Companies today are running lean, while trying to grow revenue and enhance productivity of the leaner staff. "Do more with less" is the new business motto. In many cases, business owners are looking to leverage technology to replace staff. In some cases, they are finding ways that technology can reduce costs. Voice over IP (VoIP) has been one way that companies have been able to do both: cut costs and gain productivity.
What is Voice over Internet Protocol?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows your voice call to be carried over your Internet broadband connection. The voice call is packetized and utilizes your Internet connection. Companies that provide VoIP service can replace your traditional telephone service with this next-generation system for communications. These calls still connect to the old phone system (PSTN) and cellular phone systems as before. VoIP Providers even provide for you to keep your phone number (in many cases) and for enhanced 9-1-1 calls.
Voice over Internet Protocol is often referred to as Digital Voice service.
What Is Needed to Utilize Voice over Internet Protocol Services?
One requirement is to have a broadband Internet connection, since the calls will be delivered via this communications channel. The speed of the Internet connection will depend upon the number of simultaneous calls that will be made.
Another requirement for Voice over Internet Protocol set up is a special adapter that can be used with an existing phone. Commonly referred to as an ATA, this box connects to your Internet Connection and to your phone. This ATA becomes like your phone jack.
In many cases, the ATA can be replaced with an IP handset like a Polycom phone or a Cisco IP phone. These phones can be configured by your VoIP provider to replace your traditional phone.
There are other possible set-ups such as an IAD (Integrated Access Device) for offices and a computer program called a softphone that allows calls to be placed through a computer via a microphone (or headset).
What Are the Primary Benefits of Implementing VoIP Services?
Two main benefits exist when implementing Voice over Internet Protocol services into the workplace: increased productivity and less expensive telecommunication costs.
Typically, implementing VoIP in a business environment means that phone bills will be reduced. Less expensive telecommunication costs are one of the monetary benefits that result from migrating to VoIP calling services. Since many VoIP providers offer less expensive rates for local, long distance, and international calling, the company can save on its telecommunication costs.
Increased productivity can result from the many features available from VoIP providers. Features such as voicemail-to-email, find-me/follow-me, and various call forwarding options, allow for calls to be answered wherever you happen to be. Or at the least to be able to pick up your voicemail messages on the go (either via a laptop or a smartphone). Never miss an important call. Stop playing phone tag.
The mobility of VoIP is another of the great aspects of this type of voice communications system. VoIP can be taken and used anywhere that has high-speed Internet access. Work can be done from any place with a broadband connection. The portability of VoIP eases the transition of a temporary office set up that simply must take place. No interruption to service or productivity results due to the transfer of the work location thanks to the abilities of Voice over Internet Protocol Services.
Voice over Internet Protocol Services is inexpensive to implement into a businesses telecommunication infrastructure. It leads to enhanced productivity and cost reduction.
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