VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. In simple terms, it means using your phone service over the Internet instead of through your local phone company. Also known as IP telephony or broadband phone service, use of VoIP is dependent on having a high quality Internet connection to enable the smooth running of the program as it requires a lot of data to work effectively.
How Does VoIP work?
With VoIP, analog voice calls are converted into digital signals or packets of data. Like all data, these packets can travel over the Internet or any private IP Network. Because VoIP converts analog voice calls into data, it is necessary to have a fast and quality broadband connection to ensure this data travels smoothly.
With VoIP, there are a number of ways you can make calls:
- By using a simple device called an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), businesses can connect their regular telephones or fax machines so that they can use VoIP through the Internet. The ATA Converts the analog signals of the telephone into the data packets that VoIP then transmits across the internet.
- Businesses can be given special IP Phones which look and work like normal telephones but connect directly to the Internet without the need of an ATA.
- Businesses can even make calls from one computer to another by installing software which allows users to communicate using a headset or alternatively the mic and speakers of the computers.
What Are the Benefits of VOIP to my Business?
VoIP Delivers Cost Saving
With video calling applications such as Skype and FaceTime, businesses can now communicate with partners across the globe without the extraneous charges associated with a fixed or mobile telephone line.
VoIP is Easy to Install, Use and Troubleshoot
VoIP doesn’t require any cables or hardware as the infrastructure is hosted offsite by the provider which means businesses can free up space. Also, devices such as the ATA mean you can still adapt your normal phone to be used with VoIP making the transition even smoother.
VoIP is Portable
The convenience provided by VoIP is available globally. You can use VoIP anywhere you can get a broadband connection as long as you have a VoIP enabling device. As long as there is internet, workers can use VoIP to stay in contact with their office.
For examples of how the cloud can help your business, take a look at one of our case studies.
