Tag Archives: #PBX

How to Set Up VOIP In a New Location

A business owner sits amongst her moving in boxes setting up VOIP, waiting for new desks. She is using a digital tablet. In the background her assistant is checking the files

Having a VoIP phone system eases the pain of relocating or opening another location for the business.

In the long tradition of business phones, establishing a new office location is notoriously tedious. With old school phones, you would need to cancel the previous service if you were moving offices. Then purchase an entirely new phone plan including complex installation costs for all the lines and phone locations you’d need.

But not anymore. With VOIP rapidly replacing old school PBX phone solutions, setting up phones in a new office location has never been easier. Of course, it’s only natural to ask how this is done, what with the old system being so involved, costly, and tedious. Many businesses who have expanded or changed offices in the past have a whole system that needs to be re-written for VOIP.

So for those of you who are worried about opening a new location, this guide is for you. Rest assured, you won’t need a technician to make it happen and, in fact, can start making VOIP calls in the center of your yet-unfurnished office if you cared to.

Step 1: Secure Your Location

VOIP works no matter where you are, so feel free to pick your office location based on everything except the kind of phone service you need. When you’re working with VOIP, you can secure just about any commercial property that suits your business needs. Your VOIP has no special installation requirements and will work anywhere there is a strong wifi signal.

If you’re looking for VOIP-friendly parameters, then make sure you have access to high-speed internet, though broadband cable or strong satellite internet will both serve the purpose. You can even run a remote office off cell-network hotspot depending on how strong a signal you can pick up. Your new office location can be absolutely anywhere that gets internet service.

Step 2: Bring the Desks and Computers

Once you choose the location, bring in all the usual office furnishings. Desks and chairs, computers and laptops, cashier workstations and mobile device charging stations; any and all of it will do. The one and only requirement of the VOIP phone system in your new office location is that there be some internet-capable end-point devices. Meaning computers, laptops, phones, and/or tablets.

Take a little time to make sure your internal network is properly configured during this stage. Don’t just place the router, optimize it. Test signal and decide where you’ll put wifi repeaters or run internal lines if there are rooms that receive a lower-quality wireless signal, as happens from time to time.

Step 3: Up Your Extensions (If Expanding)

If you are moving your office with all the same staff and the same number of extensions. Don’t even worry about this step. You don’t have to do anything with your account or even tell your VOIP provider that you’re moving locations if you don’t need any changes in service. VOIP is just as capable of being used in a new office location as it is on the road and away on business trips, so no need to worry about any service transferring hassle.

If you are opening a new location and expanding the number of staff making calls, then you will need a few additional extensions to add and configure. Fortunately, this is incredibly easy to do with no installation required. Get in touch with your VOIP provider. All you need to do is request the right number of new extensions and configure them to the use the correct settings. The extensions will be provided, along with new logins, and your bill may not even go up if your just relocating.

Step 4: Install the VOIP Software On Office Computers & Devices

Next, make sure your endpoint devices can access the VOIP cloud service. Simply install the software on each computer and laptop and download the app on any mobile devices. Make sure the software loads correctly and that employees are able to log into the cloud phone platform from each one.

If there is a device that seems to have trouble, reset the device’s app settings and try a fresh install. VOIP platforms are not complex and should work properly on every device. For workstations that will involve a lot of at-desk calling, consider a few VOIP handsets or simply checking to make sure the soft-phone programs are working properly.

Step 5: Have Employees Log Into Their Extensions

Everyone on your team should already know how to manage their VOIP accounts because, as we said, location doesn’t matter a bit. Have each person display that they can still log in, just to be sure. For new employees, you will want to walk them through the very first login, changing their passwords, and the settings/configurations that their team uses to integrate VOIP into the workflow.

Whether your team is in the old office or in the new office; the only thing you need is the software on your devices and an active login for every team member who will be making or receiving calls. IF anyone’s login does not work, go through the usual channels to reset their password.

Step 6: Return to Normal VOIP Workflow

Now you are completely ready to return to your normal workflow or begin innovating your process in the new location. Expanding or transferring your phone service to a new office location is as easy as that. With a VOIP platform, expanding may not even increase your costs unless your adding devices. The only installation is software if you are adding new devices. The only interaction you need with your VOIP provider is to scale your extension count up or down. How’s that for replacing your old PBX relocation process?

Even more interestingly is that your customers need never know the difference because your service numbers won’t have changed. From venders and suppliers to your audience of buyers, changing offices or expanding into new locations is incredibly easy with VOIP.

Ready to make the transition from hardline PBX phones to VOIP or expand your VOIP business to a new location? Contact us today!

