Why Business VoIP is a Great Option for Video Conferencing

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

If it’s been a few years since you’ve visited Walt Disney (News - Alert) World, you may have forgotten about one of its classic rides – It’s a Small World. The song alone is enough to send anyone over the edge, but the message is simple: we are not really that far apart from each other. Did Walt Disney know just how true these words would be in an age where business VoIP and fiber allow us to instantly connect face-to-face with individuals on the other side of the world?

This desire to stay connected and reduce the cost of travel at the same time is a core business case in favor of business VoIP. This connectivity platform allows a business to leverage their data line to manage voice communications, as well as host virtual meetings and conduct video conferencing sessions. The cost to do so is minimal, allowing the local business to quickly expand beyond its geographical boundaries.

Voxilla recently posted a blog covering the topic of maximizing business meetings with VoIP conferencing suites. This piece offers valuable insight into how IP conferencing not only improves business practices, but also office connectivity. If you haven’t considered business VoIP as a value-add yet, take a look at these opportunities and where they may apply in your own environment.

Hosting the Virtual Meeting

You’ve likely seen plenty of documentation as to the value of the virtual meeting, but does it sound a little too sci-fi to fit in your environment? Think of it instead as the conference call where you can see all attendees and easily share notes and presentation pieces. It allows for the same outcome as a physical meeting without the travel costs. Plus, if the meeting is with a current or potential customer, you still get that all too important face time.

Choose Voice or Video

Not all conferences require face to face interaction to be effective. And, let’s face it, sometimes we conduct these conferences when we aren’t dressed for the office. If we can eliminate the visual element, we may just be more productive. Business VoIP providers will offer the choice between video and voice. If you need to have access to both depending upon the meeting, that option is available as well.

Collaboration Improves

It’s not uncommon for the successful company today to have employees working from remote locations or telecommuting from home. When this is the case, it’s more challenging to build a “team” environment where everyone feels as though they have a voice. Video conferencing via the business VoIP connection can help to break down this barrier, allowing people to feel more connected.

Better Hardware

Anytime you make a communications change, you have the opportunity to consider new hardware. This is especially true for VoIP. Select from a wide range of solutions with basic to advanced capabilities depending upon your needs. The best news, however, is that you don’t have to change at all if it isn’t in the budget. Most business VoIP providers offer an option that lets you keep your current phones in place.

If you’re ready to make a change and leverage the benefits associated with VoIP, check out a few providers to see who offers the best options to fit your needs. Most are going to be competitive, but look for customizable solutions so you don’t have to try to fit into their box; they can adjust to fit into yours.  

(source: http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/business-voip/articles/340341-why-business-voip-a-great-option-video-conferencing.htm)