An effective communication system lies at the heart of every efficiently run organisation. Without one, managing incoming and outgoing calls can put considerable operational and financial strains on your business and worse, create a negative impression with those who contact you.
With VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), you can easily make and receive calls using the internet instead of a traditional phone line. This technology is an affordable solution for small businesses providing an alternative to a fixed landline with a multitude of additional benefits as well as enabling home workers to 'telecommute' to the office.
VoIP, also referred to as internet telephony or cloud-based telephony, uses an internet connection to transmit voice calls, usually using dedicated handsets. Despite their similar appearance, VoIP phone systems work very differently. With calls made over the internet, it's incredibly cost-effective both for domestic and long distance (international) calls. Businesses can take advantage of unlimited minutes from many VoIP providers without any additional charges.
A typical VoIP set up includes a desk phone and a SIP server, usually a VoIP service provider. This technology works even better than your traditional landline phone because it offers so many more features than can ever be provided by analogue phone service such as storing data remotely in the cloud and offering video conferencing. Many providers also offer virtual receptionists, hold music, call waiting, voicemail to email or text and much more.
A VoIP system works by converting analogue voice signals to digital data using packet switching technology. These packets are then sent through public internet and/or Private Internet Protocol (IP) networks much like how email travels. Calls can be made through VoIP to landlines and mobiles as well as from computer to computer using microphones and speakers or headsets.
VoIP is the ideal business solution to provide employees with a reliable communications service at an affordable cost working quite differently behind the scenes as opposed to a regular landline phone system. Circuit switching is the method traditional telephony systems use to connect calls. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connects you with the person on the other end, and they are connected to you through a circuit. (Read about the PSTN switch off happening by 2025) VoIP offers high quality audio when paired with a high quality internet connection. Other benefits include wireless IP phones that connect to your communications system and data such as customer information and can be used where ever your employees are such as on the sales floor, in the warehouse or working from home.
Your business may already be using a communication centre to organise the phones within your company’s network. These transmission centres are known as Private Brand Exchange systems (PBX). PBX systems are private telephone networks within companies that use the local area network to connect to the telephone network for making and receiving phone calls.
To utilise VoIP services instead of having a server room with an on-premises PBX, all you need are configured VoIP desk phones!
Take a look at this network diagram by Nextiva.
A hosted phone system is known as a Cloud Based System or a Cloud PBX/ IP PBX, which are simply call centres suited for IP networks, allowing users to make phone calls through their internet connection.
A VoIP system/Hosted VoIP System is a brilliant, affordable communication system for your business with far more advantages over the traditional PTSN telephone network which is being switched off by 2025. If your business is not already using cloud based telephony than start making plans to switch over now.
It really is simple and at Cumulus Business Solutions we will help you every step of the way. There are times where your needs may be more complex but with our 35+ years’ experience within the telecoms industry your business is in safe hands.
Call us today 01223 455655 or email info@cbsl.uk.com
