Due to the global demands of the current marketplace, it makes good sense to have a communication system that provides a convenient and affordable means to stay internationally connected. For this very reason, companies around the world are turning to VoIP technology to improve business communications.
What is VoIP and where did it come from?
The basic idea of VoIP technology is to allow voice telecommunication via the internet. The data is sent digitally using Internet Protocol (IP) rather than traditional telephone lines.
When did it all begin?
Early Days
VoIP technology first emerged back in 1995, and was introduced by a company called Vocal Tech. At this time VoIP was a very simple audio connection through a microphone. The technology languished for a few years, as it was slow to develop and did not make a big splash in the world of communication until several years later.
Gaining Traction
The next development was a VoIP adapter that could be attached to phones to provide improve speed and call quality. This change saw the prevalence of VoIP increase, but it wasn’t until Skype launched its ground-breaking software in 2003 that VoIP technology really took off.
It was then that businesses began to see the potential in VoIP, with many international companies using the technology to open call centers in other countries in order to provide 24 hour coverage for customer service.
Worldwide Usage
Fast forward to 2017. By 2017, there were a reported approximate 1 billion VoIP users around the globe. Researchers expect that number to climb to 3 billion by 2021.
Business Benefits of VoIP Technology
Aside from broader communication capability, there are many other good reasons businesses are implementing VoIP systems in the workplace.
Some excellent advantages of VoIP include:
- Call quality
- Efficiency
- Versatility
- Reliability
- Security
- Cost effective
Call Quality
This is obviously a crucial factor, because if the call quality is sketchy, then it doesn’t make much sense to use in business situations. However, VoIP has advanced to the point that call quality is equal to, if not better, than traditional landlines. In the case of international calls, it is arguable that the quality is superior as users don’t experience the same lag as with other phone systems.
Efficiency
A VoIP business phone system can easily be configured to maximize communication efficiency in your office. VoIP allows the flexibility to select where calls come in and how they are received.
Calls can be forwarded to alternative devices based on time of day, or if the call is not answered on the first few rings. This can help cut down on the need to check voicemails. Some of the most successful companies are cutting out voicemail entirely due to the time consuming nature of the process. This feature also helps get rid of the phone tag game that hinders productivity.
Versatility
One advantage of VoIP that traditional phone systems just can’t compare with is the versatility it offers through its range of features and functions. Some of the options you’ll have are:
- Audio calls and conferencing
- Video calls and conferencing
- Instant messaging
- Image and file sharing
- Voicemail-to-text transcription
- Voicemail and call forwarding
Adding to its versatility, all the features are available at any location with an internet connection.
Reliability
There are two ways VoIP services can offer reliability. For one thing, it can improve reliability for your customers by always being available and accessible. With a system that can be accessed from remote locations, and the option to forward calls to any device, important calls should never be missed.
Also, VoIP technology is reliable in general. A typical concern is that if the internet goes down, all communication is lost. However, call-forwarding eliminates this worry because if internet access is not available all calls can be forwarded to smartphones or other devices.
Security
Another area where VoIP technology excels is security. All information and data is transferred digitally through VoIP systems, and that data is automatically encrypted to keep all your sensitive information safe. The same cannot be said for other phone systems.
Cost Effective
Another huge factor for any business is cost. Businesses implementing VoIP technology are enjoying considerable cost savings.
VoIP cuts costs for:
- International calling
- Operational costs
- Hardware expenses
- Travel costs
- Phone bills
Richmond Telecom
Interested in switching to VoIP communication systems? Richmond Telecom offers a variety of packages and plans to suit your specific business needs. Streamline communications and save time and money with VoIP technology.
