Voice Over IP (VOIP) Phone Systems

How to find a business VOIP phone system that suits your business:

1. How will this phone system improve my business?
2. Will I need long distance calling?
3. What other features can I get?
4. Will I be able to manage my account well?
5. What hardware do I have to buy along with it?
6. Can I got a self-hosted system?
7. How much am I willing to spend?

There are a few things you’ll want to know before you decide on a VOIP phone system plan, because they vary dramatically. Business employees considering purchasing a business phone system often ask themselves these questions:

1. How will this phone system improve my business?

VOIP phone systems use Internet connections to send signals. Because of this, employees can make and answer calls from any location that has Internet. To take and make calls away from your desk you have to begin giving out your personal phone number, which can be both confusing and annoying. However, that all goes away with business phones, which don’t require copper wires like landlines.  

2. Will I need long distance calling?

You can get long distance and international calling for a lot cheaper with a business phone, which is definitely an advantage if you do need it. Still, it does cost some extra, and if you’re not going to use it, it isn’t worth paying for.  

3. What other features can I get?

There are so many different features that come with these phone systems. Call forwarding, recording, transferring, screening and monitoring, are only a few. There’s also automated receptionists, extension dialing, conference calling, and voicemail transcription. Different plans come with different features, so make sure the plan you’re looking at includes the features you’ll use.  

4. Will I be able to manage my account well?

This is an important thing to check on when you’re considering a system. You can access your online account through the provider’s website. Make sure that the dashboard of the provider you choose is easy to navigate, and won’t be an obstacle when you need to use it.  

5. What hardware do I have to buy along with it?

None! Business phone systems are cloud-based, so the plan provider deals with all the equipment for you. Also, you don’t have to worry about requesting additional lines.  

6. Can I got a self-hosted system?

Yes, you can. It cost a lot more, but for a large business who wants to be able to address any problems with a connection immediately, on your own time, it can be well worth it. The hardware required to host your own system can be difficult to use and maintain, so some experience is required.  

7. How much am I willing to spend?

Extra features can cost extra money. Some providers will charge you for 411 calling or other add-ons, so be sure to consider whether or not you’ll need it before you pay for it. Even if the plan claims to provide “unlimited” calling time, they may charge you if you exceed their limit per day, so make sure that you know what that limit is. Business phone systems are a smart upgrade, with a cost affordable by small businesses as well as large. In fact, you’ll find that most VOIP systems cost less than owning a landline, with no maintenance required.