Have you ever considered the benefits you can enjoy if you rely on a third party vendor to support your communications? A number of residential consumers have discovered the benefits associated with VoIP, and now demand is emerging in the business sector. Are you ready to make this change?
In trying to answer that question, you likely have others. For instance, maybe you’re still unclear as to how VoIP actually works or whether or not you should consider a hosted VoIP provider. Maybe you’re interested in the technology at home, but not at work. You may also be unclear about the equipment needed or how much it will cost. Borrowing from Voxilla, let’s take a look at a few of these questions and their answers.
How Does VoIP Work?
VoIP is very simply the completion of voice communications over the data network. It is voice over Internet protocol. For the residential world, it became popular with the arrival of Skype (News - Alert). Since that time, a number of providers have emerged on the market, offering real-time technologies to expand traditional landline communications to VoIP interactions. Phone (News - Alert) calls traverse the Internet by converting voice information into highly efficient packets of compressed data. The data is then transferred online. This approach lowers costs and streamlines other channels of communication.
What is Better – VoIP for Business or VoIP for Individuals?
The main benefit to VoIP is saving money. Whether it’s residential or business focused, the technology is the same. Both systems receive the benefit of unlimited nationwide calling and both can enjoy savings up to 80 percent off traditional landline service. In the business environment, however, the features can go well beyond what is typically offered for the home. A business may prefer access to an auto attendant, hold music, extensions and more.
What Equipment is Needed?
You really need next to nothing to launch an effective VoIP strategy. You do need an existing Internet connection, but even your old phone can still make the connection. You can opt for IP phones and something more sophisticated to make VoIP more convenient, but they are not necessary. If you want to manage the calls in-house, you could implement an IP-PBX system, but it does come with a higher price tag (News - Alert) than trusting this capability to a third party vendor in a hosting arrangement.
How Fast Does the Internet Need to Be?
It really depends on the level of quality you want out of your phone system. The faster the Internet connection, the higher quality you’ll enjoy from the system.
How Much Does it Cost?
The costs associated with VoIP are really dependent upon the number of lines and users. It does cost 4-10 times less than the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). With VoIP, you’ll no longer pay per minute for long-distance calls. A business system is going to be a bit more expensive just because you’ll have access to more features, but the monthly rate is still low compared with landline options.
Once consumers recognize the potential benefits associated with hosted VoIP, they can make the necessary move to better communications at a lower cost.
Edited by Blaise McNamee