A recent report conducted by a technology company, Software Advice, details all the chatter on VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the go-to choice for many small businesses.
Far more people (36 percent of those studied) are choosing this technology compared to traditional services, like Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). Those services received only 24 and 11 percent of the vote. It makes sense that business owners are utilizing a service like VoIP, as it offers far more advantages that you should know about.
VOIP offers a number of benefits that most businesses would gladly welcome…
Save Lines and Money
Firstly, the service allows your company to use far fewer lines. Thanks to the help of SIP trunking, a version of the protocol in question, lines can be condensed to only a few per business. Previously, one line was needed for each employee handling calls. Now, multiple calls can be handled per line. This saves a great deal of money, since countless lines do not need to be purchased.
Fast Menu Options
Thanks to the auto attendant feature included with VoIP, and the Automated Call Distribution (ACD), callers can first speak to an automated voice that offers fast menu options. Once the correct selections have been made, the caller will be placed through to the appropriate representative. This allows you to have your problems solved quickly, rather than being transferred multiple times before being placed with the right person.
Call Forwarding
Since multiple lines are connected, you call can easily be forwarded to the next person. This makes the wait even slower. The ACD feature will ensure your call is forwarded to the correct line so you can speak to the representative you need.
Mobile Integration
With older systems, callers could only make selections via their home phones. Cellphones would not work when attempting to select a certain number to answer a question. Now, mobile integration has taken place. As a cellphone user, you can place calls and follow the command prompts using your mobile device, just as easily as using a traditional phone.
Less Equipment
VoIP allows businesses to stop buying or leasing and maintaining equipment. Less is more in this case. With less equipment taking up space, there is room to expand. Since the lines are all available over a network, there are not as many physical devices needed to handle calls. This means less space taken up, as well as less replacing to do when equipment becomes outdated.
Lower Upfront Cost
Just as you would save money from having fewer lines, so would you save money on initial upfront costs. A legacy Private Branch Exchange (PBX) includes a higher start-up cost than an IP PBX system that utilizes cloud storage online. With call recordings saved electronically, there is no need for a physical device that does the same job. Not having to purchase these extra devices can save you some cash. Broad Connect USA has a good guide that explains why many are choosing a hosted cloud PBX phone system VS an in-house one.
Companies looking to minimize costs and enhance their benefits should consider integrating VoIP systems. Not only does VoIP provide a low cost alternative to traditional phone services, but it also saves time and space in the workplace. Customers also receive faster interaction with the help of an auto attendant, but can still speak to a customer service representative when needed.
While many businesses are familiar with VoIP and what it has to offer, statistics show that nearly 36 percent are unaware of the system and its features. With increased knowledge, more and more companies can integrate to this advanced voice technology system.
