If you’re reading this you’ve probably asked yourself what is VoIP? Or What is VoIP phone? Put simply, VoIP is your phone through the internet. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. The use of VoIP phones has been a rapidly growing trend and isn’t slowing down. So, really what is VoIP, what are VoIP features and benefits, and how does all of that relate to your business? To learn more about VoIP phone systems and to see if they’re right for you contact Executech.
What is VoIP
VoIP is a type of phone system that doesn’t rely on traditional telephone lines. Instead, VoIP phones utilize the internet to make phone calls. So, in fewer words, VoIP phones are phones that work with an internet connection and make and receive calls through the internet. That being said, they still have a traditional looking phone that is operated the same way as a traditional phone would. The only difference between the handsets is that instead of being plugged into your phone line, VoIP phones are plugged into your computer or an internet port. Follow this link to watch a VoIP expert discuss VoIP in an in-depth video course.
Traditional telephone lines come with a slew of limitations. The first is that you are tied down to where those lines exist and you lack the ability to be mobile. Also, traditional phone lines are vulnerable to outside mishaps i.e. car accidents, lightning strikes, storms etc. All of these things out of your control eventually lead to some very frustrating situations. Enter VoIP. With VoIP, you are free from many of the issues that arise from phone lines and all you need is a reliable internet connection. Later in this article, we’ll discuss VoIP features and benefits, so keep reading. Still not clear on the answer to the question what is VoIP? Watch this in-depth video that discusses VoIP more in-depth.
How Does VoIP Work?
Traditional phone lines require an analog signal in order to transmit information. Their process is your phone receiver creates an analog signal of your voice and that is packaged and sent along telephone wires to another phone receiver that then receives and transmits those same analog signals. VoIP differs because it uses digital signals. A VoIP phone creates a digital signal, and that digital signal can be easily transmitted to another digital signal or an analog signal. This means that your internet VoIP phone can send and receive phone calls with other digital or VoIP phones but can also be used with traditional analog phone signals found in landlines.
VoIP Features and Benefits
There are many VoIP features and benefits. Below is a compiled list of some of the best VoIP features and benefits of VoIP phone systems. Also, at the bottom of this article, you’ll find an in-depth infographic that reviews the key features and benefits of VoIP phone systems.
VoIP Features
Easy Installation
Setting up a VoIP phone system is incredibly easy. Even non-technically savvy individuals can generally install and configure their own VoIP systems.
Scale Up or Down
VoIP makes it seamless to scale with your business. It’s hard to know how many new phones you may need in a few months and with VoIP, it doesn’t matter. To add a new phone system is a simple as buying a new handset and plugging it in, that’s about it. The same goes for removing a line when an employee leaves, it’s an effortless process.
Additional features with VoIP:
- HD Voice- crystal clear audio quality
- Conference Calling
- Three-Way Calling
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting and Transferring
- Redial or Return Call
- Call Forwarding
- “Not in Service” Message- completely customizable messages
- Voicemail Access Via Web Browser
- Digital Faxing (turn a document into a digital form and send it via email to a fax machine or to an email address)
- And many more!
7 Surprising VoIP Benefits
1. Huge Savings
Businesses save an average of 50%-75% after switching to VoIP. The average cost per line for a landline is around $50/month, whereas with VoIP phone systems that number drops to around $25/month. These savings depend on what plans you have currently and what you want in your new VoIP package, but regardless, with VoIP, you’re going to get a lot more for a lot less.
2. Mobile and Easy to Relocate
VoIP systems are very mobile and can accommodate multiple locations and even remote users. VoIP works great for remote employees and employees who travel a lot. You can have their desk phone, home phone, and cell phone all set up to the same phone number so that they can access their same work line from anywhere. Also, since VoIP phone systems aren’t tied to any landlines, moving offices or locations is as simple as unplugging your phone at your old place, and then plugging it in at the new place.
3. Voicemail to Email
One of the most exciting features of VoIP is the ability to have your voicemails transcribed to emails and have those sent to you. Let’s be honest, we all hate voicemails. There’s nothing worse than coming home from a few days off to an overflowing number of voicemails. VoIP can eliminate that problem. Having your voicemails transcribed and sent your email makes it easy to sift through what’s important and what’s not.
4. Cheaper than Landlines
Businesses with at least 30 phone users typically save $1,200/month or more when switching to VoIP. With those cost savings, also comes increased reliability and a wider range of advanced features.
5. Boosts Productivity
Approximately 31% of all businesses use VoIP systems for the logistical benefits that help them gain a competitive edge. With all of the added features and the ease of use with VoIP phone systems, businesses are able to enhance their productivity. VoIP helps you to work smarter.
6. Conferencing
VoIP takes your collaboration to the next level with conference calls that can be accessed from anywhere, even internationally. With VoIP, you are finally free of long distance and in most cases, even international phone charges.
7. HD Voice
With VoIP, you’ll experience the sound quality and clarity of HD Voice that can never be achieved by landlines. This VoIP benefit will allow you to have incredible audio clarity with every call.
There are many VoIP features and benefits in addition to what we’ve covered here. Watch this great video to learn more about VoIP features and benefits.
Finding the Right VoIP Provider
When you do decide that VoIP is right for you, next comes the decision of which provider is right for you. As you can imagine, there is a multitude. There are several key things to consider when deciding on which VoIP provider is the best fit:
- Package Offerings: Every provider will have slightly different package offerings for VoIP services. You’ll need to analyze your businesses needs and see what services and functions are most important to you. Then you’ll need to compare the features you want with the number of users you’ll need and compare the different providers.
- Use MSP (Managed Service Providers): Compared to landlines, VoIP is easy to install. That being said, it does still require a skilled hand. Especially for large businesses that will be installing five or more VoIP phone systems you’ll want to use a managed service provider, or IT professional, to install and prepare the phones for you. This will help make the process as quick and easy as possible. Also, often MSP’s can have discounts with different providers and may be able to get you a cheaper price than if you were to go directly through the provider.
Executech: The MSP That Has You in Mind
Executech is a managed IT services company that is founded on putting people first and providing IT with a personal touch. Too many MSP’s are driven by the bottom line and make it difficult for businesses to find solutions that work for them. Executech is the opposite, we don’t have contracts, we assign you one technician who you’ll solely work with, and we adapt our offerings to you. With VoIP, we have connections with every major VoIP provider throughout the western United States and can help find the option that works best for you. We also offer your first month of VoIP Free!
So, what is VoIP and what is VoIP phone? A better way to communicate.
Find out if VoIP is right for your business with an expert consultation or free assessment for VoIP related IT Services in Seattle, IT Support in Spokane, or Managed IT Services in Utah or Oregon.
