Although most businesses (especially in South Africa) still prefer the traditional telephone system to make calls, a Voice over The Internet Protocol allows you to make phone calls anytime, anywhere using the internet, a computer or phone system or mobile device, and VoIP software.
Small businesses can get away with using Skype which is free, and only requires a computer, phone or mobile device, and the Skype software
Image Credit: Tech Soup
How business VoIP works.
How businesses benefit from VoIP
You can still get away with using a landline to make phone calls, but businesses who place international calls can reduce costs dramatically by switching to VoIP.
It just makes sense and does not require infrastructure changes.
Here are some of the primary benefits of VoIP:
Business efficiency
Since VoIP can be used via mobile means, many tasks and calls can be made on the fly anywhere, as opposed to the landline which is static and restrictive.
Productivity doesn’t need to stop when employees exit the office.
It also improves team collaboration.
Flexibility
Voice over Internet Protocol can be used to communicate via voice, data, and video, while maintaining security. It’s easy to install, use and maintain.
Because VoIP can be used from anywhere in the world, as a one-on-one communication channel, or for a group, employees are able to work remotely.
Multi-functional
It can be used as a phone, for video conferencing, and some have the functionality to be used for text messaging.
Portable
VoIP can be installed on any device which makes it portable, for use anywhere there’s an internet connection:
- PC
- Laptop
- Notebook
- Tablet
- Mobile
- Phone set
Cost Effective in a Big Way
IT Web says: “VOIP users in South Africa can reportedly save up to 35% on their phone bills. Because, apart from paying the subscription fee to your Internet service provider (ISP), your VOIP service will only require a small additional monthly fee. You can make VOIP calls even if the other party doesn’t have VOIP, calling landlines and cellphones too.”
Overseas, Toolbox says that businesses can save 50 to 75% when switching to VoIP.
A big brand like Dell saved $39.5 million plus cut carbon pollution because they started relying more on telecommuting when VoIP can be used. In addition, a case study which was featured in PC World found that when businesses with 30 phones switched to VoIP, they saved a monthly $1,200 (about R15,600).
Traditional landlines, on the other hand, means that your monthly telephone charge can be very high especially if your staff make regular international calls.
VoIP cuts that cost significantly.
Because all you need is a high-quality Internet connection, preferably business Fibre which gives excellent voice quality, reliability; depending on which Voice over Internet Protocol you decide on, it will only be the data you pay for, which is a fixed cost.
Scalability of systems
One of the primary benefits of using VoIP is that you can add extra phones or computers when your business grows. Scaling up or down with minimal fuss is a reality.
Integration into other systems
Voice over Internet Protocol can easily be integrated with many different software like HR and CRM’s. For example, VoIP integrated with your CRM application can mean the passing of data to team members. Call directly from the CRM, record phone conversations and automatically transcribe them. It’s even possible to import that data into another software.
No geographical border
VoIP is not tied to one location. Instead, it can be used globally around the world.
Easy setup and configuration and maintenance
For the smaller business, many Voice over Internet Protocols are completely free to download and use, and come with wizards to guide the setup. It updates itself, so long as the company’s firewall and antivirus settings allow for it.
It’s not much different for larger businesses, however, the bigger company may want additional features which come at extra cost.
Conference calls
Traditional landlines are limited when it comes to conference calls, but when utilising VoIP services, many people can be included in the conference call, as long as your internet speed has the capacity to transfer all the voice data.
(Talking of speed, you may wish to test your company’s.)
Additional Perks
VoIP is not restricted to phone calls. There are extra benefits, like voicemail, video calls, conference calls, caller ID’s, text messaging, contact lists, file sharing, and so on.
VoIP systems often have a “Find Me Call Routing” function, so that the caller is transferred through several numbers before going to voicemail. For example, your mobile phone will ring twice, then your office phone will ring twice and finally twice on your home phone and only then will the call go to voicemail.
Many VoIP’s also offer music while callers are on hold.
VoIP requirements
All that’s needed if you decide to switch to VoIP, is a computer, or mobile device, and a stable internet connection like business Fibre (Fibre does not require physical network infrastructure work; all that’s needed is a few small changes to the router.)
Take our online connectivity guide to find the perfect solution for your business!
