It has been many years since VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) was a “new” thing. Today, Skype, WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook Messenger, and more, make it easy to make voice and video calls from PCs, smartphones, and tablets. However, you may still be wondering what VoIP solutions from a trusted IT support provider in Austin can do for your business.
Why VoIP?
Before you tackle the question of how VoIP, it is worth assessing why. What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?
Cost
VoIP is generally much cheaper to set up and expand than traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), which is also known as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). VoIP uses internet networking protocols, using your fast internet connection and any office LAN you already have. If you’ve already invested in WAN and LAN infrastructure, you don’t need to invest in legacy switched-circuit hardware and systems. Furthermore, you make greater use of that investment in WAN and LAN technology.
Accessibility and Flexibility
VoIP’s use of Internet Protocol means that accessibility to the service is as simple as connecting to the network. This also makes the service extremely flexible. No matter where your users are, as long as they have internet access, they can be on your VoIP system. Expanding your VoIP system is simple. Unlike a proprietary PBX (Private Box Exchange), you’re not beholden to expensive upgrades and the need to add more lines. Your VoIP can be managed by an IT support provider in Austin and there’s no need to maintain PBX engineering resources.
Features
VoIP systems can offer a wide range of powerful features. The basics— voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, and three-way calling— are typically included as standard, without extra fees. VoIP also offers features unheard of with PBX. Video calls, sharing of computer files, sophisticated call screening, call back, find me/follow me call routing, and even integration with door buzzer/security systems are just some of the powerful features available with VoIP systems.
Is It All Great?
There are some potential drawbacks. You’ll need reliable internet access with enough bandwidth. Latency can occasionally be a problem as packets get delayed. However, modern algorithms have largely fixed this. If you suffer a power outage and lose your internet connection, your VoIP system won’t be accessible.
On balance, however, you can see the attractions of modern VoIP systems to businesses. To find out more about VoIP and IT support in Austin, get in touch with us at Contigo Technology. We can help you easily make the most of this powerful technology.