5 Hard-to-ignore benefits of business VoIP phone systems
VoIP refers to the technology used in communicating calls via an Internet connection. Since its introduction to the UK market, and BT’s announcement on phasing out ISDN and PSTN (currently planned for 2025), the use of regular phone lines and networks has been replaced by VoIP for its better and more affordable technology, and allowing flexible work conditions. Whilst working with our customers, we’ve noticed some businesses are still not fully aware of all the benefits and additional features that come with this technology. If your company hasn’t yet thought about using it, and is keen to offer supplementary services to your client organisations, now could be the right time to explore more about VoIP.
1. Enhanced mobility across locations and devices
You can have the VoIP system activated on multiple devices such as your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer and you will be able to receive a call no matter where you are in the world. Regardless of which device you have, as long as you have a stable internet connection in it, you can keep in touch with clients and the business employees. The mobility of VoIP is what allows many business owners to travel frequently across the globe. A VoIP allows you to make and receive phone calls, join conferences, transfer calls and many more. As more and more businesses go online and expand to international markets, consumers expect 24/7 services across multiple time zones. With a business phone system, you can work from anywhere while still being available through the same central number. If you’re on a call, incoming calls can be routed to another person, or you can offer voicemail. VoIP system can integrate with multiple devices, when you get a call through a VoIP system, all the VoIP enabled devices will ring simultaneously, so no call is missed, no matter wherever you are.
2. Virtual presence anywhere and simple expanding in new locations
Another benefit of VoIP is that it allows you to have virtual numbers with local area codes. Virtual phone numbers will help your business to establish a presence in areas where it is not physically located, this means your customers can directly call you from their local numbers even if your company is located in another city or country. For example, it enables you to have a telephone number with a London area code whilst your office is in Sheffield!
Benefits of having a number with a local area code:
– Improved chances to garner more business, access to customers who would prefer to deal with a local company;
– Better professional appearance by utilising a Virtual Number on your website, business cards and social media pages instead of using a mobile number.
Businesses operating throughout the UK may opt for customer friendly virtual phone numbers starting from 0333/0330, calls to which are often included in landline & mobile minutes. Calls to an 0800 are free to the caller, the number owner will pay for the inbound calls.
3. Network Flexibility
Once you switched over to VoIP, your business can easily ensure continuity and full control over service including various settings, access to recorded calls and voicemails, additional features tailored to your business needs. VoIP systems allow you to add a line as you hire a new employee and eliminate lines in the case of downsizing. You can move location with your VoIP phone system, the technology is based on software and all you need is an Internet connection. While with traditional phone line the installer needs to reconnect your business, which may take several days. In the event of an office phone going down due to lack of network, calls can always be forwarded to mobile phones and other devices.
4. Improved cost efficiency and better value for money
With businesses going global, landline systems have become expensive for placing long-distance calls. The simplest explanation why is because of how the technology works. VoIP Is working by using an internet connection, it reduces infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for separate networks as operating a single voice and data network. Users can bypass the charges common in traditional systems and call at little to no financial cost on local, national, international and mobile numbers. A modern VoIP system also provides the functionality of free internal calls. If you are already paying for an Internet connection suitable for your business, this is a very cost-effective route to go with phone service, which also provides you with free video conferencing, voicemail, audio chat during your phone calls.
5. Extensive Business grade functionality and integration with other systems
Your business likely utilises various other systems and technologies to enhance your operational efficiencies. VoIP easily integrates with a wide variety of existing business systems, for example, outbound calls can be placed via Outlook or other email systems. VoIP allows you to choose where and how your call will ring. You can select the first few rings of your call to ring on your office’s phone set. If a call is not answered, it will be forwarded to the second or third device, such as the laptop or mobile, whichever is VoIP enabled and connected to the internet. VoIP allows multiple calls, including conference and group calls, which is an important advantage to many businesses.
These are just some of the reasons why you might choose to start using VoIP for your business communication. If you wish to find out more read our article “Get Ready for the Upcoming Switch-Off“, see our FAQ sections and collection of ten amazing facts about VoIP. Don’t hesitate to give us a call, our support team is always ready to help.
