As we transition away from Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines, businesses have had to explore alternatives like VoIP phone systems. VoIP is a great alternative not just for cost-effectiveness but for the agility and advanced features they offer. Below you’ll discover ten reasons why you won’t regret making the switch today.
The Disappearance of Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Lines
POTS lines are in the process of be replaced across the United States. Traditional copper wire networks have been used for phone calls since the 1880s, but they are disappearing due to the decline in demand, high cost, and maintenance of the copper infrastructure. This means that businesses and consumers who still use POTS lines for certain devices and services, such as fax machines, alarm systems, elevator lines, and backup lines, will have to find a suitable replacement.
Hosted VoIP for Business: Substantial Cost Savings
VoIP can offer significant cost savings for businesses of all sizes, as it can reduce or eliminate many of the expenses associated with traditional phone systems. VoIP can drastically reduce the fees for long-distance and international calls, as it uses the internet to route the calls rather than relying on expensive carriers. Businesses can experience significant savings when switching to VoIP. VoIP can help you avoid unexpected spikes in your communication costs, as it often comes with pricing models that provide a consistent monthly bill, based on the number of users, features, or minutes.
Making Voicemail More Efficient
VoIP-based voicemail uses the internet and a software application to store and retrieve messages. It can be accessed from anywhere and on any device. VoIP-based voicemail also has advanced features, such as voicemail transcription, visual voicemail, call routing, call forwarding, call recording, and auto dialers.
Security and Privacy
VoIP has several advantages when it comes to security, like real-time monitoring of calling plan usage to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent calls, strict enforcement of toll-free calls to mitigate toll fraud risks, and call encryption to thwart eavesdropping and data manipulation. Certain VoIP providers implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for enhanced security, ensuring only the intended parties have access to call content.
Remote Access to Office Network
VoIP can give remote access to your office network by allowing you to use your internet connection to make and receive phone calls from anywhere, as long as you have a compatible device and a VoIP service provider. 67 percent of mobile workers report an increase in productivity and ability to resolve problems faster. There are different ways to set up VoIP for remote access, depending on your office network and systems. Some of the common options are:
- VPN connection: This is a secure way to connect to your office network over the internet, using a VPN client software and a VPN server at your office. You can use your regular office phone number and extension, and access shared network drives and other systems.
- Cloud-based VoIP service: This is a service that hosts your VoIP phone system in the cloud, and lets you access it from any device with an internet connection.
IP PBX system: This is a system that uses an IP PBX server at your office to route your VoIP calls over the internet. You can also use features like call transfer, call recording, and auto attendant.
Low Maintenance
Hosted VoIP for business requires very little in the way of regular maintenance. They can be easily managed through an online dashboard. Therefore, by using an online dashboard to manage VoIP features, you can eliminate the need for costly in-house equipment and enjoy a more modern, flexible, and reliable communication system.
Less Expensive Hardware
The equipment requirements for hosted VoIP for business are minimal compared to legacy systems depending on the type of VoIP service and the devices used. In contrast, POTS systems often require expensive and complex hardware and infrastructure.
More Efficient Use of Bandwidth
Another way that hosted VoIP for business can enhance bandwidth efficiency is by integrating intelligent video analytics, which reduces the amount of unnecessary data transmitted. By leveraging technologies such as motion detection, facial recognition, and object tracking, video analytics can focus on critical events and transmit relevant data only.
Access to the Most Advanced Features
VoIP offers several benefits for businesses, including cost savings, improved sound quality, and greater flexibility compared to traditional phone systems.
- Call Analytics and Reporting: VoIP systems offer call analytics and reporting features, enabling businesses to monitor and measure call performance metrics such as call volume, duration, quality, and outcomes. This data can be used to enhance customer service and sales strategies.
- Business Text Messaging: With VoIP, businesses can send and receive text messages using their business phone number through the VoIP app or web portal. Text messaging can be used for various purposes such as confirming appointments, sending reminders, or sharing promotions with customers.
- Integration with Other Software: VoIP systems integrate seamlessly with other business applications such as CRM, email, calendar, and chat platforms. This integration streamlines workflows by providing centralized access to customer data and facilitating collaboration among teams.
Upgrading to VoIP is Easy
Upgrading to a hosted VoIP for business is as easy as following the basic steps your provider may give and working with a technician onsite if that is a service they offer. Then you can access everything that VoIP can offer for your businesses, such as cost savings, improved call quality, and enhanced flexibility.
The Crocker Communications Difference
At Crocker Communications, we specialize in providing telecommunications solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. We offer the latest VoIP technologies such as SIP trunking and digital voice lines while allowing businesses to retain their existing infrastructure. Our services come with features like shared access, bundled minutes, geographic redundancy, and E911 compliance. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and support every time. Contact us to get started today.
