With so much to say to and share with coworkers across office buildings, a traditional phone line seems limiting to real communication. Modern businesses need people to be able to see each other and interpret body language when they negotiate.
Clearly, you need a communication channel that combines the benefits of a good old phone line with the visual connectivity of the internet. Nothing combines these two effects better than a VoIP business phone system.
What is VoIP?
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is simply a means of transmitting sound as packets of digital information across an internet connection. You can enhance voice clarity and add video to make communication immeasurably more effective.
Business telephony systems using VoIP also have a host of other features such as call parking, auto call attendant, call holding and intelligent call routing. Without these features your customer or coworker can easily lose herself in the network.
Key Takeaway: VoIP is a system of making calls using the internet.
What devices do you need to install for VoIP?
All you need for VoIP to work is a pair of special handsets at either end of the connection and a working internet connection.
Let us explore the types of VoIP business phone systems:
Types of VoIP Phones
The two types of VoIP phones are:
Hardware Phones
Hard phones are like traditional cordless telephones. They come with an inbuilt speaker, caller ID, and a microphone. They offer business features such as call transfer, voicemail and conferencing.
Software Phones
Software phones are applications on your mobile and desktop devices. These softphones come with a caller ID and a touchpad. The user can make calls with a headset and an attached microphone.
Key Takeaway: VoIP requires configured handsets at each end of a connection.
Let us compare VoIP phones and the Private Branch Exchange or PBX phone systems you’ve been used to.
Differences between VoIP & PBX
| VoIP | PBX | |
| Reliability | VoIP call quality depends on the strength of your internet connection. Calls can drop or voice quality dip when there is a poor internet connection. Cloud hosted telephony services usually provide an alternative connection in case of failovers. | PBX systems work on an independent copper network. Signals are subject to electromagnetic interference and drop in signal strength with distance. |
| Flexibility | VoIP systems fare better in terms of flexibility. There is flexibility in terms of adding several users, and changes in requirements. The only limiting parameters are internet connections and the network’s bandwidth. | On the contrary, a PBX system comes with an original number of analog phone lines. You need to buy additional capacity from the phone provider when your organization adds more employees or even call volumes. |
| Cost Factor | VoIP fares better in terms of overall costs. This is because VoIP comes with light infrastructure and has a lower upfront cost. VoIP providers offer transparent metering and lower monthly bills. There is no requirement for generating separate bills for phone and internet services. | PBX systems usually have a progressively increasing bill. If you’re a business user, you could end up paying extra costs for commercial use. |
Key Takeaway: VoIP is easier to modify and more pocket-friendly provided you have reliable internet.
If you’re still undecided, here’s why you ought to consider a VoIP connection for your office.
Advantages of VoIP Systems
| Benefits | How? |
| Lower Costs | The cost of using a VoIP phone system is lower than that of a traditional phone system. Long-distance calls become cheaper with a VoIP service provider since it uses broadband and calls require no extra cost. |
| Enhanced Call Quality | A VoIP system offers HD voice technology and delivers amazing call quality. Moreover, it enables the users to make phone calls, from any physical location – anytime and anywhere. So, the user can make calls, while on the go, even on mobile devices. |
| Scalability | Today’s businesses require scaling up their operations, as and when needed. In the traditional system, with additional headcount comes an entirely new PBX system. On the contrary, a VoIP system offers the easier option of merely buying a new VoIP phone – since adding an extension requires just a click of the mouse. |
| Increased Efficiency | A VoIP system integrates well with your CRM or ERP software. It allows voice enabling of these platforms with improved productivity and increased efficiency of the business. |
| Provide User-friendly Configurations | The configuration options are higher for the VoIP system, compared to traditional phone systems. The former offers an easy to configure option. It can transfer calls to a specific number or multiple numbers, based on stated conditions like day of the week, time of day, etc. |
Key Takeaway: VoIP is budget-friendly, clearer, scalable, efficient, and easy to configure.
Conclusion
VoIP phone systems are available at cost-effective rates. GenesysTel has a highly customized VoIP feature set that adapts to your business-centric telecommunication needs. You can get billing plans that are affordable, and support that is responsive throughout your business journey.
Want to know more? Connect with a VoIP expert today.