Despite the ubiquity of smartphones in daily life, landlines remain a staple in the business environment. Seen as professional, secure, and easier to manage than mobile phones, they’re nonetheless full of disadvantages, which can hamstring the ability of a company to communicate rapidly between departments or with customers. Many businesses are increasingly turning to VoIP, like the VOIP systems for office, to address these shortcomings.
VoIP stands for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol. It’s a form of telecommunications that relies on the internet rather than a telephone network. It’s sometimes known as internet telephony or broadband phone service. VoIP delivers many advantages to offices and is a smart choice for companies looking to upgrade their phone infrastructure.
5 Benefits of VoIP to Help a Business Thrive
Three different types of technology support voice over IP calling: IP phones, which can place a call anywhere where there is Wi-Fi; analog telephone adapters, which converts an analog phone signal to a digital one to use the internet; and computer-to-computer software calling, like Skype. All three of these methods are commonly found in the office. There are many VoIP benefits for small businesses. These include:
1. Multifunctionality
Anyone who has ever tried to look up contact information while talking on a phone knows just how difficult it is to do it without accidentally hanging up. On a landline, it’s even more impossible, requiring a person to balance the phone on their head while they rummage through another system – or put the device down altogether.
That’s dangerous. Research has shown that hold times negatively affect customer perception of a company.
Not so with modern VoIP systems – particularly computer-to-computer software calling systems – often bundle multiple functionalities alongside telephony. This is possible because voice over IP works using the internet connection. Unlike a regular phone, a VoIP phone can do:
- Instant messaging
- Presence information
- Teleconferencing
- Video conferencing
- Voicemail
- Send and receive faxes via email
- Call 911 Direct in reference to Kari’s Law
2. Improved Security
Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when considering a phone. After all, it’s not obvious how a hacker can access a landline to eavesdrop on a conversation. The reality is, however, that it’s not only possible but almost impossible to prevent. A landline cannot be encrypted. No VPNs exist for it, and telephone services don’t come with things like antiviruses to detect unauthorized intrusion.
In contrast, VoIP phone calls take advantage of many of the security features found in the digital world. For example, it’s possible to encrypt VoIP phone calls, making them harder to intercept. As a result, VoIP may be attractive to companies subject to data compliance regulations because it offers more ways to secure the information that may be communicated to clients or colleagues.
3. Enhanced Mobility
VoIP is useful in an office because it’s a way to add extra lines without clogging up the phone lines, and employees can use it anywhere they have access to a computer and the internet. As a result, any device, such as tablets, can be turned into a VoIP phone. Employees can enjoy video conferencing and phone calls while they’re on the go from any location.
4. Reduced Expenses
One of the biggest reasons that companies turn to VoIP – sometimes eliminating landlines altogether – is that it’s a way to bypass the cost of hardware, maintenance, and service of phone lines. Growing companies may choose VoIP over adding yet another phone line and the fee that comes with that.
Since VoIP operates with the internet connection that a company already pays for, that’s one less bill that a company must pay. Likewise, many free VoIP services exist, making it a lightweight, budget-friendly solution for smaller businesses.
5. Better Connectivity
Research shows that as many as 85 percent of all calls go unanswered the first time a customer reaches out to a company. Even if that call is logged and returned, there’s again no guarantee that a connection will be made. A game of phone tag commences, wasting everyone’s time.
VoIP can eliminate phone tag and make it easier for customers to reach the business, or employees to reach their colleagues. By being portable and accessible on any device improves the chances that a call will connect the first time around, making everyone’s lives a little easier.
Get the Right Tools for the Job
Despite the many advantages that VoIP offers to the business environment, it remains an understated and underrated tool for the office. VoIP delivers many critical benefits, such as improved mobility and the option to receive phone calls over a computer. This makes it easier for employees to rapidly communicate with their colleagues and customers to deliver better service and business results.
Are you considering VoIP? Smile Business Products can help companies develop the right tools and strategies to succeed. Contact us today to discuss your telecommunications challenges.
