
Several companies have resisted switching from old phone systems to VoIP, mainly due to perceived security risks. Yet, despite the apprehension of some companies to accept the Cloud as a hub of activity, VoIP has definite and proven benefits.
VoIP vs. traditional phone systems
Businesses generally use one of two phone technologies and systems, either voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) or landlines also referred to as public switched telephone network (PSTN). Traditional landlines use copper wires, while VoIP uses an Internet connection to transmit voice as data. VoIP converts audio signals to digital data, and that data is then sent over the Internet. VoIP business phone systems normally have more features, better functionality, and can be implemented at a lower cost.Â
You can make and receive business calls with a VoIP phone, a cell phone, or a landline using VoIP. This means that it works almost identically to a traditional phone system although it runs on a different network. It is important to consider that a large chunk of the voice calls made over what you think is the traditional phone network is in fact carried over the Internet, at least part of the way. This is because VoIP often serves as a connecting backbone between networks.
Key differences between a VoIP platform and a traditional landline service include lower costs and services that allow you to use your mobile phone as an extension of your office phone to literally anywhere you are located. VoIP platforms also provide integrated services such as business software like customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, advanced call routing and voicemail to email.
The most substantial technical advantage of VoIP services is their scalability. Landline phone systems are limited in terms of the number of lines that can be connected. Adding more lines would mean upgrading hardware and, in contrast, VoIP systems can support an unlimited number of lines (depending on the strength of your connection).
How to secure VoIP
VoIP is a very secure form of telephony, and security risks can always be mitigated through several measures businesses can take to make it even more safe and effective. Online security statistics indicate that businesses cut down on their online activities mainly due to their fear of security breaches and privacy. Business leaders are also concerned about the reliability of VoIP.