On-Site, Managed and Hosted VoIP Services - Which is the Best for Business?

VoIP telephony is a modern business communication resource with many advantages for business. Financial and operational benefits transform businesses into efficient, dynamic enterprises that deliver services at an optimum level. VoIP is steadily replacing existing PBX systems with superfast communication via a broadband connection. Previously, call costs through PSTN lines were expensive, as were the capital outlays. With VoIP however, call costs are far lower and installation and maintenance costs are less than for PSTN lines.

VoIP services feature a Centrex system with PBX functionality that connects extensions on the network. This transmits voice and data instead of only voice signals, as with PSTN lines. Most businesses swap their existing PBX system for VoIP because they want to remove the stress of having to maintain a telephony system themselves, and prefer to pay a third party to run the system. There are several different types of VoIP, but most fall under the categories of "on-site" and "off-site" VoIP.

Find out more about different types of VoIP systems, and discover what a VoIP business telephone system can do for your business.

Managed VoIP vs. on-site VoIP vs. hosted VoIP

A managed VoIP system is similar to hosted VoIP systems, but there are a few differences. A managed VoIP system is run by a third party and suits small to medium-sized businesses. The service is maintained on-site, meaning that all equipment is kept at the subscriber's location, or at the premises of a third party.

The equipment includes the software required to run a VoIP system, the hardware needed, such as VoIP phones, and network equipment. An information package is also provided with information regarding the management of the VoIP service. This package is included to illustrate the design and operational structure of the hardware and software and maintenance solutions.

The company can control the system itself but it is common for a third party to control the equipment that is on-site. The third party is also responsible for maintaining VoIP services and providing equipment and software updates.

Hosted VoIP also makes use of a third party to control the VoIP operations. However, the only equipment kept on-site is the VoIP phones and softphones (calling software installed and run through a computer). The rest of the equipment is hosted off-site. The services are suited to small to medium-sized businesses looking to reduce time and energy spent on maintaining telephony systems.

On-site VoIP is similar to managed VoIP in terms of the equipment stored on-site. However, this type of VoIP is more suited to large enterprises. The system is maintained exclusively by the enterprise and no third party is involved.

Choose hosted VoIP services for optimum functionality, lower costs and easy maintenance

Managed, hosted and on-site VoIP have many benefits, including lowered call costs, minimal capital outlays, global roaming services and fully scalable systems. Yet hosted VoIP systems can benefit a business even more.

Managed VoIP systems and on-site VoIP systems at large corporations are kept on-site, meaning that maintenance fees can be costly. Whilst managed VoIP has a strong support service for troubleshooting, any technical faults require a call-out - resulting in more expenses. On-site VoIP has no support service as the company runs its own system.

Managed VoIP offers reductions in call costs; however, a managed system can build up expenses in terms of call out fees, hefty capital outlays for equipment, time consuming training and long waits for updates. This is also the case with on-site VoIP. Call costs may be lower than for regular PSTN lines, but the installation of the network, the cost of the hardware and regular maintenance requirements add up to a hefty bill annually.

Hosted systems, which are maintained off-site, can be updated immediately. No call out fee is required and a technically-sound support service is usually offered as part of the VoIP package. Without maintenance requirements, employee time is freed up, thus enabling a company's workforce to focus on operational delivery instead of using time to oversee its telephony service.

The off-site element of hosted VoIP services also allows for better functionality. The features are extremely user friendly, as the advanced technical know-how required to run a VoIP network is avoided.

Revolutionising your business with hosted VoIP technology

VoIP allows a business to benefit from the ability to make calls cheaply and send data easily. In many instances, managed VoIP and on-site VoIP incur expenses which can easily eclipse the savings from lower call costs.

Hosted VoIP, however, offers businesses a telephony solution that is low-cost in all areas of the service and provides better functionality than managed or on-site VoIP. Ultimately, this leads to improved service delivery and productivity, as staff have unlimited access to efficient communication systems.

Subscribe to hosted VoIP services today and watch as your company is propelled into the future of business communication.