With the convergence of voice and data, BT Openreach announced in April 2017 that they will switch off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) by the end of 2025. Now work is fully underway across the telecoms industry to phase out these traditional telephony services and move to a fully digital network that operates over a fibre-based service.
IP is the technology that will replace the PSTN in its entirety. Often referred to as digital phone services, digital voice, or Voice over IP (VoIP), this technology allows for telephone and multimedia services to be routed over the Internet, rather than traditional copper lines.
Broadly speaking, there are two options for deploying a VoIP system:
- on-premise VoIP, where equipment and software required to run the platform is housed within the office (or at another physical location).
- hosted VoIP, which runs in the cloud and all the features are handled through a VoIP service provider.
Hosted VoIP isn’t a straight swap for PSTN-based services; it’s a new and improved way of thinking that is already helping businesses to future-proof their operations, reduce communication costs, and improve the functionality of their infrastructure. Read on to learn more about the benefits of hosted VoIP and how cloud-based VoIP systems could help your business stay connected:
Cost Effectiveness
According to IT World, “switching to VoIP can save small businesses as much as 45 percent each month over a traditional phone service.”
- Since no initial investment in infrastructure and equipment is required, hosted VoIP is far less expensive than a non-hosted VoIP or other communication system that requires the installation of specific equipment (like analogue landlines).
- In addition, internal calls including calls between different office locations are typically free of charge and outgoing landline calls are also significantly cheaper.
- With a cloud-based VoIP solution, continuity of service and routine maintenance is the responsibility of the vendor.
Flexibility
Increased flexibility is a massive benefit to businesses and can improve productivity.
- Employees can use the communication system remotely and flexibly, wherever they have access to an Internet connection, by just logging into their VoIP account. Whether working at home or in an office, they will all have access to the same powerful range of features, including room-based collaboration, conference calling and instant messaging, which can dramatically improve the productivity of a business.
- The flexibility of a hosted voice system means customisation is easy and effective, ensuring each employee only has the features required for their job role within the business.
- Because VoIP calls are Internet-based, hosted VoIP systems can be conveniently integrated with other business tools and productivity applications.
Reliability
Providing your business has a high-speed Internet connection, you'll experience high-quality voice calls with 99.9% connection uptime.
- Managing and maintaining a cloud-based solution is all done via the Internet and is designed to keep a business running 24/7.
- Even though VoIP systems rely on Internet connectivity to function, this doesn’t put communications at risk. Most businesses have a failsafe in place so that they can still access the Internet, even if their primary connection fails. Alternatively, a VoIP phone system can forward calls to other numbers, such as a mobile device, so that communications will always be maintained, even in the event of a disaster.
Functionality
On top of being a reliable phone system with excellent call quality, a hosted VoIP system is so much more than a way to make or receive calls and provides rich functionality.
- With additional customisable features, such as auto attendants, call parking, CRM integrations, voice-to-email transcripts, compliant call recording, video conferencing, screen-sharing and instant messaging, a VoIP system can enhance every aspect of a company’s Unified Communications and simplify their operations.
Scalability
Hosted VoIP systems can easily be scaled up or down as the needs of a business change.
- Businesses can scale quickly, allowing extensions or features to be added easily, without expensive investments in new technology or hardware, as the business expands or contracts.
- VoIP allows employees to use the same phone number and extension regardless of where they are working, which can make it easier for customers to reach them and for employees to stay connected with one other.
With so many benefits on offer, transitioning to a VoIP system can be a step forward for your business. Whatever the size of your company and the complexity of your telephony requirements, a hosted VoIP solution can provide the flexibility and functionality you’re looking for.
Getting the right support is critical to choosing the best VoIP solutions for your business and our team is always on hand to help guide you. To learn more about Business VoIP Systems, contact us today on 01908 324 270, or email us at info@entropie.co.uk.
