Business VoIP, What Every Business Needs

Business VoIP is the commercial version of VoIP services. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is also referred to as cloud telephony, hosted telephony, IP telephony, Internet telephony, just to mention a few. It is considered one of the most successful phone technologies we have today. Business VoIP is a business phone service that makes use of an internet connection instead of the traditional PSTN landline connection. It is considered a more cost efficient option for business because you can send voice, data, and video communications through your internet network at a fraction of the cost. Business VoIP offers more in terms of features for small and medium sized businesses as compared to landline services.

This technology is equipped with some of the latest phone system features that are quite essential in the operation of small to medium size businesses. These include PBX capabilities, conference calling, desk-to-desk calling, call routing, automated attendant systems and music-on-hold. Business VoIP services enable any company to offer the same level of service that is offered by large-scale enterprise systems to customers. These systems provide Unified Communication solutions that facilitate the mobility and flexibility required by any business regardless of size. With an inexpensive feature packed Business VoIP phone solution, your business is able to operate cost efficiently at an advanced level at par with large scale systems.

How to Choose the Best Business VoIP Provider

A host of companies are providing Business VoIP solutions to companies today. Your business phone service can start as low as $20 per line monthly, for a premium small business VoIP service. The total cost you pay for this service is primarily pegged to the number of lines and extensions. However, it is quite critical that you determine what exactly you need to make the transition easy, fast, and cost-effective.

As you choose your Business VoIP service provider, you must take into account the system features that you require and the anticipated usage. This is because depending on whether it is a small business VoIP provider or an enterprise phone system, all business phone services have different sets of features and hence different prices.

Step 1: Determine whether the speed of your internet connection or bandwidth is sufficient. (Your service provider can assist you with this)

Step 2: Depending on your budget, calling needs, and the phone system features you want you can narrow down to specific small business VoIP offerings to determine who can offer the best package for your budget.

Step 3: Determine which equipment matches your company’s phone system current needs, and that can serve you for the foreseeable future. A phone can be acquired anywhere from $50 to $500; depending on its features. It is prudent to consider phones from renowned manufacturers such as Panasonic, Cisco, Polycom and Toshiba.

Step 4: Before you settle on one company, you can compare companies based on the quality of service, reliability, cost; features offered and remember to check reviews by small Business VoIP users.

Questions to ask Potential Business VoIP Providers:

  • What are the startup and recurring costs?
  • Do you offer a money back guarantee?
  • Do you offer this service on contract? Are there cancellation fees? How is the cancellation process?
  • What calling features are included in the package? What features do you offer at an extra cost?
  • Are you able to port phone numbers and what are the costs involved?
  • Do you offer international calling services?
  • What kind of support do you offer?
  • Do you offer E911and what are the costs involved?
  • Do you have a mobile app?

Core Benefits of using VoIP for your Business Phone Service

Increased Mobility and Flexibility: Business VoIP allows for the integration of software and programs. These include e-mail, e-fax, and remote conferencing. This Internet phone service enables users to speak over the phone while accessing other applications. Users of this service can travel with their adapters making it possible to have telephone conversations at venues that have an internet connection. The “follow me”feature is convenient for business people on the move and who travel a lot. For companies that engage in international business, long distance VoIP calls are relatively cheaper as compared to traditional cell phone calls.

Increased Productivity: Business VoIP increases savings and lowers costs for any business. Using this phone technology funds traditionally allocated to traditional phone bills can be allocated to other aspects of business. It can increase the overall productivity of a business by allowing employees to multi-task. Business VoIP allows users to share documents, video conference, and conduct virtual meetings. VoIP phone technology has also significantly improved the quality of phone calls by significantly reducing lagging transmission, dropped calls and has generally enhanced voice clarity. This phone technology has simply improved the overall efficiency of businesses.

Multiple Numbers on Demand: With business VoIP building an aggregated business phone service with multiple numbers is possible. Multiple numbers enable the fulfillment of multiple assignments. This is possible for small businesses, enterprises or call center communications. Depending on your VoIP provider additional numbers can be offered free or at a small additional monthly fee. It is important to assess different providers to determine if they offer key components such as virtual faxing, extensions as well as toll-free numbers.

Flexible Messaging Solutions: Business VoIP avails options that simplify the retrieving and maintaining of your business messages. Voicemail transcription enables you to either read messages in your inbox or receive them as text messages.

Business SMS: This service keeps your business and personal phone numbers separate. As a business executive, it gives you the flexibility to send business messages from different devices through your business phone number.

Auto Attendant Service: This is an automated receptionist service. It can greet callers with customizable recordings. Through the use of unique menus, the auto attendant directs callers to different departments, extensions, and individuals in the business.

Automatic call distribution: This is an advanced VoIP feature that is smart enough to connect the right individual to the right call.

With the constant advancements in technology, there are a host of services, features, and apps that you can tap into for a more efficient and effective business.