The cost of poor business communications is skyrocketing, up to more than $30 billion every single year.
If your business communications infrastructure isn’t considering using a VoIP phone, it’s a sure bet that their competitors already are. When considering landline vs VoIP systems, the introductory costs might seem like a lot but the overall savings are just as important to consider.
Here’s everything you need to know about making the jump from landlines to VoIP phones.
Understanding VoIP
VoIP is a business communications technology that improves on the older technology of landlines. Voice Over Internet Protocol isn’t reliant on traditional copper wires. Calls are made and received over the internet.
Phones are connected using the same kind of broadband technology that plugs into a computer or router. VoIP phones take the information from a call and convert it into a digital signal within the phone itself. There’s no need for physical connection like landlines.
With everything provided over the internet, there’s a wider set of features enabled to keep businesses more productive and efficient.
When it comes to reliability, the VoIP service relies on fast and secure internet connections. Before choosing to switch to VoIP, a company must meet the requirements for the service. Concerns should be discussed with whatever business VoIP provider they’re working with.
There’s Equipment Required
There’s a different set of equipment required depending on the type of VoIP system that you’re setting up.
You’ll need to start with a strong and reliable internet connection. If you’re working in any industry, having a secure network matters. If you’re in the medical, government, or financial services industries, you’ll need to meet very specific requirements.
Some small business phone systems use adapters with their current landline phones while others will buy VoIP compatible phones. If your adapter is one that plugs into a wireless router rather than a phone outlet, you’ll need to have that kind of router.
If you’re trying to get your VoIP connection via a computer, you’ll need a desktop or laptop with an internet connection. You’ll likely need software, speakers, and a microphone. Some people use a headset that plugs into the device to get the highest sound quality and to make for the easiest use.
For anyone using a phone-based system, a smartphone and a Wi-Fi connection are required. It’s vital to shop around for the ideal VoIP app that will provide all of the features that you’re looking for. Some apps like Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp offer free calls to other users connecting via the same app, but it’s hard to know what your customers use.
It’s more important for you to be able to call other numbers with your mobile number.
A landline might be more straightforward but it doesn’t allow your employees to work while on the go. You’ll also be paying for long-distance calls or calls between other branches of your business.
Comparing Features
Landline phones provide only the most basic of features. Only the most advanced landline phones will store numbers in them, while this is a given feature of most VoIP systems.
With a high-end VoIP system, you’ll have the chance to have a virtual receptionist, turn voicemails to emails, allow for automatic call forwarding, and more. VoIP systems are perfect for three-digit dialing of extensions within a business. They also allow for video calls with the right type of handset.
If you need advanced features extended to all of your team members, VoIP solutions are ideal. They ensure that you have access to cloud-based features and storage that can be extended to staff no matter where they’re located. You can have the luxury in answering business calls from your home and your team as well. Even if you are on a business trip to Europe, you can always communicate directly to your Vancouver-based office.
Comparing Technology
There’s no way that copper wires and exchange structures will be eliminated soon. Those landline phone systems are likely to be around for a long while. However, these legacy systems lack competitive features that require small businesses to upgrade even when phone companies won’t be.
Digital communications are the future. They’re a standard in both business and consumer technology. While most phone companies are starting to build out digital infrastructures, it could be a while before they’re up and running.
Building out a VoIP infrastructure for your business ensures that you’re building a future-proof company. You’ll be able to be competitive with other businesses by being ahead of the curve.
Comparing Reliability
There’s an undeniable edge that landlines have over VoIP phones. In the event a power outage happens, most landline phones will work while VoIP phones will go down, as they’re reliant on an internet connection.
However, with high-speed internet providers ensuring less and less downtime and the ability to transfer calls to other regions quickly, the gap will close. If inbound calls can be routed to a server or location where there is no outage, there will be no perceptible downtime for consumers.
Talking to an internet service provider to find out which options are available to keep a connection secure is the best way to ensure you make a fair comparison. If the reliability and security of their systems are up to par, there’s no reason to choose anything other than VoIP over landline.
VoIP Phone Systems Build Profits
While it might not seem like installing a new phone system is connected to your profit margins, it turns out that it is. When a customer has an issue, they want to be connected quickly and easily. Your call center needs to have information about each customer connected to every incoming phone call.
VoIP phones solve this problem. For more info on how your business could benefit from these and other tech developments, bookmark our page today.
