Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems
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VoIP can reduce costs for business telephone service while delivering a bunch of great features that just aren’t possible with regular phone service. From mobility to video conferencing, a managed VoIP solution delivers the phones you need with modern advantages.
What Is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a packet switching telephone network that uses the internet to make and receive phone calls. It is different from regular circuit switching systems because it opens a brief connection in order to send a small “packet” of data from one system to another instead of keeping the connection open and constant.
This type of technology is nothing new; the first VoIP call was made in 1974. Like most technology that was around in the 70’s, VoIP has evolved and improved its features so as to remain useful in technology driven world. With the advent of high speed, broadband internet, VoIP is a common (and maybe even default) choice for business voice communications.
How Does It Work?
The analog voice calls are converted into packets of data, which travel over the public internet or a private IP network. A private IP network is chosen over public internet connections when stronger security is needed or wanted. This technology can be used to make or receive calls via landlines, cell phones, or from computer to computer. For businesses purposes, a VoIP provider provides fully-fledged VoIP systems that, unlike Skype, do not rely solely on a computer or mobile interface, supporting desk phones and enterprise applications.
VoIP can help a business’ bottom-line, mobility, and productivity. Instead of a company having to manage two networks (one phone network and one internet network), they can streamline and save money by only having one. This allows them to easily add, move or change phone extensions and locations. VoIP is also very mobile. Many hosted VoIP providers offer mobile apps that let you use your data connection to make and receive calls at home or on the road.
Comparison To PSTN
The many benefits of VoIP over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), also known as the plain old telephone service. First of all, the price is more budget friendly because there is less hardware to buy or lease, monthly subscription fees are lower, most are contract free meaning no termination fees, and many VoIP providers let you make calls to coworkers, even if they are long distance, for free.
With VoIP you can reduce your company’s travel and training costs through web and video conferencing tools, while maintaining an easily accessible and scalable phone system. A scalable phone system allows for the easy addition of new extensions into the network without the need for expensive hardware.
VoIP also allows for more than two people to be on a line at a single time, helping keep employees and customers connected. Another great feature for businesses is the ability to have one phone number ring multiple devices, so even when you are away from your desk, you will never miss a call.
| VoIP | PSTN |
|---|---|
| One internet connection | Dedicated lines |
| Call waiting, Caller ID, etc. included for free | Call waiting, Caller ID, etc. available at extra cost |
| Long distance included in regular monthly price | Long distance is charges per minute or by a subscription |
| No power backup | Hardwired landline phones can remain active during power outages |
| 911 cannot trace location | 911 can trace location |
What Happens if the Internet Goes Down?
This is one of the main concerns for a VoIP system. If the internet goes down, your internet-based phone system does too. However, there are some solutions or ways to tackle this type of situation. You can have incoming calls automatically bumped to voicemail, or you can have your calls rerouted to your mobile phone. Either way you will still be receiving your messages, which will allow you to continue working.
Some VoIP providers also allow connections through 3G or 4G, keeping phones alive through cellular data networks. With a 4G backup connection, employees can connect even if the ‘net goes down, or from anywhere, even without a WiFi or hard-wire network connection.
Decision Time
The new functionality that VoIP offers and its ever-evolving nature, makes it the best choice for businesses looking to achieve their goals and continue to in the future. How much more can the plain old telephone system actually change and improve? VoIP harnesses the latest technologies to provide better quality and more security.
VoIP subscriptions are growing and PSTNs are declining every year, soon there may no longer be a choice in the matter. Maybe it is time to throw out the old system and get with a new one.
