Why Your Small Business Needs VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers many advantages for small and mid-sized businesses. VoIP turns voice conversation into data packets sent between two network points. But don’t worry, the person you’re calling doesn’t need to be using a similar system. The technology turns the data back into analog at the receiving end if needed. Basically, VoIP uses your broadband Internet connection to make and receive calls – no phone plan needed.
Bypassing traditional or mobile phones, VoIP users avoid long-distance or extra minute charges. Beyond long distance savings, additional useful features include voicemail, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call recording – all at no extra charge.
Plus, there’s cost savings from reducing and consolidating communications infrastructure. Streamlining voice, data, and broadband services with one provider can cut costs. With VoIP, you can also reduce your investment in setting up and maintaining traditional communications.
VoIP Enables Flexibility
Mobility is a big reason to move to VoIP. Downloading a business VoIP application turns any Internet-connected device into a VoIP phone. Business users can take their business phone number anywhere — even if they are in another country.
Calls can be forwarded from office phones to the individual’s device of choice. Really, users don’t even need a phone as they can also make and receive calls from laptops or desktop computers. Employers and employees alike appreciate that VoIP makes working from home and a “bring your own device” workplace possible.
Along with flexibility, a VoIP platform is scalable. VoIP is easy to install as there’s little to no physical hardware to set up. As your business grows, your business can quickly expand the number of users. No more waiting for a telephone company to come out and add additional lines. Plus, seasonal businesses can add or subtract lines as needed with little to no added cost.
Doing away with telephone hardware frees up space and means fewer maintenance concerns. Working with a VoIP provider, you also gain expert support and confidence that your communication tech is up to date.
What About Quality and Security?
A common concern when businesses hear about VoIP is call quality. VoIP needs a good Internet connection to work well, so making sure you have high bandwidth can help. Although, when you don’t have to worry about competing traffic, the quality of a VoIP call can surpass an analog one.
Security is another concern. Keep in mind your landlines or cell phones aren’t that secure to begin with. A VoIP business communications solution can be on-premises or cloud-based. When running VoIP over your private network, the data is as secure as any other application running on your business system. Otherwise, most VoIP service providers encrypt calls.
Analytics Benefit
With a VoIP solution, you gain access to more reporting and business analytics. For instance, some VoIP systems integrate with customer relationship management software (CRM) for better data and caller insights.
VoIP call monitoring, recording, and reporting capabilities are also helpful. You can drive better employee training, help identify security threats, and ensure compliance.
VoIP provides cost savings, flexibility, and operations transparency. Contact us today to talk about giving your small business an enterprise-level communications system.
There are many VoIP services available, like RingCentral, Intermedia, Line2, and Vonage. STG IT Consulting Group would love to connect and help you decide which service provider is right for you.
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute meeting with Stan Kats, Client Engagement Specialist and Senior Technologist.
We proudly serve Greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas for all of your IT needs. We look forward to meeting with you!
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