The introduction of the VoIP phone system has been the biggest change in telephone systems in the last century. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. But, how exactly does it work, and how does it benefit businesses?
How does VoIP work?
A VoIP phone system works using internet phone lines (instead of Analogue or Digital lines). The system itself is hosted in the cloud rather than located physically on your premises. VoIP converts your voice into a digital signal, compresses it, and sends it over the internet.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
- Scalable and Flexible
Because of the nature of the system, adding or removing users from a VoIP system is much more convenient than that of a traditional business phone system. Should your business scale particularly quickly, a VoIP system can scale with it. Adding additional handsets to a VoIP system is simple, as is removing unused ones. A VoIP phone system is a very flexible phone system.
- Economical
For those just starting out or on a tighter budget, a VoIP system can be a better option. VoIP is a low cost alternative to the traditional telephone system as it uses your internet/broadband connection to make and receive your telephone calls. This can dramatically reduce your businesses running costs by eliminating the need for lots of individual telephone lines.
- Portability
Portability is key for many businesses. One advantage to a VoIP telephone system is that it enables businesses to be as mobile and as portable as possible. By using a VoIP network you can enable mobile users, as well as desk-based users to connect to your telephone system. This is ideal for businesses who have on-the-road employees, or who have home workers – as they can connect directly to your VoIP telephone system.
- Future-proofing
Over the next few years BT is shutting off their traditional phone lines (ISDN and PSTN). This means any business with a phone system that relies on these will need to replace it over the coming years. VoIP phones are BT Switch Off ready as they do not use these, they simply use the internet. Opting for a VoIP phone ahead of the Switch Off means that your business is already set up and ready to go.
Considering VoIP for your business?
Wondering whether VoIP is suitable for your business? Contact Sprint to discuss your options.
