If this was, say, 2004 and someone was trying to sell you a VoIP business phone system, their chances were about the same as you buying the Brooklyn Bridge. Of course there were a few suckers early adopters back then, but most avoided it like the plague.
Now, almost 90% of all new business phone installations are VoIP.
In just over a decade, telecom has changed to such a point that the idea of having an actual business “landline” is going the way of the Dodo. In 2012 the AP reported that in the centre for world finance, the business phone capitol of the universe, New York City, there was a 55% decline in landline use. It is predicted that landlines will be completely phased out by 2025.
So, what’s changed in such a relatively short time that VoIP isn’t seen as some fringe, tech alternative to traditional business communications? Through technological advancements, VoIP has evolved into an essential and revolutionary tool supporting the backbone of every organization, and that’s its ability to communicate.
Voice over Internet Protocol bypasses the century-old traditional wireline infrastructure, and by doing so reduced the cost for every telephone call made. That’s how VoIP initially made its inroads – by being cheaper. Today however, there are significant benefits that VoIP brings to a business that still saves money, but also time, labour and along the way, also improves efficiency.
Here are just a few:
Maintenance and Labour
As mentioned earlier, the use of VoIP reduces expenditures for both domestic and overseas calls. This is good news for businesses that transact Canada wide and worldwide. And VoIP offerings, like the NEWT Managed PBX has customizable long-distance packages allowing companies to tailor their plans for their specific needs.
But more than that, cost savings can also be tied to maintenance and manpower expenses. Having only one network for voice and data, the IT department requirements are minimized. Further, purchasing a managed PBX solution takes all the responsibility for maintenance and upgrades out of your hands. Those funds can then be allocated elsewhere for other IT projects or put into marketing and sales.
Enhanced Audio Quality and Calling Features
Because VoIP runs on high-speed Internet, audio quality is significantly better. Not only is the sound better, but also the automation of calls. VoIP providers extend several features such as Find-me-Follow-me, call forwarding, NEWT softphone, voice messaging, voice mailbox, voice to email forwarding and more. For example, the NEWT Managed PBX has over 80 calling features.
Global Reach
With technology moving at a speed of light and globalization happening at a record pace, businesses are looking at high quality work to be done quickly and cheaply. Outsourcing oversees has become a standard business practice, and staying in touch on a constant basis with places like India and China is essential. VoIP allows for the highest level of interaction in a cost-effective manner.
Work Anywhere
To limit their overhead start-up businesses avoid renting physical space in offices, and allow employees to work from anywhere and collaborate using VoIP services. This slashes their budget and allows for money to be spent where all up-and-comers need it most – on development and marketing.
Established businesses are allowing employees to work without leaving the comfort of their home, saving time and energy travelling to and from the office. The cost savings for both employee and employers due to the new level of connectivity VoIP provides is significant.
With broadband Internet becoming almost ubiquitous, VoIP makes practically any spot on the planet an office.
Those are just a few of benefits that come with a VoIP Business Phone solution with more being added on a constant basis.
Once upon a time the word, “VoIP” was synonymous with whole bunches of nasty things.
Now VoIP is nothing less than an essential business service.
