Is this the year you finally commit and make the switch over to VoIP? If you’re like many others in a position to make that decision for your company, you’ve no doubt looked at all the pros and cons.
Now for those ready to pull the trigger, Technology Writer Claudette Pope spells out some final steps and considerations you need to look at. Writing on the technology site WhaTech, Pope examines the finer points that are involved in such a leap.
“If you are a novice in this area, speaking with a provider who is able to give you an understandable explanation of the technology is a great start,” she says “If they can’t get past the ‘techno-babble’ go somewhere else.”
She also cautions that despite all the hype about how much money VoIP can save in the long run, it’s about more than the finances. “Cost is always important,” she notes. “This is usually one of the reasons a business is looking to go VoIP instead of PSTN, but remember the old saying: ‘You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.’ What is more important is getting value for money.” There are also a number of questions that need to be asked – and answered – before signing on that bottom line. They include:
- If you already have current equipment, such as phones and modems, can you still have VoIP and can the provider enable their use?
- What sort of maintenance contract is offered? What are the hours of support? Where does the support come from, domestic or international?
- Are upgrades provided under the service contract, and will they cost extra to implement?
- What rates are charged? Is there a provision for free calls?
- Are there toll-free numbers, and can you call the emergency number?
- On top of the basics, what additional features are provided such as three-way calls, call waiting, call screening and the ability to record a welcome message? All of these are available with analog and if you already make use of them, it would be difficult to not have them.
- What about mobility options? Can the mobile phones and other devices used by staff on the road be set up as virtual extensions?
Once you decide to take the plunge, you’ll feel more confident if you know what you’re getting, and getting into, from Day One.
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Edited by Stefania Viscusi