What Are The Benefits of VoIP For Business?
In today’s fast-paced, data-driven climate, modern businesses are continually seeking new ways to enhance their communication systems and further streamline their operations. For many businesses, the solution lies in VoIP – also known as VoIP for business, VoIP telephony or Voice Over Internet Protocol.
In just a few short years, VoIP has very quickly replaced the traditional phone lines of many businesses. In fact, it’s currently considered the best solution to the much talked about ISDN Switch Off. If your business has a remote or hybrid workforce, is using an outdated telecom system or is simply looking for better ways to collaborate and communicate, VoIP may be the solution you’re looking for.
As with any new IT infrastructure, there is much to consider when it comes to introducing VoIP to your business. So what is VoIP? And what are the benefits of VoIP for business?
What is VoIP?
In simple terms, Voice over Internet Protocol, more commonly known as VoIP telephony or simply VoIP (pronounced ‘vooip’), allows businesses and organisations to make and receive phone calls over the internet. While you can still choose to have a hard phone with VoIP, many businesses opt for a softphone meaning employees can place and take phone calls as well as record messages and access their voicemail through an online network.
VoIP is a very reliable form of communication for businesses and can make a great replacement for traditional phone lines. With a stable internet connection, you can rely on VoIP to provide high-quality phone calls whilst also benefitting from additional features, such as call recording and custom caller ID. Using VoIP, voicemail messages can also be sent directly to your email, which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. These features are made possible by using the internet instead of old copper cables.
The ISDN Switch Off
Currently set for 2025 with a halt in ISDN installation by 2023, the ISDN Switch Off is the copper-based system that has supported telephone networks for several decades. As the technology no longer has the scope nor the capability to keep up with modern demand, the switch-off will see an end to traditional phone systems as we know them.
In a nutshell, VoIP is the future. If your business is hoping to not only keep up but stay ahead of the tech curve, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
VoIP features
Whilst additional features can vary from provider to provider, some of the core features that a business may benefit from include…
- Call Screening – Screen telephone calls with the click of a button, diverting incoming calls and recognised callers to different handsets, mobile phones or mailboxes.
- Voicemail to Email – Voicemail recordings, or in some instances transcriptions, can be sent to an email address, ensuring users never miss an important message.
- Do Not Disturb – Individual phone lines can easily switch to ‘Do Not Disturb’ and other statuses based on a user’s wishes or behaviour such as when presenting or in a video call on a different platform.
- Multiple Platforms – The same phone line can be used via a traditional telephone handset, a mobile device or on a desktop or laptop with a headset, based on the preference of the user.
- Call Conferencing – Call conferencing can be set up with ease to incorporate internal and external numbers and a range of different handset types.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
VoIP telephony is a reliable and secure answer to bulky and outdated hard phones. Benefits include…
Reliability
The reliability of VoIP is determined by the quality of your internet connection. This means if your business internet is stable and has enough bandwidth, your VoIP system will be reliable. It also means an unstable internet connection can lead to issues such as call drops or poor call quality. As a result, challenges with your VoIP telephony network can often be remedied by simply upgrading your internet connection to a leased line connection.
Fewer overhead costs and heightened flexibility
As VoIP telephony is a relatively new technology, you may think it would be more costly than a hard phone. In reality, VoIP is a lot cheaper than a traditional landline.
In contrast to line rental charges and the additional cost of each call, VoIP can be tailored to the needs of you and your business. Working much like a mobile phone contract, you will receive a bespoke bundle that includes additional features and perks. You also won’t need to purchase physical handsets or a hard phone unless you specifically need it – it’s as simple as plugging your headset into your work computer.
Better business continuity
A VoIP telephone system can cement business continuity in your day-to-day operations in ways traditional phone communications cannot. For example, if you lose your internet connection, there will typically be a practical and cost-effective solution compared to the process of fixing a broken phone line. As a result, you will experience minimal downtime – especially if you have an IT support company like Acronyms to resolve the issue for you.
More mobility
In this day and age, flexibility and mobility are crucial for small and large businesses alike. Fortunately, VoIP telephony is a scalable, flexible tool that can be easily implemented within your operations.
VoIP is most often implemented and managed by IT support companies on behalf of a business. Most professional IT support teams will be able to create a bespoke VoIP package and tailor it to the needs of your business. This gives you and your employees added flexibility when it comes to your overhead costs as well as additional perks and features traditional communication networks can’t offer.
As VoIP relies on the internet to function, it’s easy to scale your system up and add more employees as your business grows. VoIP also easily integrates with work mobiles and as a result, allows for added mobility. This means your employees will be able to access your network from anywhere, which is ideal as the world increasingly moves towards hybrid and remote working.
How much does VoIP cost?
While the initial investment in setting up a VoIP system may seem higher than that of a traditional landline, the long-term costs are significantly less. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP doesn’t require expensive hardware, additional phone lines or extra maintenance fees. Your business will also be able to make unlimited local and long-distance calls at a much lower cost – often with predictable monthly bills.
VoIP at Acronyms IT Support
In this day and age, it is critical for large and small organisations to stay ahead of the tech curve. Keeping your digital assets and IT infrastructure up to date and managed proactively has a number of advantages for your business, from nurturing growth to maintaining continuity in your day-to-day operations. With that in mind, and with the demise of ISDN on the horizon, there’s never been a better moment to integrate VoIP telephony into your daily business operations.
Since 2003, Acronyms IT Support has been helping businesses and organisations in the South West manage their IT infrastructure. Our team of technicians, engineers, and consultants can provide your business with a selection of digital solutions and services, including VoIP, that can give your business the foundations it needs to thrive and grow in the digital era.
If you’re ready to make the switch or have any questions about any of the other services we have to offer, please book a no-obligation consultation with the team today.
Alternatively, here are a number of resources you might find useful: