6 Signs It's Time For VoIP | Consider the technology upgrade if your current phone system is causing you to lose business and efficiency
It's a rare business owner who wakes up one morning and decides that legacy migration to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the best possible use of company assets.
Maybe it should happen more often, though, since replacing a "legacy" telephone system with VoIP can improve quality and save money.
So, how can you tell whether your company is ready for VoIP? Here are six signs:
1. You think VoIP has something to do with “very important persons.” What is VoIP? VoIP turns voice information and data into digital information that’s transmitted in the same format as information that passes over the Internet (VoIP includes other packet-switched networks besides the Internet). It has become a standard technology for large companies and is increasingly becoming one for small businesses.
2. Company voice mail says, “Your call is very important to us,” yet it’s impossible to reach a real person. How much business can you lose when a potential customer calls and gets lost in an endless loop of voice-mail options? (“Press 1 if you’re sick of wasting time and want to reach an honest-to-God human being.”) With VoIP, key contacts can be literally a call away, no matter where they are.
3. You think “unified communications” means everyone is talking at the same time. VoIP can provide unified communications (UC), integrating voice (landline and mobile), email, instant messages and conferencing. Having all communication over one network is more efficient and eliminates duplication of wiring and switching equipment. By combining voice and data, you can also allocate bandwidth based on varying traffic requirements, which can improve productivity and lower costs. In addition, users can access all voice messages in one place.
4. Every facility your company owns has its own system. How ironic is it that some phone systems won’t talk to each other? Different systems result in high maintenance and management costs, and low functionality. Compatible technology is as important for telephones as it is for computers. If your company has multiple locations, VoIP enables them to all be on the same system easily. Your phone system will be scalable and can grow with your business.
5. The only function your phones have is a busy signal. VoIP is feature-rich and user-friendly. Users can access all features using a PC-based application. In addition, system administration can be handled through a standard browser. There’s no complicated programming, so trained technicians are not needed.
6. Your PBX lease is up for renewal. Why invest more in old technology? You’ll likely find it increasingly difficult to purchase parts for your system and maintain it, and your monthly usage charges are probably higher than they should be. Your outdated PBX system will have to be replaced sooner or later, so why not replace it now?
You can wait for your phone system to crash and burn. Or you can take advantage of the new technology that’s available today and create a competitive advantage for your company. It’s your choice.
Barry Gerhardt is president and founder of Barry Communications of Worcester. He can be reached at bgerhardt@barrycommunications.com.
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