Utilize the Operational Benefits of Business Phone Systems for Growing Business

Have you heard about the recent ‘cord-cutting’ trend? Essentially, consumers are discovering that they don’t necessarily need to maintain expensive cable plans or telephone subscriptions when they can get the same functionality at a lower cost by using the internet. This isn’t just something that a few consumers are doing, but rather a new way of thinking about services and communication, and about how to pick the type of service that fits your needs without paying for extra features that you don’t use.

Many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, are making the move from landline contracts, and even cell phone subscriptions, in favor of using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications. For some businesses, these business phone systems can be an ideal solution that offers functionality without the expensive cost of multiple cell phone and data plans.

What is VoIP? 

VoIP is a coordinated sequence of telephonic facilities used to deliver voice information and multimedia sessions via Internet Protocol (IP) networks. There are a few different types of VoIP services that you can use for your small business phone systems. For businesses, VoIP is an easy and valuable option for peer-to-peer and clientele communication. The voice quality is always good enough as standard telephones.

Various types of VoIP systems are:

• Hosted VoIP: This type of system can be great for small business VoIP services. In this scenario, a third-party provider takes care of the entire installation and call delivery and handles the work offsite, thus allowing you to focus on your core business completely. All you need to do is use a particular type of phone that is meant to work with the service in question.
• Self-Hosted VoIP: This type of service can be a little bit more difficult to set up and use, as all of the work is done onsite. In this scenario, businesses have to set up the entire systems and manage it all by themselves. It means the sole obligation is on the business to take care of the entire installation and call delivery. You need to set up a phone branch exchange that will help direct calls to appropriate lines, for example, as well as set up a gateway. This option is obviously a bit more in-depth than the primary, but that doesn’t mean that it’s unattainable – with a little bit of work and research, you can get it up and work. This type of service is for the businesses who want to stay in control over all their communication affairs.
• Software Solutions: This simplest form of VoIP is a software application where you can sit in front of a computer and make calls to other users of the same application. The best example of it is Skype.

How VoIP Works?

With VoIP, analog voice calls get converted to packets of data and these packets are sent over public Internet Protocol and/or private Internet protocol networks. You can make calls on landline and cell phones. You can also make call computer-to-computer with both parties speaking into the microphones.

For businesses, these types of phone systems are highly beneficial in terms of cost and accessibility. Businesses just need a proper internet connection to communication. The setup cost is inexpensive and anyone can access the calls from anywhere.

Is VoIP Expensive?

VoIP can be incredibly inexpensive, for small and large businesses. This is because there is no large infrastructure needed, minimal onsite repair, and quick solutions to problems that typically require the click of a few buttons. If you run a small business, there is no need to have an elaborate internet connection; in fact, a decent home connection speed is more than enough to get this type of small business VoIP service up and running and keep it stable while doing so.

Aside from a secure internet connection (which is required for pretty much any type of business regardless of what kind of small business phone system in use), other potential overhead costs include the purchase of VoIP ready phones that are built to make use of the advanced features that some VoIP providers offer.

Stay in Touch, No Matter the Distance

A number of VoIP providers not only offer the functionality to connect you to remote as well as local employees or customers, but also offer their services on a number of different platforms. This means that you can take your phone system with you on the road and use your mobile phone, tablet, or even laptop to stay in touch with your coworkers and customers.

You no longer need to switch between a business phone and a personal one – these types of VoIP apps will make sure that your business number and voicemail remain the same regardless of the device from which you are using it. This also means that you can use your data connection in a pinch, allowing you access to your phone system even when there is no internet connection available.

The industry is Booming!

Various studies are reporting that over 80% of small and medium businesses will be looking into new types of small business phone systems like Switch within the next two-three years. This is because the options for feature-rich, affordable, and flexible service is growing every day and individuals who want to get the best “bang for the buck” understand the value of shopping around and implementing change every now and then.

Competition to provide the best, most cutting-edge VoIP service will be tough, which means that consumers will have plenty of great options from which to choose. Some of the features you can consider investing in include conference calling, three-way call capability, and intercom ability, not to mention some new and exciting options such as transcription voicemail services as well as an automated phone attendant.

With all of the changes that are going on with regards to digital workplaces and cloud-based storage systems, it’s no surprise that small business VoIP service is making a comeback in a big way. VoIP offers everything that a growing small business needs, including scalability, affordability, great features, and the flexibility to easily work on the road or from home. Take a look at some of the different services available, and see how VoIP can best serve your needs.

Share the excitement surrounding small business VoIP with your networks so they too can take advantage of this exciting tool!

Images: “Businessman hand press web telephone button /  Shutterstock.com“

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