Many large businesses have already shifted to the use of voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). However, many small and medium-sized businesses have not capitalizing on this available technology. While requiring a significant initial investment, VOIP technology is a relevant and beneficial investment for companies with limited resources and budgets for communication.
VoIP Technology
VoIP works by sending voice data over an Internet connection instead of through traditional public telephone networks. A hosted VoIP service can provide better communication and connectivity within a company. Organizations can reduce communication expenses by 50% to 75% with the adoption of these services, as they will no longer have to manage maintenance or equipment upkeep.
The technology is a way for businesses to increase employee productivity and streamline communications and collaboration within the organization. For instance, the technology eliminates the boundary between an office phone and a mobile device. Advanced communications capabilities allow employees to work at home instead of at the office while experiencing the same level of connectivity.
Level Playing Field
Hosted communication services are attractive because they can provide enhanced capabilities and features for businesses. Small organizations that adopt a hosted service are able to experience the same capabilities as those experienced by larger enterprises. These services are especially beneficial for updates done on an ongoing and continuous basis.
Flexibility is another benefit hosted services can provide. This refers to the ability of a business to spend on communication services only when they are used and necessary. Ease of implementation drives attraction of hosted services.
Staff of small businesses may not have the ability to manage complex deployments. With a hosted service provider, management responsibility shifts to the provider. Businesses still need to ensure they have enough network capacity to continue managing soft clients. Hosted services only reduce management load and shift much of the responsibility for developing and implementing solutions out of the business.
Companies looking to adopt a VoIP hosted service should find a provider able to provide adequate and appropriate quality of service. The provider is responsible for managing an organization’s bandwidth connection and for dealing with related issues and problems.
Intelligent Implementation
Implementing new technology into a small business can be daunting if handled without outside help. Technology-related decision making should be left to the expertise and knowledge of a provider. Ideally, small businesses only need to describe their goals and visions for incorporating technology into their business. Then, the provider is responsible for managing all other aspects of technology implementation. After the installation of a new service, providers can offer support for managing and handling technology.
Most providers are able to offer various other technology services. This is beneficial for companies that may not have the resources or ability to staff the services of many different vendors. The selected provider should conduct an assessment and review an organization’s existing infrastructure to ensure solutions and services are suitable.
The incorporation of new technologies into an organization’s structure allows the business to reduce communication costs, improve productivity and connectivity, and gain a competitive edge.