It’s 2019, and it has become clear that more solutions every day are moving to a cloud based platform. VoIP is no exception.
What is VoIP?
So what’s all the buzz about VoIP, you ask? The technology behind Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has actually been around since the mid-70’s, but wasn’t released to market until the mid-90’s as a specialized service. Instead of the traditional landlines where every phone has to have it’s own dedicated line, VoIP phones use your existing internet lines. This makes for much easier installation, and in many cases the same line that provides internet to your computer can also be ran into your IP phone.
Popularization of VoIP
As time went on, more companies began to see the value in technology and the applications of the internet. In 2004, VoIP hit the mass market when companies began to offer calling plans that resembled more traditional plans. These plans often came at a lower price tag and more convenience. As a result, the industry took off and thousands of VoIP phone providers popped up around the globe. To illustrate this growth, the number of Business use VoIP lines has increased from 6.2 Million in 2010, to over 42 Million in 2019. Experts suggest that the industry will reach over $2 Trillion dollars in revenue within the next few years.
Advantages of using VoIP
There are several key advantages to using a VoIP Internet Phone system, but one of the most popular is the ability to forward to mobile phones. In many cases, your VoIP system will allow you to seamlessly use your cellular phone as an extension of your desk phone. This allows for inbound and outbound calling, without having to use your personal phone number.
Tired of the dreaded red blinking light on your phone? Another benefit is being able to receive your voicemail over email! As soon as a voicemail message is left, an audio file of the message is sent directly to your inbox. Lastly, Internet Phone systems are not limited to a number of phone lines. This works well when new phones need to be added to the system. In addition, there are also no more busy tones, as a VoIP system can have as many lines as needed and all be used simultaneously.
Where to go for Internet Phones?
There are countless players in the IP Phone market, which can make the task of selecting a provider quite daunting. Large corporations such as Verizon and Comcast have their own VoIP offerings, along with smaller companies that focus entirely on VoIP solutions. At the end of the day, pick the provider that makes the most sense for your business. While cost sometimes is a driving factor, you may want to look more closely when picking a provider. Ask questions. We
recommend asking things such as, “Is there an extended contract for service?” or “Does your company provide installation, setup, and ongoing support?”. Your last option, is to seek recommendation from professionals in the technology industry.
How does your MSP work with your VoIP provider?
We can’t speak for everyone, but at 3rd Element Consulting, we choose to have very close partnerships with other industries that can better serve our clients. We work directly with a provider of IP phones called Greenlink Networks. This allows us to have relationships with the representatives at Greenlink. As a result, when our clients work with them, it’s like they are working with someone on our team. We also work to make sure that your switch from your previous provider is seamless, and avoid down time during the transition.
Want to see if VoIP is the right solution for your business? Contact one of our dedicated team members for a personalized quote.
