Sep 19, 2011 | All About VoIP
By now, you’ve heard all the good stuff about VOIP, how it saves your day by spending less on communication. Moreover, VOIP has evolved, embracing mobility and flexibility.
Nevertheless, a VOIP may only be a regular expense if you don’t know how to maximize it. You can make the service worthwhile with these ideas:
1. Know your objectives.
Before you even apply for a VOIP service, ask yourself, “Do I need to have one?” There are times when you don’t really have to—at least for now. You can also follow it up with “Why do I need a VOIP?”
The answer to your second question can serve as your guide in choosing your VOIP provider, as well as the features that come along with the package.
2. Do your research well.
There are so many VOIP providers in the world. Why should you go with the first option? Don’t hurry when it comes to picking. At least choose 3 to 5 providers, especially those within your area, then compare their bundles and rates. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by simply doing comparison shopping first.
3. Constant Availability
VOIP is still technology. It’s dependent on a lot of things, such as human knowledge and expertise and components like telephone and cable lines, existing Internet connection, as well as adaptors. It can conk out. But a VOIP that shuts down or crashes most of the time is completely useless. Find a VOIP provider that can guarantee at least 97 to 99 percent uptime.
4. Check the quality of audio and video.
Yes, there are plenty of cheap—and even free—VOIP apps and packages. But that doesn’t mean they’re already worth it. One of the things that truly matter in voice over Internet protocol is the quality of not only the audio but also the video. If your call gets canceled suddenly, or the video appears grainy, or worse nobody can hear or see you, then VOIP is a futile technology for you.
5. Integrate VOIP.
There’s a huge likelihood that your home already has an existing cable or telephone line, as well as a facsimile machine. You may also own one of the smart phones or tablet PCs. Why don’t you just integrate VOIP in your existing technologies? It saves you time and money, and you can fully utilize your devices.
Sep 12, 2011 | All About VoIP
Yes, VOIP, in general, is a good investment for any business or consumer—but it’s bound to be the biggest regret of your life if you don’t make the right decision. One of the ways to be right is to know what features to look for.
1. Know what you want.
There are plenty of VOIP service providers with a myriad of inviting bundles, but not all of them are going to be worth your subscription fees. This is because you don’t need some of the features or add-ons. Unless you’re a small business, you don’t require a call assistant, even a routing option.
2. Determine if you can easily integrate it to your existing network.
If you’re a small business, there’s a good chance you already have a present communications setup. It’s a waste if you’ll not be able to maximize it because a new technology such as VOIP came in. VOIP these days can already be added whether you’re using cable, Internet, or even mobile devices. Just talk to your provider which is the best system for you.
3. Decide on the price.
One of the greatest mistakes people make in choosing their VOIP service is to pick the cheapest in the market. Again, it all boils down to usability. A $20 subscription plan every month with options you hardly ever use makes every penny completely worthless.
4. Know the backup plans.
VOIP services are still prone to downtimes, worse malicious attacks. It’s essential that your provider can offer not just reasons but solid backup systems.
Sep 12, 2011 | All About VoIP
VOIP offers a wealth of benefits to both consumers and business owners, but why are there still hundreds who fail miserably with them?
They don’t compare.
With hundreds of VOIP providers both online and offline, you have all the opportunities to compare their services and find the best deal—but others simply forget to do this. Always take time in choosing. You may be locked in a poor service for many years, and there’s no way out to it.
They don’t have a plan B.
Like any type of technology, expect your VOIP service to have some downtimes. Thus, ensure there’s a reliable security backup system in place. If you’re using VOIP for customer service, offer more than just your toll-free number. Include your e-mail address, even your business address, on the Contact Us page.
They don’t test it.
Just because many are now using cable VOIP doesn’t mean this is the best setup for you. Even the most expensive service in the market may be so difficult to integrate into your business, more so to your existing network. Always request someone to perform a demo, and before you officially say yes to it, test it in your network.
They don’t know how to harness VOIP.
Many complain about the high costs of VOIP simply because they haven’t taken full advantage of it. They don’t know they can tie up their mobile phones and even PCs to it, as well as enjoy virtual phone numbers for zero long-distance charges.
They don’t leave it to the experts.
If you have very little knowledge about it, it’s best if you leave its maintenance and operation to someone who does. VOIP can be very complex, especially for someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with it.
Sep 11, 2011 | All About VoIP
Though a huge chunk of VOIP services is eaten up by cable companies, many still do prefer using Skype. In fact this online platform has become so popular it is already synonymous to VOIP!
But what is there to love about Skype?
1. Affordable
For one, Skype is free to download and install. You don’t have to pay for anything for Skype-to-Skype calls. As long as you have an Internet connection, it’s good to go. There are premium services offered, but they are incredibly cheap. Their Unlimited World Plan only cost no more than $13 per month, and you can already call landline numbers in more than 40 countries.
2. Integrated
Skype is already integrated into Facebook, and today you can download an app strictly for your mobile phone or tablet PC. Simply put, you can bring Skype no matter where you are in the world.
3. No-brainer.
You don’t need anyone to help you set it up, lowering your installation costs. Skype is so easy to use you can maintain it yourself too.
With all these benefits, is Skype the best VOIP technology? Before you say yes, know the potential downsides.
1. It offers only “best effort” guarantee.
Because it’s free and you can cancel it anytime, you don’t need to sign an SLA or service level agreement. Unfortunately, this may also mean that Skype isn’t responsible for meeting all your expectations. It works only on its “best effort” guarantee. May often complain of somewhat poor audio quality; others experience connection failures.
2. If you’re not connected, it’s unusable.
You have to ensure that you can readily tap an Internet connection, even through WIFI. Otherwise, you can’t use Skype at all.
Sep 10, 2011 | All About VoIP
The use of VOIP in businesses continues to thrive for one good reason: customer service.
Toll-free Number
One of the benchmarks of excellent customer service is the provision of as many contact details as possible. With VOIP, you don’t just give away any number but a toll-free one. This means that customers can call you anytime and anywhere, without the fear of being charged with long-distance fees. Moreover, getting your own toll-free number is easy as providers can already hand you a virtual phone number.
Direct Calls
There’s no need to be stuck in your workstation so you can keep up with customer demands. You can be very mobile and still offer the best kind of customer service to them. These days VOIPs can be programmed so all calls can be routed through your mobile phone. You may also be able to record and listen to voice mails right in your laptop or tablet PC as long as there’s an Internet connection available. Not being able to answer queries or send replies to issues because of technology gap is completely eliminated by VOIP, and you can no longer make them as your lame excuses.
Call Assistant
A call assistant acts like a telephone operator, which guides every caller, which number to press depending on his need. To give you an idea, it’s the voice that usually says, “Press 0 to talk to a customer service officer.” All numbers may eventually direct to you, but the call assistant is enough to enhance your level of credibility and professionalism. It also gives your customers an idea you have a solid customer service flow in your business
