Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has had a massive impact on the way businesses communicate. With no long-distance call charges, Voip was an instant hit soon after launch. The costs savings were incredible!

VoIP has since grown at a rapid rate, with a lot of businesses investing heavily. Aside from the cost savings, let’s look at what VoIP has to offer small business today.

VoIP — Unified communication

VoIP protocols take all your existing methods of communication — voice, video, and data — and mould them into a single method. It’s how video conferencing was born, and why it’s cemented itself as the future of corporate communication. Video conferencing was the game-changer in how we interact with our people. It doesn’t matter where they are in the world anymore. If they have a reasonable internet connection, they can have a face-to-face conversation. Even on a smart phone! No need to all meet back in the office.

Advantages of VoIP

There’s more to this protocol though;

• If your people are connected through instant messaging or video conference, they can work simultaneously on a file that’s been shared amongst them.
• Flexibility and mobility are key factors in business today. VoIP allows employees to stay connected without having to be in one spot to do so. They can work on the move or even from home.
• Customers can reach people using direct numbers. Your people will not have to worry about handing over any personal phone numbers. Awkward should they leave your employ.
• VoIP uses open-source technology. A great competitive edge when it comes to pricing, customization, and licensing. Open source technologies might be a bit difficult to implement, but most are user-friendly. Small business can save money by using open source VoIP applications.

Be Mindful.

VoIP uses your existing network connection. Whilst quality and capacity has definitely increased, bandwidth is not as freely available as we’d all like it to be. Always check with your service provider about VoIP applications you plan to use.

Managing your VoIP system also needs to be considered. Do you call in an expert? Or try to do it yourself? What about setting up call logging and security? Or how do want to handle recording certain employees and / or customer calls?

VoIP, when used well, will allow small business to cut expenses and manage work better. That’s why this tech is a must for any business looking to grow in their industry.