As small businesses of all kinds look for ways to cut costs and improve productivity, many are switching from conventional phone lines to Internet-based calling. “Voice over Internet Protocol” – also called Voice over IP or just VoIP – is a way of using your existing high-speed Web connection to make and receive phone calls.
VoIP is cheaper than traditional phone service (often by 40 percent or so), offers loads of features and has become more reliable than it once was. More and more startups are also selecting VoIP from the outset.
Most VoIP service works on a flat monthly fee, so bills are more predictable. Vonage, for example, offers unlimited local and long distance calling for $9.95 per month for the first three months, and $24.95 thereafter. It also has unlimited international calling options to choose from.
Advanced features can include desk-to-desk calling, automated attendant, music on hold, find me-follow me and many others.
VoIP is easy to maintain and expand since voice calls run over the same network you already use for e-mail and Web access. One system serves all.
What’s more, you can select area codes other than your own for your business number and receive calls or voicemail to your laptop or IP phone while traveling, as if you were at your desk. Basically, you can take your business-phone system with you when you travel. This can also cut down on cell phone costs.
According to VoipReview.org, a VoIP comparison and shopping site, there are two main types of VoIP to choose from – a hosted VoIP service or buying your own VoIP equipment. Hosted VoIP service (or virtual PBX), is the usual choice for small businesses. With this type of service, an outside service provider manages the system; all you need is the IP phones.
VoIP phones have also become better, more sophisticated and feature-laden. Rather than connecting to a phone jack, the IP phone uses an Ethernet port to connect to the Internet. In most cases, you pay only the usual cost of the Internet service when calling another IP phone user.
As VoIP gains popularity, the field is buzzing with competitive activity, product reviews, shopping guides and help transitioning your business to VoIP service. VoipReview is a great site for finding and comparing. •
Daniel Kehrer can be reached at
editor@business.com.
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