How to Build a VOIP Kit for High-Quality Remote Calls

Close up of a business woman using a VOIP kit to connect to her team

Having a phone system with the right tools and features is key to a mobile workforce

When you work remotely, occasionally or every day, nothing matters more than communication. Staying in touch with your distant colleagues is the key to completing projects, attending meetings, and successfully collaborating. Fortunately, connecting is easier than it has ever been before. Between mobile devices and VOIP, you can connect to your team from almost anywhere in the world. But it’s a lot easier to do if you’re prepared.

Making your home office or favorite shared working space is a part of the course, but the true challenge is achieving easy calls when outside your comfort zone. How do you ensure good sound quality in a hotel room, on-site with your client, or on the road? The key is a well-packed VOIP kit that has everything you need to connect, hear, and be heard from almost anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to build one:

High-Speed Mobile Hotspot

The first thing you need is a mobile hotspot you can rely on. These transform cellphone network signal into a wifi network your devices can connect to. Not only does it ensure that you can connect from nearly anywhere, it also keeps you safe from honey-pot traps hackers set with free wifi networks. You won’t have to rely on hotel wifi, and you can connect anywhere your cellphone gets signal. With varying degrees of connection speed.

Soft Can Headphones or High-Quality Earbuds?

If you’re not in a sound-studio quality office prepared to filter audio, you’ll need some headphones so you can hear the conference without your mic sending feedback or echo. But the choice of headphones is highly personal. Some swear that large pillowy can-style headphones are the only way to hear the call clearly while many of us live with a pair of earbuds seemingly permanently attached.

For your kit, the difference matters only to you. Get a spare pair of your favorite type of headphones and pack them as part of your VOIP call travel kit.

Integral Microphone Headset

With a headset, you can transform any modern mobile device into a VOIP phone. All you need is earphones to hear and a microphone to be heard. That said, the microphone quality is important. Many can make do with a webcam or laptop that has an integral microphone, but the quality of how you sound is significantly improved with a real microphone on a headset positioned near your mouth. Be sure your headphones have a built-in mic that transmits in decent quality.

Camera-Bearing Laptop

VOIP platforms often include an option to make video calls, which can become popular depending on the team. If there’s a chance you’ll be called on to appear on video, you’ll want a laptop that has video capability. This is your first or last line solution to the video calls, giving you a place to start or a fall-back position if you choose to use additional cameras instead.

Separate Web Camera

You will probably also want to pack an external web camera, and don’t be shy about investing in some quality here. Your webcam will enable video call options that a laptop camera cannot. You can point it at items, paperwork, and other people without pointing your laptop. You can also upgrade your image or sound quality by choosing a camera with better capabilities than your laptop.

The separate web camera also gives you an alternative to the laptop camera should one or the other fail at an inopportune moment.

Mobile Charging Battery

Next, think about power SNAFUs you’ve experienced in the past. Sometimes, your best friend when telecommuting on the road is a portable charging battery. Something you can charge up at home or in a hotel room, then bring life back to a phone or laptop that has died right when you need it most. Or it can be used to keep your laptop alive longer off-grid when you have to hold a meeting from a place with no outlets. Just one portable battery in your go-bag can make a big difference when it’s needed.

For the truly rugged remote professionals, consider a solar-recharging portable battery. No outlets required.

Charging & Data Cables

Finally, don’t forget all the accouterments for all this mobile tech. You’ll need at least one charging cable for each one of your devices. At least these days, they can all share a few USB power ports instead of each having an individual power adapter. So remember your USB power strip just in case. Take your laptop power adapter, and whatever you need to charge the portable battery. We all know what it feels like to have everything you need but a power cord.

If you enjoy working remotely using the tools of today’s mobile workforce, you might as well the best tools for the job. By packing an effective VOIP call kit, you can optimize sound and signal quality no matter where you’re working from. For more on how to get the best VOIP performance possible, contact us today!

Why Businesses are Adopting VoIP Phone Service

Smiling Delivery Driver using VoIP

Can customers get a hold of you?

A company’s phone service is a crucial part of operations. All customers expect to be able to call in if they want to, even if they usually use other methods of communication. Phones are also essential for communication between employees, to suppliers, and other key people. Yet, more and more companies are telling their traditional phone services to go ahead and cancel their accounts.

VoIP: The Modern Telephone Option

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is behind the shift in the way companies handle their telephony needs. This service, also known as “hosted PBX” or “internet phones,” provides all of the benefits of local PBX systems and more. It is often cheaper as well. When the factors are combined, they provide distinct benefits over standard landline phones.

