Landline Down: 10 Advantages Of VoIP That’ll Make You Ditch Your Old Business Phone System
Is your business rapidly expanding? Are you using an old phone system that cannot keep up with your company’s growth?
It’s time to experience a faster and more flexible communication system.
Today’s fast-paced world demands changes in the way we communicate. Voice over IP or VoIP is replacing the analog phone system for a good number of reasons.
In 2012 alone, the VoIP industry registered $43.27 billion in revenues. By 2020, that number will likely double.
But what really are the advantages of VoIP? Is it really worth ditching your old business phone system? Continue reading below and learn about the 10 advantages your business can enjoy from using a VoIP system.
Advantages of VoIP: The Big 10
Why turn to VoIP? It might look like a more expensive phone system compared to the traditional one but it is more secure and accessible. To dive in more detail, here is a look at the big 10 benefits of VoIP:
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Flexibility
When you switch to a VoIP system, you will experience more flexibility. With your old phone system, you can only use the number of lines available in the system. Unlike its analog counterpart, VoIP connects you to only one bandwidth.
This means you can make thousands of different connections. VoIP also lets you integrate different software programs into the system. These programs can be remote conferencing, e-mail, or e-fax, to name a few.
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Productivity
By eliminating “phone tag,” a VoIP system increases your business’ productivity. Phone tag happens when two parties are trying to reach each other through telephone but fail to do so. This equates to customer dissatisfaction, leading to a reduction in sales.
With a VoIP system in place, you can program several numbers. You can make them ring on different devices at the same time.
If are running a business in a very competitive market, switching to VoIP should be part of your growth strategies.
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Cost-Effective
VoIP is more cost-effective compared to the analog system. The initial setup and recurring fees are generally cheaper. This is because the system works through the internet.
This means you no longer require any traditional phone line. You only need to settle a single bill that covers everything.
It also allows your staff to conduct video and teleconferencing. This means you can cut your travel expenses significantly.
When searching for a VoIP provider, go for a company that is transparent with their fees. VoIP Studio, for example, offers competitive rates with no hidden charges.
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Cheaper Calls
In relation to the potential savings, your business can enjoy calls at cheaper prices. For starters, calling from your PC to landline will cost you less. PC to PC calls, on the other hand, is practically free.
A VoIP system allows you to make and take calls through a broadband internet connection. By converting sound into digital pockets, VoIP can transfer the message to different platforms via the internet.
The VoIP technology can store, copy, manipulate, and integrate data. It can also send the data to any device that goes through the internet.
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Voice Quality
When it comes to voice quality, VoIP can get the job done. As VoIP fine-tuned their services in recent years, the voice quality is now better compared to that of a traditional landline.
In the past, people can still tell if the person they are talking to is using a landline or not. Today, it is very hard to tell.
The only challenge comes when the internet connection gets weak. Poor latency may cause lags in the transfer of data.
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Security
VoIP is also the more secure option compared to an analog landline. It features standardized encryption protocols. This means that the transfer of data securely travels from one point to another.
You may also use a VPN or virtual private network. Through a VPN, you can connect your different branches, departments, and online workers via the internet.
The challenge lies in the PC that you are using. If you are using an infected PC, it becomes a weak link in the VoIP security chain. The key is to keep your PC or laptop virus-free at all times.
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Multi-Functional
As we mentioned earlier, VoIP increases productivity by allowing you to do different things. VoIP’s multi-functional nature lets you make and receive calls while video conferencing. You can also receive voicemails through your email.
With a VoIP system, your employees can perform half of their tasks without going outside of the office. They can even work from home if they are too sick to travel. All they need is a reliable internet connection.
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Stress-Free Installation
One of the welcome benefits of VoIP is its stress-free installation. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to make the system work. You don’t need to install separate cables the way you do with analog phone systems. Since it doesn’t require extra electrical wires, you will cut down fire hazards in the office.
It is also easy to maintain and update. Data is now transferred through software instead of hardware. This makes it the wiser choice in terms of scalability.
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Automated Assistance
If your business is heavy on customer service, you can program automated assistance through VoIP. You can program automated responses for client inquiries after office hours. You can even create responses during holidays.
Basically, you can assist your customers 24/7, all year long.
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Accessibility
Lastly, you can access a VoIP phone system anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.
If you are a business owner who frequently travels, you can get in touch with your staff even if you’re in transit. Your clients can reach you anytime. This is crucial in maintaining strong relationships with your customers.
Important Tips for Choosing a VoIP Provider
Now let’s take a look at some important tips that will help you choose the right VoIP provider.
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Pricing
Set a budget but don’t scrimp. Going for the cheapest may not always be the best move. Go for something that will give you a bang for your buck.
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The Plans
You also need to look at the service plans the providers offer. Do they provide unlimited local and long-distance calls? Go for a plan that best suits your company’s needs.
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Bonus Features
Do they come with bonus features? Some companies benefit from caller IDs, call filtering, and call waiting.
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Customer Reviews
Lastly, you need to check the customer reviews. Read the feedback from their clients. Note the ones that they praise for their services.
Improve Other Areas of Your Business, Today!
Now that you know the advantages of VoIP, all you need to do is to make the switch. But don’t stop with simply improving your phone system.
Check out our other guides and blog posts for more tips on how to improve your business as a whole. We discuss topics that will make your office more efficient. We also tackle other tech-related subjects that you may find useful.
Thanks for this informative content. I was planning to use virtual phone system for my work. After reading this, I got confidence that I can use virtual phone system for my office. Thank You.
100% agree! Gone are the days for the need of anything hard wired. The technology is there so let’s use it. I am sharing this article on my Facebook page.