It is clear that Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is increasingly popular among small businesses. For instance, one recent survey from Software Advice showed that 57 percent of buyers are thinking of investing in a VoIP service as their business phone system for the first time.
To get a better idea of why small businesses favor VoIP, a recent report from Marlin Equipment Finance showed they can lower their costs and increase their flexibility by using VoIP.
VoIP, which lets users make a call through the Internet, is often less expensive than using land lines. “Land lines and cellular service require separate networks, payments and fees for excess use,” the report explained. On the other hand, VoIP uses a business’s existing broadband connection.
Cell providers typically have higher costs because of their more extensive infrastructure and government regulations, according to Entrepreneur. That leads to higher costs.
Another reason that VoIP is less expensive is because it is simpler to let employees change their work location. The VoIP-enabled phone just needs to go to a different broadband outlet and the phone gets plugged in. Employees on the go just need to use laptops to take advantage of VoIP calls, too. And especially in today’s global economy, an added cost savings comes from international calls, which are so much cheaper under VoIP.
In addition, the sound quality of VoIP calls continues to improve. Calls can be made via traditional phones or IP phones, as well. Apps for smartphones, like Skype (News - Alert) and Viber, let users make free texts, calls and even video calls.
So as small businesses find their employees work more from home or from remote locations, and even travel the world to recruit new business, VoIP technology make them more competitive with the bigger firms. Employees, partners, customers and business owners all stand to benefit.