Voice over internet protocol, commonly known as VoIP, is essentially phone service that you can use through the internet.
Many businesses today opt to use VoIP over traditional phone services, or to supplement them. All that you need is a strong enough internet connection, and you can use VoIP as yet another tool for your business to put to good use.
So, How Does It Work?
Before you can delve into setting up VoIP and using it to supplement or replace your current services, you will want to have an understanding of how it actually works.
VoIP works by transferring analog phone signals into digital signals. In order to change these signals, you are going to need to get an adapter, such as an ATA or an IP phone. The purpose of these adapter is to direct the information as such: ethernet to router, router to internet.
What Will My VoIP System Look Like?
What Do I Need?
There are effectively three ways that your VoIP system could be.
The first being applying an adapter to an old landline phone. It is as simple as plugging in to a socket in the phone’s router or in the wall. This is also considered to be a fairly cost-effective VoIP system.
The second VoIP system could be your computer. Using your computer, you can use several video calling services such as Skype or Facetime. Skype specifically allows you to call actual landlines, at a cost.
Finally, a smart phone may be the perfect VoIP system for the user that is using it for personal use. Several apps are available today utilizing this technology and putting you in direct contact with landlines across the world.
There are even smartphone apps that are produced by landline providers that use your minutes that are already included in your plan. It is important to note that if you are using a smart phone as a VoIP device, you are going to need to make sure that you have a good Wi-Fi connection, lest running the risk of using up a large amount of cellular data.
How Will It Benefit Me?
The most obvious benefit that comes from switching to a VoIP system is the cost reduction compared to regular old landlines. Converting a landline to VoIP capable itself is cheap and while some VoIP hard phones can get a little pricey, it is still cost effective when you factor in the annual costs of landlines.
A strong connection makes for an extremely clear sound leaving little room for confusion. Making calls app-to-app is free and calling landlines will carry a cost that varies from carrier to carrier.
VoIP does not negate or replace landlines, as many of the companies require line rental in order to receive broadband. With that being said, using a VoIP set up can negate the need to have multiple land lines in your home or business.
If you choose to use a VoIP set up, try to remember to take advantage of the benefits that some services provide. For example, most VoIP phone systems let you get your voicemails sent directly to your email address as audio or text transcriptions.
Because VoIP systems work using converged data network, managing and understanding phone calls and conference calls clear and without the extra cost that traditional phone set ups carry. In special cases when more personal interaction with clients is necessary, video calls are easy and high quality, especially with a fiber optic connection.
In Closing
If you are looking to switch to a VoIP system, think about what set ups will be most practical for you and your business or family. Because the appeal to many is how cost effective it is, do your homework and find the set up that will get you the most bang for your buck while offering the smoothest performance.
With VoIP phone services from Flagman Telecom, you’ll be more than equipped to successfully grow your business. The use of VoIP phones services are very useful for multiple reasons, such as their cost-effectiveness, their multi-functionality, and especially their ease of use. With all of the phone service features, many aspects of running your small business can now be made easier. Flagman Telecom offers some of the lowest prices available, with plans ranging from only $19.99 — $29.99 per user per month. Don’t wait to get started! Give Flagman Telecom a call at (848)-800-8008, toll free, or check out their self service quoting system, and you can get started right away!
