VoIP Services
Whether you go the hosted Cloud services route, or manage your own system, switching to VoIP technology will afford your business a multitude of benefits. VoIP solutions are available for fax, email, voicemail, conferences and work across business phones and mobile phones. Connect your communication routes to make it easier for customers and colleagues to contact you. Keep your employees accessible to your customers for improved service and business. Aside from this, VoIP services can often be more cost-effective upfront and in the long run.

Downsides
Perceived downsides of VoIP include reliability and latency. People may find that calls may not be as reliable on VoIP as on other systems. Latency issues deal with how long a command takes to respond. However, both of these issues can be addressed by choosing the right provider. If you have concerns, whether it’s regarding reliability, latency, or something else, seek a provider that addresses these concerns and puts forth an effort to safeguard whatever it may be.

Emergency Calls
Emergency calling from VoIP systems may be a concern for some. Emergency calls from traditional phone systems can easily be tracked since the phone number is linked to a physical location. IP technology lacks that direct relation. However, VoIP calls can be tracked. An Internet service provider can track an IP address and, in most cases, the signal can be tracked.

Security
Telephone hacking can be a threat to businesses, but with the appropriate safeguards, you can keep your VoIP calls safe. If available, take advantage of security options (ex. encryption or firewalls) from your provider. You may also be interested in anti-virus software. This will protect you from known viruses, but because attackers are always creating new viruses, it is imperative to maintain and keep your software up to date. Before switching to VoIP, assess your telephone security needs and choose a provider and/or software accordingly.

Much like everything else, VoIP services are not perfect. But overall, the advantages of VoIP technologies far outweigh the disadvantages. Affordability, efficiency, versatility, and scalability are just some of the reasons businesses want to switch.

Have you adopted VoIP services within your business? What benefits have your experienced? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

For excellent VoIP telephones and equipment, visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.

Starting a small business with an on-site business phone system is fairly practical considering budget and needs at start up. But once your business starts to grow and expand, you may consider switching to hosted services. Here’s why.

Systems Are Complicated

It may sound appealing to learn how to manage, upgrade, and maintain your own phone system rather than having to call a technician whenever you come across a problem or hiccup. However, these courses can be time consuming and dense. While the courses can range from one day to up to a week of training, the hands on experience can be lacking. Don’t get us wrong, managing your own system is feasible, but it might we easier and more convenient to have someone else manage your telephony.

On-Site Vs. Cloud

If your business is contained to one office, and has no immediate plans for expansion, an on-site system could work for you. However, managing your system off site, or in the cloud, could provide more benefits. You get virtually the same standard features, but cloud services offer a bit more edge. If you have more than one office, or plan on expanding in the future, a cloud service could easily control different branches remotely, and expanding your system becomes less complicated.

Own Or Rent?

Purchasing equipment can diminish your budget quickly, and equipment will eventually become outdated and decrease in value. If you’re planning on managing your phone system and equipment in house and on your own, by all means, investing in a quality phone system is a smart move. But if you’re not looking for a big commitment, why not rent a phone system as an ongoing service with an affordable monthly fee?

When it comes to phone systems, you have plenty of options. The hard part comes down to deciding what is best for you and your business. What works for you? Share with your insight with your peers and us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.

If you need help deciding on a phone system, visit Startechtel.com. Shop our stock of the best new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, and equipment. Or you can speak to a representative directly Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm by calling us at 1-800-564-8045.