Why? Simply put, its telephone service delivered over the web. To do so, the analog sound data is first encrypted using digital modes. When it comes time to transmit the sound data back down the telephone line, the reverse process is immediately initiated. That means that you receive telephone service via the web, just like a traditional wired phone utilized copper cables.
But just how does VoIP phone service help the modern business communication market?
VoIP conferencing is one tool that helps to leverage two important communications technologies into one. Think about video conferencing and web conferencing, and you begin to realize how they can greatly enhance your business communication. Video conferencing uses the same tools that web conferencing does, namely screen sharing, collaboration and presenting with slides or videos. However, when you implement VOIP phone service, all of those tools come together, making video conferencing run much more smoothly, and you can present your information in a way that better communicates your message.
Another way that VoIP service streamlines your business communication is through what is known as SIP trunking. Essentially, you create an extension of your normal local phone system. You purchase a special adapter, insert a small device, and connect it to your computer, or even a mobile device such as a PDA or smart phone. Once connected, the adapter creates a new port through which you can make local calls without having to use your normal telephone system.
Businesses who have switched to VoIP systems have noticed several benefits.
Perhaps the most noticeable benefit to businesses is the increase in productivity. Employees are able to spend more time working on the tasks at hand, rather than spending time calling other employees around. Likewise, businesses that utilize hosted PBX systems have found that switching from traditional phone systems to a VoIP Phone system provider has allowed them to save hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. A hosted PBX system is less costly than traditional PBX solutions and allows customers to call multiple numbers within a single organization. The cost savings to businesses will be especially apparent in the current economic environment.
In order to take advantage of these savings, however, businesses need to be able to communicate with their clients. One way that this can be accomplished is through VoIP Phone Service Provider (VoIP) trunking. There are two ways to avail of a VoIP phone service, through either a hosted pbx system or a premise-based system. While premise-based systems have the benefit of providing phone services while a company’s employees are onsite, a hosted system is advantageous because customers can still have access to the company’s services no matter where they are located. For instance, if the business has employees who are stationed in a different state but regularly communicate with the office by using the company’s phone system, a hosted solution would be perfect. On the other hand, if the business works with people who frequently travel and do a great deal of traveling within the same state, it would be more practical to use a hosted pbx system.
The majority of small businesses, as well as some medium-sized businesses, have opted to go with a hosted system because it is the most affordable option. The benefits of a hosted VoIP phone service include a large variety of features and capabilities. The majority of providers allow customers to call anywhere in the world and at any time. Also, most providers offer unlimited calling plans which means that customers can get as much talk time as they want. Furthermore, many providers offer long distance plans at discounted rates. In short, a customer can call anywhere and still expect quality and reliability.
When it comes to adding features to the business VoIP services, there is not one specific thing that businesses can do. Most companies have at least some control over their call logs, but there are options available for controlling call length, cost per call, caller ID, and much more. Business VoIP services are not limited in what they can do because they can integrate many things into the service such as, CRM, sales force automation, appointment reminders, web collaboration and more. This is one of the main reasons why hosted VoIP systems have become so popular among all kinds of organizations.
- A business VoIP phone system gives customers access to all of the services that they need when they are on the road or away from the office.
- However, a VoIP provider must realize that each customer is unique and therefore needs to be treated differently. Therefore, some providers offer special deals and discounts just for these types of clients.
- It may be best to ask your VoIP phone service provider how they determine their individual pricing and what packages they offer in order to get the best business VoIP provider.
- The Internet is filled with information and resources that can help you find the best business VoIP provider.