VoIP saving both space and money

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by: clickthrough
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Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 Time: 2:10 PM
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Businesses, particularly small and start-up businesses, are always looking for ways to reduce costs and save money. One of the biggest expenses for small businesses can be their communications system. Although it's a major consumer of company profits, an effective communication system is essential if the business is to survive. So how can you cut your telephony costs yet still maintain an effective communication network that allows you to stay in touch with your business partners, customers and even your staff?

VoIP - the alternative to traditional telephony

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Provider, is the very latest in telecommunications systems. Rather than using a traditional landline or analogue based system, VoIP utilises your broadband connection to send ‘packets' of data to the call destination, where it is converted back into an audio signal. Because it uses the existing broadband network the days of bad telephone connections, particularly if you were calling an overseas number, are over as the speed with which the data is transferred is much faster and more efficient.

VoIP originally used PC-to-PC connections, but for some time the sound quality (dictated by the quality of the microphone installed in the PC) was poor. Now however, VoIP providers have developed systems that, whilst still operating as a VoIP system, use normal handsets as part of the network. Using VoIP is just like making a normal telephone call.

Business VoIP is taking off as customers realise that a cheaper alternative to traditional systems can be incorporated into an existing IT network. Not only can it provide you with cheaper local and international calls, but it can also be integrated into satellite offices regardless of location. This means that your customers and clients will be able to call any of your offices and still only pay a local rate call. It also enables you to maintain better communications contact with satellite offices, even if those offices are overseas.

No need to add extra hardware

Small business VoIP also allows you to save money if you are setting up a new office as you won't have to run a separate cable into the office for your phone system. If your telephony equipment is relatively new, you should be able to incorporate business VoIP with very little extra outlay on hardware or additional equipment.

Because business VoIP uses your existing systems, there is no need to add extra hardware to your office plan. Not only does this save you money in the initial outlay, but it also saves space as well. That may seem like a small consideration, but for small businesses or start-ups that are operating out of small premises, that additional space-saving factor can make a big difference. Using VoIP has one other major advantage - it tells your clients and customers that you are looking to the future and are prepared to use cutting edge technology to give your business a competitive edge. VoIP can give your business a bit of extra ‘kudos', particularly with clients who have already made the switch.

Any drawbacks?

The only drawback to using VoIP rather than a traditional telephony system may be your broadband connection. Don't forget that your VoIP system will be effectively ‘piggybacking' off your Internet broadband, so if your broadband speed is slow or you suffer from frequent loss of connection, this could adversely affect any VoIP system installed. If you have any doubts about your broadband's capabilities to carry VoIP, it is best to check with your Internet Service Provider and a VoIP supplier, who will be able to advise you.

Small business VoIP is finally emerging as a viable alternative to traditional telephone systems. With recent advances in fibre-optics and faster and more stable broadband connections, there has never been a better time to look at how your business can benefit from switching to VoIP.

About the Author

Costas Kariolis - Senior Director Online of Vonage UK. Vonage are leading VoIP (Voice over IP) providers for home & small business users. Offering unlimited and cheap calls to India and many other country landlines via an internet phone service for a set monthly fee.

For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Costas Kariolis
Senior Director Online - UK & Canada
E-mail: theteam@vonage.com