Communications, both internal and external, are a critical part of nearly any organization. Yet too many companies rely on outdated, inefficient communications systems that hamper instead of aid in their success. When it comes to voice services, the right solution can help your business in several key ways, from cost savings to call quality.
Understanding Voice Services for Businesses
Voice services consist of the telecommunications technology and services organizations use to facilitate real-time verbal communications. You may refer to this technology simply as your phone system. There are a few options organizations can use today for their voice communications.
On-Premises PBX System
Many companies rely on a traditional on-premises private branch exchange (PBX) system. This system combines multiple landlines into a local, private telephone network.
This technology has been around for decades, of course, and it’s becoming increasingly outdated and inefficient as more modern alternatives emerge. However, on-premises PBX is more familiar to many business owners, making it a popular choice.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
The modern alternative to landlines is voice over internet protocol (VoIP). This technology has increased in popularity because of some valuable benefits it delivers to individuals and businesses alike.
Within the umbrella of VoIP, there are two systems companies can take advantage of:
- SIP trunking: This technology connects your physical, on-premises PBX to the internet using your broadband or data link. SIP trunking is a fixed-voice service because it is tied to a physical location. This hybrid approach appeals to companies that don’t want to entirely give up their traditional PBX system.
- Hosted PBX services: Also known as hosted-voice services or simply hosted voice, this technology is cloud-based. That means a business's telephone system and PBX reside off-site and are managed by a third party. Telephone connectivity is provided through an internet connection.
Both of these options are popular choices, although as of 2018, the SIP trunking segment was slightly dominant with a 52 percent share of the VoIP market. It is projected to maintain its leading position in the market through the next several years.
The Importance of Quality Voice Services
You may think your landline system is working just fine, so why is it worth investing in quality VoIP services? Modern voice services can benefit your business in several valuable ways. You could save money, connect remote and new employees, and improve the reliability and quality of your communications.
1. Save Money
Installing a new PBX system can easily cost a company thousands of dollars. Then you have to budget for ongoing costs to maintain the system. Fixing and replacing outdated hardware can become quite expensive. VoIP leaves this legacy hardware behind, making it a more affordable solution for voice services.
2. Remain Agile
With a quality VoIP solution, you can easily add new phone lines and hardware as you grow. Even if you’re opening a new office, you can extend your voice services to your new location and add new phone lines and users with just a few clicks.
3. Enable Remote Connections
As companies increasingly adopt distributed work models, a modern non-fixed VoIP solution takes on even more value. Because this technology uses the cloud rather than an on-premises PBX box, it can connect all employees with a single phone system, regardless of their location.
4. Avoid Downtime
Severe weather and natural disasters can cause landlines to go down, which poses serious problems for businesses at a time when communication is critical. Because VoIP equipment is housed in a remote data center, it’s not subject to local outages. That means you can remain accessible by phone even when landlines are down.
5. Improve Call Quality
Advanced voice services can also improve the quality of your communications. VoIP compresses and decompresses audio with rapid speed to maintain sound quality throughout a call. With a strong internet connection, VoIP calls offer better sound quality than legacy phone systems, free of static and crackling sounds. This makes clear communication possible and minimizes frustrations.
How to Make Quality Voice Services Fit Your Budget
Worried a modern voice services solution won’t fit into your budget? Consider these tips:
Know Your Budget
Consider what you’re spending now to understand what you can afford and where you can save. Keep in mind that a VoIP solution can cost less to implement and less to maintain compared to legacy systems, which can ultimately lower your costs for voice services.
Only Pay for What You Need
Some expensive VoIP solutions come with a lot of bells and whistles. Don’t waste money on features or hardware that don’t add a real benefit to your organization. Consider what features will really be valuable to you so you can find the right fit for your company.
Work with the Right Provider
Rather than going it alone, find a partner who understands the various options out there and can help you identify the right solution for you. The best partner is one who will work within your budget and help you save money without sacrificing quality.
Ready to upgrade your phone system? Check out this e-book for tips and strategies to maximize your PBX and unleash your business’ true potential.
