If you are using the old phone system (analog phones) with the PBX in your office, there has never been a better time to switch to VoIP (Voice over IP). VoIP is a proven technology that lets anyone place phone calls over an internet connection.
VoIP has become the definitive choice for phone service by consumers and businesses alike, alongside the rise of broadband. It offers many more capabilities than analog phones, and it can do it all for less than half the cost. Also, VoIP includes powerful features not found with standard phone service. Auto attendants, call recording, custom caller ID, voicemail to email, and so much more. Plus, you can take calls and work from anywhere.
With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic raging on, many businesses have been forced to switch to a “work from home” format, making these features essential and non-negotiable.
As with any technology, VOIP has its pros and cons. We are trying to address some of our small business clients’ most common questions before they switch to VoIP.
Is VoIP offer any savings? The answer is, the recurring costs after the initial installation and porting the numbers (which are very minimal) is not more than what you pay for an analog line. But the advanced features that it comes with and the fact that it can be hooked up anywhere (as long as you have an internet connection) without any technical setup bring businesses an incredible amount of savings versus the old analog phone systems. The main advantage is whether you have two phones or 200 phones, the initial costs (apart from the number of the actual phones) are the same.
What is the downside of VoIP?
- Needs a high-speed internet connection– VoIP doesn’t work well on dial-up or satellite-based Internet connections. You’ll need at least 100 kbps (0.1 Mbps) per phone line.
- Emergency services limitations – In the unlikely event you need to call 911 from your VoIP phone, you need to tell the operator your actual location. Voice over IP systems default to sending your company’s mailing address to public safety operators.
- Makes analog phones obsolete – Voice over IP uses new technology that doesn’t rely on analog signals. You’ll likely want to upgrade outdated phone handsets. These phones cost from $100 to $500 depending on the manufacturer and bells and whistles they come with.
Is VoIP Reliable?
In the early days of Voice over IP, the call quality was inconsistent. Sometimes calls dropped, and delays were expected. VoIP call quality (known as Quality of Service QoS) has improved dramatically as internet bandwidth increased. Some rules need to be configured in your firewall router that makes QoS much better. VoIP calls sound more crisp and clear as compared to a landline phone. However, this will depend on your internet service provider. The SIP protocol itself allows for error-correction protocols like TCP or UDP.
What to consider before choosing VoIP?
Having a VoIP adds reliability to your business. However, not all providers are the same. To decide on the best phone service, consider your specific business needs short term and long term.
- Incoming call volume
- Current resources and staffing such as a call center (having a dedicated team to call and support clients)
- Voice over IP functionality
- Video conferencing needs
- Scalability business growth and shrinkage
Which VoIP provider to choose?
There are many VoIP providers and once you have an idea of your VoIP features and requirements, look for a service provider that fits your budget and can grow with you. Take into consideration customer reviews, availability of live help, and documentation. Here are several qualities to look for in a VoIP phone service provider:
- Proven reliability with minimal downtime
- Compatible with your network
- Live support available 24/7
- Multiple, redundant data centers
- No-pressure sales experience
- Optional professional services
- Examples of clients in a similar industry
- Length of the contract commitment
When you’re in discussion with a VoIP provider, ask about the available specials. You could be eligible for a free business VoIP phone or a hefty discount, depending on your commitment.
For most people, VoIP is the clear winner over analog landlines. VoIP offers the best value, cost savings, and the most useful features.
CEO Computers is an authorized dealer for major VoIP providers such as Ring Central, Vonage and Jive as well as others. We offer free consultation to figure out the best package and vendor for you. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at: 818-501-2281 or via email at: info@ceocomputers.com
As an IT company in the business for over 33 years, CEO Computers is a trusted name in the local community and have gained that reputation by providing quality, dependability and a strong IT support system. Give us a call and let us assist you with your IT needs.
