A common term that is used in the business telephones industry today is VoIP. But what is it and what does it do?
Experts from Yorkshire business phones provider Direct Voice and Data explain…
What is VoIP?
The acronym VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol”. Also known as IP Telephony or Broadband Telephony, it’s essentially the concept of making telephone calls over the internet. Whereas telephone calls are transported though a vast network of traditional telephone wires, VoIP enables voice messages to be transported through the worldwide web.
The concept of VoIP has been in existence since for many years, but with the more recent introduction of computer technologies and software such as Skype, it has increased in popularity and now forms an integral part of daily communications for many businesses and individuals alike.
How Does It Work?
Unlike traditional telephony, IP telephony uses packet switching to deliver calls from one device to another. Voice messages are divided into small packets of data which can then be transported over the internet in much the same way as other digital data.
Early adopters of voIP found that the audio quality of calls was not as high as with traditional telephony. However, recent advancements in the technology mean that the quality of calls today is on a par with traditional calls and it is often impossible to tell the difference.
What Are the Benefits?
The use of IP telephony brings a number of benefits for businesses and individuals…
The most significant benefit is the potential cost savings on telephone calls. By making calls over the internet, call charges are significantly lower and often completely free of charge. For companies and individuals making large numbers of international calls, potential savings are substantial.
The use voice of Internet Protocol also brings efficiency benefits for businesses. Operating telephone and IT systems through a single data cabling network can reduce infrastructure costs as well as call costs.
In addition, telecommunications services can be purchased from a single voice and data provider reducing the number of suppliers your company has to deal with and enabling easy integration of IT and phone systems for streamlined communications.
What Equipment Do I Need?
In order to use voIP, all you need is a standard broadband connection and a VoIP enabled telephone or other device. Most Smartphones and PC’s have VoIP technology installed at the point of manufacture so are ready to go with no further equipment required.
For PC users, an instant messenger service such as Skype may be required to enable online communications. This is widely available and can be quickly and easily downloaded if it is not already installed.
For businesses looking to use IP telephony as part of their overall business phones systems, most telephone manufacturers offer a range of IP telephones. Leading manufacturers such as Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya and Panasonic provide a range of IP phones incorporating popular features such as voicemail, caller ID and call waiting…
Alcatel 8 Series IP Touch Phones:
The Alcatel-Lucent 8 Series IP Touch desk phones offer integrated IP connectivity and telephony. With superior-quality audio and a large, high resolution screen, the 8 series phones incorporate a wide range of features and functions including web-based XML business applications.
Avaya 9600 Series IP Desk Phones:
The Avaya 9600 Series of IP desk phones enable sophisticated, high definition voice communications from head offices or remote locations such as mobile offices and home working. These competitively priced, high performance models are designed to increase productivity for business users through key features including high resolution, easy-to-read touch screen displays, voice command functionality and Bluetooth.
Panasonic NT Series IP Telephones:
The Panasonic NT Series of IP telephones bring effective and easy to use communications to your desk. Enabling remote access over VPN and broadband connections, the NT series provides flexibility allowing team members to work locally or remotely.
In Summary
Embracing today’s technologically advanced world of digital communications, voice over Internet Protocol (voIP) offers great benefits. Not only can companies streamline their voice and data solutions helping to improve communications, but they can also achieve substantial cost savings, helping to improve their profitability.
For more information on Voice over Internet Protocol (voIP) technology or a discussion of how it could help your business, contact Direct Voice and Data on 0800 84 999 84 or visit our Website.
