The promises offered by business VoIP providers everywhere center on lower costs, streamlined communications and integrated applications. In an age of mobile professionals, virtual offices and a growing demand for Unified Communications (News - Alert), it stands to reason that IP telephony would be the platform of choice.
Still, companies have been slow to adopt this technology. In the SMB sector especially, companies have either been too invested in legacy systems or simply afraid to trust business VoIP providers. Whatever the reason, the industry is still poised for growth, especially as Millennials enter the workforce and expect the same technologies they enjoy as a consumer to be at the ready in the office.
According to Fed Tech Magazine, the key driver for VoIP today is not the promises offered by business VoIP providers, but instead the push for the Internet of Everything (IoE). This networked connection of processes, people, data and devices is attracting the everyday user, the public sector and the corporate decision maker. In government offices, more employees and devices are connecting, creating an environment of more shared data and the need for connected users.
The promise in VoIP still exists, yet the focus is shifting to EoIP, or Everything over IP. With enhanced connectivity, government agencies and corporations alike can rely on network-based solutions to achieve the desired level of success. Connected sensors can be added to just about anything to measure activity, track location and more, providing insight into what’s happening in and out of the office environment.
The healthcare environment is also jumping on board as hospitals rely on applications to send patients text message reminders about upcoming tests or appointments. Such a simple approach to connectivity helps to reduce the number of missed appointments so healthcare providers can make better use of their time. When data is shared securely over IP, patients and providers alike can be more mobile and still achieve the same end.
Regardless of the industry, the connectivity possibilities are extensive when VoIP is readily available. To ensure the greatest benefit at the lowest risk, however, companies, agencies, hospitals and more need to rely on business VoIP providers to walk them through the steps of selecting the right solution, training for use and securing the network, applications and users. When engaged as consultants, these providers can help answer questions that may be stalling implementation and advise the best solution to suit the needs of the organization.
In an age where we want to send everything over IP, it’s important to have a proven partner along for the ride. Without one, you never know what might get sent over your connection.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson