Running a business is a constant race to cut costs and raise revenues. Most times, you can do one or the other, but it’s rare to do both at the same time. VoIP phone systems accomplish just that.
At this point, the world relies heavily on the internet. Gone are the days of traditional landlines and PBX systems; VoIP uses the internet to make and receive phone calls, and several other things, too.
If you’re interested in VoIP, you’ll be happy to know that it can save you money in many ways.
Hardware
Technology is expensive. As it becomes more advanced, it seems we have to shell out more money. However, that’s not the case with VoIP, which gives you a few options.
The first option is to buy dedicated VoIP handsets, sometimes called SIP phones. These phones can range anywhere from under $50 to several hundred dollars.
The second option is to buy an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) for your existing desk phone. ATAs convert the VoIP signal to an analog tone so you can make and receive VoIP calls without buying a new handset. ATAs typically cost under $50.
The third option is to not buy any type of new hardware and utilize VoIP’s unique Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) feature. With BYOD, users can make and receive calls using any mobile device or computer with an internet connection—even cellular data. All you need is the VoIP software or app on your mobile device.
Software
Traditional PBX systems have long had software integration that adds features and make things easier, but they’re usually 3rd-party software that costs extra on a per-user basis. That can get expensive quickly. That’s not the case with VoIP, which offers integrated software for all kinds of features. You don’t have to pay extra for the software; it’s built right into the phone.
Call charges
Call charges are probably the biggest way in which you save money. Since VoIP works over the internet, you’re not paying phone-carrier fees. You’re only paying your VoIP provider.
If you make a long-distance call, you’ll only pay a few cents per minute compared to the dollar-amount fees with landline and PBX systems. What’s more, intra-office calling is free—even calling between different office locations.
Maintenance & upgrades
Since VoIP works over the internet, there’s no extra hardware or wiring to maintain or replace. The only improvements you’ll make are improvements to the network itself, which improves your network across the office, not just for VoIP.
Personnel
VoIP is easy to use and doesn’t require dedicated, trained staff to set up and maintain. It’s largely plug-and-play, and your employees can be trained on how to use all their new VoIP features in a few minutes.
Unified communications
Unified communications (UC) systems are the next step in VoIP service. UC systems integrate all kinds of features like instant messaging, presence information, voice, mobility features, audio, web & video conferencing, fixed-mobile convergence, desktop and data sharing, call control, voice recognition and unified messaging (integrated voicemail, email, SMS and fax). UC is not one product, but a set of products that are available exclusively on VoIP systems.
Mobility
As we mentioned with BYOD, your employees can make and take calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Since employees aren’t tethered to their desks with a landline phone, you’ll see an increase in productivity as users can be on the go and communicate clearly with anyone they need to.
If you’re interested in saving money—and you definitely should be—it’s time to make the switch to VoIP telephony. Every day is another dollar lost. If you’re ready to make the switch, then DigiFone is your premier VoIP provider in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Visit us online to chat, send us an email, or call us at 614-635-9676 for a free consultation.