VoIP is the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Through this technology, you can send voice packets over the internet in the form of data. In reality, VoIP is much more than a telephone or voice system. VoIP can provide you with one unified communication solution that handles all your business communication requirements, including calling, video and audio conferencing, and other collaborations.

Why should I opt for VoIP?

Cost savings

You may have heard that one of the biggest benefits of VoIP is the cost savings that you get when you choose VoIP over traditional phone systems. And that is true. VoIP works out much cheaper than the good old telephony system.

One of the reasons, VoIP doesn’t need the constant, open connectivity required on a traditional voice path:it doesn’t transmit your voice as is. It breaks your conversation into digital data packets and transmits them via the most efficient route possible. Then the digital data packets are converted into voice again so the receiver can make sense of them. This conversion cycle ensures only actual noise is coded and decoded. No data is wasted accounting for pauses, etc., unlike traditional phone lines. So, naturally, you consume less data, so you pay less and save more vis-a-vis the older systems.

Another way in which VoIP brings your costs down is that you don’t need a separate connection for it. It uses your existing internet connection so you don’t have to invest in a new connection, as such. Plus, VoIP is more virtual and less physical. You don’t have to invest in actual phone instruments. Your VoIP ‘Phone’ can even be just software that’s installed on your laptop, desktop or even a simple app on your android or iPhone.

Also, there may be fewer long-distance charges unlike the traditional phone lines. Since VoIP uses the internet to facilitate communication, all you pay for is the internet and the amount of data you use–which is the same, whether you call next door or across the continent. There’s one exception though– if your call terminates in an area without broadband, it will have to go the last mile on telco, for which you will incur additional charges.

Flexibility

Another benefit offered by VoIP is flexibility. As discussed above, your VoIP phone can just be an app on your mobile. That means you get to take your “office” phone with you wherever you go. This is great if you have staff working from home or who are on the road often due to their work profiles. It even lets you access your VoIP voicemails through your email.

Unified Communications

VoIP serves as a single solution to all your communication needs. Depending on the features you select when you go VoIP, it can encompass audio and video calling, conferencing, voicemails, internal messaging systems and even e-fax.

Call Recording Made Easier

Since VoIP is all about software, calls on VoIP can be recorded at the click of a button. That means as long as you stay compliant with federal and state laws, you can record all client conversations, trainings, etc., and share with all the parties to the conversation.

Scalability

When you add to your staff or someone quits and you need to assign or reassign a new extension or phone number to a new employee, using VoIP, you can do this yourself in a few minutes. It is as easy as logging into your VoIP software and changing the details on their interface.

Keep Communication Lines Open, Even During Disasters

Since your VoIP system is primarily software-based and can be accessed from anywhere, you can ensure your communication lines are up and running even if your office is shut due to an unforeseen event. You can just set up call forwarding to your other offices if you have any, or answer calls and attend teleconferences and video conferences from wherever you are.