Keys for Choosing the Right Business VoIP Solution

Okay, so you’ve decided that your business is ready for voice-over-IP (VoIP). With the cost savings that come from using IP-based calling, and the additional features that come with almost every business VoIP solution, this upgrade is undoubtedly a good decision. The trick, however, is finding the right business VoIP system.

There are literally hundreds of options when it comes to business VoIP, from on-premises solutions to cloud-based offerings. All offer cost savings and features, so picking the right solution can be significantly harder than the choice between a Polycom or an Avaya desk phone.

While there’s no one right answer when it comes to picking a VoIP solution, there are keys for deciding which provider is best for your needs. Here are five keys you should focus on when trying to make sense of the business VoIP landscape.

1. Flexibility

Like email, business phone systems must now follow workers no matter their device of physical location. So the first question is how flexible the business VoIP solution is when it comes to mobility and working on a range of devices.

Look for a solution that integrates with desk phones, runs through a web browser, works well on mobile devices of all types, and maybe even has an API that allows it to plug into other systems.

2. Customer support

At the end of the day, calling just needs to work. But like all tech, things happen. When they do, you’ll want to make sure your business VoIP provider delivers quick, exceptional customer service. This isn’t always high on the feature list when selecting a solution, but it should be.

One good way to check the support of a VoIP solution is to try it out—look at support options for the product you’re selecting, and see how customer service stacks up in a real-world test. If you use your intuition during the test, this can tell you volumes about the quality of the company providing your VoIP solution.

3. Total cost

All business VoIP solutions are economical. But not all are priced simply. One important key when selecting a VoIP provider is making sure there’s no fine print and additional costs your business might be hit with above and beyond the expected per-seat license.

Some VoIP solutions are turnkey and priced simply, others sneak in additional charges that can add up. So pay attention.

4. Reputation online

There are so many options on the market, it is impossible to research all of them or know which ones are stable, delivering the goods, and living up to their marketing hype. That’s where a little Googling can go a long way.

When selecting a business VoIP provider, make sure to check for what others are saying about the company on Twitter and in forums. Visit the company’s support boards, surf around for what’s being said, and read between the lines when listening to the chatter.

It also helps to pick a big, established provider—these are less likely to fail you, and if they are failing you usually can discover this with your Google search.

5. Right-sized but scalable

Not all businesses need or will benefit from the same VoIP system. A final important key when selecting a system that’s appropriate for the size of your business, as big VoIP systems often will be overkill for a little firm, and SMB-oriented business VoIP solutions can choke if your business is beyond the intended customer size.

While it is important that you pick a solution that fits the size of your current operations, at the same time it also is key to have a provider that is scalable for when you grow. The best business VoIP solutions, those like Nextiva, offer plans for smaller businesses but also can scale to support larger firms such as Delta or Target. Demand the best of both worlds.

While selecting a business VoIP solution can be hard, it will be a lot easier if you keep these five keys in mind.

Edited by Maurice Nagle