Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the ability to use the internet to make phone calls. It is different from regular circuit switching systems because it opens a brief connection in order to send a small amount of data from one system to another instead of keeping the connection open and constant. The technology has been around since the dawn of the internet in the mid-1990s, and the VoIP market has grown rapidly in use since the availability of high-speed internet connections. With many advantages, VoIP is now seen as a viable replacement for traditional phone services for big, medium, and small companies.
BENEFITS OF VOIP
Installing a VoIP system has many advantages. First off, it’s cheaper. No matter what aspect of your phone service you’re considering, VoIP is less expensive than a traditional phone line. Whether it’s local service, long-distance or international calling, VoIP is a cheaper option of superior quality (providing you have a high-speed internet connection). Second, VoIP gives you flexibility. When you install a VoIP system, your staff will no longer need to stay at their desks to receive their phone calls. So long as there’s an internet connection, your staff can bring their telephone number anywhere and stay in touch whenever clients need them. Advanced VoIP systems even allow you to arrange conference calls and host video conferences. Another benefit is scalability: you can fit the VoIP system to your company size and upgrade the system as your company grows. Unlike a traditional phone service, VoIP can be scaled very quickly, making it easier to adjust your VoIP to suit your business’s specific requirements. In other words, you add the features you need only as and when you need them, such as voicemail, text messaging, and, for those business still operating them, fax machines. Lastly, most VoIP related issues can be fixed remotely and speedily. There’s no need to shut down operations or call in an engineer.
HOSTED VOIP
Hosted VoIP, or managed VoIP, is where the equipment, servers and services are hosted by the outsourced VoIP provider, which manages calls and routes them to and from your existing communications system. Hosted VoIP can help your business’ bottom-line, mobility, and productivity. It costs much less to set-up than your own VoIP system, and in most cases there is only a small (or no) set-up fee for a hosted VoIP system, with a monthly subscription thereafter. Another benefit over an on-premise system is that hosted VoIP providers will take care of all the set-up and installation, meaning you do not need to be a telecom or VoIP expert in order to get the job done properly. There are various issues to solve in setting up your own VoIP system, so a hosted VoIP system is particularly advantageous solution for small to medium businesses. Purchasing the right VoIP system or learning more about the benefits of a hosted VoIP system are important considerations for the success of your business. There are many factors to consider and every system has its strengths and weaknesses. So to make the best decision, call your local telecoms expert to provide you with additional information and advice to ensure you end up with the best phone system for your business.
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