What is Business VoIP?

VoIP solutions are taking the business world by storm. Most businesses have switched to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service network from their traditional landline setup. So it’s no surprise if you are also considering it.

In fact, if statistics are to be believed, a study carried out in 2015 shows that nearly 40% of small enterprises have made the switch to the VoIP industry. But do you know what Business VoIP is? And more importantly, is it the right direction for your business to turn to?

Is Business VoIP Something New?

Traditionally, communication within and outside organizations was carried out via regular landlines. To communicate with people across multiple branches at affordable rates, some high-end businesses made use of PBX – Public Branch Exchange.

However, a shift in communication methods was seen with the rise of the internet. More and more businesses started shifting gears toward a digitalized communications solution which came in the form of Business VoIP. Business VoIP with its affordable pricing and unique features has proven to be ideal for small to medium businesses. As times move ahead, the technology in VoIP is improving with enhanced features like, video conferencing and remote calling, among others, optimizing the phone calling experience for all types of businesses.

How Does Business VoIP Work?

Imagine communicating all your verbal conversations like you do with your email correspondence. That’s precisely how VoIP works. It uses the internet to transmit all your data that was previously sent across through land lines.

However that’s not the only impressive upside of VoIP. What makes VoIP so popular with businesses around the world is its installation which makes the shift from traditional phone line to VoIP service seamless. Sometimes, all you have to do is plug in the telephone set your VoIP service providers provide you with. In fact, a lot of the times you can operate your network via soft phones – meaning your VoIP network is available to you on your computer. VoIP is also run on mobile apps that are accessible on any platform or device, provided it has an internet connection.

What Are The Advantages Of Business VoIP?

Most business VoIPs have a friendly-to-use interface that helps businesses operate efficiently and worldwide as the while maintaining a local presence. However efficiency is just one of the many benefits of using Business VoIP. These may include (but not limited to):

Unique Features:Business VoIP has a wide range of innovative and unique features that sets it apart from traditional phone systems. These features enhance your communicating experience with options like auto-attendants, call forwarding, video conferencing and more. Traditional features like voicemail and fax are also available with Business VoIP solutions with lower costs and higher functionality.
Lower Costs: Speaking of lower costs, you can save money with Business VoIP. Business VoIP focus on cost minimization with reduced initial costs of installation and setup as well a fixed monthly plan that helps you maintain your budget.
Staff Satisfaction: The best way to improve productivity is ensuring the job satisfaction of your employees. With Business VoIP, you can allow your employees to work from home and remote locations without disrupting communication with your clients. This makes your business more accessible to the customer and provides your employees with the freedom of not being bound to a desk while still working.
Flexibility and Scalability: Business VoIPs grow with your business. Any change in the size or operations of your business is accommodated by your Business VoIP providers. This way you can freely expand or scale down your business without worrying about having to invest in an in-house IT support.

Are There Any Disadvantages Of Using VoIP For My Business?

Even though VoIP is the ideal solution for most businesses out there, it has its own drawbacks. The most debated upon of which is the Quality of Service (QoS). It’s true, no matter how inexpensive and easy-to-use Business VoIP is, it may lack in voice quality. Just like on Facetime or Skype, you might experience problems like voice stuttering and latency issues when using Business VoIP.

However, it is not as severe a problem as you might think because Business VoIP runs on a much stronger bandwidth than free apps that you use for personal purposes. To avoid any and all quality issues just be mindful of having:

Efficient and up-to-date hardware
A recommended VoIP provider
A strong internet connection.

Another factor that you should take into consideration is that Business VoIP runs on power. This means any system failure in your electricity or internet supply can withhold any and all connections. This can prove catastrophic for businesses therefore explore your options and contact your service providers regarding your decision before you make the final call. Once you are sure you are ready to switch to a VoIP solution, take your pick from the top 10 VoIP providers for business to ensure maximum results.

Final Word: How Do I Know Which Business VoIP Is Right For My Company?

Business VoIP has a clear edge over traditional telephony; it’s cost efficient, easy to operate and maintain and flexible for all types of business dealings. Moreover business VoIPs come along with unique features that help enhance your efficiency and productivity levels, of which increased sales is a direct consequence.

As easy it is to set up a VoIP network though, it can be quite overwhelming to decide between the various recommended VoIP providers on the market. Comparing the top VoIP providers to see which one suits your business needs best might help make that decision.

You can also check out our reviews of every great VoIP provider out there and make a well-informed decision that will lead your business to the path of success.