VoIP is becoming an increasingly favoured communication system for businesses of all sizes across the world. Technology familiar to consumers in the form of Skype, WhatsApp and Facebook voice calls is being used by businesses to replace traditional telephone services for efficient and reliable communication systems.
Firstly, what is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), also known as IP telephony or broadband telephony, is technology that enables sound to be sent to and from any device with an internet connection. Originally, it became available commercially in the 1990s, but since then, systems have been developed with businesses in mind that allow all communications -phone calls, emails, texts, web conferences etc. to be sent and received by one simplified network.
How does it work?
VoIP works by turning sounds into digital signals which are then “packetized” or put into a digital envelope. The transfer of information happens as IP packets over a packet-switched network. This technology creates the capability for a lot more information to be shared through a network and therefore more advanced communication. Communication can be made either with a VoIP phone or an ordinary phone with an ATA (Analogue Terminal Adapter) which connects a regular phone to a VoIP network.
What are the benefits of VoIP to your business?
Employees can connect their mobile phones, laptops and any other devices meaning communication can be made whenever needed and there is no need to hop between devices to complete different tasks, so work is more flexible and efficient.
Efficiency
VoIP provides ease when adding, removing or changing employee phonelines and will enable your admin team to see a full log of any inbound, outbound or missed calls. This will save valuable time that could otherwise be spent benefiting your business in other ways. It also means the network is scalable with the growth of your business and there is no need to make big changes to communication systems when your business changes.
It’s simple to customise what happens with incoming calls by choosing how they are routed within the network and you can easily design a call distribution plan.
Save on equipment costs and call charges
Rates for VoIP services are usually lower than traditional telephone systems. Your business can also save on costs as no equipment is needed and so there is no requirement to hire in house IT staff to install and monitor systems. International calls are usually free or significantly cheaper.
Improve productivity
Making communication easier internally and externally can make your business overall more productive, with less time being spent on dealing with problems such as unreliable telephone lines and IT issues. Instead, with VoIP, all communication is streamlined and easy to manage in one network.
Incorporating VoIP into your business does not mean you will have to scrap any telephone equipment you have already invested if you don’t want to. The right VoIP provider will incorporate any existing devices into your new system so there is minimal disruption to your usual workflow.
For more information on how a VoIP system could personally enhance your business or for any other questions about our connectivity solutions, contact Aura Technology at info@auratechnology.com or on 03333 208 601.