Voice over the Internet commonly known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) represents the latest in phone system technology. VoIP is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP based networks,
such as the Internet. With it, regular voice calls are sent over a computer network instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP has been touted as “coming soon” since the first PC-to PC telephony applications were introduced in 1995. In recent years the audio quality has improved dramatically,technology has gotten cheaper, and business adoption has started to spike.
The technology to compress audio and to reconstruct it has been improved to the point where VoIP sound quality over a high-bandwidth connection is as good as or better than that of regular phones.
However some networks that are fine for data are not up to the demands of VoIP. Computer networks are designed to handle data that is not time sensitive like voice.
Uses of VoIP systems.
External Calls VoIP can be used to make external calls to location outside the company. Typicall there will be significant saving on calls made and especially if these calls are to internationa destinations. Also, because there typically no rental costs associated with VoIP lines your telephonebill can be reduced considerably.
Office to office linking. Companies with branch offices that are linked by a VPN or data network can connect their phone systems together using VoIP. This will ensure that all internal calls are free of charge and that calls can be transferred from one location to another. Therefore call can be answered in just one location and transferred to the second location. Similarly, features such as call back and extension visibility can be used for users of the remote branch. And because multiple offices are seamlessly connected, they can share a single receptionist, auto-attendant, and voicemail system.For further information please contact us or call us today on 01 8903040.
Remote Extensions Many employees and now working off site or homw a home office. Using VoIP technology these can be connected to the office system and enjoy all the features of being an extension off the system. This would include; making calls from the office location, call transfer to and from the main office, voicemail and many more. These feature make these employees more contactable and better integrated into the company as a whole.
Unified Communications Softphones, mobile apps and unified communications further link employees on the road saving both time and money.
Tips on how to buy your VoIP phone system.
Buying any telephone system is a long term investment and the equipment cost will often be lower over time than the running or rental costs.
Computer network suppliers are often not as familiar with telephony issues in comparison to as Telephone System suppliers. Consider carefully the background of the company and their performance in areas such as user training, response to service requests and dealing with exchange line providers.
If you intend to make outgoing calls over the internet, evaluate the costs involved if the voice quality is not satisfactory and you have to revert to legacy lines.
Buy from a telephone supply company. Take advice on whether a pure IP or converged solution is right for your business. By buying a Hybrid system you can often avail of all of the advantages of pure IP systems without the costs involved. Consider if there is a possibility of using existing phones or cabling. Many Hybrid IP systems allow the use of existing phones resulting in considerable savings to the purchaser.
Fax machines, security devices, Cordless phones require a standard telephone ports. If you have these in use in your company ensure that they can be accommodated easily on your new system.