Technical Support for VoIP Phones
The advantages of hosted VoIP over traditional network-based phone systems are many. First and foremost, there is no need to install and maintain hardware, software, or additional infrastructure. Instead, all the functionality required in an enterprise phone system like call forwarding, voicemail, and even e-mail is provided by a cloud PBX.
Rather than establishing a dedicated server to run your business phone system, you just need to rent a VoIP service from a vendor. Then, you can lease any number of these SIP trunks. Each has its own IP address, which means that they can be located anywhere in the world. A hosted VoIP solution offers the same features and benefits of a dedicated system while at a fraction of the cost. All of this can be obtained without the hassle and expense of buying or maintaining hardware.
The most obvious benefit of hosted VoIP phone service is its flexibility.
A business phone system can contain multiple phone lines connected to one IP network. You can even have one VoIP service provider manages the connection between all of the lines. If a branch office wants to add a third phone line, the vendor will take care of the routing for you.
In addition to offering all of the functionality necessary for an enterprise VoIP solution, most cloud systems also include advanced features like auto attendant, call recording, conferencing calling, and advanced call-management features. Most VoIP phone service providers also offer video conferencing applications that allow a virtual meeting to occur within the corporate firewall. These enhanced offerings are only available through hosted VoIP solutions.
The next most obvious business benefits of cloud systems are the low cost. A hosted PBX service requires a minimum internet connection speed of dial-up. Business phone systems typically charge a flat monthly rate in addition to long distance rates for local and international calls. VoIP phone service plans eliminate the need for any additional internet connection requirements. Instead, all that is required is a broadband connection.
The final benefits of cloud systems are the variety of options that are available to consumers. Through a hosted VoIP service, a business phone system can integrate with the latest VoIP applications and services like Skype, GMail, Google Talk, Blackberry, Vonage, Ventrilo, icontact, Yahoo Messenger, etc. A home VoIP phone system can also utilize these same services. The final step is that many cloud systems offer a mobile app store with a wide range of applications for the iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and other handheld devices that run on current mobile operating systems.
As mentioned previously, one of the most noticeable business benefits of VoIP is that it eliminates the need for an expensive phone system. Traditional PBX offers VoIP calling at a higher rate than regular calling. When VoIP calling is done over an internet connection, there is virtually no difference in calling quality or cost. The cost savings of VoIP can easily be realized when using a hosted VoIP solution rather than a traditional business phone system.
There are other benefits of VoIP that should be considered as well.
One of the primary features that have been shown to make businesses more productive is the ability to manage multiple calls in real time. This is made possible by feature like call forwarding and video conferencing. With call forwarding a person can take his call from any location by simply connecting to a trusted IP connection.
The next step up from small business voice solutions is commercial VoIP phone systems that include advanced features like call forwarding and video conferencing. The growing availability of broadband connections and cheap internet services has made it possible for small businesses to have high speed voice and data transmission over the internet. A VoIP phone system should provide the option to transmit the sound over the internet. This method can reduce the overall cost of VoIP for smaller businesses.
One of the other benefits of a VoIP phone system is that it eliminates the use of a dedicated PBX line. A VoIP service provider uses your existing PSTN lines and digital telephone adapter to provide the solution for your calling needs. This type of service also allows you to incorporate voicemail into your voice communication. The added benefit of this method is that you don’t have to worry about outages and interruptions because of a failure in the phone lines.
When considering a VoIP Phone service provider, it’s important to consider the features they offer. Make sure you’re getting the best value for your money with the type of service you need.
- Check with your competition to see what types of plans and features they offer and determine if it’s going to work for your small businesses.
- A good VoIP business phone system can make remote work easy, give your employees and clients peace of mind, eliminate long-distance charges and reduce operating expenses.
- It’s important for small businesses to implement a reliable and cost-effective business phone system.