VoIP, an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, has become popular with modern businesses. The process is simple, all one needs to do is to download a VoIP app and start using it with a strong and reliable internet connection. It is also an ideal software for virtual call centers. Little wonder, its use has steadily risen in popularity over the past decade.
In the US, between 2010 and 2018, the number of users steadily rose from 6.2 million to over 40 million. Not only this, but the VoIP system has also lowered the cost of communication with savings between 30 percent to 50 percent in communication costs.
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VoIP: How does it work?
VoIP has a distinct advantage over landlines since it does not require any wires or phone lines; the communication is carried out over the internet. The VoIP telephone converts voice into data and transmits it over the internet. At the receiving end, the data is again converted back into voice, without any delay or distortion.
The system is also unfailing and most hosted VoIP problems can be fixed remotely in the least possible time. There is also no need to shut down operations or take the services of an engineer. A well-known example of this technology is Skype.
VoIP categories
VoIP can be divided into two categories: Fixed VoIP and Non-Fixed VoIP. Fixed VoIP is more flexible and secure, and it comes with a lot of many features. However, this service requires a specific address for getting a VoIP number, much like that for a traditional landline. Even those using this service on smartphones need to give a physical address to get linked to their account. A minimal tax is required for this system.
Non-Fixed VoIP service, on the other hand, does not need linking to any physical address. This enables the user to create accounts to serve any desired address, making it easy to contact customers all over the globe. It also has an edge in international communication, since its virtual phone numbers do not require authentication. However, it is more suited for individual and personal use.
Difference between Fixed VoIP and Non-Fixed VoIP
The major advantage of Fixed VoIP is security; the contact information always remains secure and more private. This is not afforded by Non-Fixed VoIP, since using it can lead to leakage of information or communication details of the company and make it public digitally.
An important advantage of Fixed VoIP is increased credibility since the VoIP number is linked to a specific address. This makes the customers more trusting of picking up the calls. Non-Fixed VoIP numbers make it easy for scammers to mask their identity since the numbers are not linked to an address.
Since Fixed VoIP is linked with the user’s address, any emergency number when dialed will be directed to the emergency service center in the user’s locality. In the US, the fixed VoIP sends the exact location of a 911 dialer to public safety answering points, making it easier to trace in an emergency.
On the downside, Fixed VoIP service for international calls is more expensive. This service is available only in a specific country and is not available out of the country.
Benefits of Fixed VoIP
- The range of features provided by Fixed VoIP are either not available in landline systems or are too expensive. These features include voicemail, email voicemail, voice message, or on-hold music.
- More people can be added to the Fixed VoIP system, unlike other systems that are limited to up to 30 channels per circuit.
- This system integrates email, browsers, instant browsing, and call recording, in addition to voice, making it a lucrative option for businesses with remote workers.
- This is a more flexible system since phones can be moved anywhere in the office without any hassle. Not only this, but the user can also travel with the phone number, making it ideal for remote working. The calls can also be moved seamlessly between users and customers or specialist advisors.
- Fixed VoIP works out much more economically than older systems, such as ISDN. Besides, it provides a much higher quality, depending upon the quality of the internet. A superfast broadband connection is the best option for Fixed VoIP.
- Troubleshooting is easy and problems can be fixed remotely in minutes without recourse to an engineer or shutting down the operations.
- Since this system has been around for decades as a preferred choice for communicating, it has become an attractive option for small and medium enterprises. More importantly, in today’s pandemic scenario, Fixed VoIP has proven indispensable for people working from home.
Conclusion
With such huge benefits over other communication systems, Fixed VoIP is here to stay. Its growing popularity amongst businesses is testimony to its effectiveness, thanks to the cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and multifunctionality that it offers. Fixed VoIP provides a robust communications solution to any business.
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