A Guide to VoIP Systems For Small Businesses
When it comes to VoIP, there are many different options available to businesses. One of the most popular systems is the VoIP PBX. This is a voice over IP, or virtual phone system that integrates with other computer network technologies, such as email and intranet. The benefits of using a virtual phone system over a conventional telephone system include:
The one drawback of this system is the price. It can be expensive, and the features that you will get are not often available on the low-end systems. However, these systems can be very useful for small businesses. They make business communication less formal and allow employees to take their work home rather than having to make return calls.
Another choice is a traditional telephone system. These systems have the hardware to pick up and send calls. You also have a set monthly fee to pay. Depending on your usage, this could be a good deal. They tend to be less formal than VoIP systems for small business.
However, even with the monthly fee attached to a telephone system, the cost can be very high. In addition to the monthly cost, you may also have to pay for extra hardware, such as a phone jack or adapter, and additional telephone lines. Some providers require you to use an Internet service provider, which can be another added expense. These systems can also offer higher quality than a VoIP system, but they are still less efficient than using a broadband Internet connection directly.
The best option for small business communications is a hosted VoIP system. These systems are provided by specialized providers who manage the servers, and all the software that goes along with them. All you need to purchase is a high-speed Internet connection, which is usually supplied free with your chosen hosting provider. When you set up your account, you will receive a toll free number to which you can then call and place telephone calls.
This type of service allows you to have the convenience of making phone calls from your office computer, even if you are out of the office. The system automatically routes calls to your business number, and you can easily see who is calling. If you have a cell phone, call forwarding can be set up so that you can answer the phone using any compatible mobile phone. It is completely undetectable from the outside, and calls will not be recorded or interrupted.
The main drawback of a system like this is that you must have access to a high-speed Internet connection. You will not be able to place calls using your home phone if you do not have a high-speed Internet connection. The other disadvantage is that the system does not include any call forwarding functionality, and you will need a phone jack in order to use the system with your cell phone. These types of systems are usually more expensive than other similar solutions, but you can pay up to three times as much as you would for an unsecured system with call forwarding. If you are going to use this type of service for your small business, you will probably want to consider an unsecured solution until you hear about businesses that provide voice over IP services with this type of hardware.
Other small business systems, sometimes referred to as virtual pbx systems, work by using a computer network to route phone calls. As with these systems, you can easily integrate them with VoIP software that is available for download. As with other VoIP solutions, the system uses your existing phone number and accepts calls from any compatible cell phone. Some of these systems allow you to receive calls on your VOIP phone and others also support regular phone calls. Businesses that need advanced features may find it beneficial to have one of these systems instead of a basic phone system.
