Bet you didn’t know this–your business’s phone system can make or break your competitiveness, which is why you need to find the right one. And one of the hottest technologies around is VoIP. But what is VoIP, what are the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP, and is it right for you?
What Is VoIP?
VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol and is a type of phone system used by businesses. The primary difference between VoIP and traditional business phones is the technology used to send and receive messages.
A VoIP system uses an internet connection to send and receive voice and message data, and landline systems rely on copper wire technology.
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VoIP Advantages and Disadvantages
As with all modern technology, VoIP telephony systems have inherent advantages and disadvantages. Consider them carefully to make an informed decision for your business.
Advantages of VoIP
VoIP phone systems have a long list of benefits that businesses of all sizes across Canada enjoy using. But, what is the biggest benefit of VoIP? Today we’re focusing on the five top benefits of VoIP over traditional telephony systems.
- Cost Savings
- Portability
- Inbound Call Management
- Scalability
- Unified Communications
Cost Savings
A leading advantage of VoIP is its cost-effectiveness. VoIP phone systems unlock 50%-75% savings compared to traditional landlines.
The primary reason is landline systems require multiple phone lines, which businesses must pay to have installed and to keep active. A VoIP needs just one internet connection to deliver the same number of phone lines.
VoIP technology’s design means installation, maintenance and operating costs are generally lower than traditional phone systems with comparable capabilities, too.
Portability
Another great VoIP benefit is its mobility.
Phone numbers associated with a VoIP system aren’t tied to a single location and one phone jack outlet. They are completely portable, meaning they can move with you and your team. In the event your office relocates, the hassle of switching phone numbers and updating contacts is avoided.
Inbound Call Management
VoIP systems have an enormous range of features to help manage your inbound phone calls. Auto attendants, call recording, call handling rules, voicemail to email, and automatic call forwarding are examples of how a VoIP-powered system can streamline your inbound call processes.
For instance, when Sunco helped a busy Vancouver hotel upgrade to a VoIP telecom system, the inbound call management features the client chose helped them deliver better customer services and decrease call redirections.
Scalability
Source: DCStudio
A VoIP phone system can be sized up or down to stay in alignment with your business’s communication needs. And, it can do so with ease. For companies that have struggled with technology that cannot grow with their needs quickly, a VoIP system will be a welcome experience!
With VoIP, you can easily increase or decrease the number of lines or features your business may need. This is especially useful for companies with seasonal fluctuations in customer demand, such as a ski resort in Banff or Jasper.
Unified Communications
VoIP systems allow for a single centralized location and service provider for the entirety of a business’s communication needs. This means teams no longer have to coordinate with multiple telecom service providers and struggle with numerous apps. All communication apps and platforms are fully integrated.
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Disadvantages of VoIP
While VoIP may have great potential to improve communication systems and processes in a business, nothing is perfect. Three of the disadvantages of VoIP technology include:
- Internet limitations
- Security concerns
- Emergency location identification
Internet Requirements
A robust and stable internet connection with a suitable bandwidth is required for any VoIP system to function. This is a decreasing concern for businesses within urban centres across Canada, where access to high-speed internet is readily available.
However, for endeavours in remote locations where broadband infrastructure still needs to be established, VoIP may not be a viable option.
Security
Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and instances of VoIP phone systems being hacked by cyber felons aren’t unheard of.
There are ways to reduce these risks on your VoIP system; however, it requires monitoring and team awareness to fortify your system.
Emergency Call Location Identification
When a 911 call is made from a VoIP number, it’s more difficult for the operator to triangulate the caller’s location than a landline. In Canada, the CRTC, a federal organization, addresses this concern and has mandated emergency service obligations for local VoIP service providers.
VoIP Advantages and Disadvantages: Is There a Clear Winner?
The answer to this question depends heavily on the size and needs of your business. Choose VoIP if you want a highly scalable, low-cost, feature-rich communication system that is easy to use. However, make sure you are aware of its risks and limitations.
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Tips for a Seamless VoIP Phone Service Transition
If you choose to investigate VoIP options further, consult with a provider specializing in VoIP communication and installation services. Also, use the following tips to help ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
- Take the time to understand your business’s communication requirements and use a new phone system checklist to help ease the selection process.
- Create a rollout plan with all stakeholders involved in the transition process.
- Choose a provider that can offer comprehensive installation and ongoing support services.
- Ensure there is enough bandwidth for everyone using the VoIP system simultaneously.
- Explore additional security measures to protect your system if security is a concern.
Enhancing Collaboration While Reducing Costs…That’s What We Do
If you’re looking to upgrade, revamp or implement a business phone system, we can help. At Sunco Communication and Installation, we’re leaders in providing enterprise-grade telecom and VoIP solutions to businesses across Canada.
Our expert consultants can tell you if and why you should use VoIP, help choose the ideal system for your business and provide comprehensive installation and ongoing support services to ensure a seamless transition process. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
