Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone system which utilises a broadband connection to enable calls as opposed to copper wire. The process involves digitisation of analog signals rather than the traditional public switched telephone network. Today VoIP services are utilised by both residential households and businesses.
Due to the bandwidth efficiency, and lower costs of VoIP telephone systems, businesses are moving from copper-wire telephone systems to VoIP in order to reduce their monthly phone costs and improve efficiency. In addition a number of VoIP applications have been created to enable a number of business processes.
The one downside of VoIP however is the occasional brief delay, due to the digitisation process of VoIP calls, another downside is the inability to make or receive calls in the event of internet downtime or disconnection.
Today VoIP solutions aimed at businesses, deliver a complete range of communications including phone calls, faxes, voice mail, e-mail and Web conferences.
Because VoIP allows both voice and data communications to be run over a single network, it can significantly reduce infrastructure costs. VoIP devices have simple, easy to administer user interfaces which enables easy configurations and system changes. In addition VoIP calls are generally free between employees, which can significantly reduce phone bills.
Another key advantage of a VoiP telephone system, is the ability to make phone calls with a click of a mouse, when combined with a softphone, as opposed to the need to dial a telephone, when using a traditional telephone. This can significantly increase the productivity of employee’s particularly sales staff, who are required to make a substantial number of calls in their day to day work.
VoIP should be considered by any business looking to reduce costs and improve productivity. The increased uptake of VoIp services by business in the future, is likely to lead to an even greater range of applications and process Improvements moving forward.
