IP Communications Featured Articles

Have you been able to say goodbye to your landline? Countless consumers are making the switch, eliminating the cost of multiple lines and relying solely on their mobile device to stay connected regardless of their location. The trend toward IP communications is reaching into the enterprise as well, as companies recognize the value in cutting the cord.

The migration to IP communications can appear to be a sacrifice. At first glance, it may appear that telephony options will fall short of the functionality needed in the traditional office. As solutions in this space continue to evolve, companies jumping into VoIP don’t have to give up functionality. They can still enjoy multiple voice mailboxes, extensions, a main office line, hold music and even dial-by-name directories.

A recent Forbes report shows that while a number of existing VoIP applications are readily available to provide the desired functionality, not all will fit inside the corporate budget, especially for the small business. The average cost to implement a solution like MagicJack, Skype (News - Alert) or even Google Voice can reach $5,000, keeping many a business tethered to the landline.

With hosted phone systems, however, the functionality is readily available without breaking the budget. Fortunately, the all-encompassing business solution is available and does not have to include the commitment to the landline. The key for the company seeking the best value in a solution is to compare solutions and providers to determine the best PBX (News - Alert) services to support their move to IP communications.

The optimal PBX available today is no longer consistent of bulky hardware or other equipment that requires a large staff to maintain and manage. The technology today is made up of digital switches that are incorporated into the software that then handles the calls coming in through the IP communications platform on the data network. Such an approach eliminates the need for an on-site PBX system.

Today, the PBX for IP communications can be accessed through the Internet. The small business or larger corporation seeking to implement this technology can simply register and begin using a hosted solution, paying only for those services used within a specific time-frame. The phone system is easily integrated with IP communications by connecting IP desk phones to the network through an Internet connection.

Providers like OnSIP, PhoneBooth and 8x8 (News - Alert) offer IP communications through hosting solutions that are designed to fit any budget. And, with robust options available, decision makers have the resources necessary to select the right fit, streamlining the implementation of IP communications and forever cutting the cord on landline connections.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.