The Ultimate Guide to Managed VoIP Systems for Business

As telecommunications technology advances, many companies use managed VoIP to handle their voice and data operation needs. With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, voice and data communications (such as basic telephone service, email, video chatting, and faxing) are transmitted over an Internet connection. 

When a company uses VoIP to administer its telecommunications functions, it must choose between a managed or hosted VoIP system. Each has particular advantages and drawbacks, which are worth considering before making a decision. The costs of installing and operating a VoIP can be high, and skilled personnel will be needed to ensure the system runs smoothly for employees. Mainly they depend on the number of lines being used by the company.

Managed VoIP allows users to handle multiple calls and data applications through a single network, eliminating the need for older and more expensive telephone equipment and maintenance costs. Managed VoIP also ensures that the phone systems are managed well without really needing extra staff to manage them.

Managed VoIP is a kind of fixed investment system, which means you have to buy a specific plan, and there aren’t too many options for alteration or customization. You register the number of phones your company uses, and you get charged for using all those phones per month.

The pros of managed VoIP systems include call forwarding, mobility, data integration, etc. However, some drawbacks of managed VoIP include factors like upgrading the system or fixing some problems that may be difficult because most of the equipment is placed in the customer's company offices.

Hosted VoIP systems are ideal for small businesses because of their customizable services and cost-effectiveness. Both systems are initially similar but mainly differ in what they offer. Hosted VoIP systems are usually better because they have lower costs, and most equipment is placed in the VoIP provider’s office. This is good because if there is some error within the equipment, it could be fixed by calling the provider VoIP company.

Hosted VoIP systems are not fixed payment plans for a month, they are flexible, and the costs mainly depend on the outgoing and incoming calls that your company is getting. This way, it is more accessible for small businesses to manage according to their investments and turn them up or down a notch when their business is going well and when it's not.

When a managed VoIP system is in place, a third-party vendor can provide all of the equipment installation, storage facilities, technical support, and software maintenance services. All equipment is kept either at the subscriber’s location or that of the third party. 

A company can select an all-inclusive service package appropriate for its telecommunications needs. Managed VoIP systems generally have more add-on features available (such as fax capabilities), have lower call costs, and can be customized depending on the types of services a company needs to perform.

One of the most attractive features of managed VoIP solutions is that it is customizable depending on the customers’ requirements. This kind of package can earn more points in the market.

Managed VoIP systems sometimes cost more than hosted VoIP systems because the equipment is often located in the office itself. A hosted VoIP system also uses a third party to control its functioning, but much less equipment is kept at the subscriber’s site. Managed VoIP usually attracts many medium-sized companies looking to reduce communications budgets and expand their business reach. Usually, only the managed VoIP phones and their associated software materials must be kept at the site. Because of this, businesses can reduce the costs that go along with servicing and maintaining telephone equipment. Having the VoIP technology hosted also allows updates to be applied faster than other types of systems.

The size of a business is one factor to consider when deciding which type of VoIP system — managed VoIP or hosted VoIP — will be best suited for your organization. Look at your location’s storage capabilities, budgetary needs, and desired features. After such an analysis, you’ll be well on maximizing your company’s telecommunications abilities through managed VoIP technology.

Overall, managed VoIP is easier to use, the providers manage the equipment, and the customers only have to deal with phone systems. If there’s a problem with the managed VoIP solutions, the company will fix it or send someone for assistance. In general, hosted and managed VoIP is a user-friendly service that allows customers to be free of any worries regarding their communication and phone systems.

Managed VoIP has customizable features to ensure that you only have to pay for the calls your company is making and receiving. There are no additional expenses at all that you have to worry about with managed VoIP phone systems.

Additional benefits of your managed VoIP systems include the ability to make conference calls on the go. It has a fantastic call redirecting system that allows you to create and receive phone calls while traveling. Your phone calls could be ultimately redirected towards your smartphone devices from your office landlines or your office laptops and computers.

Features including managed VoIP faxing are also there in the managed and hosted VoIP services; they ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything when successfully subscribed to the managed VoIP systems. It ensures that your faxing and phone systems are handled well. Managed VoIP providers can ease your worries and provide all the necessary equipment to handle your communication in place.

You can explore more about the nuances of managed VoIP and hosted VoIP using our VoIP phone systems buyer’s guide. You can compare the top VoIP phone service providers to ensure that you select the right managed VoIP provider for your business.