If you’re like most small businesses, spending around $200 to $250 every month on phone service is normal. But did you know that you could make phone calls over your Internet connection, and save money by doing so?
Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) has been around for a couple of years now, although the technology has gained avid supporters and customers recently as individuals and businesses become more cost-conscious. VoIP converts the sounds you speak into digital information that can be carried over the Internet connection. If you already pay for Internet connection, you don’t need to pay a separate phone bill by simultaneously using the set up for the VoIP digital phone service.
The good thing about VoIP, users can communicate from their computer to another, paying nothing more than the existing Internet bill, even over long distances or internationally. Most VoIP services require a one time equipment purchase (including a telephone handset) and/or paid service. While the initial cost may be higher than the traditional phone service, over time, you will be able to recoup the investment, and start saving money. Small business can expect to save up to 50% through VoIP than regular phone service.
In determining the best digital phone service for your business, one has to determine first how many phone lines are needed and how sophisticated the calling needs would be. Four phone lines or less may require nothing more than a single purchase of a VoIP device from the service provider, which will handle the conversion of voice into digital information. Features such as caller-ID, call-waiting and voice mail come as standard. For more features and bigger organizations, VoIP providers also offer more sophisticated packages that include the functionality found in a private branch exchange or PBX. A PBX is an internal switch that allows features such as letting employees have personal numbers rather than sharing one throughout the company.
In seeking the best VoIP provider for the set features your business needs, include in the consideration the following points:
(1) The provider must be able to address issues regarding voice quality. Are they going to set aside bandwidth for phone calls, which is the ideal solution, or will they test your connection without charge before installation to verify strength? The provider must also include daily monitoring of the quality of connection and provide you with periodic reports.
(2) Determine if the package you choose will fit into your existing phone and Internet routers. You may want to use the sophisticated functionality of PBX, but if your own system is not compatible, such functionality will never be used.
(3) Consider a provider that will allow you to finance the purchase of your equipment. New phones can be expensive, so financing is desirable. Zero-percent financing over 12 months will let you see savings right away without the upfront investment.
(4) Lastly, consider a system that is easy to install and maintain. Getting up the VoIP service should require no more than plugging the system in and then making phone calls. Maintaining the system should not require full-time personnel, nor should it require expensive periodic maintenance schedules.
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