Sep 27, 2011 | All About VoIP
Thanks to the different excellent marketing strategies and its own effectiveness, VOIP has become a byword for the past several years. Despite its popularity, however, a good number don’t know much about it.
Today we’re going to define VOIP.
VOIP stands for voice over Internet protocol. This basically works like your regular phone; the only major difference is that the connection used is through the Internet. Thus, even if you don’t have a standard phone line, if you are using cable TV and Internet-capable mobile devices (such those 3G or WIFI smartphones and tablet PCs), you can use VOIP.
There are many reasons why many use VOIP. Topping the list is its cost-effectiveness. It’s normally offered by providers as add-ons to cable channels or smartphone package. Thus, there’s no need for you to pay for extra fees.
You can also get away with the traditional charges telcos add to your bill, such as long-distance and roaming fees. Moreover, if the call is from PC to PC, you may not have to pay for anything at all.
VOIP is very easy to use and set up, so you don’t have to hire any specialist for maintenance. Business VOIP has helped hundreds of small businesses grow since they can manage their businesses even when they’re on the road.
Though it’s possible to set up VOIP all by yourself, it’s best if you rely on a good provider. This way, you can skip investing on equipment and infrastructure needed to run VOIP. For first-time users, providers offer guides in case they encounter issues in their connection.
Limitations of VOIP
VOIP is highly valued for its savings, efficiency, functionality, and flexibility. However, it also has its own limitations. For example, some don’t offer the 911 service. This means you cannot use the connection for emergency services. Further, there’s the issue of audio and even video quality. This is especially true with consumer VOIP, where bandwidth is often low and traffic is very high.
Future of VOIP
Needless to say, a lot of great developments continue to happen in the world of VOIP. For instance, we see huge strides in improving mobile VOIP to further make its features accessible to many. In the next few years, 4G, the fastest method of connecting to the Internet, is going to take the lead. VOIP is also going to be simplified further through wireless connection.
Sep 22, 2011 | All About VoIP
Despite the popularity and functionality of VOIP, there are still a couple of consumers and businesses that opt to stay away from it. One of the common reasons is the complexity of the setup.
If you are one of those individuals, then perhaps you simply need some more prodding. VOIP may sound so technical, but its processes and concept are not. To fully understand this point, check out the reasons why VOIP may be easy:
You can always count on the help of your VOIP provider.
Let us pretend that you have not heard of VOIP before. You can just call any VOIP provider within your area and request for a demo. The demo already includes a short discussion about what voice over Internet protocol is, what is needed, and why it is good for you.
Meanwhile, if you have decided to set one up, you can request for initial setup from your provider. Normally this does not cost you anything. Since VOIP is convenient, you do not need to demand for help for maintenance; nevertheless, providers may also offer maintenance for additional fees.
Guidelines are all over the Web.
The Internet contains a treasure trove of information about VOIP, from cable to mobile. You can use search engines such as Google and Yahoo as your starting point. You can also sign up in message boards, read threads, and ask questions to experts. There are also blogs and websites that are fully dedicated to VOIP, with thousands of tutorials and tips you can read.
The hardware and software needed are within your reach.
There are a couple of hardware and software to use to smoothly run your VOIP. These are analog telephone adaptors, telephone sets, headsets, routers, PBX, and soft phones, to name a few. You may have all of these from your service provider, or you can purchase them from several online and offline stores.
They are easy to implement.
You can use the different guides you can find to help you set up and maintain your own VOIP. There may be some learning curve, but expect to overcome it very soon, as long as you’re open to new learning. Several VOIP providers also have web-based dashboards, which help you keep track of the status of your VOIP in real time.
Sep 22, 2011 | All About VoIP
When it comes to the most popular VOIP option, cable VOIP tops the list. However, because of the growth of mobile devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, and even laptops, mobile VOIP is fast catching up.
It doesn’t come as a surprise therefore if you cannot easily determine which one to pick, just in case you want a VOIP or you’re thinking of upgrading your present setup. To help you, let’s assess each one of them.
Mobile VOIP
The concept of mobile VOIP is fairly new. After all, it hasn’t been a lot of years since the introduction of mobile devices in the market. For you to connect to VOIP, you require an Internet connection, which you can obtain through WIFI or 3G (T-Mobile tablet PCs, however, now offer 4G, which is the fastest).
As its name suggests, the main advantage of this VOIP setup is mobility. It seems like the world is connected either through WIFI or 3G, so Internet isn’t a major issue. Further, plenty of these VOIP apps are downloadable and available for free, including the ever-famous Skype.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of downsides. A number complain about poor audio and video quality. Sometimes they get cut off while in the middle of a conversation, and there are features that can be used at a premium. iCall is free only for United States and Canada numbers.
