Small Business Owners Switching to VoIP Need Answers to Basic Questions when Reviewing Options
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) now has about 17 percent of the voice business market. Projections suggest that VoIP will have about 40 percent of the market by 2018.
Among the reasons for a switch to VoIP are businesses which use VoIP need just one vendor, they’ll realize savings, and they will not need extra IT staff support.
In a recent article on SmallBusinessComputing.com, Jim Gustke, vice president of marketing at Ooma, reminded owners of small businesses, in particular, that they have “powerful, flexible and affordable options when it comes to choosing a phone system … VoIP systems let you and your employees make phone calls over the Internet using your existing broadband connection.”
To best compare different VoIP providers, Gustke offers some questions that small businesses may want answers to before selecting a VoIP provider. One of these relates to mobile devices. Given the growing presence of the bring-your-own-device to work trend, the number of smartphones and tablets is increasing rapidly. So it is important to know if the VoIP system supports mobile devices. “Look for a VoIP phone system … that lets you make and receive calls through the company number, transfer calls to other extensions and voicemail boxes, access the company directory, view call logs, [and] manage voicemail and update preferences, all when away from the office,” he advises.
It is important too, how the voice sounds; it can be different among different VoIP providers. Depending on what software and hardware they use, the voice coming through the phone can sound different. Gustke said the technology should be based on the latest industry standards. One interesting question for businesses to ask is if the voice quality is impacted while using broadband Internet. Also, he recommends that businesses “seek out products that are engineered end-to-end with hardware and software that make the most efficient use of your Internet connection and prioritize voice quality and delivery.”
Just about every business hopes it will grow, so the new phone system should be able to grow as the business grows. That is where the cloud comes in. “VoIP products and services that leverage the cloud can provide new features, incorporate updated technology, and can accommodate more users without requiring you to upgrade or replace hardware,” Gustke said. Many VoIP phone systems will only allow for a certain number of users, extensions or lines, which means they will need to be replaced as the company grows. Another important question is, when new features are offered by the provider, will the phone system need to be replaced for the features to work?
Especially at a small business, it is very important for the phone system to be easy to install and manage, too. “Look for a VoIP phone system that doesn't rely on proximity to pre-existing wiring or Ethernet ports,” Gustke suggests.
And don’t forget how the phone system provides consumers and others the first impression of a business; it better be a good one. Small businesses should offer features to callers that remind them of those offered by larger companies.
With answers to these questions, the switch to VoIP will be an easier one.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson