In response to the boom of IP-based communication and collaboration technology, many small and medium size businesses are racing to take advantage of the enhanced functionality and cost savings associated with Voice over IP (VoIP).
One problem remains though. For a very small business of less than 10 or 12 people, the costs associated with many VoIP-based solutions are still more than they need to be in order to reliably and effectively deliver all the savings, features and functions the small business should get by utilizing VoIP.
As it stands, VoIP solutions for small and medium business come in three general manifestations – of which all three of these can be offered to a degree by service providers and telephony solution value added resellers (VARs):
- Hosted VoIP – A VoIP service provider installs and configures VoIP devices, like IP phones or analog phones with VoIP adapters, at your place of business, which then connect to an offsite server for call processing and routing.
- On-site IP PBX (News - Alert) – Termination and origination of calls takes place on an internal IP PBX server, installed and maintained by a service provider or IT professional. Phones are either connected directly to the server, or connected to an existing traditional phone system that is itself connected to the IP PBX (SIP Trunking). The SIP Trunk may reside inside IP PBX itself.
- Mobile Application – Over-the-top cell phone app, where the only equipment is a piece of software that can be run on any internet-ready smartphone or tablet.
Most business require a more robust, secure, and manageable solution for their workforce, and so opt for the first or second options on this list – Hosted or ON (News - Alert)-Site. However, these services can run even the smallest company nearly $25 to $50 (or more) each month per user, not including equipment, installation, maintenance, and support fees. For small businesses, this cost is hard to swallow and they often remain ‘stuck’ – staying with the high-cost of a feature deficient service provided by their incumbent telco or cable company operator.
Fortunately, Obihai Technology is pioneering a unique, 4th approach to VoIP. Obihai champions a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) and service model, wherein small businesses can manage their own VoIP device, using any internet phone service of their choosing. Utilizing an “off-the-shelf” OBi202 as the ‘master OBi’ device, small business owners have total control over how VoIP is used and over what services are used to place and receive calls over their existing Internet connection. Obihai cloud-managed hosted VoIP devices are configured automatically and are easily end-user or VAR-managed through a powerful and user-friendly web portal. All a business needs are phones (IP or analog), an OBi202, power, and a connection to the Internet.
Obihai’s OBiPLUS solution is a full-featured business collaboration VoIP solution for 1 to 12 users, designed to enhance collaboration within your small business’ and create a professional impression on customers and partners with whom you work. For $120 a year (special introductory price), OBiPLUS Premium will supply your business with an efficient on-premise communications system for up to 12 users, complete with an automated attendant, IP phone support and cordless or corded analog/digital phone or fax compatibility, support from Obihai, and interoperability with almost any internet phone service. OBiPLUS Premium customers have access to tech support via e-mail and live chat. To assist new OBiPLUS Premium customers in setting up the OBiPLUS system, phone support is provided for the first 60-days. Moreover, the OBiPLUS ‘Lite’ Basic subscription is free, supporting up to 4 users with support via the OBiTALK web forum. It is easy to upgrade from Basic to Premium at the OBiTALK portal.
It is not uncommon for a small business using OBiPLUS to save over 60% of what they paid with a traditional telco or cable company provided phone service. A small, annual license fee combined with an inexpensive VoIP service equates to substantial cost savings when compared to the exorbitant set-up and monthly fees required by traditional service providers.
Thus with OBiPLUS, companies can reap the large cost savings associated with VoIP while simultaneously acquiring a powerful suite of easily-managed business communications features that make small business thrive – the perfect one-two punch.
Edited by Blaise McNamee