Should SMBs use VoIP phones?

If you think Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is only for large organizations, think again. VoIP phone systems come with features that are beneficial for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) as well. However, some SMB owners and managers are not willing to give up traditional phone lines. If you’re one of them, this article will prove how important VoIP is for your business.

What is VoIP technology?

Before diving deep into why your small business should start using VoIP technology, it's good to have a clear idea of what it is. VoIP is designed to convert your voice into a digital signal. This allows you to make phone calls using your computer and other data-driven devices. In short, it's a telephone service using the power and technology of the internet. Here are some reasons why your business should switch to VoIP phones.

• Less expensive – Unlike traditional phone systems, the cost of the initial setup and maintenance of a VoIP system is generally less. Since VoIP operates using an internet connection, phone cables and other traditional phone hardware are no longer needed upon setup.

  Calls are not charged on distance, so you can make international calls using local rates. Some providers even offer free VoIP-to-VoIP calls, so the only thing you have to pay for is the monthly internet fee. This is one big reason why a lot of SMBs are slowly transitioning to a VoIP phone system.

• Functionality – Modern VoIP phones can do more than just receive and make calls. They now come with features such as instant messaging and video conferencing that lets you engage with employees and customers even if they're on the other side of the world. These features also allow your employees to work from home or other remote locations.

  Additionally, VoIP phones can forward voicemails and faxes directly to your email, allowing you to organize all your messages in one convenient spot. VoIP phones also come with a recording service that lets you play back important messages, as well as record automated answers for customers calling your company after work hours.

• Flexible – A traditional phone network limits the number of phones you can have depending on the lines available. Applying for additional phone lines means added expenses that most small businesses on a tight budget can't afford. With a VoIP network, your organization can have as many phones as it needs as long as your internet connection can handle the load.

  VoIP technology also allows you to use a softphone installed on your computer instead of having to use a physical one. This will help you control your budget when your business starts to grow and you hire more employees.

Potential problems

While VoIP technology provides plenty of benefits for your business, there are some potential problems you should keep an eye on.

• Call quality – Since VoIP uses the internet to make calls, the stability of your connection can significantly affect call quality. With a bad internet connection, you may experience noise, echoes, delays, and at times, dropped calls.

  Also, if your internet connection goes down, you won't be able to make or receive calls. This is why it's highly recommended that your business have a backup internet service provider in case the main one goes down.

• Security – Just like with other internet-based technologies, security is a major concern when it comes to using VoIP phones. Businesses using a VoIP system is at risk of phishing, viruses, identity and service theft, spamming, malware, call tampering, and denial-of-service (DoS attacks). With the help of a trusted managed IT services provider (MSP), these issues can be kept at bay.

Is VoIP good for your business?

VoIP is a great investment for SMBs, because its benefits far outweigh some of its potential issues. If you're looking to move your business from traditional phones to a VoIP system, call us today and we'll provide you with a VoIP solution tailor-made for your small business.