Voice over IP, or VoIP, works – from an end-user perspective – just like the “old” copper telephone lines, except that audio packets are carried over an IP network, more commonly know as the Internet.
A user’s voice, which is an analog signal, is converted to digital data, which is then disassembled and transmitted through the Internet only to be re-converted back to an analog signal on the other end. Protocols used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or "VoIP" protocols.
The benefits of VoIP far outweigh the technology’s drawbacks, according to VoIPStreet, a Pittsburgh-based enterprise IP telephony provider.
Today’s VoIP services have evolved for users to not only make calls but receive calls using standard or IP phones. Sound quality has improved, as well, and analysts say that more and more businesses are migrating from traditional phones systems to VoIP.
Using VoIP can significantly reduce telecommunications costs, said VoIPStreet officials. With lower expenses, VoIP providers can charge much less than their competitors and businesses no longer have to maintain separate networks for phones and data.
Another benefit emerges when an employee needs to change office locations, since the costs associated with telephone additions and changes – which can be $100 or more per occurrence – are virtually eliminated. All one has to do is move the IP phone (or traditional phone with a VoIP adapter) to a different broadband network jack and plug it in.
With a VoIP system from VoIPStreet, companies are given more freedom to do things that aren’t possible with traditional phone technology. For example, a company has:
- Mobility: Take your phone system with you just as long as you have access to a broadband connection, you can use your VoIP system.
- Accessibility: Get voicemail and faxes sent to e-mail.
- Virtual phone numbers: Have a local number not only where your company is located.
- Increase productivity: Many VoIP phone numbers can be configured to simultaneously ring on multiple devices – such as cell and landline phones – before going to voicemail, eliminating “phone tag (News - Alert).”
For companies interested in saving money, VoIPStreet can help. The company offers fast support, flexible VoIP packages, easy integration with multiples roadways with SIP and IAX, instant provisioning, clear call quality and multi-homed connectivity.
For more information about VoIPStreet be sure to check out their Web site, or learn more on their Enterprise VoIP channel here on TMCnet.
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
Jessica Kostek is a channel editor for TMCnet, covering VoIP, CRM, call center and wireless technologies. To read more of Jessica’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Michael Dinan
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
