Using the internet to make and get telephone calls is becoming popular, but for small businesses, some are using VOIP but many aren’t because they are content with what they have.

This is the world of VoIP. With VoIP, your phone calls come over the web as data, similar to e-mail. This type of service can truly lower your telecommunications expenses while improving your productivity. It also offers features and abilities that traditional phone technology can’t provide.

Though VoIP is rapidly becoming popular, some small businesses are still in the dark, concerned that VoIP audio is poor, the technology is complex or pricey, or that the phone service will be gone if the electricity goes out.

The fact of the matter is, VoIP’s advantages are more than the disadvantages. Here some truths on what VoIP service really is.

1. Since its inception, the quality of VoIP service has come a long way. Early VoIP products necessitated that both parties in a conversation be at a computer. Not only was this very limiting, but the sound quality was subpar. Today’s VoIP service has advanced and you can make and get calls using typical or feature-rich IP phones. Sound quality has truly improved, too.

2. Using VoIP can reduce your telecommunications expenses. Costs for VoIP services are much lower than for conventional phone companies, which must deal with the existing phone infrastructures and pricey industry regulations. With lower costs, VoIP providers can charge much less than their peers.

And with VoIP, companies don’t have to keep a different network for phones and data which is another way to save some money.

3. VoIP service brings flexibility. VoIP systems let you do things that aren’t possible with a phone service. You are able to:

• Take your phone system with you. If you can get the internet, you can utilize your VoIP system wherever. Customers and employees can just call your business number, saving your cell phone minutes.
• Talk on your laptop. Several VoIP systems have telephony software that lets you send and get calls using a headphone set. 
• Get voice mail and faxes with your e-mail. VoIP services let you have voice mail and faxes forwarded to your regular e-mail inbox. You get all your messages in one place, and your voice mail and faxes can be easily filed or forwarded to others. Users can also get their e-mails translated to voice mail.
• Get virtual phone numbers. Your phone number can have any area code, not just the one for your city and state.
• Increase productivity. VoIP phone numbers can be designed to ring on multiple devices, like your cell and landline, before going to voice mail, getting rid of the annoying phone tag.

With all the benefits VoIP delivers, if you’re now thinking of switching to VoIP, these suggestions will help you overcome any possible hurdles and make the most of your VoIP system:

• When you don’t know, get a pro. A box VoIP system for a small business is very straightforward to implement. But bigger VoIP systems may work best if handled by a specialist.
• Try it. Instead of switching everyone at the same time, first test a VoIP service with just a few people. If you’re happy with it, then you can bring in everyone else.
• Use call forwarding. If the power goes down, your computer network could go down, making your VoIP service useless. For backup, arrange your VoIP service to have call forwarding to your cell or landline. 
• Secure your network. VoIP’s increasing popularity is attracting hackers, and users are concerned that hackers may destroy a company’s VoIP system. The solution? Make sure your network security is up to date.

One thing’s for sure: VoIP technology is constantly evolving, with compelling new benefits being created for small businesses. Among the benefits are an increase in mobility and a huge decrease in your cell phone charges.

RedWave Technology Group, LLC is a leading provider of VoIP phone systems in Birmingham, AL.  Give us a call at (205) 917-5757 or email info@redwaveit.com to discuss how VoIP can help your business.