Knowledge Base
More and more of us are using VOIP on a daily basis without realising it. It t has become part of our normal working lives. If you’ve ever received a call through Facebook, or Skype for example you have been using a VOIP system. However, VOIP systems can do a lot more than simply offer face-to-face video calls and can be an invaluable tool for your business.
VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, and as a general term refers to the process of making phone calls through an internet connection as opposed to regular landline or mobile. For many it can provide a suitable solution for inter-business communication as well as other communication purposes, and as a service has become more popular, as it has the ability to be augmented with various different applications, working with the user in mind.
VOIP also refers to the technology used to convert voice into a digital signal, allowing individuals to make a call directly from a computer, VOIP phone, or data-driven service.
VOIP calls can be made through various sources including a phone or VOIP adapter, within a computer, or through installations such as Skype, Google Hangouts and Facetime.
VOIP technology works by configuring analogue signals into digital data.
The process of converting audio voice signals into digital packets is known as codecs. Audio voice signals are encoded as data and transmitted via IP, across a LAN (local area network) or online.
If the data needs to be decoded or decompressed, this is also handled by codecs. The process of actually making a VOIP call doesn’t have to be that much different to a standard phone call and to make the call, hardware (headset, microphone, etc) is used, or a software – based VOIP phone is used.
Most VOIP calls will also let you use voicemail, make internet calls, or transfer tasks. A traditional phone handset is replaced by the interface of software – based VOIP phones or programs.
There are a number of different types of VOIP systems to choose from which all have different benefits to a small business. These include:
To find out which one would be ideal for you and your business, contact the team at ABtec for some impartial advice on possible VOIP solutions for your business
VOIP is a lot more than simply a phone system or even a video calling system. There are various features that will help improve the customer experience, as well as ensure communication between team members is also efficient. These features include:
VOIP technology can be a practical, time-saving, and cost-saving solution for businesses, regardless of the size of the business. With advancements allowing for high-quality connectivity and reliable service, more and more businesses are seeing the light and opting for VOIP systems as opposed to traditional phone calls.
And come 2025, when there will no longer be BT ISDN landlines VOIP will be the easier and most cost-efficient option for many. Although it is cheaper than legacy ISDN systems it should not be considered as an inferior option – in many ways, it is superior due to the flexibility of the system as well as all the additional features such as call recording and CRM compatibility. In the past few years, a VOIP connection has far surpassed the traditional landline connection in quality, meaning it is the more professional option for your business.
VOIP is also particularly useful for Disaster Recovery as everything is stored in the cloud, meaning if the in-house systems go down, it is still possible to gain remote access to cloud back-up and the rerouting systems ensuring your team and clients can still be connected whilst other repairs are ongoing.
As advancements and improvements only stand to make it even easier to use VOIP, businesses big and small can both benefit. Additionally, this enables business growth without having to change systems – your business can simply upgrade the system, the number of users, and features so it scales along with the business.
VoIP removes the need for a drawn-out installation. Rather than installing hefty hardware which could cut off your communications during the process, installing a VoIP phone system is as simple as downloading software onto an IP phone.
As well as incorporating new features, a VoIP phone also considers the traditional communicative options such as call transfer, call hold, call hunt or conference calling.
Installing VoIP will help drive business costs down, as there are no hefty hardware installation costs. Additionally, international calls that would usually incur heavy fees can be made with no extra cost, a feature that international businesses can truly capitalise and benefit from.
VoIP integrates easily with existing systems, as it is internet-based. Calls and communications can be conducted with ease without the need for hardware, and users can switch between their VoIP phone and other features of their infrastructure quickly.
One of the reasons that VoIP has grown in popularity is its ability to bring flexibility to a workplace, particularly for employees working at home or overseas. All that is required with VoIP is an internet connection, meaning teams can stay in contact and stay connected, for a low cost, wherever they are in the world.
VoIP networks are more secure than other telephone lines due to standardised encryption protocols. Working with a suitable VoIP provider will ensure all malicious calls and potential threats are monitored and addressed accordingly.
VoIP brings flexibility to your business, enabling and catering for growth and scalability. You can expand your VoIP network with ease, in accordance with your business growth and requirements.
Businesses need a high quality, reliable service for communications, both internally as well as externally. Client calls or enquiries will need a secure line, and businesses, meanwhile, won’t want to be slowed down by a phone network that’s unreliable, slow and difficult to navigate. VOIP systems can provide these services, which are externally managed by the provider, who is also available for support should issues occur.
VOIP is also able to provide virtual phone numbers which are tied to an individual rather than a device meaning, as long as there is an internet connection they can stay in contact. The type of numbers provided also depends on the business’ requirements and can be a free phone number, or even a specific location number meaning there can be a phone presence in a specific area even if there is no physical bricks and mortar presence.
When looking for a suitable VOIP provider, you should ensure your provider offers features that work for your business and internal processes. This may include:
What’s more, as more business is conducted on the go, with many working remotely or needing to call others while on the road, VOIP systems can be a great choice. There is no need to rely on traditional phone lines, and if VOIP is set up with your computer or laptop, no matter where you are, a call can come through and it’s business as usual.
Internet telephony systems consider the user, and the technology is developed to keep up with the demands of day-to-day working life in 2021 and beyond, where a traditional single phone line to an office is, if anything, rarer than the far more popular alternative VOIP offers.
VOIP technology was developed to make business processes easier for those on the move, making connectivity easier than ever before.
There are various options of VOIP Telephony services for business. Head to our telephone systems page section to explore the full range of Telephony services, or get in touch to find out more.