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Staying connected with clients and colleagues is a foundational part of every business. Having a steady line of communication is critical to maintaining business relationships, connecting with potential new clients and getting work done efficiently.
More and more, companies are looking for ways to optimize and better manage their approach to all kinds of business processes. Increasingly, business owners are being drawn to VoIP solutions to centralize business communication platforms and make connection easier.
Basic VoIP Breakdown: What is VoIP and How Does It Work?
For many business owners, traditional digital phone systems have been the long-established and preferred mode of inter-office communication. However, more recent years have seen many business owners making the switch to VoIP solutions. VoIP technology allows for the consolidation of mobile and office phones to create a centralized communication network for the modern office. For many modern professionals, VoIP serves as a more efficient medium through which not only voice but also data, video, and instant messages can be transported.
VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is a type of communications technology that allows users to make phone calls using a broadband internet connection rather than a conventional phone system. VoIP works by converting sound into digital voice communication and transferring it along with a broadband connection. Simply put, VoIP solutions allow users to make phone calls over the internet as opposed to using landlines.
VoIP solutions offer a variety of business benefits, designed specifically to help professionals make more efficient connections with clients and colleagues. As the digital revolution continues to drive innovation, VoIP technology is the frontrunner in making business communication run more smoothly.
One of the biggest benefits of VoIP for business is the fact that it’s available all around the world. Using any broadband connection, users can log into VoIP platforms and get a dial tone. Even better? VoIP systems are also accessible via email and while traveling without additional cost or connection requirements. This makes mobility easier than ever for busy, on-the-go professionals. Whether a user is in the office, on the road or out of the country, VoIP packs a portability punch that makes anytime connection possible.
Flexibility & Scalability
A huge priority for modern businesses is the ability to remain flexible in response to changing and growing business conditions and demands. Luckily, VoIP solutions offer professionals a variety of ways to remain flexible and implement scalable solutions. First, VoIP solutions offer integration for conventional phone systems via a VoIP adapter and a powered-on computer. Additionally, VoIP systems allow users to acquire individualized VoIP contact numbers, meaning no matter where a user is traveling, a high-speed internet connection is the only requirement for making and receiving calls, using a familiar number.
VoIP solutions also offer a variety of flexible solutions for implementation. Professionals can choose to implement and manage VoIP their own or have their VoIP service hosted by a vendor for a monthly fee. Vendor management offers huge benefits including training, system maintenance, troubleshooting and upgrade management. Additionally, business owners can customize their VoIP solution, choosing only the features they need. VoIP vendor solutions also offer the ability for business owners to add more line extensions as the business grows, making scalability a breeze.
Functionality
VoIP solutions have all the same features of traditional phone systems including call-waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, and voicemail. This makes it easy for users to navigate a new communications system and make use of familiar and useful calling features.
However, another great benefit of VoIP solutions is that they offer professionals the ability to do more than just make phone calls. VoIP platforms offer users a variety of other communication tools that make instant connection easier than ever. From video-conferencing tools to instant messaging platforms, VoIP solutions allow users to connect and collaborate like never before. This means, no matter where a user may be, they have the ability to get face-to-face with associates for important meetings and events.
Finally, since VoIP solutions are fully web-integrated, voicemail messages can be converted into email messages and sent directly to user inboxes. Many VoIP providers even offer the ability to integrate voice traffic to better manage customer service, sales, and lead follow up calls.
Savings
Okay, now for the really good stuff. What business doesn’t want a cheaper way to do things? One of the biggest benefits of VoIP for business is that it’s much cheaper than relying on traditional phone systems. While VoIP service plans vary among providers and depending on selected features, some service plans begin as low as $20 per month! Additionally, since VoIP phone systems are connected via the internet, making long-distance calls is no more expensive than making local ones. This translates to huge savings on monthly business phone bills and reserves savings for other areas of business optimization.
As has been seen, VoIP phone solutions offer professionals increased efficiency, mobility, versatility and BIG savings. For small business owners, this is a huge competitive advantage. Strong and reliable lines of communication at an affordable price means business is never out of reach. Furthermore, streamlining the way team members communicate with clients and colleagues ensures that business opportunities are never missed.
Whether business-owners are ready to make the switch or are still using more traditional platforms, there’s no denying that companies across every industry are looking for ways to optimize technology and get increased value out of communication resources. However, like with any new technology, making the switch to VoIP can be daunting and many business-owners don’t know where to start or which products will best suit their specific needs.
If your company is considering the switch to VoIP from a traditional telecommunications system, make sure to assess the options. Determine your business-specific needs and make considerations for how to best implement the new system.