01 Aug Six Things to Consider Before You Install a VoIP Phone System
Six Things to Consider Before You Install a VoIP Phone System
Phone systems might not be the most glamorous piece of business equipment, but they are essential to almost every company. Many business owners have dealt with business phone system failures and the inevitable fallout when a primary line of communication breaks down. In this regard, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers a flexible alternative to traditional business communication tools.
Migrating from a Traditional Business Phone System to a VoIP Telephone System
If you’re considering upgrading your business phone system, you should definitely investigate VoIP. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows businesses to send and receive calls digitally. VoIP offers cost savings, enhanced productivity, and flexibility over traditional telecommunications. In this blog post, we will discuss six things to consider before you install a VoIP business phone system in your business.
Migrating from a Traditional Business Phone System to a VoIP Telephone System
If you’re considering upgrading your business phone system, you should definitely investigate VoIP. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows businesses to send and receive calls digitally. VoIP offers cost savings, enhanced productivity, and flexibility over traditional telecommunications. In this blog post, we will discuss six things to consider before you install a VoIP business phone system in your business.
Top VoIP Phone System Benefits
VoIP phone systems offer many of the same features as traditional business phone systems. VoIP does, however, offer several advantages over traditional business phone systems.
Improved Productivity
VoIP business phone systems can improve productivity by integrating with other business tools and by providing features that save time, such as voicemail to email and voicemail transcription.
Voicemail to Email
Voicemail to email allows users to receive their voicemails in their inbox as an audio file. In modern VoIP phone systems, voicemails can be easily transcribed before they are sent via email to their intended recipients. Reading a voicemail can save time and ensure that all relevant message details are already recorded in an easy-to-view, read, save, and share format. Additionally, business associates who work remotely or travel frequently can access their voicemails online, which is extremely convenient.
Integration with Other Business Tools
VoIP phone systems can be integrated with other business tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software. This integration can help streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Flexible and Scalability
VoIP phone systems are very scalable so they can grow with your business. If you need to add more lines or extensions, VoIP systems can be easily expanded.
Cost Savings
VoIP phone systems can save businesses money because they use the internet to make business calls instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP systems also often come with features that would cost extra with a traditional business phone system, such as voicemail to email and voicemail transcription.
Voicemail to Email
Voicemail to email allows users to receive their voicemails in their inbox as an audio file. In modern VoIP phone systems, voicemails can be easily transcribed before they are sent via email to their intended recipients. Reading a voicemail can save time and ensure that all relevant message details are already recorded in an easy-to-view, read, save, and share format. Additionally, business associates who work remotely or travel frequently can access their voicemails online, which is extremely convenient.
Integration with Other Business Tools
VoIP phone systems can be integrated with other business tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software. This integration can help streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Flexible and Scalability
VoIP phone systems are very scalable so they can grow with your business. If you need to add more lines or extensions, VoIP systems can be easily expanded.
Cost Savings
VoIP phone systems can save businesses money because they use the internet to make business calls instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP systems also often come with features that would cost extra with a traditional business phone system, such as voicemail to email and voicemail transcription.
Call Routing and Conference Calls
Business VoIP service can route phone calls to the appropriate extension or VoIP phone and can even route phone calls to cell phones. Routing calls with business VoIP service is easy. An organization’s call routing process involves distributing incoming calls to specific personnel. VoIP call routing is based on various factors, including the caller’s language preference, the time of day, or the department the caller needs to reach. Additionally, VoIP services can be used to host conference calls. Virtual meetings are now hassle-free, thanks to the simplicity of most VoIP solutions. A VoIP phone system transforms traditional conference calls into something far more robust for business owners, whether hosting video conferencing meetings, managing call attendees, sharing computer screens, recording calls, or sharing documents.
Auto-Attendants
A VoIP system can have auto-attendants and automated menus guiding callers to the appropriate extension or department.
Call Recording and Monitoring
A VoIP system can record calls for quality assurance or training purposes. A VoIP system can also be monitored in real-time, so you can see how many calls are waiting in a queue, the average wait time, and how long each call lasts.
Remote Management
A VoIP system can be remotely managed and maintained, saving a business time and money. Remote management is one of the top features of VoIP. Businesses without the in-house IT resources to manage a robust telecom solution can benefit from this feature. Having a VoIP phone system managed by an outside firm like ACIS® IT Solutions can save money, increase productivity, and simplify services.
VoIP Security
When it comes to VoIP security, there are a few things to consider. First, a VoIP system uses the internet to make calls, so you must ensure your network is secure. VoIP systems also store data, so you must ensure that your system complies with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA.
How Does Your Business Switch Traditional Business Phone System to a VoIP Telephone System?
Migrating from a traditional business phone system to a VoIP system is typically straightforward, especially when working with a proven VoIP solutions provider like ACIS® IT Solutions. Two key factors a business owner must consider before migrating to VoIP services are the business’ network bandwidth and SIP.
How Does Your Business Switch Traditional Business Phone System to a VoIP Telephone System?
Migrating from a traditional business phone system to a VoIP system is typically straightforward, especially when working with a proven VoIP solutions provider like ACIS® IT Solutions. Two key factors a business owner must consider before migrating to VoIP services are the business’ network bandwidth and SIP.
