Voice over Internet Protocol or V.o.I.P. is a revolutionary communications technology that utilizes the power of the internet to make phone calls. The result? A robust and enhanced system that allows users to make phone calls anywhere in the world at a low cost. In fact, studies have shown that you can save up to 40% on local calls and up to 90% on international calls, more than you would on a standard Packet-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) plan. Here are the advantages and few disadvantages of Voip.
Advantages:
Cost
This type of technology might sound expensive, yet it is actually the very opposite. Considering the free and low-cost of the Internet, Voip allows providers to utilize the power of the web without the need for additional fees. So instead of connecting your service to a separate landline system which can be expensive, including start-up costs, you can take advantage of your current internet connection to fuel your phone lines.
Accessibility
Unlike traditional phone lines, Voip works anywhere you have an Internet connection. This means you can travel abroad and you will still be able to answer your office line. How neat is that? The days of waiting until you get back to the office to attend to calls are over. Available mobile applications turn your smartphone into a Voip phone mobile extension. Talk about having control of your business communication.
Features
Voip offers a wide selection of features like call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail-to-email, digital attendant and more. It also allows you to hold video conferences and exchange documents, all while the conversation is active. This will allow for more flexibility while holding important meetings. Even more so, if you have multiple business locations, your entire staff can join in without necessarily having to be physically present. Traditional phone lines do offer features of their own but most likely with added costs and a limit as to when and where communication can be accessed.
Disadvantages:
Internet Connection
If you do not have a reliable internet connection, then Voip will not operate as effectively as it should. If for any reason the connection is lost or weakened, it will affect the quality of the signal and thus diminish the sound being transmitted. Although this may sound like a deal breaker to many, keep in mind that you can still use the mobile extension feature on your smart device by connecting to your 4g network. This will allow for optimal call quality.
Jitters
A similar effect that can take place with loss of internet connectivity is known as Jitters. Mostly in businesses, when there are multiple devices operating simultaneously from the same bandwidth, you can experience issues in calls like lag or delay. To understand a bit further, online communication is broken down into bits of data called "data packets." These packets are then reassembled and sent to their intended destination. Jitter issues are becoming less prevalent everyday, as providers create more efficient algorithms to operate in all sorts of networks. This is great news for the Voip world and all future users of this groundbreaking technology.
Most business owners agree that the advantages of Voip far outweigh its disadvantages. With all of the beneficial features and ability to save on monthly phone costs, it is simple to see how implementing a V.o.I.P. Phone System into your work environment can enhance both enterprises and Small Businesses. Many phone providers today offer cloud-based services which means you won't need to spend on expensive hardware in order to run your office. All you would need are the adequate phones and a reliable internet connection to start taking advantage of all Voip can do for you and your business.
Complete Office has been helping customers save on their monthly phone bills by switching to Voip. We can help set-up your business V.o.I.P Phone System and leave you to focus on what you do best. To learn more about our services, check out our business phone services.