.

Business VoIP slashes telecommunication costs

Conventional phone systems need constant administration and maintenance of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. With VoIP, businesses reduce 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 now as straightforward as plugging an IP phone into a new broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP providers charge lesser too than conventional phone system vendors.

Mobility and accessibility with VoIP

VoIP keeps you connected wherever there is a broadband connection. Colleagues and clients can reach you whether you are at the office, your home, a hotel or even a friend’s place. This cuts down your cell phone expenses. Many VoIP systems include software that allows you 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 configuring the VoIP phone system. Emails can also be recorded and delivered as voice mail. You can easily manage your messages and mails 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 cut down on the time wasted in managing calls. Your VoIP phone number can ring simultaneously on your cell phone and landline before reaching voice mail, ensuring you never miss an important call.

Making the most of VoIP phone systems

As you can see, VoIP has much to offer. If you still have doubts, these tips will help you stay on top of them.

1. Use professional VoIP services

Though a standard VoIP phone system is fairly simple to install, hire a VoIP service provider for bigger projects. Some network providers install and configure a VoIP solution provided by them.

2. Test before implementation

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 office. Hold on to 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 cell phone or a landline 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

Networks are always in danger of getting hacked. Protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Make it a priority to update network security and to check it thoroughly at regular intervals.

VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages 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 modern wireless phones offering seamless switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users have a lot to look forward to in terms of great service at compelling savings. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.