Internet systems are getting faster and better all the time and that makes a VoIP phone system an attractive option for business phone systems. That said, there are still many things to consider when considering switching out your traditional phone system.
How does a VoIP phone system work? What’s involved? A quick overview of the differences, pros and cons, and information about the setups for traditional business systems and VoIP phone systems will answer many lingering questions. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
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VoIP refers to voice over internet protocol. Another term for VoIP that you may hear tech people use is IP telephony. VoIP is a process that makes it possible to transmit voice messages and other types of communication over the internet. Because of the many advantages VoIP provides, many businesses are switching to it in favor of the plain old telephone service (POTS) which is also called the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A VoIP phone system converts voice signals into digital data in data packets and sends them across the internet via a router.
A VoIP call is an internet call or other type of communication like text, email, or chat that’s transmitted via the internet. VoIP calls can have all the options that office private branch exchange (PBX) systems with multiple phone lines have, like voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, conference calling, etc.
One of the major benefits of VoIP phone systems is that phone software integrates well with software for other business applications — for example CRM systems — to give you a single source of customer information.
You don’t have to sacrifice call quality when you use VoIP call technology. VoIP call quality refers to having clarity and continuity during calls. In addition to having a strong, stable internet connection, computers, routers, SIP phones, VoIP servers, and VoIP service providers all play a role in VoIP call quality.
Traditional home phone or office line systems (POTS, or PSTN) use hardware that runs the primary rate interface (PRI) on the ISDN network, which refers to a set of communication standards for transmitting voice, video, data, and other network services over PSTN.
A PBX system uses traditional phone cables along with a PBX server that’s housed in your office. With a PBX system, you can have more phones than phone lines and the calls between users are free.
As mentioned previously, VoIP phones are a type of technology that makes it possible to transmit voice calls over the internet. There are three varieties of VoIP phones—IP PBX, fully virtual VoIP, and hybrid VoIP phone solutions.
In an IP PBX setup, calls get routed through VoIP networks, the PSTN system and vice versa. The servers for IP PBX may be hosted onsite, through a telecom provider, or through an internet service provider.
A fully virtual VoIP only uses the internet and phone system software. There’s no need for desk phones, cables, or any other kind of hardware. A virtual VoIP phone system is also known as a softphone setup. Phone users make and receive calls using a dedicated app on an internet browser on a device like a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
There is also a hybrid phone solution that uses a PRI phone system in conjunction with IP phones.
At first glance, it may seem that VoIP is the clear choice over PBX phone systems, but there’s more than meets the eye. As with any investment in your business, it’s essential to look at all the factors that affect your operation and your budget.
VoIP systems have some big advantages over PBX systems, though they’re not always the best for every company. Here’s a more in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP systems.
If you’re considering switching to a VoIP phone system, it means that you’re questioning two things—whether your current phone system is working well enough for you today and whether you’re missing out on a phone system that will help you take your business to the next level.
It’s time to consider switching to a VoIP phone system when:
It’s always nice to have options. Your goals, activities, and the vision for your future should guide your decision around choosing the right VoIP phone service. Considering the affordability of VoIP phone options, cost is the least of the variables.
These are the considerations that should help you make up your mind:
When you’re ready to migrate to a VoIP system, you’ll need to prepare for it. When you use a reliable VoIP service provider and plan ahead for the change, the process will be easier. Here’s how to prepare for the transition.
A VoIP phone system requires you to build an infrastructure that has specific technical components.
These things are part of a successful VoIP infrastructure:
Each of your devices should have at least 100 kbps upload speed available. Connections should have less than 70ms ping and jitter and that will prevent problems with latency and stability.
You’ll need to tend to some details when installing a VoIP system, but none of them are terribly difficult or time-consuming. The following four steps are the main bases you’ll need to cover.
You’ll be delighted when you experience how VoIP integrations will enhance your team’s performance. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to use. Aircall’s App Marketplace lists a host of valuable apps and you may be using some of them already.
These are just a few of the business functions you may want to integrate:
These industry-leading best practices for VoIP performance management will help you get your VoIP system up and running smoothly:
Aircall offers a free trial to help guide you through the process of getting acquainted with the many valuable benefits that you get with a VoIP system. Many of the past problems with the call quality of VoIP phone systems have been worked out over time. Aircall uses a market-leading infrastructure and partners with local providers in select markets to ensure excellent call quality and a smooth transition to VoIP. Our specialists will answer your questions and help you have a comfort level with the system shortly after install.
Whether your business is Upsizing or downsizing, on the move to a new space or modernising the one your in, Voipy has your back. Market-leading, flexible products, fast & seamless setup, affordable pricing, local and responsive support.
Whether your business is Upsizing or downsizing, on the move to a new space or modernising the one your in, Voipy has your back. Market-leading, flexible products, fast & seamless setup, affordable pricing, local and responsive support.
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