Hosted VoIP Systems – Services and Features of Business Communication
Hosted VoIP (voice over internet protocol) was developed as a more economical and advanced solution to the traditional PBX systems with switchboards that are generally used in offices and businesses.
Hosted VoIP systems make use of a broadband internet connection which allows voice and data signals to be sent via the internet. Hosted VoIP systems have become a necessary addition to offices and business due to the many benefits and features available to VoIP subscribers.
How Hosted VoIP Works
Hosted VoIP services allow clients to have the same quality calling as traditional PSTN lines (normal land line) but with more advanced telephony functionality than regular telephones.
The hosted VoIP system uses software which enables a server to control a VoIP system over the internet. The hosted VoIP system will turn voice and data into digital data and send the data to the required recipient over the internet through a broadband connection. The broadband connection will have a platform from which the data will be sent to the recipient and so forth. Subscribers to VoIP services can choose to use an analogue or voice over internet protocol service.
The Benefits
The benefits to using a hosted VoIP system instead for a regular PSTN system or PBX phone are highly notable. Firstly, using a hosted VoIP line and services will save money on the costs that would be incurred using regular PTSN lines.
Hosted VoIP users enjoy reduced or free calls between sites, and other calls and line rentals are charged at a reduced rate. Maintenance is relatively simple and free of charge. Clients also have access to detailed online billing reports by their service provider.
Hosted VoIP services allow users greater control over the functionality of their telephone systems. The locations in which the system is installed will generally include extension dialling, with many extensions possible on one system. Hosted VoIP systems are fully scalable, meaning that users can add and subtract extension lines as they please. These extensions can also be controlled by the client via the internet.
Because VoIP works over the internet, users can be more flexible in terms of locations – users can take a VoIP phone with them wherever they go and still be contacted free, with access to all features included in the hosted VoIP system.
Another benefit to hosted VoIP systems is the easy access to software updates available so that subscribers can receive the most up to date services and technology available.
A hosted VoIP system is beneficial especially to businesses. Companies generally spend a large amount of money on telephone costs and services, not to mention maintenance of their lines and services when using regular PSTN lines or a PBX system. Some, but not many VoIP service providers will offer a specialised business package tailored to suit the individual business needs of a company.
Hosted VoIP and Business Users
A hosted VoIP system will benefit any company due to the incredible reliance placed on telephony services by the needs of a successful company. Businesses will save money on their communication costs with a hosted VoIP system. No charges for calls made between sites, reduced line rental, free maintenance, the ability to add and subtract lines without help from the service provider, reduced rates to regular phone lines and other cost reducing features will drastically cut a company’s communication costs.
Time is saved when a business uses a hosted VoIP system as online tools included with the system are controllable by the subscriber. Training of IT staff is not required as hosted VoIP systems are user-friendly. Because settings can be controlled by the client, users are able to choose when they receive calls, at what location and from whom. Voicemail is highly accessible to users from any phone or internet connection and can be viewed in a variety of different formats such as email or voice messages. Faxes can also be sent straight to a user’s inbox.
Multiple calls are manageable through a hosted VoIP system. An operator console allows receptionists to manage large numbers of calls using just one system interface.
Hosted VoIP services are the way of the future in terms of communication and none more so than business communication. A hosted VoIP system offers lowered costs, higher functionality, higher reliability and easier usability as well as incredible features which far outweigh the capabilities of a traditional PBX phone system.