Is VoIP better than a landline? We think so. But, of course ClarityTel is a little biased. Let’s consider, though, some of the many reasons why we prefer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems.
To begin, let’s clarify the difference between VoIP and traditional landline (PBX):
- A landline phone system sends voice communications via a traditional analog private branch exchange (PBX) system from one point to another in a controlled ecosystem built to deliver high-quality reception.
- VoIP phone systems include hardware and software enabling people to transmit telephone calls using IP, as data packets, instead of relying on traditional phone circuits. VoIP solutions bring together voice and data capabilities on a single network, eliminating the need for separate lines and providers for each.
VoIP in the US is a $5 billion industry with 15.3% annual growth until 2017. (IBISWorld)
Growth in the VoIP market partially reflects an increasing number of businesses making the switch when their legacy business phone systems reach end-of-life. Otherwise, the business can be left to deal with issues such as:
- Fewer technical resources to support the existing system.
- Upgrade costs for patches, spare parts, and more to keep the system functioning.
Small businesses that switch to VoIP reduce local costs up to 40% and save up to 90% on international calls. (Heckstall)
Mobility. Access the VoIP business phone system anywhere with Internet access. Plus, the client can call the main business number and the call will be forwarded to the employee’s designated phone (whether onsite or not).
- Cost savings. Easy to set up and configure, businesses can integrate the VoIP phones at a fraction of the cost of a traditional landline systems.
- Ease of deployment. Without the hardware required of a traditional phone land line, VoIP services are simple and easy-to-install. Selecting a cloud-based VoIP solution, and bypassing the need for a traditional PBX, gives the business the flexibility needed to expand while minimizing growing pains.
Business VoIP systems offer fast provisioning and increase efficiency. Set your business up to meet the needs you can see today while giving your business a foundation for the innovations it will want tomorrow.