The Benefits of VoIP Connections for Your Business

The computing term VoIP is short for “Voice over IP,” or “Voice over Internet Protocol.” It refers to a technology where certain communication methods like voice, fax or SMS text messages are sent over the Internet rather than through traditional phone lines. Though this is a relatively new phenomenon in the world of computing, it has already been widely adapted and put to good use in the corporate world. VoIP has many clear benefits over traditional telephone communication, and is wonderfully easy to use.

One clear benefit of VoIP communication is that voice information and data can be transmitted over a single network. This means that you no longer need to have separate phone lines and Internet lines to run your business – one single line is capable of handling both jobs.

VoIP communications services are also bandwidth efficient. Though the handsets are operating using the same connection that your corporate Internet services will filter through, you will not notice any speed degradation in regards to your Internet connection while making or receiving calls.

VoIP services are also one way to lower the overall costs for your business. The start with, you no longer need to have two monthly bills – one for your phone service, and the other for your business Internet connection. Since the service is more than capable of handling both jobs, you only need a single bill. In addition, VoIP services are just inherently cheaper due to their very nature when compared to traditional copper wire phone lines offered by telephone companies.

VoIP connections also make it easier to do work out of the office. VoIP handsets make it possible to receive calls to your business lines from anywhere an Internet connection is present. Traditional telephone services require that you be in one physical location during a call, or at least tapped into the same line. This will cut down overall operating costs in an additional way. Instead of having a business land-line telephone and a separate business cell-phone, you can have one VoIP handset capable of making calls anywhere.

One popular company that offers VoIP services is Skype. Skype gives users the ability to not only make voice calls over the Internet, but text and video calls as well. Any calls that you make to other users who are also subscribers to Skype will be free. Calls to non-Skype users and international users will be subject to the service’s fee structure. Skype is also supported by many mobile phones and devices including Apple’s iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. Skype offers services geared directly at business owners with plans for home offices, small businesses, medium businesses and enterprise users available on their website. You can sign up for any Skype plan at Skype’s homepage.

Other communications companies, like AT&T, Verizon and Vonage, also offer similar VoIP services aimed directly at business users. These plans vary in price depending on the size of the installation, how many handsets you will need and other things of that nature. The benefit of going with one of these companies over something like Skype is that you can often bundle services together. Bundling a VoIP phone service with Internet service will save you money over buying the services individually. If your business or home office requires cable television, you can further save money by bundling all three services together. These plans can be obtained by signing up at the provider’s website.