VoIP services are growing rapidly: the industry as a whole is on track to reach one billion users by 2018. As traditional office phone lines are becoming antiquated, VoIP technology is becoming more popular among both large corporations and small or home offices.
So, What is VoIP?
VoIP is short for voice over internet protocol. VoIP systems are online-hosted phone systems that do not require traditional landline phones. If that sounds complicated, the reality is that this type of system does not require complicated installation or constant maintenance. These phone lines can be maintained entirely off-site by your phone provider.
What kind of equipment does VoIP require?
Installing VoIP can be extremely simple depending on your network infrastructure. Because the phone system isn’t analog and works through your online systems, the network needs to contain a number of things in order to be used for both internal and external communications. A typical network infrastructure contains routers, switches, cables, and LAN cards, as well as additional basic software (i.e. operating systems and cyber security solutions). IP addressing and other network services are also required.
If your network is properly connected, all you’ll need to set up VoIP is a high speed internet connection and a computer, adapter, or specialized phone.
Who can I call with VoIp?
The type of service you receive determines who you can and cannot call. In some cases, a user may be limited to speaking to other people who have subscribed to the service, while others can receive and call out to anyone who has a phone number. These services allow the subscriber to make local, long distance, mobile, and international calls. In these cases, the recipient does not need to have any additional phone equipment. They may not even notice that you’re speaking to them via a digital network.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
When you make the switch to VoIP, you’re able to make business calls from anywhere where an Internet connection is present: including wirelessly. If you’re not in the office, you can use the WiFi anywhere to connect to the internet through your personal computer or specific adapter and communicate with company staff or clients.
Additionally, you can eliminate the need for your current phone package and exclusively use your internet package to connect your phone system. That means a company like ARG Communications can not only lower your monthly internet and phone bill, but also provide all maintenance and updates to make your job that much easier.