Is VoIP Really the Future of Communication?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows users to make calls over the internet, rather than via regular landlines or using a mobile network. Data (the user’s voice) is converted into a digital signal and sent across a broadband connection. VoIP is increasingly being used by both businesses and individuals, and we explore the reasons for this below and whether this technology is set to become the standard means of telecommunication.

Who Is Using VoIP?

Many of us are already using some form of VoIP, whether at home or work; making calls via Skype or Whatsapp uses the same technology. 

A recent study showed that 57% of the 350 small and medium-sized businesses surveyed were looking into incorporating VoIP systems into their existing processes, so, as a technology, this is likely to be one that will soon be seen as standard in the world of business communication. Scalability, reliability, cost benefits, and the additional features that come with VoIP packages were found to be the main drivers in encouraging businesses to make the switch.

What Are the Benefits?

Firstly, the call quality of VoIP communications tends to be far superior to that of calls made via landline or cell phone, and, as a service, it is more reliable, too. Using one of these services also means you can use the same number to make a call from anywhere in the world, and usually at a fraction of the cost that you would pay to make a regular landline or cell phone call. This means your mailboxes and messages can be accessed whilst out of the office, too.

Remote working can be optimized by using a VoIP network: staff members simply need an internet connection to join meetings, access, make and receive calls and provide updates, for example. This makes the hiring of freelancers an easier prospect, too.

Easy setup and installation is a key advantage that VoIP systems have over regular landlines; some services offer pre-configured VoIP phones that are fully functional and ready for use as soon as they are connected to the internet, as well as excellent customer support provision. Have a look at https://www.top10.com/voip/reviews/gotoconnect for more information on the features available from one such provider, including unlimited auto-attenders and time-based routing, as well as to read a business’ review of the system.

VoIP networks are cloud-based, so storage issues are solved, too, without the need for flash drives or having to think about creating extra storage space as your business grows. And because employees can work on their tasks from any device, productivity is boosted as a result.

Enhanced security is a major advantage of using VoIP. All the data is transferred via the internet is encrypted at both ends, which protects it from being hacked or otherwise compromised; this also guards against cyber criminals being able to discover additional information, such as callers’ names and locations. The technology also feature access and call logs, which make it easy to see if there has been any unauthorized system access or calls made.

How to Get Started

Setting up a VoIP is easy, which is one of its key advantages: no technical experience or prior knowledge is required. Equipment-wise, you simply need an internet connection, and you have the choice of either using ATAs (analog telephone adaptors) or IP phones to access the services and features of the VoIP provider you have chosen. ATA is the simplest way to access VoIP: an ATA device allows you to connect a regular phone to your device or directly to your internet connection, effectively turning it into a VoIP handset. Some providers include ATAs in their packages, making getting set up even easier.

The other option to connect via VoIP is to use special IP phones, which have an ethernet connection and are plugged directly into the router. All the hardware and software necessary to access all the features offered by VoIP are included in the phone.

VoIPs Are Future Proof

The most compelling evidence that VoIP networks are here to stay is because they are, effectively, future-proof. 

How we work is changing: with home working and remote working becoming standard, technology must evolve to keep up with the changing demands of how businesses operate today, and VoIPs are at the leading edge of this, enabling teams to collaborate and communicate from anywhere in the world. The fact that the majority of businesses are now investigating either incorporating or expanding VoIP services in their models is a sure indicator that this means of communication is here to stay.

VoIPs are part of the rapidly increasing rise of SaaS (Software As A Service) models https://www.salesforce.com/in/saas/, in which clients pay to access all elements and features of an off-site service, negating the need to invest in on-site hardware and physical infrastructure. This drives down several costs, including the cost of the features themselves and the need for technical support provision. 

Perfectly placed in the ongoing redefinition of modern working and modern services, VoIP is almost certainly the future of communication.