VoIP 101: A Simple Guide to VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is by no means new. In fact, many providers have been offering this service for years. However, as high-speed internet has become more readily available, VoIP has become a popular way for businesses to communicate with their employees and customers affordably and efficiently. Here, we will provide a basic guide to what VoIP is and how it can benefit your business.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a way to take analog audio signals and turn them into digital signals to be sent over the Internet. To put it more simply, VoIP allows you to make phone calls over the Internet. While the current phone system uses an inefficient method to connect calls and maintain a continuous connection, VoIP is much more efficient.
The VoIP phone system uses a method called Packet-Switching, which is the same method you use when looking at a website. For instance, when you read this blog page, your computer is not maintaining a constant connection to the site. Instead, it is making connections as needed to send and receive information, such as when you navigate to another page or click on a link. This means that when you use VoIP services to make a phone call, your call is sent in packets along the least expensive and congested lines available, allowing for more affordable and efficient calling.
Advantages of VoIP for Business
VoIP can offer many advantages for businesses who want to improve communication between employees or connect with their customers in an affordable and efficient format. Here are just some of the benefits that VoIP can provide businesses:
- VoIP can save companies money. Businesses can save money on long-distance calling and calls that are made on a WAN between intra-office individuals in different locations. Businesses can also save money by keeping their data and voice traffic all on one network, rather than paying for separate data and voice lines.
- VoIP also increases flexibility and mobility. VoIP allows businesses to integrate programs like video conferencing and email over the internet via telephone. This means that users can speak to others on the phone while still being able to access other applications at the same time. What’s more is that individuals who are on the move can take their adapters anywhere and use their VoIP services at any venue with an Internet connection.
- VoIP can also increase an organization’s productivity. There are many ways that VoIP services can help a company increase overall productivity across the organization. With VoIP, employees can more easily multi-task without interruption. They can also attach documents and share data through video conferences. In addition, the money that businesses save by using VoIP services, allows companies to allocate the saved funds to other areas of the business that may help boost overall productivity.
Are you interested in learning more about how VoIP can help your business? Contact us today for more information.
