VoIP lets employees move between desk phones and mobile devices to keep working no matter where they are. It also gives them the flexibility to work remotely and boost customer service with features like fax to email.
However, to use VoIP, employees need a reliable internet connection that’s up to the task. The best way to test it is with a speed test.
Cost
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With traditional on-premise systems, installation and maintenance costs can quickly add up. Hiring a full team of experts to repair issues and make upgrades can cost thousands per year. Luckily, VoIP is much less costly to maintain and upgrade. Many VoIP providers will offer a professional services team for the initial setup, but once you have a basic system in place, most of the setup and adjustment can be done through your dashboard.
Another cost to consider is a reliable high-speed Internet connection. While VoIP is cloud-based, it still relies on a stable and secure Internet connection to send data packets across networks. This means that a low-bandwidth Internet connection could result in poor call quality or even call failure. A good Internet provider will have a variety of plans available to meet different budgets, including business-grade fiber optic connections. In addition, many VoIP providers will offer a free local and toll-free business phone number when you sign up, but additional numbers may be purchased on top of your monthly software price.
Reliability
If your team members are remote or if you work from home, VoIP gives them the flexibility to use their phone number on any device that connects to the internet. It also makes it easier to scale up your business, as you can add users with a click in a dedicated account dashboard.
While it has many advantages, it is important to be aware of the limitations of VoIP. For instance, it is dependent on your internet connection, so a slow or unstable network can cause calls to drop. You can prevent this issue by investing in a high-quality router and dedicating it to VoIP.
You should also look for a provider that has multiple data centers to ensure redundancy and security. You should also find out how they keep their servers up and running, as downtime can impact your productivity. Make sure that the provider you choose offers 24/7/365 support. Then, compare costs to see what you’ll pay per month for your business communications solution.
Security
As VoIP uses the internet, it is susceptible to hackers and malware. These threats clog network bandwidth, interrupting signals and causing call quality issues. Malware attacks can also create backdoor entries that allow hackers to spy on calls and steal confidential data.
The best way to protect against security risks is to choose a provider that has a strong security track record and certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. They should also use encryption, implement consistent network monitoring, and segment their networks to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Other precautions include ensuring that all employees use secure passwords and avoid using public WiFi on work devices. In addition, they should change their passwords regularly and never use personal information in their work passwords. It is also crucial to train staff on how to spot phishing attempts and other common types of cyberattacks. Finally, businesses should implement regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate any risks quickly.
Calling Features
VoIP phones don’t require landlines, so they can work wherever you have a reliable internet connection. Your team members can even use their own personal mobile devices to make and receive business calls, giving them more flexibility in their day-to-day work.
Since VoIP calling takes place over the internet, it’s hard to trace a caller’s location. That’s why VoIP providers typically include advanced features like caller ID and three-way calling.
Another handy feature is time-based routing, which allows the system to route inbound calls based on the time of day. For example, it can route calls to an auto-attendant after hours.
VoIP can also improve call quality with high-tech codecs, such as OPUS and G.722. This ensures HD voice with crisp, clear audio and fewer dropped calls. It’s important to note that the quality of VoIP calls depends on your internet connection. A good ping speed and sufficient upload and download speeds are key to getting the best quality.
