Choosing a VoIP Service
As innovations in technology continue to register an impressive growth, more people, companies, and businesses are shifting from the traditional phone systems to the modern VoIP systems. The popularity of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is linked to the system’s dynamic features, cost-effectiveness, and other digital capabilities. No doubt, choosing VoIP is an ideal phone solution for any business or household. However, identifying the best VoIP service provider can be an overwhelming experience. This article gives you an overview of what you should know about VoIP systems and how to choose the best provider for your business.
VoIP Explained
VoIP is a technological innovation of telecommunication that converts voice into digital data, allowing users to make calls over the internet. The voice calls made via VoIP are transmitted via Internet Protocol networks. This is unlike the traditional phone systems where voice calls are transmitted through the Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). This means that VoIP calls can be made from any location, provided there is internet connectivity. VoIP service providers use the Software as a Service (SaaS) model to deliver VoIP services to households, businesses, and companies. With this service, businesses do not have to invest in physical infrastructure to procure a call service. All they have to do is subscribe to a VoIP service and make fixed payments over a specified duration.
Features of VoIP
A VoIP system comes with a host of features that can be beneficial to you and your business. Here is a look into some of the common features of VoIP.
- Call Recording
An ideal VoIP system allows you to record calls and save them in an audio format. Such audio formats make it easy for users to retrieve and replay the records whenever necessary. For businesses operating in a highly-regulated industry, then the call recording feature may come in handy. You can also record calls with clients for follow-up.
- Conference Calls
Conferencing has become an essential element for most business executives. Not only does a VoIP system enable you to make a conference call, but it also allows you to share chat messages, presentations, and files when conferencing.
- Do Not Disturb (DND) Feature
The DND feature prevents users from receiving an interrupting call while on another call. Some of the best VoIP systems come with advanced DND features. An example of an advanced DND feature is the call-to-voicemail that sends incoming calls to voicemail. Other VoIP systems will allow you to forward incoming calls to another person to respond on your behalf.
- Call Screening
This feature allows you to screen every call and determine how each call should be treated. For example, if you receive a call from your spouse, you can choose to redirect it to your mobile phone.
- Auto Attendant
The auto-attendant feature functions like a digital receptionist. It allows you to set up a menu system with a variety of contacts in local areas. This means that clients can get in touch with a live operator or any other department within your company.
- Call Forwarding
When your business is unable to respond to a call, this feature translates the call into a voicemail. An ideal VoIP service will allow missed messages to be converted into an email.
Choosing the Best Residential VoIP
The VoIP service sector is quite a competitive space, with multiple companies competing to offer VoIP services. Here is an overview of some factors to consider when choosing the best residential VoIP provider.
- Security
Just like any other cloud-based service, the security capacity of a VoIP service should be your top priority. Run a due diligence check and establish how your data is secured and used. Consider the provider’s privacy policy, and if possible, negotiate the terms of security.
- Custom Mobile Apps
This is one feature that distinguishes the best VoIP providers. It would be best if you chose a provider that offers custom mobile apps with the same service capacity as desktop apps.
- Pricing
Cost is one of the most fundamental factors to consider when choosing a service provider, and VoIP service providers are not an exception. Although prices vary with the features you want, it is essential to compare the prices of various providers.
- Customer Support
The level of customer support you get highly affects the quality of your VoIP service. Run through the provider’s plans and packages to establish the kind of customer service offered for every plan. You want a VoIP provider who will offer 24/7 customer support.
In Summary
VoIP systems are becoming significantly popular over traditional phone systems. This is because of the benefits that come with VoIP, including cost-effectiveness, convenience, dynamic features, and other digital capabilities. Some of the features that distinguish VoIP systems from the brick and mortar phone systems include call recording, conferencing, call screening, auto-attendant, and call forwarding. While choosing the best VoIP service provider, consider such factors as pricing and plans, customer support, security, custom mobile apps, and third-party integration.