  • VoIP phone systems can be accessed in many ways. You no longer need separate numbers for cell phones, office phones, and home phones. You and your employees can log into a company VoIP system from any location; all they need is the password to their accounts. This makes it so that someone like a salesperson can sit at home to make calls without losing any of the benefits of the office phone. The system will show the office’s number for his call, allowing the privacy of his home phone number to remain uncompromised. It works the same way for calling from mobile phones and even hotels.
  • VoIP phones offer all of the benefits of PBX systems. This is why they are sometimes referred to as “hosted PBX” systems. You get standard office phone system features like hold music, 3-way calling, call blocking, unlimited voicemail, unlimited local calling, international calling, caller ID, and much more.
  • VoIP surpasses landline PBX systems in many ways. You don’t have to fuss with complicated equipment, install dedicated phone lines, buy expensive hardware, or buy new hardware when you expand. Instead, everything is administered through an easy online interface. The physical connections are done using your cable internet lines, so if you already have those at all of the necessary workstations, you’re all set when it comes to connectivity.
  • Scalability is no problem. Our VoIP services can handle anywhere from one to 500 lines.
  • Our software updates are free. You won’t be hit with surprise costs just to keep your system secure and functional.
  • You can keep your current phone number. There is no need to have a landline to enjoy the benefits of number portability.
  • In almost all cases, VoIP systems sound as good as their landline equivalents. All it takes to enjoy excellent sound clarity is a good, hardwired broadband internet connection (cable or better). This sort of connection allows voice data to be transmitted with no lag, dropped packets, or other problems. As long as you have cable, customers will never know you’re using VoIP unless you choose to tell them.

With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that businesses are switching to VoIP more and more. There is no need to pay high landline costs or deal with expensive phone packages that are padded with useless features. Instead, VoIP offers reasonable costs, the freedom of being able to use the company phone system away from your desk, and freedom from the expense and hassle of dealing with an on-site PBX box. You also don’t need to lease an expensive T1 or other high-end line – standard cable internet will do the trick in all but the most congested markets.

To learn more about our VoIP offering or VoIP in general, just contact us here at SystemsNet. We’ll be glad to discuss your needs and get you set up with the most modern telephony option that will do everything you want.

The Primary Reasons to Choose VoIP Services for Your Business

IP Telephony cloud pbx concept, telephone device with illustration icon of voip services

Is it time for an upgrade of your phone system?

Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP as it is more commonly known) is a telephony system that allows users to make and receive calls using a broadband internet connection rather than a conventional analog phone system. VoIP works by recording audio and converting it into a digital signal that can be transmitted over an internet connection. Recent years have seen a vast expansion of VoIP both amongst residential and commercial users, as VoIP phone systems tend to provide a higher level of service than traditional phone systems at a much lower cost. However, if your business still uses a traditional phone system, you may be unaware of the benefits VoIP can provide, and you may be wondering why there is so much talk about VoIP. If your company still utilizes an analog phone system, here are just a few of the reasons you should consider switching to VoIP.

VoIP Can Save You Money

One of the primary reasons that so many businesses are switching to VoIP phone systems is due to the substantial financial savings that doing so can represent. The fact is that traditional phone systems are expensive to set up, alter, and maintain. Not only are most set up and maintenance costs averted with VoIP, but also, placing calls is much more affordable using a VoIP system. Many VoIP phone systems include unlimited domestic calling for free, and many even include all of North America. When international calls are placed, it is at a much more affordable rate than offered by the mainstream phone companies, which can mean significant savings if you do a lot of international business. The great thing about VoIP is that you do not have to sacrifice call quality for these cost savings. VoIP systems provide clear sound quality that rivals traditional phone lines in most instances, depending on your internet connection.

VoIP is Easy to Install and Maintain

One of the greatest hassles of traditional phone systems is that they are difficult, costly, and time-consuming to set up as someone has to come and run wiring throughout your facility and set up the necessary hardware. Alternatively, setting up a VoIP phone system is often as easy as connecting them to your computer or internet connection, making it easy for you to set these systems up yourself. No hardware or software needs to be installed before you can start using your IP phone system.

It Scales Up and Down Easily

Another problem with traditional phone systems is that they can be difficult and costly to scale up and down. The fact is that it is not always easy to predict how many phone lines you will need to add in the coming year, or where you will need these lines in your facility. This can lead to costly changes if you need to add or move a line. With a VoIP phone system, adding a new line can be done instantly, wherever you need it, as soon as you bring on a new employee, and the phone line can just as easily be removed if they leave. Additionally, moving a phone line with VoIP is as simple as placing it where you need it to go, without the need for any rewiring.

VoIP Supports a Variety of Features

Another benefit of VoIP phone systems is they often come standard with a variety of features that are either extra, or not available, in a traditional phone system. Features that are included or available on many VoIP phone systems include: call holding, call transfers, caller ID, voicemail, visual voicemail, and conference calling. VoIP phone systems also allow for video conferencing, allowing you to conduct business meetings remotely, which can reduce travel expenses.

VoIP phone systems are truly transforming the way in which companies conduct business by providing a variety of useful benefits, only a few of which we have been able to highlight here. Contact us to learn more about VoIP and the reasons why you should consider converting your business to a VoIP phone system.