Hosted VoIP for Beginners

Hosted VoIP technology has made it faster and easier than ever to connect with business partners and clients around the globe. With VoIP, voice and data communications operations can be streamlined and simplified, reducing labor and equipment costs in the process. Because of its multifunctional abilities, general ease of use, and relatively low service fees, VoIP is one of the most popular telecommunications technologies available on the market. A hosted VoIP system is one option many businesses are turning to because it’s usually hassle-free and quite reliable.

As a telecommunications technology, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a tool used in managing voice and data communications. Over a single Internet connection, VoIP transmits voice and data operations such as telephone calls, email, video chatting, and faxing, among other services. The single network connection juggles multiple operations at once, demonstrating its efficiency as a business communications tool.

Hosted VoIP systems are reliant on both the equipment and services of a hosting vendor to manage voice and data communications. The vendor’s hosted-PBX equipment routes these voice and data operations for a company. The host vendor routes incoming and outgoing calls through the PTSN (public switched telephone network) directly to the hosted-PBX system. This way, the company doesn’t have to house the equipment on its premises, which eliminates the costly fees that are sometimes related to maintenance and upkeep. This has made hosted VoIP especially popular with small to medium-sized businesses.

Hosted VoIP works by leveraging the same techniques and infrastructure that the internet uses for the distribution of information. Calls made using hosted VoIP are connected to the internet using the router. The router directs the data packet to the remotely hosted VoIP servers which process and manage the call. These hosted VoIP servers route and connect the call to its correct destination. All the same, steps are followed in the reverse order on the receiving end. For the hosted VoIP to work properly and efficiently, you require a stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth and a secure IP network. 

Hosted VoIP’s internet-powered technology offers much more besides standard phone features such as conference calls. While there is a wide range of features supported by VoIP, your exact selection depends on how much you pay and your provider. It is only wise to choose features that you will be using, so it is best to opt for a custom plan based on your unique business requirements.  Some key hosted VoIP features are: 

• Advanced call analytics
• Auto attendant
• CRM integration
• Extension numbers and number changes
• Find me, follow me
• HD call quality
• Instant messaging
• Local phone numbers
• Mobile app
• Online fax services
• Sophisticated call management (inclusive of routing and screening calls)
• Toll-free phone numbers
• Unlimited calling
• Unlimited scalability
• Video conferencing
• Voice mail as well as voice mail to text or email
• Voicemail-to-email

There are many advantages to choosing a hosted VoIP system for your business. One of the most significant is hosted VoIP’s adaptability. With hosted VoIP, a company can add or remove features at any time. Unexpected fluctuations in business may necessitate a reduced telecommunications budget, for instance, and hosted VoIP allows for the scaling back of services. Likewise, for a growing business, new features like mobile access can be easily added on at any time. Other advantages of hosted VoIP include remote maintenance and technical assistance provided by the vendor and an easy transition from older telephony equipment.

• Better Pricing

The traditional phone systems required special infrastructure and came with hefty price quotes, and phone companies would hike up the prices without any notice. Unlike those traditional phone companies, a hosted VoIP provider guarantees the same fixed monthly fee for using their phone system services, with the option to upgrade. Furthermore, a hosted VoIP does not require special equipment and infrastructure, thus making it a far less expensive option than a non-hosted VoIP. Since calls are made over the internet, you will experience much cheaper or even totally free long-distance and international calls with hosted VoIP. You only need to pay the monthly or annual flat fee for the selected features that hosted VoIP offers, and no maintenance or support fees.  

• Security of Hosted VoIP

After installing hosted VoIP, within 2 to 13 days you can start using it. With the VoIP servers in place, calls undergo advanced encryption to provide high-level security to your text and audio conversations. 

• Technical Customer Support

Most hosted VoIP providers offer technical customer support and periodic maintenance as part of their VoIP package. This way, you save yourself from the worry of having to hire an IT specialist for repair services, as your provider takes care of such issues. 

• Additional Features

A hosted PBX system offers a wide range of advanced add-on features, such as softphones, video calling, audio conferencing, instant messaging, and more.

• Suitable for Long-term Business Growth

Hosted VoIP are a cost-effective and efficient choice with a suite of useful features, making them a great investment for businesses. As hosted VoIP can support a remote employee base, they are great for scaling businesses, making them a popular choice in both the private and public sectors. 

• Streamlined Communications

A hosted VoIP removes the need for complex call routing methods and long waiting durations and streamlines all office communications with ease.

Some drawbacks for hosted VoIP do exist, however. Regular fees may add up to a higher price overall for hosted VoIP services, as opposed to the cost of having an on-site system. Also, upgrades in systems may take longer due to a backlog of updates being filed. On-site upgrades generally take shorter amounts of time.

To expand your company’s telecommunications reach, hosted VoIP technology is a strong tool to consider. Easy to use, multifunctional, and adaptable, hosted VoIP is helping companies around the world stay in touch faster and more reliably.