VoIP phone systems or IP phones are increasingly popular these days and that is for many good reasons. They offer many benefits and work more efficiently as compared to conventional phones. They are extremely easy to install and maintain. They also come with a variety of features, including virtual faxing. You can also take advantage of a number of call features. The good thing is that you do not need to go through a lot of hassle to switch to VoIP phone systems. It is possible to cut down on overhead by learning to find the right size solution for your business needs. It means that you should opt for the features you know you would need. There is no need to carry that extra bulk because it is only going to weigh you down. Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking the plunge.
Decide between Traditional and Hybrid PBX
Before going any further, you need to bear in mind that there are a variety of migration options available today. You have to consider the size and needs of your company to choose what suits you the most. It is equally important to consider how good your support staff is and how advanced your existing telephony infrastructure is. You can certainly opt for IP phone systems when you are working with a large mobile workforce and your staff has technical expertise to handle everything. However, you may also want to consider using hybrid IP PBX systems if you think you are not yet ready make the transition to IP phone systems. A hybrid IP PBX system is relatively more affordable and manageable for small and medium businesses. It involves integrating IP technology with your traditional phone system. Just remember that the future of communication is IP telephony, so you will eventually have to make the move.
Decide between Onsite and Hosted IP PBX
It certainly makes great sense to have your own internal VoIP system because it offers benefits like onsite support, reduced long-term expenses, and greater flexibility in call features. However, you will have to deal with a higher upfront cost. You will have to get the right hardware as well as trained manpower to support and run the new system. If you are not ready to make a huge investment, you can start with a hosted VoIP phone system. With this option, you do not require in-house hardware or specialized IT resources. However, you will get all of the benefits associated with IP phone systems. You also do not have to move the phone lines physically, so you can save on installation costs as well. This seems to a lot more affordable and manageable option of small businesses.
In addition, you also need to take your time when selecting a service provider. Choosing the right provider is important whether you opt for a hosted solution or go for your own IP system. Do not focus only on cost but be sure to know what features they offer and what you really need to run your business. This will help you get a package that is affordable and effective.
