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VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol, a standard method for making phone calls using a data connection instead of a traditional phone line. VoIP phones differ from traditional analogue phones, which use analogue signals over a standard phone line.

VoIP works by translating voice traffic to data and sending it over a data connection. To use VoIP you need a phone system device on your network, as well an IP-capable phone. A business-grade broadband connection is also required – you can use an analogue or digital phone over a traditional phone connection, but a VoIP solution requires a data connection.
 
VoIP Benefits over Traditional Phones
VoIP surpasses traditional phone system solutions in two main areas: cost and customization. Traditional phone solutions need dedicated lines, costly licenses, and must be serviced by a technician when any changes to the phone system must be made, like moving a line or setting up a new voicemail box.
 
VoIP solutions can typically be serviced by onsite IT staff, and utilize the same data connection as your internet connectivity, so there is no need for an additional dedicated line.
 
Aside from cost savings, VoIP solutions are easy to scale and upgrade as your business grows or requires new features. VoIP systems offer typical phone features like caller ID, call forwarding, conference calling, but also offer exciting new features that improve the integration of your phones and other business technology:

• Mobility – VoIP systems can forward calls from your office to your mobile phone if you are out of the office.
• CRM Integration – VoIP phone systems can integrate with various Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications, making it easy to place calls, log calls, or bring up information about the caller on your computer when the phone rings.
• Outlook Integration – VoIP phone systems can email voicemail to your inbox so you can listen to your voicemail messages on your computer from your email. They can also open the customer contact when the phone rings, so you have more information about who is calling.
• Office Outbound Calling From Any Device – Some VoIP phone systems allow routing calls through the office phone system, so calls you make on a mobile phone or other device look like they are coming from your office. You can also use this functionality with phone systems in multiple locations to make long distance calls work like local calls.
• Soft Phones - VoIP phone systems often provide special software to allow you to make calls right from your computer using a headset, with no physical hardware required. This can save on hardware costs.
• Remote VoIP - A worker with a configured phone can take the phone anywhere in the world, plug it into a data connection, and the phone will ring when the number is called, regardless of where the phone is.
• And more.

Things to Keep in Mind When Considering VoIP
Although a VoIP system is usually a better fit for most businesses than traditional phone systems because of the reduced costs and higher manageability, there are some things to keep in mind when considering a VoIP phone system.
 
Because VoIP phone systems utilize your existing data lines, you need internet connectivity to receive phone calls. The chances of a redundant connection going down are slim to none, but this is still an issue to consider.
 
Power is a concern, too. Most traditional phones will function even if the power is out. VoIP systems will not, since the phones require power to function. However, most VoIP phones utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which means that they draw their power through their data connection and need no additional power. They draw power from network hardware. Since most quality networks are designed with battery backup in the event of a power outage, VoIP phones should still function even in the event of a power outage.

Now is a Great Time to Upgrade
VoIP phone systems have never been a better value, so now is a great time to upgrade. Because they are built with upgradability and scalability in mind, they offer much more flexibility than traditional analogue lines or digital phone systems. If you’d like to talk with one of our qualified Sales Engineers to learn more, don’t hesitate to call us today. We aim to be a trusted advisor to learn about how you do business and work with you to find the best solution to help your business be the best it can be.