While VoIP phone systems can vary in functionality, some features are common to all. This article will go through three of the essential features to look for in a VoIP phone system and provide some insights on what you should avoid.
The first feature you should consider is if the service will allow calls to be placed over the internet. VoIP has evolved so much that it’s not just called “VoIP” anymore because it includes many different telecommunications services. If your business needs long-distance access or call forwarding, you need a vendor that provides those. It’s also important to remember that each state has different rules and regulations regarding long-distance handling numbers.
Another feature worth considering is the quality of features, such as transferring calls quickly or holding multiple calls at once. The quality of these features will often vary depending on the brand of phone system you select. Companies like Cisco and Avaya tend to get a more polished product, but with lesser names like Aastra and ShoreTel, products are not quite as sophisticated check UCaaS Review. Be sure to pick a phone system that creates an environment where employees can effectively use them.
VoIP is evolving rapidly, which means it is used in many different ways.
It is essential to consider if your business will need the ability to record calls and make conference calls.
If you plan on using VoIP over the internet, it’s also important to consider if you will need fallback capabilities in case of a failure or disruption. An excellent example of this is when a user only has access via a wireless connection or power issues. If this is your need, be sure that the device supports fallback features.
To prevent disruptions due to power outages and other problems, you should look for a redundancy feature device. For example, you could use a dual-mode phone with retail outlets to turn on the wireless feature if another wireless network is present.
In general, VoIP phone systems come in two types:
1) IP phones and hosted softphones. Both can function as a standard telephone and have various typical functions, such as voice mail and call forwarding. They can have access to your email accounts as well. The difference between the two is that hosted softphones run on a central server through voice signaling software while IP phone systems stream the calls over the internet and use VoIP callsigns like 677-888-8899 or 678-888-8899.
2) IP phone systems have a few advantages over hosted softphones. Price is one, as IP phone systems are generally cheaper. They are also easier to install and manage. The downside is that the user can’t answer calls directly from their computer, which may be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Hosted softphones require a central server, special software, and handle multiple computers. It’s a lot harder to set up hosted softphones than IP phones, but they have some advantages. With hosted softphones, the user can answer calls directly from their computer, they tend to be more secure than IP phones, and it’s easier to provision new users.
If you need a phone system that can support multiple offices and remote workers, this is usually one of the essential features.
Other features that are worth considering are whether or not the phone system will integrate with your existing business software or a customer relationship management (CRM) module available. It would be best to consider the price of a phone system compared to its functionality because, in many cases, you can get less expensive equipment for your office setup, but it won’t have as many features.
When selecting a new system to replace your current one, be sure to consult with a VoIP specialist. They will help you sort through the options so you can find the best system for your company’s needs. They will also keep an eye on any changes in the industry so that their advice continues to be relevant.