Imagine freeing yourself from landline-based phone services or greatly expanding your mobile phone’s capacity to serve your business. Whichever of these popular options you use, you’ll benefit by adding VoIP service to your business’s bag of technological tricks.
VoIP: A quick primer
Also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP relies on internet rather than traditional phone lines or cellular systems. The technology was developed in 1995, and incredibly, it’s only now meeting its full potential. VoIP greatly broadens the scope of communications, allowing people to send and receive voice calls, video calls, and more from phones, PCs, and tablets. Not only does VoIP allow for flexible formatting, it gives users far more freedom in their daily lives. So long as a good internet connection is available, VoIP users can enjoy access from any location.
Low cost
VoIP services have far less overhead than traditional phone companies do, which allows them to pass their savings on to users. Even international calling is inexpensive; for example, Viber Out offers low-cost calling plans and pay-as-you-go credit to destinations worldwide at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone services. This particular company takes cost-cutting to the extreme, allowing those who use their Android, iOS, and Windows applications to communicate at no cost: Even teleconferences with up to 250 participants are free when they are hosted on the app.
So long as they connect to Wi-Fi, VoIP users who have limited data plans also save money on mobile phone charges while keeping their mobile data available for other uses.
Global communications
Some VoIP providers only allow for contact between registered users, but this limited way of communicating is quickly falling by the wayside. Again using Viber Out as an example, users are able to contact others by dialing landline and cellular phone numbers as well as those who use the app
Good quality
Like other technologies, VoIP arrived with some glitches, which developers have since worked out. Sound quality has improved, and video calls offer crisp, clear images of others. With a good 3G, 4G, LTE, or internet signal, it’s possible to enjoy calls that sound just as good as those made from traditional phone services.
Flexibility and portability
There are a number of different options for communicating via VoIP, and with most services, it’s possible to sync devices for complete continuity between the phones, tablets, and computers that you use. Meetings and client calls are no longer relegated to the office; instead, you can handle everything from wherever you happen to be, whether you’re at home, sipping coffee at your favorite café, or even at a relaxing vacation spot. Because it’s possible to keep your entire communication system with you, you can even keep your business running while travelling abroad. Never before have entrepreneurs enjoyed this level of freedom.
Enhanced productivity
Time is money, particularly for entrepreneurs. The more you can accomplish with each working minute, the greater your acceleration toward your goals. By using VoIP, it’s possible to conduct business transactions of all types while handling other essential tasks. You’re not tied to a single location, and life’s “to do list” becomes far easier to manage. Additionally, your phone and related communications services remain active so long as you have battery power to the devices that you’re using: A power outage doesn’t mean that business transactions come to a halt.
Keeps private information confidential
Some VoIP providers use a process called end-to-end encryption, which assures that all communications are securely transmitted. Also known as E2EE, this methodology prevents third parties from gaining access to data as it travels from sender to receiver.
No major investment or special equipment required
Traditional telecommunications equipment is expensive, and installing it represents a big investment, too. VoIP based phone systems are designed to work with your existing equipment – even if that’s something as simple as a laptop and a smartphone, or even just a smartphone. It’s possible to get started with the resources you have available, and in many cases, you can begin using VoIP free.
Easy setup
Basic VoIP phone systems for entrepreneurs can be downloaded as applications. Once the app is in place, it’s possible to select some settings and choose some preferences, and then start taking advantage of the features that appeal to you most.
Scalability
Whether you’re a solo act or if your business is expanding to include new employees (including telecommuters, virtual assistants, and/or freelancers) it’s possible to scale VoIP to meet your specific needs. Whatever your business’s size, you’re likely to appreciate VoIP for its ability to level the playing field and bring you a competitive edge.
Photograph by PDPics