As technology advances, more and more people are switching over from traditional telephony to VoIP solutions for their telecommunication needs. But what is VoIP? How does it work? And how is it different from a landline? These are a few questions that need to be answered before you can decide if VoIP is suited for your telecommunications needs.
In this blog, Top 5 Business VoIP helps you understand the technology of VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol and if it’s a good fit for your business:
What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that uses the internet to transmit multimedia and voice signals between platforms. Unlike landline, VoIP systems are more diverse in their approach to communication methods and aren’t just restricted to voice calls, providing users with a wholesome communications experience.
VoIP is the amalgamation of a number of communications systems, providing you with one comprehensive network. From international calling to online faxing, VoIP systems cover a wide range of telecommunications. This, paired with innovative features and payment options, makes the overall communication management easy and inexpensive. Moreover, VoIP is compatible with an array of hardware and software, in addition to devices likes mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
What is a Landline?
Landline is a telephone system that uses solid copper and optical fiber wiring to transmit voice signals across telephone sets. It’s called ‘landline’ because the wiring is usually laid underground, which is then connected to the telephone set via a two or four-pin wall jack.
As times have evolved, many people have abandoned their traditional telephones, laden with heavy wiring and switched to cellular and internet-based communications solutions. Let’s find out if the new internet-based communication methods (VoIP systems) are actually better than landlines or if it’s all just talk:
VoIP vs. Landlines Comparison: Which Is Better?
Communications have seen an upgrade in the last few decades. Previously, businesses didn’t require more than a telephone line to communicate within and outside their offices. However, as the world is advancing, communication needs have also evolved. In times like these, traditional telephony is falling short on providing its users with solutions that can satisfy their needs. Therefore, more and more people are switching over to internet-based solutions that manage communications better.
Cost Comparison
Although the monthly cost of both landline and VoIP services is more or less the same; the total cost of maintaining the two networks is different. VoIP services save money on installation and maintenance.
Moreover, the long-term cost is also less than landlines, especially when it comes to international calls. So businesses that operate internationally don’t have to pay copious amounts every time they dial long-distance. They can simply make international calls over the internet and save a ton of money.
Voice Clarity Comparison
It’s true that traditional landlines deliver better voice quality that VoIP solutions but it’s only by a small percent. In fact, it’s reported that less than 0.5% of VoIP users have faced problems with voice quality on VoIP. The voice and call quality over VoIP largely depends on the quality of the internet connection. The faster the internet speed, the better the voice quality.
Features Comparison
When it comes to features, VoIP trumps landlines in all departments. With its state-of-the-art technology, VoIP provides its users with features that can easily grow with a business without taking a blow to your budget. A VoIP network can seamlessly integrate with existing phone lines and mobile devices and can be accessed through mobile apps and desktops.
One drawback of using VoIP networks is that in the event of a power-breakdown or internet failure, businesses may lose all communications because VoIP runs on electricity.
However, this can be resolved by keeping a couple of landlines active and getting a hybrid connection so businesses can avail the enhanced features of VoIP and maintain connectivity in case of a power-breakdown via landline phones.
Top VoIP Features
VoIP services are popular with users for their features. But what are these features? Let’s take a look:
- Cost-effective and scalable:VoIP services are known for their inexpensive communications solutions. With affordable payment plans, VoIP makes it easy for businesses to scale up or down as they prefer.
- Local and international numbers:VoIP also allows you to make and receive calls locally and internationally. Businesses are also allowed to opt for international or 1-800 numbers.
- Unified communications:Several extensions, panning across the globe can be monitored and managed as a single, unified network.
- Music-on-hold:Pleasant music and even auto-attendant can entertain incoming calls as the caller waits to be put on the line.
- Connect calls automatically and quickly with extensions:Extensions and dial-by-name directories connect callers with recipient numbers quickly so communications are fast and seamless.
- Collaboration tools:Virtual meetings across the globe can be hosted via web conferencing, making it possible for remote employees to connect and collaborate with each other.
- Call recording:Users can choose to record calls for data keeping and future references.
- Voicemail and greetings features:VoIP also provides its users with voicemail features like, voicemail to email, voicemail transcriptions and greetings.
- Mobile apps:Users can access their VoIP account via their mobile devices through a mobile app that’s available on both iOS and Android platforms.
- Easy integrations:Most VoIP services are compatible with current phone lines along with CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Zendesk, Oracle Sales Cloud, etc.
These are some of the many features that come along almost every VoIP service network which may help you determine if your business needs a VoIP connection for its telecommunications needs.
Bottom Line: Why Choose VoIP?
As the world becomes smaller, our communication needs have become greater. People, especially businesses need a communications system that is affordable, convenient and multifunctional. VoIP is all of this and more.
With its exciting new features, it helps run your business better and guarantees productivity boost. Choosing VoIP over traditional telephony is more imminent than ever. You can take your pick from our top reviewed VoIP service providers and compare them against each other to find a VoIP service that fulfills all your business communications needs.
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