VoIP Phone System Bandwidth Requirements
VoIP systems require a certain amount of bandwidth, so you must ensure your internet connection can handle VoIP traffic. Typically, bandwidth refers to the Internet connection you receive from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). As a general rule, bandwidth refers to the amount and speed at which your business can conduct Internet-based tasks, such as uploading and downloading files, streaming videos, and emailing. A VoIP phone system must have enough bandwidth to operate properly. It is critical to ensure you have sufficient bandwidth to conduct all your daily Internet tasks and make Internet-based calls without delay or interruption. You must speak to your VoIP solutions provider to determine if you have enough bandwidth to enjoy a VoIP solution since bandwidth requirements vary depending on the VoIP system.
VoIP Phone Systems SIP Requirements
Once you have determined that you have enough bandwidth to support your new VoIP solution, you will need to consider Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). With SIP, you and your employees can make calls regardless of whether they are connected to a traditional landline or VoIP phone service. The VoIP solutions provider you choose will provide recommendations for implementing a SIP network and guidelines for assessing your VoIP phones and associated equipment.
Depending on who uses it, “SIP provider” means different things. The term “SIP provider” has its roots in “SIP trunking,” which lets businesses connect their IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems to the public switched telephone network or PSTN.
Devices within a PBX can only communicate with devices on the same network without SIP trunking. A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a private telephone network that allows users to communicate with each other, usually in business settings. It manages the routing and calling capabilities for outbound and inbound calls on the company’s internal telephone network. ITSPs (Internet Telephony Service Providers) connect their clients’ PBXs to the PSTN (public switched telephone network) through pipes, or “trunks,” exponentially increasing the PBX’s reach and usefulness.
VoIP Phone Systems SIP Requirements
Once you have determined that you have enough bandwidth to support your new VoIP solution, you will need to consider Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). With SIP, you and your employees can make calls regardless of whether they are connected to a traditional landline or VoIP phone service. The VoIP solutions provider you choose will provide recommendations for implementing a SIP network and guidelines for assessing your VoIP phones and associated equipment.
Depending on who uses it, “SIP provider” means different things. The term “SIP provider” has its roots in “SIP trunking,” which lets businesses connect their IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems to the public switched telephone network or PSTN.
Devices within a PBX can only communicate with devices on the same network without SIP trunking. A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a private telephone network that allows users to communicate with each other, usually in business settings. It manages the routing and calling capabilities for outbound and inbound calls on the company’s internal telephone network. ITSPs (Internet Telephony Service Providers) connect their clients’ PBXs to the PSTN (public switched telephone network) through pipes, or “trunks,” exponentially increasing the PBX’s reach and usefulness.
VoIP Phone System Hardware Requirements
VoIP systems require very little hardware and can be easily integrated into your business’s existing network infrastructure.
VoIP phones (handsets) are the main hardware component required for a VoIP system. VoIP phone service requires VoIP phones that can handle the signal from your VoIP provider. Various types of VoIP phones are available, including programmable handsets and soft VoIP phones (applications that run on computers and mobile devices). Some phones can be plugged into computers through USB connections. Some can even switch to PSTN if the broadband connection is interrupted.
VoIP Phone System and Mobile Devices
One of the most significant advantages of a VoIP phone system is adding an app to your employee’s existing mobile phone. Instead of paying for a separate mobile phone and requiring them to carry two phones, VoIP calls can be routed to the app on their existing mobile phones.
VoIP services can be used from any location and have many features to help your business remain mobile. It unifies all your communication tools and protocols, so you don’t have to worry about managing multiple tools or paying separate vendors. It also gives your team more flexibility because it’s easy to make and receive business calls from anywhere.
VoIP Phone System and Mobile Devices
One of the most significant advantages of a VoIP phone system is adding an app to your employee’s existing mobile phone. Instead of paying for a separate mobile phone and requiring them to carry two phones, VoIP calls can be routed to the app on their existing mobile phones.
VoIP services can be used from any location and have many features to help your business remain mobile. It unifies all your communication tools and protocols, so you don’t have to worry about managing multiple tools or paying separate vendors. It also gives your team more flexibility because it’s easy to make and receive business calls from anywhere.
The Hidden Costs of VoIP Business Phone Systems
When migrating from a traditional business phone service to a VoIP service, it is essential to plan for the transition and select a reliable service provider. Planning the change means evaluating your current network to ensure it can handle the volume of Voice over Internet Protocol traffic. It is also essential to optimize your router to support VoIP calls. In addition, it is critical to use a reputable VoIP service provider who understands your needs and will guide you through the process.
Call ACIS® IT Solutions, Your trusted IT Partner, to Get Started
(Voice over Internet Protocol) VoIP systems have many advantages for businesses. IP phones with VoIP service are less expensive than traditional landline phones, offers more features and mobility, and scales easily as your business grows. However, there are several things you should consider before making the switch to VoIP, including bandwidth requirements, SIP trunking requirements, hardware requirements, and compatibility with mobile devices. If you’re still unsure where to start, call us at (417) 823-7100. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions and help you figure out if VoIP is right for your business needs.
Call ACIS® IT Solutions, Your trusted IT Partner, to Get Started
(Voice over Internet Protocol) VoIP systems have many advantages for businesses. IP phones with VoIP service are less expensive than traditional landline phones, offers more features and mobility, and scales easily as your business grows. However, there are several things you should consider before making the switch to VoIP, including bandwidth requirements, SIP trunking requirements, hardware requirements, and compatibility with mobile devices. If you’re still unsure where to start, call us at (417) 823-7100. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions and help you figure out if VoIP is right for your business needs.
