VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that takes analog audio signals and turns them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet. VoIP has completely reworked the world’s phone systems, turning a standard Internet connection into a way to place lower cost phone calls. Compared to legacy phone systems, VoIP has significant benefits.
Cost savings is the most attractive feature of VoIP. With legacy phone systems, long-distance phone calls were expensive. But with VoIP, companies can move away from public switched telephone networks with voice traffic traveling over the Internet or private data network lines.
Another benefit of VoIP is the reduction in cost for equipment, lines, maintenance, and manpower. An organization no longer needs separate PBX tie lines because VoIP integrates its voice and data traffic on one physical network. While there is an initial setup cost, VoIP saves companies money by consolidating voice lines into one network, eliminating the need to sustain a legacy telephony system. Network administrators’ jobs are less burdened with the company’s voice network and data network can now be managed on a single network.
VoIP makes phone numbers portable. With legacy phone systems a phone number is assigned to a dedicated line so if you want to move your phone to another location, you can’t use the same phone number. But VoIP provides phone number mobility by allowing the phone device to use the same number virtually anywhere so long as it has the appropriate IP connectivity. Bringing your IP phone or softphone with you when traveling and using the same phone number is a reality for organizations taking advantage of VoIP. VoIP also supports service mobility. This means that wherever your phone goes, the same services like voicemail access, call logs, service policy, and security features are also available.
VoIP has the capability of integrating and collaborating with other applications like email, your web browser, instant messaging and social networking. This integration allows members of your organization to work more efficiently as voicemail can be delivered via email. Phone numbers are dialed faster and more accurately thanks to click-to-call services on websites. VoIP also supports voice call button on an email as well as presence information on a contact list.
VoIP also provides users with a graphic user interface that makes changing features, options, and services a user-friendly process. A user can log into the website and change a call forwarding number, speed dial, presence information, music-on-hold options, anonymous call block, and many other features.
With VoIP, an area code or country code is no longer bound to a specific location so geographical boundaries are virtually eliminated. For companies in South Korea subscribing to a U.S. phone number, VoIP makes calls to the U.S. become domestic calls and much more affordable.
Finally, VoIP lets members of your organization utilize rich features like Find-Me-Follow-Me (FMFM), personalized ringtones, click-to-call on websites, selective call forwarding, selective area or country code as well as simultaneous rings on multiple phones.
Clarus Communications is a comprehensive technology services firm that is committed to helping our clients improve upon and achieve their technology objectives. Trusted by businesses and partners nationwide, the team are experts in telecommunications, IP Phone Systems, and Cloud technologies. Clarus has relationships with over 60 different providers and the technical staff to ensure the right technology is in place for your company. This allows our clients and sales partners to have the best combination of price, value, connectivity and innovative services offered in the marketplace. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Visit Clarus Communications here or call us at 855-801-6700 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff so we can work with you on finding the right service for your business at the most affordable rates.