VoIP office phone systems are flexible, feature rich systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without sacrificing voice quality or features.

In fact, VoIP has uses way beyond the capabilities of conventional phone systems such as virtual phone numbers, voice mail and fax forwarding to email, switching from Wi-Fi to cellular network, and more.

In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, some businesses have reservations about adopting VoIP. They worry about poorvoice quality, call hacking, losing service during internet outages, costs and complexity of implementation. In this article, we discuss how the advantages of VoIP beat the potential hurdles, and how to maximize your VoIP system.

Why choose VoIP systems?

VoIP service will undoubtedly add value to your business and drastically cut telecommunication expenses. Here is how it does it:

Progressing VoIP technology

Earlier, VoIP limited users to computer systems and patchy voice quality. Today’s regular phones (equipped with VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise high voice clarity, good mobility, and a variety of practical features. Businesses leverage existing networks for intra-office calls, leading to significant savings and improved employee productivity.

Business VoIP reduces telecommunication costs

Traditional phone systems need constant management and maintenance of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. With VoIP, businesses reduce implementation and maintenance overheads by using one network for voice and data. Moving the phone with the employees that incurs a charge of about $100 per head is now as simple as plugging an IP phone into another broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP service vendors charge lesser too than traditional phone system vendors.

Use VoIP services wherever you are

An IP phone can be used wherever there is a high speed internet connection. Colleagues and clients can reach you whether you are at the office, your home, a hotel or even a friend’s place. This cuts down your cell phone expenses. A lot of VoIP systems include software that allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop with a headphone and a microphone.

Simple VoIP configuration

VoIP phone systems can be set up to forward voice mails and faxes to your email inbox and read emails into voice mail . You can easily manage your messages and mails at one place.

Virtual phone number

If you are making calls to customers outside your area, you may want to use a local number. With VoIP, you can have a virtual phone number with the desired area code.

VoIP improves productivity

Research indicates that VoIP systems improve productivity by almost 4 hours per employee per week. VoIP phone system features cut down on the time wasted in managing calls. Your VoIP phone number can ring concurrently on your landline and mobile phone before reaching voice mail, ensuring you never miss an important call.

Making the most of VoIP phone systems

As you can see, VoIP has much to offer. If you still have doubts, these tips will help you stay on top of them.

1. Use professional VoIP services

Though a standard VoIP phone system is fairly simple to install, hire a VoIP service provider for larger projects. Some network providers install and configure a VoIP solution provided by them.

2. Run a pilot project

Have a small group of people use the VoIP system and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you’re satisfied, implement it across the office. Retain your traditional phone system as a backup during this phase.

3. No missed calls with call forwarding

Configure VoIP phone system to forward unanswered calls to a cell phone or a landline or both. If there is a power failure, you won’t miss any calls till an alternative power source gets going.

4. Secure your network

Networks are always in danger of getting hacked. Protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Make it a priority to update network security and to check it thoroughly at regular intervals.

VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages of an advanced telecommunications system. Small businesses can substitute travel with videoconferencing to save costs, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other compelling benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering seamless switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more services at affordable costs. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.