Telecommunications has greatly evolved over the past few years. Unlike two decades back, when people were limited to landlines, the rise of mobile devices and the world’s shift towards the online sphere have changed the way we approach connectivity. As the need for efficient communication continues to grow, phone systems have become vital components for many businesses.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) tools are technologies that enable voice communications over the internet. Investing in these will give your business communication an edge. Compared to traditional phone systems with expensive setup and maintenance costs, Voip solutions are cheaper and easier to integrate.  

Trends indicate that the VoIP industry will continue to grow at an exponential rate. Its market value is expected to reach $194 billion by 2024, showing how beneficial the technology is. Knowing where the industry is headed will help you make an informed decision about your investment. The guide we’ve prepared will discuss 12 VoIP trends to be aware of to get you started.   

12 VoIP Trends for 2021 and Beyond to Watch Out For

1. Mainstream Adoption of 5G

Businesses require an internet connection to match their daily demands in this fast-paced digital world. The good news is 5G has finally entered the picture. Through lightning-fast speeds, increased network capacities, and reduced latency, the mainstream adoption of 5G will optimise the performance of VoIP tools. 

2. Artificial Intelligence Integration for Customer Service

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained traction in different sectors, and the VoIP industry is no exception. 

Automation has enabled businesses to decrease their workload, cut down on operational costs, and improve the customer experience all at once. These benefits are precisely why tools such as chatbots and data entry software have become essential for customer service and back-office operations. This integration is already felt and will grow further in the VoiP sector.

This translates to better quality connection, automatic carrier network switching, more versatility, and smart chatbots. All of these things will positively impact your business operations and provide better customer service.

3. Smarter VoIP Assistants

Advances in machine learning have ultimately resulted in intelligent virtual assistants (VAs). Today’s VAs such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa now better understand the human language and deal with more complicated inquiries. 

As language processing continues to progress, it’s expected that VAs will continue to make more tasks obsolete. Whether it’s through addressing customer concerns or analysing customer behaviour, smart VAs will greatly benefit VoIP systems.

4. The Rise of Mobile Communications

Naturally, the advent of smartphones has led to the rise of mobile communications. Aside from making calls and sending texts, modern devices allow users to browse different pages, check their social media feeds, and even purchase remotely. Now that phones can be just as powerful as computers, this development has opened many doors for businesses.

Mobile communication solutions can impact your company’s performance in several ways. Besides letting you serve your customers quicker, they can make it easier for you to conduct meetings. With most companies working from home nowadays, getting a capable VoIP platform will enable you to engage in smooth discussions wherever you or your colleagues may be.

5. The End of Traditional Telephone Systems

Now that we live in the age of smartphones, it shouldn’t be a surprise that traditional phone systems are losing their relevance. Since users can contact anyone with a stable internet connection, the rise of VoIP technology will eventually make landlines obsolete. Research shows that over 60% of adults in the U.S. no longer have a landline in their homes.

6. VoIP will Continue to Support the Internet of Things

The internet of things (IoT) refers to a network of different objects that automatically exchange data. As the world continues to depend on internet-reliant devices, IoT will improve interactions between technologies, including VoIP systems. 

The synergy between VoIP and IoT can open up growth opportunities for your company. By connecting office equipment, such as printers and fax machines, into a centralised network, you can make your workspace a smart office; in turn, giving your staff the best tools possible is a great way to improve their performance.

7. Blockchain will Make Number Porting Easier

Unfortunately, many businesses are still hesitant to upgrade phone systems, fearing that they will lose their phone numbers. Since building a solid client base can be challenging, the concern is highly understandable. The good news is blockchain technology can be a solution to this dilemma. With a VoIP system, businesses can stick to a permanent number. 

8. Growing Adoption of VoIP in Schools

VoIP tools are not exclusive to businesses. It’s interesting to know that educational institutions are also using them. Since public exposure may subject students to COVID-19, VoIP systems have effectively allowed teachers to conduct virtual classes. 

Even after the pandemic has passed, it’s expected that schools will continue to adopt these programs for webinars, supplementary courses, and other essential matters.   

9. Increased Popularity of UCaaS

Over the next few years, more businesses will start to utilise Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) platforms. These programs are valuable since they offer different communication services within a single application.  

Instead of purchasing two tools for instant messaging and video conferencing, companies can invest in a single product that will give them everything they need. 

Due to their rapidly increasing popularity, the UCaaS market value is expected to reach $24.8 billion by 2022. The best part is that they’re cloud-based, and plans can be easily scaled to match your needs. If you’re looking to acquire one, keep in touch with your vendor and maximise your investment. 

10. Competition with Video Chat Services

Video conferencing software remains the biggest threat to VoIP tools. Since people were forced to stay indoors for the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the use of video chat services such as Zoom and FaceTime. While increased adoption of video conferencing has hit the VoIP market hard, this occurrence has motivated VOIP vendors to improve their services. 

As of today, the latest VoIP systems can provide everything that their competitors have and more.

11. The Eventual Merge of VoIP and WebRTC

Many people saw WebRTC as a deterrent to VoIP systems. While it may provide more flexibility in certain areas, you shouldn’t believe this false notion. Given that WebRTC is an open-source code, it can easily collaborate with other programs, including VoIP systems. 

Nowadays, many companies use WebRTC to supplement video calls done in browsers. Using both is an excellent way to streamline your communications.  

12. Increased Security Issues

With data breaches, phishing attacks, and identity fraud cases increasing in prevalence, the need for cybersecurity has never been greater. But just like any other program that depends on the internet, VoIP systems are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Fortunately, VoIP vendors make the safety of their clients one of their top priorities. 

However, remember that the security of your company’s database will ultimately depend on you. Before you officially close a deal, you need to make sure that you have the proper security measures in place. If your company regularly handles sensitive information (e.g., bank details and credit card numbers), doing so will prevent issues that may tarnish your reputation.

The Future of VoIP is Fast Approaching

No matter what size of the company you have or the industry you are in, choosing to invest in VoIP will make a massive difference in your operations. Thanks to its wide range of features, having a capable program in your arsenal will enable you to optimise different aspects of your business, such as your sales, customer service, and marketing. 

The best part is VoIP solutions are highly affordable, and providers are flexible enough to adjust to your needs. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to understand how current developments are shaping the progression of VoIP tools. Now that you have a better idea of what’s happening in the VoIP scene, you can use this knowledge to strategise and outperform rival businesses.

If you’re looking for a reliable VoIP service provider, then you’ve come to the right place. Planet Numbers UK will give you tailor-fit solutions that incorporate the latest incorporating the latest trends in VoIP. Contact us today to learn more!

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