A digital revolution in communications has been ushered in by the convergence of telephony with television, video and IT networking. This revolution is driven by a digital voice distribution protocol Voice over IP, (“VoIP”).
VoIP telephony in both home and business is one of the fastest growing segments of the VoIP market. It provides advantages in cost, in mobility and increased functionality with a range of compatible devices.
Why should a home or business user consider moving to a VOIP Telephone System. There are justifiable concerns over call quality, that they will lose their phone service if they lose power, and that it is a difficult and costly technology to implement. However, improvements in technology and the use of standby power go a long way to alleviating these concerns. Simply put, the advantages to the casual user and business far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Here are 10 major reasons why:
- Call Cost.
Internet Phone Calls are routed over the Internet rather than over the local PTT, thereby avoiding the call charges levied by the PTT and becoming essentially free. The cost of the call is absorbed in the overall cost of providing the Internet connection. The cost saving can be significant if there are frequent long-distance and International calls.
- Cost Control.
Some organisations have a cost recovery model in place. Being able to use call logs to see who made a call, to whom, when, for how long and the actual cost allows users and departments to manage phone call budgets easily. It also assists in identifying miscreants who call unauthorised personal numbers.
- Casual User Mobility.
For the casual user, a WiFi enabled smart device supporting a VoIP application provides the individual with a very low-cost communications platform. The casual user therefore has the means to be always in touch wherever they with internet phone call and data sharing apps. WiFi connectivity is essential.
- Business User Mobility.
Implementation of SIP interfaces on the VoIP telephone system in the VoIP for Business configuration allows a smart device to replace the desktop VoIP phone extension in a wireless enabled environment. An employee with a smart device has full access to the corporate VoIP phone system from anywhere in range of the corporate WiFi network. AS an added bonus, their VoIP provider may provide a gateway to a secure network for users to have an Internet connection to the corporate phone system. - Voice mail and fax mail.
Many VoIP service providers provide the facility to automatically forward voice mail and faxes to an email inbox. - Productivity.
A digital VoIP system provides many new features and communications applications. As examples:- The mobility described above allows employees to become productive immediately they arrive at a remote office and connect to the corporate network. No waiting to be allocated a phone, they use their main office credentials and any handset to continue with their main office phone extension number.
- Employees can see if a colleague is present and able to receive calls. No more repeated redialling, or leaving voice messages.
- Help Desk consultants can operate the phone system using a softphone application on the desktop giving a point and click interface.
- Access to the full functionality of your VoIP Phone System from anywhere if you are online.
- Hosted VoIP.
A hosted solution needs no on-site equipment. More space in a small office and no waiting for contractors to arrive when they need to visit. Larger businesses needing a VoIP for Business solution will need equipment installed on their premises. - Flexibility.
Adding features and functions, or removing them for that matter, is carried out easily. Often it can be done remotely and with no downtime. - Security.
The ability to set up group and individual security profiles can be very cost effective. Only those employees allowed to make international or long-distance calls are permitted to do so.
The advantages of VoIP telephony over traditional PTT telephony make it a no-brainer when choosing between them.