What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is quickly becoming a very popular technology among companies who are looking to save money on their long distance phone costs. VoIP allows consumers to place calls from their computer to another computer free of charge – much like a phone call is placed directly to a landline. In many ways, it’s kind of like using your broadband Internet service (VoIP) to make phone calls. Except with VoIP you’re using your broadband Internet service instead of your telephone company!
Most business VoIP services come with some type of call handling capabilities. For instance, most small business VoIP providers offer managed office phone service that allows multiple different users to connect to the same telephone or to utilize an external telephone system via an Internet connection. There may also be conference calling capabilities and even voice mail options. However, it’s important to note that not all business VoIP providers provide these services.
Small business VoIP providers usually provide softphones as part of the package. Softphones are simply phone devices that are able to transmit sound electronically – just like regular telephones. As such, they offer the ability to conduct telephone calls using digital technologies rather than analog technologies. A softphone is useful for a business trip because it eliminates the need for an extension, which can be expensive and time consuming to install.
One of the primary differences between a softphone and a regular telephone system is that a softphone is smaller than a regular telephone system. Small-business voip systems also use software or other hardware solutions to allow multiple calls coming in simultaneously from different locations. This is known as converged VoIP. Some advanced features of advanced business voip systems may include voice to email, video calling, conferencing, and web conferences.
When looking for a small business VoIP provider, you will want to consider the quality of the softphones that they offer. Since softphones use digital technologies, the quality of the sound depends on the quality of the digital technology. You can find softphones from a variety of manufacturers, including Ricon, Plantronics, and Linksys. VoIP phone systems usually come with easy to follow instructions that help you set up the system and connect the softphones to your internet service. Your VoIP provider should offer support for installation and setup.
Ricon and Plantronics are both well-known manufacturers of VoIP voice and data products. They are both industry leaders and have been supplying VoIP phone systems to businesses and residential customers for many years. Their newer products incorporate state of the art technologies for crystal-clear sound and high-speed voice transmissions. The technology incorporated into their newer products has been developed through years of research and includes key components such as HD Voice capability, 3-way conference calls, and call forwarding. HD Voice allows voice messages to be delivered at much higher speeds, which improves the speed of the voice message delivery.
If your business is looking for a low-cost VoIP solution, then a virtual IP network connection may be the best alternative. With this type of business phone system, you can enjoy features that include call forwarding, no maintenance fees, unlimited long distance calls, and no additional equipment to purchase. Most providers offer a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you are not completely satisfied with the quality of services you receive, you can return the equipment and be reimbursed. Some providers offer a toll-free number with an 800 number in the continental US. With an internet connection, users can dial this toll-free number to speak to a representative who will assist them with their VoIP business phone system needs.
Business VoIP phones can help your company provide improved customer service. With affordable plans available from VoIP providers like Vonage, customers can receive advanced calling features and options that have been previously available only to corporations. These services can include automated attendant services, call forwarding, conferencing, and web collaboration. Softphones are also an option that can help businesses communicate with customers on a more personal level. A softphone serves as a viable replacement for a customer service agent and can also be used by a person on the go.
