Category Archives: VOIP

Say Hello to Managed Voice: Small Business VoIP Providers

Manage Service, VOIP

 

Say Hello to Managed Voice Small Business VoIP Providers - SystemsNet

Remember the bad old days of business VoIP? Jittery lines, dropped calls and voices that sounded like they were coming from a tin can. If that’s your lingering image of voice over internet protocol, it’s time for a serious update. As you compare small business VoIP providers, here is some background information to consider. 

Today’s managed voice solutions are a far cry from their predecessors, offering crystal-clear communication, rock-solid reliability and significant cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses.

The secret to this transformation? Technological advancements and, more importantly, expert configuration and ongoing management. That’s where a trusted managed service provider (MSP) comes in.

VoIP works by converting voice to digital data packets. These packets are transmitted over the internet instead of via traditional phone lines. Many small businesses depend on VoIP because it’s:

  • Easy. 
  • Scalable. 
  • Customizable.  
  • Cost-effective. 
  • Portable. 

What Exactly Is “Managed Voice”?

Think of managed voice as the ultimate integration of your phone system with your data network. It goes beyond being a phone service to become a fully managed solution that prioritizes your voice data, ensuring seamless, high-quality calls. 

You might also hear terms like unified communications (UC) or unified communications as a service (UCaaS) used interchangeably. They all point to the same powerful concept: bringing all your communication tools together in one cohesive, easy-to-manage system.

Managed Voice vs. Traditional PBX

We understand that you may have invested heavily in a physical phone system, but don’t let sunk costs hold you back. If your business is still relying on an aging, physical PBX system, you’re likely spending more than you need to and limiting your capabilities. 

Consider this: Whether you have four phone lines or 40, a managed voice system offers compelling advantages:

  • Cost-effectiveness: With managed voice, you only pay for what you need. Your costs are based on the number of active users or phones, not how many calls you make. Traditional PBX equipment, on the other hand, is expensive to purchase, takes up valuable office space and requires dedicated IT staff for maintenance.
  • Centralized control and mobility: Imagine managing all your voice communications from a single, intuitive web console – no matter how many extensions you have or where your team members are located. Managed voice makes this a reality. Your system is accessible from anywhere, transforming your computer, smartphone or tablet into a “softphone” via an app. This means your phone system goes where you go; an important benefit in this age of remote work.
  • Advanced features: Forget paying extra for basic features like call forwarding, call waiting or caller ID. These, and many more, are typically included with managed voice solutions. Plus, you get advanced functionalities such as video conferencing and team collaboration tools, voicemails delivered directly to your email, computer integration, automated attendants, and mute, hold and transfer functions. Typically, long-distance calls are included, too.
  • Scalability made simple: Growing your business? Adding new lines is effortless. Experiencing a seasonal lull? You can easily scale back your services. You only pay for what you’re actively using, avoiding wasted investment in unused equipment. With traditional landlines, adding new phones often means purchasing costly equipment and reconfiguring the entire system.

Unlocking Significant Cost Savings

Let’s talk numbers. Leaders researching small business VoIP providers are pleasantly surprised that managed VoIP is often much cheaper than traditional landlines in terms of monthly costs. 

Why the big difference? Landlines come with hidden fees for copper wiring and PBX charges that simply don’t exist with VoIP. By eliminating the need for bulky PBX hardware and the staff to maintain it, you’re freeing up both valuable office space and your budget.

Designed With You in Mind: User-Friendly Features

Managed voice systems are built for ease of use, no matter how many employees your small business has. Their customizable, user-friendly interfaces allow you to tailor call routing based on various factors, like the day of the week or time of day. 

Another highly popular feature is the ability to transcribe voicemails into text and send them to your email, ensuring you never miss an important message. These are just a few examples of how managed voice can be customized to your company’s unique operational needs.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

In almost all cases, a managed voice plan is a superior choice. The only significant factor to consider is your internet connection. If your business locations suffer from spotty or slow internet, then a VoIP system might not be the right fit – at least not until those connectivity issues are addressed. However, if your internet is unreliable, that’s likely a broader challenge your business needs to tackle for future growth and profitability anyway. (And our team of IT pros is happy to help.) 

Beyond a stable internet connection, all you typically need is a VoIP router, a Cat-5e Ethernet cable and a knowledgeable small business VoIP provider to help with configuration. One minor point to remember is that, unlike a landline, your physical location isn’t automatically transmitted with a VoIP call. But there are plenty of other ways to share your location with clients, like through your website, email or a contact form.

Considering Small Business VoIP Providers? 

