What should your next communication tool be?

Businesses still relying on outdated communication methods to communicate with customers are doing a disservice to their future earning potential. Traditional land lines can be expensive to maintain, especially for companies that have hundreds or thousands of employees dispersed across multiple offices. These tools do little to promote collaboration, which is now the standard for modern productivity.

One way that businesses can finally rid themselves of hundreds or thousands of land lines in favor of more capable technology is through innovative suites such as Voice over Internet Protocol. What is VoIP? It is a service that allows companies to make phone calls directly through their own Internet connection. This means firms no longer have to pay dearly for monthly phone bills.

BusinessNewsDaily contributor Chad Brooks recently explained that users can make calls with VoIP solutions using three channels: Directly from their computers, through a special VoIP phone or using a traditional device integrated with an adapter.

“When using a VoIP phone or a phone that’s connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring, just as a traditional phone, when a call is incoming.  Those who make calls directly from the computer are alerted to incoming calls by special software that is given to users by the service provider,” Brooks explained.

Brooks also emphasized the cost advantages of VoIP, asserting these capabilities are what truly set the technology apart from more antiquated communication options. Organizations with VoIP in place no longer have to pay two bills – one for their phone system and another for the Internet.

The mobile factor
Enterprise mobility is having a major impact on how employees communicate with coworkers and customers. This influence is also translating to the VoIP space. Brooks explained that mobile VoIP allows users to make calls through their smartphones instead of wireless networks, resulting in even lower operating costs.

As is the case with most technologies available, there is one caveat with mobile VoIP – the smartphone must be compatible with the vendor providing the service, Brooks added.

Considering adopting VoIP?
Firms on the fence about VoIP should seek assistance from a reputable IT solutions provider. These vendors are ideal for first-time adopters that are still familiarizing themselves with new technology, especially VoIP. It is clear that these tools are not only great for reducing operating costs, but they are also convenient, since so many tasks are performed through the Internet on a daily basis.

Flexibility is critical for companies that not only want to remain atop their respective industries today but those that want to maintain such leadership for years to come. Businesses can still keep traditional land lines in place – but only communicating through such tools should be a thing of the past. It is time to embrace a newer wave of communication, and VoIP is a great start.

Bring your phone systems up-to-date with hosted, managed or on-premise VoIP deployments, supported by Beringer Associates.