The vast majority of businesses, regardless of size, location, or industry, have eagerly adopted technological solutions like computer systems and high speed Internet, while modern day telephone systems that take advantage of the newest technologies are often ignored, or made a last priority. While traditional systems still work, they do break down, or at least need maintenance, and fixing them can be incredibly costly. One solution to consider is to upgrade to a VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol – system.

VoIP is a digital telephone solution that replaces traditional systems with a digital alternative, utilizing broadband Internet connections and transmission lines. Here are five reasons why you should consider an upgrade to a VoIP system.

• Remote phones. Working remotely has become a viable alternative to a having desk in the office. However, one of the major issues with remote workers is that that they can be hard to get a hold of, and are often using their home line for both work and personal calls. With a VoIP solution, employees connect to the office over the Internet and their computer becomes their phone. They can be assigned an extension just like an in-office workers, or use the office direct dial number, thus reducing the need to pay for potentially costly phone bills.
• Mobile office number. Mobile phones are a prominent part of today’s business world, and many employees offer their mobile number right on their business card. While this is a helpful idea, customers are often hesitant to call mobile numbers because they feel they may be intruding. With VoIP, there’s no need to have a mobile number as there are apps that will route calls through the office’s phone system, meaning no missed messages and lower mobile bills.
• Lower calling rates. Many small businesses now operate across international borders, and if you’re making a lot of long distance calls, you’ll notice that the bills using a traditional system can be outrageous. VoIP providers often offer substantially lower rates, and can present savings regardless of the location to which the call is placed.
• It grows with you. If you plan to expand your business in the near future and have a traditional phone system, be warned that it will cost you to upgrade your system, lay new phone lines, and purchase new equipment and numbers. With VoIP systems, it can be as simple as assigning a new number, which often costs nothing, and that’s it. In short, VoIP is highly scalable, whereas most traditional systems are can be quite limited.
• More useful features. Some features offered by telephone providers are essential for business, yet companies are charged for these additional benefits, often on a per number basis. Many VoIP providers bundle the features businesses use the most into the monthly price, usually at no extra cost.

While it’s not a requirement, companies that don’t upgrade their phone systems to VoIP, or other similar systems, are missing out on some great benefits and may, in the near future, find themselves left behind by competitors who have upgraded. If your company uses a traditional phone system and you’d like to find out how to upgrade, please contact us.