The Advantages of VoIP Systems: How Does VoIP Benefit ...

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) refers to technology that allows the conversion of the analogue audio signal of a phone call into digital data that can be transported over internet protocol networks. This is an alternative to traditional telecommunication where calls are delivered over phone lines connected to a public switched telephone network (PTSN). In recent years, more and more businesses have been making the switch to VoIP because of the advantages it offers. But exactly how does VoIP benefit companies?

The single greatest advantage of VoIP is its low cost, in everything from its installation to its use and maintenance. Unlike traditional phone systems, it requires no specialized equipment, such as that used for private branch exchange (PBX), for its installation: the most basic set-ups only need a voice gateway connected to a router and IP-ready communication devices. Making calls using VoIP technology allows companies to avoid per-call costs and long-distance charges, as the information travels over a broadband internet connection rather than phone lines.

Also, the system routes only the necessary data (like the words in a phone conversation, and not the pauses between them) along the least congested pathways. Multiple calls can be made at the same time over just one broadband connection, and data other than voice calls can be sent over the same system. This renders telecommunication with VoIP highly efficient, allowing for increased productivity at lower cost.

Many functions that aren?t available on phone lines, or otherwise come at extra cost, are matter-of-course with VoIP. These include electronic messaging, call forwarding, and voice and video conferencing. Many VoIP providers let companies pick and choose which of these services to install, so that they don?t end up paying for functions that they won?t use.

As said, VoIP systems need only commodity hardware, such as PCs, to run, and these, unlike the equipment of PBX systems, can easily be configured and troubleshot without having to rely on IT support. The simple interfaces of VoIP devices let users make the changes they need quickly and with no fuss, and open-source VoIP software allows for a great degree of flexibility, enabling companies to adapt the system to fit their needs.

Any internet connection can be used to access a company?s VoIP system. This greatly increases workforce mobility: employees need only a single communication device and internet access to check their voicemail, email, company data, or to place calls at any time, be they in transit, abroad, or at home.

Another significant benefit of VoIP for companies is that it allows the integration of several kinds of communication media ? voice calls, fax, emails, and even PSTN landlines to name a few ? into one system. This is known as unified communications. One of the most common ways to use unified communications is to integrate the phones with customer relationship management software, allowing the system to automatically retrieve customer data from an incoming call, thus placing all the information necessary to provide good service at the answering agent?s fingertips.

Jeff G Foster is a freelance writer for VoIPDeals.co.za and loves writing about VoIP products and information.

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