Voice over Internet Protocol is a standard method for making calls using a data connection. VoIP works by translating voice traffic to data and sending it over a data connection. To use it you need a phone system device on your network line IP phone. Business-Grade broadband is also required if you want to pick-up the calls from a device.
Choosing any new technology is an important consideration and each of its own list of considerations you should think about. VoIP can provide your business with the flexibility and affordability to improve operations, so it’s important to choose the best service for your needs.
Internet Connection
Almost any VoIP service that you choose is not going to include high-speed Internet service. The VoIP provider assumes you already have that, and would have that whether you decided to implement VoIP or not, which is probably true in most cases. The VoIP provider has ZERO control over this – if you have a lousy Internet connection, VoIP will be lousy, it is a one-to-one relationship.
Be sure 911 is supported
All VoIP providers are supposed to be set up so that they support 911 (or E-911) services in case of an emergency. You see, with a traditional phone line, if you call 911, they can tell where you are calling from. But this same ability does not exist with a VoIP phone, so you need to register your VoIP phone with the service so that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, the emergency responders will know where to go.
Understand the service features your business requires.
For example, does your business need an auto-attendant, call forwarding, voicemail to email, hunt groups? If you understand your business needs, you will be able to see how much you will pay. Not all the features are included in the plan. It is very difficult to find a business phone service provider to have everything included.
Preparing your organization for Business VoIP
You would be surprised how frustrating it is for people to change their habits at their workplace. From the new desk, phones to check voicemails. From the 10,000 feet up, changing and upgrading is a no-brainer, but on the ground level, where people just want to do their jobs, it can be very upsetting and emotional.