Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are a business telephone system where calls are made via the internet as opposed to using traditional phone lines.
This method is often cheaper and is more flexible than your traditional system.
VoIP allows you to place calls over the internet instead of on a phone line. In order to set up a VoIP phone system require a good, reliable internet connection and a VoIP-enabled telephone handset.
You will also need to sign up with a VoIP telephony provider. Your provider will be able to set the system up for you. The costs are simply for the set up and your business VoIP number.
With VoIP you can still all the usual numbers and telephones as you would do with a traditional system. Inbound calls are just the same too.
The biggest attraction to making the switch is the reduced costs. All calls made within a VoIP network are usually free. This means you can make internal and external calls on the same network as you with no charge.
Calling regular phones can also be cheaper with VoIP and international calls usually make you a substantial saving.
The flexibility of VoIP Is another big factor in why small businesses in particular are making the switch. People in your business can plug in a handset from anywhere to make and receive calls from their main business number, provided they have an internet connection.
There are two different types of VoIP – Direct and Integrated.
Direct VoIP creates an internet connection between two people. Skype and Vonage would be good examples of this. Direct VoIP usually works out much cheaper than a normal phone line for international calls, and involves a headset connected to a computer to make a call.
Integrated VoIP services allow staff in your company to place calls using a telephone handset which routes calls via the internet. Effectively, it’s just like using any other telephone. Integrated VoIP services also include your standard functions such as voicemail.
As a hosted VoIP system relies on software running on a server, there are a greater set of services available than with on a physical switchboard. Your system will always be up-to-date and your VoIP supplier takes care of the maintenance.
Setting up the VoIP system is often cheaper and easier than installing a physical switchboard too. However, it relies on having a good internet connection. If your internet connection goes down, so does your telephone system.
If you are thinking about cutting your company’s expenses and opting for VoIP, companies such as Network Telecom are able to support you with any costs and the set up. Give them a call today on +44 (0) 800 097 6543.