Phone systems have come a long way since the days of simply ringing BT to ‘install a phone line’. In fact, hosted business VoIP phone systems are now an integral part of overall modern office technology, offering click-to-dial, CRM system integration, mobile–twinning and more. Here we dispel some common assumptions about VoIP phone systems for those still leaning towards a basic BT business line.
1 - VoIP is not secure
VoIP phone systems can be secure, but it depends on the provider. If the provider owns their own network and infrastructure, it is likely extremely secure. Downloadable VoIP applications are less secure.
2 - VoIP is far cheaper
Most hosted VoIP providers will likely be less expensive for your organisation than a traditional business phone line through BT. However if it is a good system, from a reputable service provider, it won’t be ridiculously cheaper. The real benefit comes from the flexibility of the system, scalability and advanced features.
3 - VoIP phone systems have less functionality
Many people think that VoIP systems are simplistic, lacking in the functionality found in a ‘real’ phone system. The truth is VoIP phone systems can do everything a traditional, on-site, PBX system can do and more. A good hosted VoIP provider will be able to offer features such as call recording, call reports, call logs, advanced call routing, out of hours messages and CRM integration— with the added benefit of being able to change things almost instantly via an online user portal.
4 - VoIP isn’t for larger businesses
VoIP is for all businesses, including large corporations and one-man bands. It is just a matter of getting the right type of VoIP system. A business with 10-200 employees and several offices will generally benefit from a hosted VoIP solution, whereas a business with 500 employees is usually better off with an onsite VoIP solution.
5- Voice quality is poor
VoIP voice quality is brilliant if you get a real telecoms service provider. We have all made a Skype call and had the other person’s voice turn into an electronic tin-can. But with a true service provider that has their own network, you will get perfect voice quality.
6 - VoIP phones can use any internet connection
With virtually any VoIP service, your call quality will be directly related to your connectivity. Some VoIP systems are what we call ‘plug and play’, like VTSL’s Simplicity. In this instance, you can simply buy phones and plug them into your internet router, and have a working system instantly. But this isn't suitable for businesses with more than a few employees, and most business-grade hosted VoIP systems will require a separate voice-only connection to be installed, or a faster fibre connection that can handle both your voice and data traffic.
7 - VoIP systems aren’t as professional as a traditional on-site phone system
Sometimes people think that an IP phone service isn’t as real, or as professional as an on-site phone system. The truth is it is just as real, just as sophisticated, and offers equal if not more professionality than a standard BT on-site system. There are more features and benefits to a VoIP system—phones are just as business-like (and more user friendly in many instances), and business continuity / disaster recovery is much easier.
8 - You can’t keep your phone number if you switch to a VoIP system
You absolutely can. There is a clear telecoms process for number porting, no matter what the system.
There is a lot more to learn about VoIP, and all the options available to you as a modern business. Get the lay of the land of the telecoms industry in our educational free eBook, Understanding Telecoms Providers, or email us at info@vtsl.net and one of our team members will be happy to help.
