VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, while not new, has become a hot topic in the business world. VoIP first hit the market in smaller waves in the early 2000s, by way of apps like Skype. Since then, however, it has blossomed into a cost-effective alternative for traditional landline telephones, especially for small businesses. Even the federal government utilizes VoIP as a method of establishing phone usage in the Social Security Administration. That level of trust makes using a VoIP service an indisputably safe choice for your business needs.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses the internet and broadband to make phone calls rather than telephone lines. Gone are the days where only circuit-switch networks can transmit phone calls from party to party. Now companies can utilize broadband, or internet service, to make and send phone calls.
The benefits are numerous. Users can not only talk but can text, send pictures, video chat, and have access to voicemail- all through one system. Traditional phone lines only give you access to two of these highlights, specifically talking and voicemail.
How is VoIP a Benefit for Small Businesses?
There are many reasons why VOIP is good for your business. For starters, VoIP is more cost-effective to set up. While you need to have a VoIP capable phone to take phone calls, most businesses invest in phones regardless. Then, simply connect the phone to an ethernet cable, and you’re up and running.
From there, a user only needs to purchase a broadband service; again however, when they are already subscribing to an internet service, as most all businesses do, there is no need for additional companies to work with. The need for a separate phone carrier has been washed away. This means that a good deal of money is saved by not being forced to utilize a phone company, and one less bill needs to be paid each month.
This is extremely ideal when you have satellite employees that work from multiple locations throughout the country or even the world. Each employee doesn’t have to have their own phone service to work. They just need access to the internet.
There are almost always different plans and structures, varying from company to company, as with any service. Full-service VoIP phone companies provide both inbound and outbound service, domestic calling, international calling, voicemail services, and a variety of other add-ons. Some charge a flat fee for things like international calls, while others have different fee structures.
What are the Down Sides of VoIP?
One substantial downside is that if an emergency call is made from a circuit switch phone, a physical address is linked to the connecting number. With VoIP, this is not the case. While an IP address can be tracked down to some degree of accuracy, the time delay is significant. If you are using a VoIP system and need to call 911, it needs to be understood that there may be a delay in response time if no one can give an exact address.
Other than this hurdle, VoIP services only have positive attributes.
MightyCall for Small Business Owners
One company that is a stand out in the world of small business phone systems is MightyCall.
MightyCall is a company that sets up VoIP systems for small businesses. They offer services like:
- Greetings
- Call recording
- Voicemail
- Contact book
- Texting
MightyCall has made it its mission to be user-friendly, affordable, and effective. They don’t make you purchase specialized hardware or bill you per user on your team. If you have a business need that relates to your phone or the internet, they can help.
MightyCall won Silver in the 14th Annual 2019 IT World Award® in IT Products & Services for Small and SOHO Business | for 1 – 10 Employees
