Improved Business Communication with Hosted VoIP Services

In 2004, the use of hosted VoIP services began to increase dramatically. Hosted VoIP offers improved business communication, a step which has led to a revolution in communication standards and service delivery of companies using IP telephony. The use of hosted VoIP in businesses has demonstrated a proven increase in productivity, customer satisfaction and quality of services offered as well as huge savings in costs.

Hosted VoIP services began in 1995 with the first VoIP software release resulting in US telecommunication companies requesting that the US Congress ban internet telephone technology. The power of hosted VoIP services was evident even in 1995 when the internet was only beginning to find itself. In 2009, hosted VoIP services have developed to a level where seamless conversations are possible, as high in standard as regular PSTN line telephony.

VoIP bridges the gap between business and client
With global travel increasing, world markets developing and new innovative companies emerging in every corner of the globe, communication for businesses has shifted drastically in requirements in comparison to twenty years ago. Business travel takes employees away from the office, companies have worldwide branches and clients are situated internationally: the obstacle of location and distance has become almost insignificant in modern business practice. This is because a superfast internet connection allows companies to service clients anywhere in the world as if they were in the same building. VoIP and improved business communication allows far more flexibility than PSTN lines.

Services
Services offered by most hosted VoIP providers include VoIP calls, fax, email, voicemail, satellite communication, global roaming, Wi-Fi, control over calls, softphone facilities and SIP Trunking.

PBX VoIP phone systems have overcome the problem of businesses running existing PBX systems yet wanting the flexibility and functionality of hosted VoIP services. SIP Trunking solutions allow existing PBX systems fitted with an IP gateway to send and receive calls and data via an internet connection.

How a business will benefit
Installation of a hosted VoIP system is easy and does not require expensive call out fees as the system is run over the internet. Call costs are also extremely cheap, even those that are long distance. In total, most companies using VoIP save approximately 90% of their communication costs. VoIP companies do not charge for maintenance generally, saving costs on call out fees and maintenance charges.

Hosted VoIP services save an incredible amount of time. Unified business communication allows business productivity to increase to the maximum potential possible. Time and energy are not wasted by expensive and unreliable phone systems requiring maintenance. PBX systems and complicated switchboards usually require costly staff training whereas hosted VoIP systems are incredibly easy to use.

Those on a VoIP network can control the settings on their VoIP phones easily, as well as add and subtract lines as systems are fully scalable. More time can be spent on business practices, as well as increased efficiency due to high quality call standards and fast connections instead of dealing with communication problems. Because of call forwarding, voicemail and auto-attendant options, no business need ever miss a call from a client.

Satellite solutions
Hosted VoIP services offer satellite communication including Wi-Fi access and global roaming facilities. If an employee is out of the office, their phone systems will ‘follow’ them wherever they travel with satellite facilities and global roaming, as this technology allows employees to access the internet and the company network through local tariffs. No matter what location an employee travels to, their calls, emails, faxes and other business communication needs will only cost local rates. Call forwarding also allows employees to stay in contact with their business when out of the office.

Hosted VoIP systems have advanced functionality, yet are extremely user friendly. High functionality coupled with usability will always lead to improved business communication. Time saving is imperative for any business to run to its optimum potential of efficiency and service delivery. Saving time saves money, as do low tariffs, no maintenance fees and lack of need for training due to easy usability.

Businesses using hosted VoIP services will feel the difference in productivity and capability for the better. VoIP will bring business providers closer to clients in terms of service and customer relations as hosted VoIP services solve all problems associated with location and distance. Hosted VoIP is revolutionizing businesses worldwide and is responsible for an enormous increase in improved business communication.