Reasons for Choosing VoIP

There are many good reasons to switch from a landline telephone service to VoIP, both for businesses and individuals.

The most obvious reasons that businesses switch to VoIP is that it is usually more cost efficient than regular telephones. For many (depending on specific requirements) a VoIP system can do the necessary job just as well as a telephone system but for less.

There was a time when VoIP services were far inferior to telephone services, especially for business purposes. The voice quality was poor, and no self respecting business can expect to be taken seriously if their customers and business partners are unable to hear them on the other end of the line. It was also necessary to talk through computers using a microphone and headset, which isn’t always convenient. Another problem was the lack of features so it was only possible to one person to call another, with no intercom system and each individual would have been on a different line.

These constraints are largely in the past though. The voice clarity is far superior now, and with the best VoIP providers unnoticeable when compared with a telephone service. This is the major improvement in VoIP over recent years. Another advance are VoIP phones and VoIP adapters, meaning users don’t have to talk through a computer, but can instead communicate as though they are using a phone. A VoIP phone is just as it sounds; a phone like device for communicating through VoIP. A VoIP adapter meanwhile, allows users to use their existing telephones for the use of VoIP.

There are a vast number of features now available. Many users can be using the same system while all being on the same number. This allows for call forwarding as well as other benefits. Video conferencing is possible so many people, all in different geographical locations can converse together. Answer phone systems and other services are also available; all meaning there is an integrated system that can be utilised for business purposes.

An advantage VoIP has over telephone services is that computers can be used to pick up calls from. This means that if someone is out of the office and there is a call for them, it can be diverted to their laptop and they can still receive the call. This is not possible with a phone system so the caller would have to call back at another time. In the long run this saves time.

VoIP can also be effectively utilised for individual use at home. With some providers it is even possible to call for free if calling from one computer to another. Very significant savings can be made when calling abroad; something extremely useful to those with family and friends living in other countries. Video calling is also possible so users can see each other using web cams. As with Business VoIP, VoIP adapters and VoIP phones are available for home use.

There are many reasons why many are choosing to switch to VoIP. The voice quality and general quality of the service is much improved compared to the past, and it is often a cheaper alternative to a regular phone service.

Andrew Marshall (c)