Switching to VoIP Phone Service - Does it Add Value to Your Business?

Why does switching to a broadband VoIP phone service make sense?

VoIP phone systems are flexible, feature rich systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without compromising on voice quality or features. In fact, VoIP has uses way beyond the capabilities of conventional phone systems such as virtual phone numbers, voice mail and fax forwarding, switching from Wi-Fi to cellular network, and more.

In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, many businesses have reservations about adopting VoIP. Their concerns are - substandard voice quality, insecure network, dependence on internet connectivity, cost and complexity of implementation. In this article, we discuss how the benefits of VoIP overshadow the drawbacks, and how to maximize your VoIP system.

Why should you select VoIP phone systems?

VoIP will undoubtedly add value to your business. Here's how:

Improving VoIP technology

Early VoIP restricted users to computer systems and average voice quality. Today's standard phones (with VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise high voice quality, mobility, and various useful features. Existing data networks are utilized by businesses to manage phone calls within the office, leading to huge savings and increased productivity.

VoIP reduces telecommunication costs

Traditional phone systems involve the administration and maintenance of costly infrastructure as per industry regulations. With VoIP, businesses reduce implementation and maintenance overheads by maintaining a single network for voice and data. Movement of employees that typically costs $100 per head is now as simple as plugging an IP phone into another broadband network jack. VoIP providers too fall cheaper than traditional phone system vendors.

Mobility and accessibility with VoIP

An IP phone can be used wherever there is broadband. You can take calls from clients and associates from office, home, a hotel or even a friend's place without their trying your cell phone. Many VoIP systems include software that allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop with a headphone and microphone unit.

Easy VoIP configuration

VoIP phone systems can be configured to forward voice mails and faxes to your email inbox and read emails into voice mail. You can easily manage your messages and mails from one place.

Virtual phone number

You may want your business to have an area code of another region if you are targeting customers there. With VoIP, you can have a virtual phone number with the desired area code.

VoIP improves productivity

Studies show that VoIP systems improve productivity by almost 4 hours per employee per week. VoIP phone system features cut down on the time wasted in managing calls. You can even set your VoIP phone number to ring simultaneously on your cell phone and landline before reaching voice mail, making sure you never miss an urgent call.

Making the most of VoIP phone systems

As you can see, VoIP has much to offer. If you still have concerns about potential hurdles, these tips will help you stay on top of them.

1. Hire VoIP service vendors

Though a standard VoIP phone system is fairly simple to install, hire a VoIP service provider for larger projects. Your network provider may also have a VoIP solution for small businesses and can install and configure it for you.

2. Run a pilot project

Have a small group of people use the VoIP system and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you're satisfied, roll it out across the office. Retain your traditional phone system as a backup during this phase.

3. No missed calls with call forwarding

Configure VoIP phone systems to forward unanswered calls to a cell phone or landline. If there's ever an electricity outage, you won't miss any calls till your backup (generator, etc.) gets going.

4. Secure your network

The only way to circumvent call hacking is to protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Network security should always be updated and meticulous.

VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages of a technologically evolved telecommunications system. Small businesses can reduce travel costs with high quality videoconferencing in real time, call center applications, and other compelling benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering seamless switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more cost savings and attractive offerings.

Daljeet Sidhu is at TradeSeam. Read our VoIP Service Providers blog article, Small Business VoIP blog article.