Why Should You Consider Switching to VoIP?
Many businesses still rely exclusively on landline telephones and conventional phone services. If you’re ready for a high-tech upgrade that can save you money and provide better options, consider switching to VoIP.
But what exactly is VoIP, and how should your business take advantage of it?
What Is VoIP?
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is a way of transmitting voices over the internet. Rather than relying on a conventional telephone plan, you can use your internet connection to send your voice as a digital signal across the web.
Essentially, it’s a way of upgrading your phone plan for the modern world.
There are many VoIP providers and plans you can choose from, but the fundamentals of VoIP service are typically the same. Once established, you can use VoIP software to make calls on your phone, computer, or any other compatible device connected to the internet. You’ll also gain access to a host of other features, such as voicemail storage and new phone number creation on the fly.
The Benefits of VoIP
So what are the benefits of VoIP?
- Lower overall costs. Generally, switching to VoIP saves money. Conventional telephone plans tend to be disproportionately expensive compared to the benefits you get. Switching to VoIP could instantly save you money every month. Even if it doesn’t, you’ll get access to so many benefits, the extra money should be more than worth it.
- Extra features. VoIP is primarily about facilitating voice calls between participants, but your plan will likely come with an assortment of additional features. Depending on your plan, you can get access to hold music, call waiting, voicemail storage, voicemail to email/text, auto dialers, or even a virtual receptionist.
- All-in-one service. Some business owners love the idea of VoIP because it offers all-in-one service. Instead of juggling multiple apps and vendors, you can take care of practically all of your communication needs in one place with one point of contact. If something goes wrong, you’ll have access to convenient troubleshooting and remote support—and you shouldn’t have to worry about compatibility.
- Remote and hybrid support. Remote and hybrid workplaces are becoming increasingly common. If your company offers remote or hybrid work, a conventional phone plan simply isn’t practical. Your employees may be all over the world, which means you need a convenient, technology-based solution that works for everyone simultaneously. Currently, VoIP is the best way to achieve this.
- Flexibility. When you start shopping for VoIP plans, you might be surprised at how much flexibility is available. If you don’t want an extra feature, you’ll likely be able to cut it and reduce your total costs. If you need to expand in the future, you can do so easily. Some contracts lock you in for months or even years, but you can also find flexible month-to-month contracts.
- Scalability. VoIP is a scalable solution, making it extremely convenient for startups and small businesses that plan on growing in the near future. You can start with an inexpensive basic plan that eventually scales to something much bigger and more comprehensive.
- Business continuity. Some business owners appreciate the business continuity provided by VoIP solutions. If a phone line is down or if you lose electricity, you won’t necessarily lose your VoIP capabilities. As long as you have a reliable connection to the internet and a functional device, you can continue making and receiving calls.
- Compatibility with other apps. VoIP has convenient compatibility with most other apps, devices, and services. You should have no trouble integrating your VoIP service with every other related technology your business needs.
- Better voice quality. There’s no such thing as a perfect communication technology, but VoIP generally offers better voice quality than comparable phone plans. If you want to make sure your employees can communicate clearly, VoIP could be the solution you need.
If your business is interested in switching to VoIP services, you need to understand the basics of migrating to the cloud.
Switching to VoIP
How do you switch to VoIP?
The first step is finding the right provider. Your provider will do most of the heavy lifting, helping you plan and manage your transition across several steps. Some of these steps include:
- Training. Before you roll out your new VoIP system, it’s important to give your employees some education and training. The more familiar they are with your new VoIP technology, the smoother the rollout will be.
- Installing software. VoIP requires software to function properly, so you’ll need to install it for your employees and keep it up to date.
- Managing phones. Depending on your VoIP solution, you might be able to keep your current phones, or you may need to purchase new ones.
- Transferring phone numbers. You’ll need to transfer existing phone numbers to new phones so your employees can use them effectively.
- Testing. After the initial rollout and transition, you’ll need to conduct some tests to make sure everything is working properly.
If all goes well, you should have little to no downtime during this switch; you’ll seamlessly move from one service to the other.
Business VoIP Companies: Choosing a Partner
Are you ready to switch to VoIP? If so, you’ll need a partner who can help you plan, execute, and support the transition. At CTMS, we have a team of tech experts standing by to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us for more information today!
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