What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This means using an internet data connection to make calls, rather than the PSTN (public switched telephone network).
Why do people use VoIP?
People are attracted to VoIP for many reasons, some of which are listed below:
- The solution provides more flexibility and features than can be achieved via conventional PBX's (private branch exchanges) at a fraction of the cost
- Entire telecoms systems with hundreds of workers could be set up within a day
- Easy to add and remove remote workers
- Non-Geographic by nature (meaning you can have telephone numbers from anywhere around the country or world)
- You can take your telephone numbers with you wherever you go
- Changes to your account are instant, and do not require an engineer
- By bundling Voice and Data together, you eliminate additional suppliers/streamline a business
- If you wish you can make calls using your computer and a headset with excellent quality
- A VoIP solution is significantly cheaper than conventional call transport methods
Why isn't VoIP more popular?
In other countries around the world, VoIP for business has gained significant mainstream usage. However, these countries all have one thing in common – exceptional data networks. Because VoIP is dependent on reliable and adequate bandwidth, it is only now – with the rapidly increasing availability of affordable high bandwidth products – that VoIP has been able to gain ground in the UK.
How difficult is VoIP to use?
VoIP is a method of transporting calls, rather than a system to manage, so it all comes down to the manufacturer of the system that utilises VoIP. We pride ourselves on having the most intuitive solution for call management, whilst maintaining the advanced features our customers look for.
What do I need to take advantage of VoIP?
At the most simple level, you just need a Data Connection, a router, and a device capable of making and receiving calls over the internet. These devices include:
- VoIP Phones
- IP-compatible PBX
Benefits of VoIP
Benefit | Explanation |
Feature Lead time reduction | Almost all platform changes take effect immediately, and can easily be accessed and altered by logging into the online control panel. |
Installation lead time reduction | Assuming there is internet access available, the installation of new systems takes considerably less time. Systems ranging from 1 to 100 can generally be installed and configured within hours. |
Hardware that grows with your business | Like computers, VoIP phones and routers are designed to adapt to advancements in technology and the requirements of their users. Because VoIP hardware is based on firmware, hardware can be upgraded to allow for greater utility as the technology becomes available – meaning hardware does not rapidly become out-of-date. |
Global System | Regardless of Geographic location, a business using VoIP can establish a global presence within days – telephone numbers from around the world can be added to an account. This means potential international customers can ring at the cost of a local call, and you can display the local numbers when dialling out. |
Non-Geographic by nature | Businesses often need to move – but need to do so without losing trusted and remembered telephone numbers. With VoIP, no matter where a business moves they can keep their telephone numbers – and even establish new telephone numbers around the country. |
Remote Workers | With the growth of remote working, businesses need a way to easily link these workers in with their phone system. Adding a remote worker is as easy as adding a new worker in the business HQ. |
Full end user control | Unlike many conventional telecommunication providers, customers can have full access to their account, and can see all call routing, enabled features, and system configuration. |
Converged Network | By using a telephone system that uses technology already in place within a customer’s business, costs are streamlined, providers reduced, and systems are converged. |
Cheaper Call rates | Compared to conventional analogue phone systems, call costs using VoIP are generally lower, sometimes quite significantly. In addition, as the system uses Tier 1 Carriers for routing whenever possible, this means there is no sacrifice in call quality. |
Cheaper fixed costs | When comparing with conventional analogue systems, the ongoing costs for implementing a VoIP platform are considerably lower, and do not require a large initial investment. |
Unlimited System Feature Growth | On the hosted system, the features available to a customer will grow as we implement new additions – without being limited by quickly outdated onsite hardware. |
Greater Call Quality | Because our traffic runs over Tier 1 Carriers and the internet, call quality is usually far better and clearer than experienced when using analogue technology. |
Easily expandable system | Whether it's 1 or 100 new users, new users are added as quickly as a customer can click |