Ready to transform your business communication? As you’re comparing small business VoIP providers, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Let’s talk about how a managed voice solution can benefit your organization.

How Does VoIP Differ from Regular Office Phone Number?

VOIP, , , , , ,
Close-up shot of an employee's hand pressing buttons on its VoIP phone system.

Easy communication methods within the company and with third-party entities

Does your organization utilize an office phone number for SMS/MMS text messages? In this case, you need to understand how it affects your organization. Everything is becoming digitalized, and so are communication methods. Many businesses are replacing text-based communication forms with modern technology. Nowadays, businesses prefer VoIP systems to connect with employees, vendors, and customers. VoIP, Voice Over Internet Protocol, is a type of Internet phone service. If your system has a good Internet connection, you can reap the benefits of VoIP. Using this method of communication, you can improve the way you communicate. It will ease communication within the company and with third-party entities. Let’s have a look at a few features of VoIP.

  • Remote Calling Ability

If you have multiple offices, VoIP can help you in many ways. The system’s remote calling ability will help you transfer the incoming calls. With such a system in your office environment, you can offer excellent customer service. You can connect the customer with your local office team. Thus, it ensures that you get the best benefits from an affordable investment.

  • Auto-Call Recording Facility

Thanks to the auto-call recording facility of VoIP, it’s easy to record calls. When you record conversations, it will help you deliver the right services. But how? VoIP offers a facility by which you can organize recorded calls. By placing them in the searchable indexes, it will help your company to review the calls later.

  • Enhanced Mobility 

If your business relies on mobility, you can prefer VoIP over traditional methods. The reason is that it relies on the Internet. Instead of a grounded phone, it will help you unplug the IP phone according to your needs. It will still work when you shift the IP phone from one place to another. Thus, it ensures that your work never ends if you demand flexibility.

Still on the fence about why you should choose VoIP? Fret no more; here is the list of perks that the modern system offers. Check out!

Perks Of Using VoIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol

Many modern businesses are replacing traditional phone systems with VoIP. The reason behind this is simple – the multitude of benefits.

  • Reliable Solution

VOIP is a highly reliable solution as it works on Internet access. Until and unless you have Internet access, you have access to phone lines. However, this isn’t true in the case of landlines and other traditional methods. By choosing VoIP, you get access to reliable and functional solutions.

  • Affordable Choice

When compared to traditional phone services, VoIP is affordable. You don’t need to access any additional infrastructure for deployment. What’s more, it is light in weight and therefore costs less extra. You don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket with VoIP systems.

  • Highly Functional 

VOIP is exceptionally functional and comes with plenty of features. The reason is that the service is digital and offers plenty of benefits. The unique features of VoIP will offer you a high return on investment.

Pick VoIP To Enhance Your Business Efficiency 

If you’re looking to add VoIP systems to your business, look no further than SystemsNet. When you choose VoIP services through SystemsNet, you get additional features too. Your employees will get access to SMS and MMS text messages functions. They can send messages via VoIP without using their personal cell phones. So, are you ready to implement VoIP in your organization? Contact SystemsNet to handle the task of installation. Even if you wish to know more about SystemsNet VoIP services, we would love to answer. Get in touch today to get rid of traditional communication methods!

 

5 Things You Didn’t Know About VOIP

VOIP
Employee's hand pressing a button on a company phone system - showing different features of using VoIP.

Offers a lot of features and advantages over a traditional telephone system.

Virtual phone systems are becoming more and more popular for businesses as they offer a lot of features and advantages over a traditional telephone system. However, there are still many people who are unaware of what VOIP is and what it can do. Here are  five interesting facts about VOIP that you may not have known before.

VoIP was Born Out of Economic Pressure

The story of VoIP is one of innovation born out of necessity. In the early days of the internet, phone calls were made using a technology called circuit-switched telephone network (CSTN). This technology was expensive and inefficient, so a team of engineers at Bell Labs developed a new way to make phone calls over the internet. This new technology, which we now know as VoIP, allowed people to make phone calls using their internet connection instead of their phone line. This was a major breakthrough, and it allowed people to make phone calls for a fraction of the cost.

VoIP was not Always Free

VoIP is a technology that allows people to make phone calls over the internet. The first VoIP service was released in 1995, and it was not free. In fact, it cost users a monthly subscription fee in order to use the service. In the early days of VoIP, there were a number of different providers who offered the service. Each provider had its own software, and each software had its own set of features. This made it difficult for people to switch providers, as they would have to learn new software and lose all of their old contacts.

