Although VoIP phone systems aren't exactly a new technology--they've been available since the 1990s--they've been through a lot of evolution. That means businesses often have questions about VoIP, how these systems work, and whether VoIP is really better than a traditional landline.
Here are some of your biggest VoIP questions:
How do VoIP phone systems work?
As you've probably guessed, VoIP phone systems are all about the internet. Instead of copper wires, which is what makes your landline tick, VoIP transmits information using your internet connection. Let's break down the process:
- Someone makes a call.
- Your VoIP system condenses audio data and breaks it into small portions.
- Each portion is sent through IP networks.
- At the final destination, the system reassembles the portions into a complete data set.
How reliable are VoIP phone systems?
A VoIP phone system is just as reliable as your internet connection. That means you can generally count on fast service, maximum uptime, and high-quality data transmission. There are also ways to make your VoIP connection more reliable--for example, by partnering with a great internet provider or using a setup that prioritizes VoIP data over other IP interactions.
Do you have to upgrade your hardware to use VoIP?
One of the biggest benefits of VoIP is that it's all about efficiency--which includes your hardware. That's right: You don't need to scrap your existing phone hardware to use VoIP. This allows you to skip the upgrades and focus on the software instead.
###Can VoIP work with mobile devices?
Speaking of hardware, there's another reason everyone loves VoIP: It's mobile-friendly. VoIP phone systems allow you to use business phone numbers from mobile devices, which means employees don't have to be at their desk to take or receive work calls.
How does VoIP data storage work?
With a VoIP phone system, your data will generally be stored in the cloud--which means it's secure and easy to access. Plus, with an online dashboard connecting you to your system, you'll always have visibility into features like call forwarding, business number management, and more.
Do You Need VoIP?
Now that you're an expert on VoIP phone systems, it's time to decide whether you need to add this technology to your business. Start by asking yourself questions like these:
- "Do we need more features and functions?"
Landlines are functional, sure--but they don't have the modern options offered by a VoIP phone system. VoIP is digitally native, which means it can offer more of the features you (and your customers!) have come to expect. Here are just a few examples:
- Automatic call forwarding.
- Auto-attendants.
- Call queues.
- Video conferencing.
- Voicemail-to-email.
With these opportunities at your fingertips, it often makes sense to add VoIP phone systems to your company's arsenal of communication solutions.
- "Do we need to adapt to a hybrid or remote setup?"
For many businesses, VoIP and remote or hybrid work go hand-in-hand. That's because VoIP phone systems make it easy to stay connected, no matter when or where you're working. This kind of flexibility gives you the freedom to make new setups work for you instead of trying to make outdated solutions fit into the "new normal."
- "Are we looking for scalable solutions?"
Scalability is a big deal, especially when it comes to communication. If your business's needs are changing, you can't afford to anchor yourself to a phone system that can't grow with you. Luckily, VoIP can scale to fit your company no matter what--which means you can stay connected even as you gain more customers and hire new employees (even if they're scattered across the globe).
Conclusion
VoIP phone systems may have been around since the 90s, but they're far from outdated technology. In fact, they've evolved so quickly that they outpaced landlines and are now one of the most cutting-edge communication solutions on the market. Better yet, they're a great fit for modern businesses thanks to mobile connectivity, digital dashboards, automated features, and more.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your landlines? Contact us today for all the help you need!
