A great many businesses nowadays have discovered the benefits of using the solutions available through improvements to the technology that has been around for decades – just not in its current form. One prime example is the use of Voice over Internet Protocol to fulfill a business’ telephony needs. By its nature, VoIP offers a variety of useful features – which we’ll review in part here.
What is the Difference Between VoIP and Traditional Telephony?
This is an interesting question, because – at least on the surface – there is effectively no difference between the two options. However, once you look more closely, it becomes more clear that the primary difference is the fact that VoIP solutions offer a lot more than the traditional means of placing calls ever has.
This is effectively because of VoIP’s means of delivery – Voice over Internet Protocol. As VoIP leverages the Internet to deliver data, it can also be equipped with various other capabilities.
Now, in fairness, traditional telephony allows for many of these capabilities… but certainly not all of them, and they are usually an additional cost. These capabilities and features that come standard with a VoIP solution will typically make a traditional telephone system more expensive and lackluster.
Here is a very brief sample of the many, many features that VoIP is capable of supporting:
Call Forwarding and Mobile Applications
Missed calls are never a good thing in a business setting, so the ability to connect other devices, like a mobile phone, to a VoIP solution means that calls are much more likely to reach their intended recipient is a useful ability to have. Similarly, VoIP solutions are generally available as mobile apps as well, allowing another means of making and answering calls.
This gives your workforce the capability of working from anywhere, as long as they have Wi-Fi or a mobile signal. Sales people can work from the road, employees can work from home if they have to, and everyone still has all the features as if they were sitting at their desks.
Call Recording
The ability to listen in on a past conversation is one of the best ways to get all of the information you need, as you can focus fully on the discussion you are having without splitting your focus by taking notes. Recorded calls can also contribute to your training resources, giving you practical examples to provide to new employees.
Collaboration Options
With the proper amount of discipline, a VoIP solution makes a great conferencing tool. Three-way calling comes standard, and most options have a conference bridge feature, to expand these conversations to your entire staff.
Ready to learn more about what VoIP can bring your business? Reach out to our team! Call Macatawa Technologies at 616-394-4940 today.
