Many businesses have moved from traditional phone service to VoIP phone systems -- Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as voice over the Internet. A VoIP phone works and feels like a regular phone, but it’s different. While an ordinary phone uses a phone company, a VoIP phone system utilizes the Internet to connect with others. VoIP calls go through the web in digital format, which often improves the clarity and speed of communications.
A VoIP phone system handset can be handy, usually improving the quality of the phone calls. Many businesses choose VoIP phone systems over regular phone service because it is easy to use and doesn’t require expensive equipment. Other noteworthy efficiencies are:
Benefits of Using a VoIP Phone System
These are some key advantages of implementing a VoIP phone system in your business:
Cost
VoIP is cheap and cost efficiency is a significant feature of this type of phone system. Its cost, starting at about $30 per user a month, is very attractive to many businesses. VoIP phone system services may provide free phone numbers and extra lines, among other standard features. You can select a number in any State and convert your long-distance calls into local calls. Usually, businesses already have an appropriate bandwidth requirement and can start using a VoIP phone system without significant expenses. Wi-Fi handsets can be pricey, but they can save firms money compared to cell phones.
Mobility
Connecting a VoIP handset is a simple process, increasing efficiency remarkably -- you just connect the phone to an Ethernet cable if you’re using a network. If you have a Wi-Fi connection, you turn the phone on, access a wireless internet connection, and you’re ready to go. You can receive VoIP calls anywhere within the computer network by connecting your phone to the Internet. If you switch to VoIP and move offices, there is no need to move phone equipment – it’s all there, ready to be used.
Connections
You could use your computer and microphone to use the VoIP phone system, making it very convenient and inexpensive. However, you could connect using VoIP by using an “Analog Telephone Adapter,” also known as “ATA.” Using this system, you bypass your computer and access the Internet separately, and you get your calls without the need for computers to be on at all times. You connect a specific handset to the ATA, and you’re connected – an excellent efficiency.
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Disadvantages of Using a VoIP Phone System
There are some caveats for using a VoIP phone system in your business:
Reliable Internet Connection Required
A VoIP phone system cannot function without an internet connection, and a reliable internet connection is essential to maintaining the clarity of the VoIP call.
Latency and Jitters
VoIP phone system calls made without adequate bandwidth to support the call data packets transfer can call latency and jitters. Hence, it is recommended that you invest in the right network infrastructure to support your VoIP phone system. You may even have to get a special router for VoIP to make and receive calls without interruptions.
Not Reliable During an Emergency
Since VoIP phone systems rely on an active internet connection, any interruption to the connectivity can cause it to be unreliable. Hence, VoIP phone system providers have adopted E911 features to protect you in time of need.
Does VoIP Work Without the Internet?
VoIP phone systems have built-in features that allow calls to be routed to mobile numbers to ensure connectivity at all times. However, because of these concerns, businesses are moving to cloud-based VoIP phone systems that allow users to access the system from anywhere.
This has allowed businesses to run decentralized VoIP call centers to aid in their customer service initiatives. These mobile features of VoIP phone systems have allowed mobile workforces to report to work from anywhere and still get the job done.
Do VoIP Phone Systems Need a Provider?
You will require a VoIP phone system provider to make and receive calls. Companies that develop and sell VoIP phone systems help businesses save money on placing calls over standard networks.
These VoIP phone system providers can provide businesses with innovative tools to grow their businesses with easy user-friendly user interfaces. Higher employee adoption will streamline your business communication with VoIP phone systems.
VoIP phone systems can also be integrated with other business solutions such as CRM, e-commerce, and other software to provide a frictionless customer service experience.
What is the Best VoIP Phone System Provider?
Here are some of the best VoIP phone system providers.
Nextiva
Nextiva provides businesses with standard VoIP phone system services with affordable monthly subscriptions starting as low as $19.95. Nextiva offers all the features of VoIP, such as IM, voice calls, video calls, call controls, and cloud-syncing, making it one of the most popular business communications solution providers. Here is how you can make the best of your VoIP phone system RFP with our guide.
RingCentral
RingCentral leverages data and analytics to make it one of the best VoIP phone systems on the market. Its cloud-based VoIP phone system platform allows businesses to collaborate from anywhere in the world.
RingCentral enables businesses to improve internal and external communication with customizable features to fit your company’s unique needs. With affordable monthly subscription plans to fit the budget of any business, RingCentral checks off all the requirements of a VoIP phone system provider.
8x8
8x8 is a cloud-based VoIP phone system that works with the customer's budget. With their customizable VoIP phone systems to support businesses of any size, you’ll be sure to find the right VoIP package for your business at a price you can afford. Businesses are moving to the cloud thanks to 8x8 VoIP phone systems and enjoying the security, reliability, and VoIP features. with 99% uptime, 8x8 provides consistent VoIP service wherever you are. Businesses can grow and expand by using cloud technology to expand their call centers internationally with their call center plan. Integrations with CRM systems make 8x8 one of the best VoIP phone systems.
Compare the best VoIP phone systems using our Phone system software guide.
