By now, you've probably heard of hosted VoIP and its potential to offer organizations a reliable, secure, and cost-effective way to communicate. But what is it exactly?
Let's take a deep dive into hosted VoIP, its features and benefits, and why it might be the right choice for your small business.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it refers to the technology used to make and receive phone calls over the internet. With traditional telephone systems, calls travel over dedicated, physical phone lines. But with VoIP, calls are sent and received digitally in data packets over the internet.
To make VoIP calls, all you need are a SIP-compatible desk phone or a VoIP calling app on your computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You don't have to worry about setting up dedicated phone lines or dealing with a complicated PBX system. You can simply connect to the internet, plug in your phone or launch the app, and you're ready to get started.
What is hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP is a service that provides organizations with the technology and infrastructure to make and receive VoIP calls. Instead of having to purchase, maintain, and configure your own equipment, a third-party provider takes care of all the technical details for you. You just need to pay a monthly fee for the service and you can start making calls with minimal setup.
Hosted VoIP services come with a variety of features, including voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding and routing, conference calling, and auto-attendants. Some providers also offer additional features, such as presence and contact management, call analytics, and automatic call distribution. With hosted VoIP, you can easily customize and manage your phone system according to the needs of your small business.
Related reading: Important VoIP costs to consider
What are the benefits of hosted VoIP?
There are several benefits to using a hosted VoIP service, including:
Cost-effectiveness
Hosted VoIP services are more cost-effective than traditional telephone systems, as you don't have to invest in equipment or pay for installation and maintenance. What's more, because calls are routed over the internet, you can save on long-distance and international calling.
Security
Unlike traditional phone lines, hosted VoIP systems are encrypted and secured with authentication protocols. This makes VoIP calls much less vulnerable to eavesdropping, hacking, and other security threats. Additionally, many VoIP providers offer security measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, depending on your particular needs.
Scalability
Hosted VoIP services can easily be scaled up or down to accommodate growth or changes in your business, allowing you to add new users quickly without having to set up additional equipment. Conversely, if you need to reduce the number of users, you can just as easily do so without worrying about wasting money on idle hardware.
Ongoing support
When you sign up for a hosted VoIP service, you have access to ongoing technical support from experienced staff. This is especially important if something goes wrong with your system, as you can easily get help from someone who knows the ins and outs of VoIP technology. Additionally, many VoIP providers offer helpful resources, such as online tutorials and FAQs to help you get the most out of their services.
Integrations
Hosted VoIP systems can easily be integrated with other business applications and services, such as customer relationship management software, eCommerce solutions, and cloud storage. This allows you to create a more seamless and efficient workflow, as you can access all these different applications from one place. Plus, with the right integrations, you can even automate certain tasks, such as data entry and customer follow-up.
Overall, hosted VoIP is an excellent option for small businesses that want to take advantage of the latest communications technology without breaking the bank. It can help you save money and time while providing you with the features and support you need to stay competitive.
If you have any questions about hosted VoIP or are ready to start taking advantage of this technology, contact our specialists at outsourceIT today.