VoIP Still has Some Stigma

Despite the fact that VoIP phone systems have been around for over a decade, and are used by millions of people, there is still some stigma attached to them. Many people view VoIP as being inferior to traditional landlines and are hesitant to switch to a VoIP system because of this. There are a few reasons for this stigma. Firstly, many people are unaware of the benefits of using a VoIP system. Secondly, VoIP can be more complicated to set up and use than traditional landlines. And finally, many people are intimidated by the idea of using technology to make phone calls.

VoIP and “Standard” Phone Lines CAN Co-exist

There has been a lot of discussion about VoIP and the impact it is having on the standard telephone line. Some people are convinced that VoIP is going to completely replace the standard phone line, while others believe that the two will be able to coexist. There are a number of factors that need to be considered when examining this issue. VoIP does have some clear advantages, such as lower call rates and the ability to use your phone anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

Gaming VoIP is Used by Criminals to Order Mob Hits

Gaming VoIP services, like Discord and Teamspeak, are often used by gamers to communicate with each other during online matches. However, these services are also being used by criminals to order mob hits. According to a recent report, criminals are using gaming VoIP services to communicate with each other about hits they want to be carried out. The services offer a secure and encrypted way for criminals to communicate, which makes it difficult for law enforcement officials to track them down. This is a major concern for law enforcement officials, as it makes it difficult for them to investigate and prevent mob hits from taking place.

Final Thoughts

VOIP has come a long way in the past few years, and there are a lot of things you may not know about it. We hope you’ve found this information helpful! If you’d like to learn more about VOIP, be sure to contact us.

7 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know about VoIP

VOIP, , , ,
A laptop and a wireless headset showing VoIP system operation concept

Making calls online from any internet-enabled device.

Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony continues to gather momentum in people’s personal and professional lives. You probably even have an app on your phone that uses VoIP, or know a company that uses VoIP telephony. While this technology may appear as simple as calling people online, there could be many things you don’t know about it.

We can bet you’ve likely never known about these seven surprising things about VoIP:

1.      VoIP predates the internet

Although it has the internet in its acronym, VoIP came before the internet. The first VoIP call was made over ARPANET, a military network that gave way to today’s internet. The call was one-way, with a speed of 16 kb/s, but it still went through despite at a snail’s pace. This is certainly new to you because you tend to believe everything on the internet came after the internet.

2.      Started the culture of pushing ads without the “Skip Ad” button

Did you know where YouTube got the idea of using ads to generate revenue? Well, unlike YouTube, VoIP didn’t provide the option to “Skip Ad” as YouTube does. You just have to go through the entire ad before making the connection. This enabled VoIP to expand to outside companies and generate revenue. Social media revenue models need to salute VoIP for the ingenious idea.

3.      Thugs use it to launder money

VoIP got recognition from the most unexpected quarters: organized crime. Criminals use video games such as Second Life to commit money laundering scams and share hit information on their competitors. It’s so complicated that the police didn’t have much to do about it. You only have to watch The Sopranos to understand for an idea of how it happens.

4.      It was developed by gamers

Speaking of video games, gamers needed to find a way to communicate with each other in real-time during the games – and VoIP came to their minds. But you probably believe it was developed by some tech guys holed up somewhere burning the midnight oil. Today, gamers don’t have to use VoIP to communicate in-game due to a litany of instant messaging platforms available as well as the in-game chat platforms.

5.      You don’t need a phone to make VoIP calls

When people think about calls, a phone comes to their minds automatically and VoIP is no exception. What you don’t know is that you really don’t need an actual phone to make VoIP calls. Thanks to IoT, you can make these calls online from any internet-enabled device. Don’t throw away that good old laptop just yet: you can turn it into a VoIP device.

6.      It’s got superior call quality

VoIP call quality is better than PSTN calls because of its significantly greater frequency range. It makes it easier for your ears to differentiate different sounds compared to PSTN calls, which are sometimes affected by “noise”. And you just need an internet connection, not some signal boosters or booths or even satellites erected across the country.

7.      Big telcos are against it

Surprisingly, big telcos across the globe are lobbying governments to limit or block the use of VoIP around the world. This is because widespread VoIP services may easily cut into the profitability of the big telcos and probably drive some out of business. When it comes to VoIP you don’t need much infrastructure, potentially reducing phone call costs by up to 90%.

With SystemsNet on your side, you won’t have to worry about whatever you don’t know about VoIP or big telcos mounting pressure on world governments to limit the use of internet-enabled calls. Choose the level of service you want and we will deliver with a smile. For more information about VoIP services, please contact us today.