Cable VOIP
Cable companies are raking millions of dollars not just through their subscriptions but also through offering VOIP. The infrastructure takes advantage of the huge bandwidth of cables; thus, often you’re guaranteed with exceptional quality. Also, there’s no hassle in setting up VOIP since cable providers can already do that for you.
However, cable VOIP doesn’t come for free, even if it’s part of the bundle. Keep in mind that providers also need to spend money on maintaining or upgrading the network.
You may also experience loss of VOIP for not only hours but perhaps days or weeks. This usually happens when there’s outage, and the cable company is down.
Lastly, it doesn’t offer the kind of flexibility mobile VOIP has.
So Which One Is It?
Both are great: mobile VOIP is promising, and cable VOIP is reliable. Hence, your choice depends on what you currently need, how much your budget is, and your expectations.
Sep 21, 2011 | All About VoIP
Contrary to popular belief, VOIP isn’t only for the rich and famous. In fact, it’s especially useful for start-ups and home-based businesses that don’t have a lot of capital to spend for infrastructure. VOIP can be easily integrated to existing devices, such as Internet connection, facsimile machines, and telephone lines. It’s also flexible and definitely cost-effective.
It’s also loaded with great features that are functional and certified must-haves:
Call Routing
This feature allows you to reroute calls to any devices of your preference, including extension phones, laptops, tablet PCs, and PDAs. This ensures you don’t have to miss any important phone call no matter where you are.
CRM Integration
A lot of businesses these days are relying on CRM applications (customer relationship management software) particularly for client retention. The good news is VOIP can already be seamlessly integrated to such software, so you can have a more accurate and comprehensive report for every customer or account.
Conferencing
With VOIP, you can scrap setting up an office or spend a lot of dollars for travel and accommodation. You can set up either a telephone or web conferencing. Because of the improvements in conferencing technologies, including real-time display of presentations, it’s no longer difficult to create a realistic feel inside the virtual boardroom.
Web Integration
Some VOIP providers offer Click-to-Call me feature, where you can attach a “Call Me” icon or tag right into your website. If someone decides to make an inquiry and clicks on the button, the call is immediately redirected to your selected device, making sure you can make the most of your leads.
Call Distribution
It’s more advisable for any small-based businesses to maintain their present customers than find new ones, since the latter is costlier. A great tool to help you do that is Automated Call Distribution List. The customer’s call is redirected to the next open line without compelling him to dial additional numbers.
Dashboard
This is highly ideal for businesses that are using a PBX. The dashboard lets you monitor the technical status of your PBX, particularly the extensions, in real time. This is also web-based, so you can check it 24/7.
Virtual Receptionist
Boost professionalism and credibility of your business by “hiring” your own receptionist. This feature allows you to create multiple greetings depending on your customers’ location, sends out important notifications, and informs callers the right extensions to dial.
Sep 21, 2011 | All About VoIP
One of the main advantages of VOIP is improved group communication. With this technology, setting up offices in different parts of the world and never lose your grip on them has never been so convenient.
VOIP allows you to
1) Call web conferences
There is not much difference between web and traditional conferences. The only difference is the platform used. Web conferencing has been touted as the most cost-effective solution for expanding businesses. It helps you forgo additional expenses such as transportation and accommodation. Plenty of VOIP packages also include the ability to Mute or display your presentation in real time—as if you are really in the boardroom physically.
2) Communicate long distance with less cost
You can now set up your VOIP to follow the same area code of your satellite offices. This way, there is no need to spend hefty long-distance charges. It is also possible for your employees all around the globe to dial a universal number.
3) Provide a technology that is easier to maintain and use
The term “voice over Internet protocol” may sound complex; but the concept, processes, and infrastructure are not. For one, users can always depend on demos and trainings from VOIP providers. The requirements such as Internet connection, router, PC or laptop, and telephone are not only easy to procure but also understandable and most probably constantly utilized by your employees. Thus, the learning curve is not so steep.
4) Take advantage of several useful features
VOIP now permits you to route your calls directly to your mobile phone; if not, voice mail messages are kept and may be accessed anytime, anywhere. Employees therefore would not have a hard time reaching out to you. The same benefit can also be extended to them, and the features may be helpful in terms of lead generation and nurturing.
According to In-stat, this year, more than 60 percent of businesses, both big and small, will be shifting to or integrating VOIP. The percentage may include your competitors, who are out to outwit you by making the most of this powerful technology.
Most definitely, VOIP requires some investment, but the ability to communicate remotely with your staff and know how they are doing in their work is priceless. Search for the best VOIP provider today, beginning with options online.
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