With all of the new technologies that are being introduced these days, it comes as no surprise that many business owners are moving away from traditional on-site Phone systems in favor of a Virtual Phone System. The entire system is hosted on the provider’s servers and eliminates the need for expensive installations and equipment purchases.

How a Virtual System Works
While on-site phone systems typically use copper wires and the like to transmit a telephone signal, a virtual phone system uses the internet to provide telephone numbers. Service providers will also give their clients access to a back office web interface that allows them to access and control all of the different professional features provided by the system, including call forwarding, multiple extensions, virtual voicemail, address books and the different options available for placing callers on hold. These systems are very popular among businesses because they are easy to use and incredibly cost-effective.

Cost Effectiveness
There are many reasons why a Virtual Phone system is a very cost-effective alternative to on-site phone systems. First, the systems are owned and maintained by the provider, so the overhead costs incurred are lower; these savings are passed to business owners. Next, business owners do not have to pay for as many telephone lines with a virtual system because extensions are readily available, and there are also plenty of features in place to handle call backlogging. These include voicemail, call waiting and auto attendants. Finally, there are no telephone jacks to worry about and no software to purchase, download or install. Everything is incredibly simple and as inexpensive as possible.

Features
One of the features that is available with a virtual phone system and may not be part of most on-site systems is the auto attendant, and this allows multiple callers to be greeted simultaneously before being routed to the proper person or department. The auto attendant can successfully answer calls and transfer callers, but it can also place callers on hold if the party they request is busy. These systems also provide the ability to send and receive faxes online, which not only saves money in the long run, but also boosts productivity in the workplace by providing employees with a more effective way to send and receive their documents.

Call Forwarding
A virtual system is used in conjunction with one or more landlines or mobile phones. The assigned virtual telephone number and its extensions can all be forwarded to landlines and mobile phones as the business needs demand it, making it easier for employees to take their calls whether they are in the office, out in the field or even working from home. The back office web interface makes it easy for business owners, managers and employees to schedule the forwarding of their extensions without any fuss or hassle.

A virtual phone system is a great alternative to—and can even certainly replace—on-site phone systems in businesses of any size. It is a cost-effective, feature-packed solution for business owners who are looking to streamline their communications and provide better customer service overall.