Common VoIP Pitfalls

There’s a lot of information out there on why choosing a VoIP system is good for your business; it makes it easier for companies to employ more features in their phone systems, and the need for efficiency with lower costs within an organization is helping to drive the acceptance of VoIP globally. What’s not often talked about are some of the common VoIP pitfalls; despite all the good an IP telephony system brings, decision makers need to look at the total picture and account for some of the mishaps, too.

It’s cheap, but don’t gloss over the total cost.

Investing in a system that will help your bottom line over time is a good thing, but many fail to consider the total cost of a new system. For example, a premises-based system is located at the customer site, meaning that the customer has acquired the equipment and decided to make an investment in its workforce to manage and operate it. This is geared towards those with a larger budget. Then there’s equipment, like handsets, licensing, and other hidden costs. Don’t just take the “save money!” promises at face value. Do your homework.

Is this thing on?

So you know VoIP is great, but do you know how it works? Consider researching how the technology works before investing in it. Don’t blindly buy into the idea without first understanding the very basics. VoIP allows you to take a standard analog telephone signal and turn it into a digital signal that is transmitted over the Internet.  That’s the bare bones breakdown of the technology, but your provider can help you understand what’s happening in the back end so you can better troubleshoot and comprehend what it is you’ve invested in.

Not all providers are created equal.

When choosing a provider, it’s about the five W’s: who, what, when, where and why?

Be sure to do your research on who you’re choosing, what they are providing, when you want to install it, where it will be installed, or if it’s hosted, where will it be hosted?

Know the features.

Do you know what features come with your system? Failure to learn all of the bells and whistles means you’re throwing your money away. To get the most of your investment, take time to understand all of the features in your VoIP system so that you’re only paying for what you use, and of course, not paying for features that go unnoticed.

Given all of its features and how said features have improved business function, it’s no wonder VoIP is a solid business communications choice. With due diligence and a little bit of homework, your investments will pay off in the long run. 

Edited by Maurice Nagle