I know what you’re thinking as you see yet another acronym such as VoIP: what on earth does it mean for a non-techy person like myself? Well, fear not! By the end of our guide, you’ll become a VoIP master in no time at all.
You’ll learn what it is, what you need to do (if anything) and more importantly, how to get started with the great technological switchover that’s soon to be upon us…
The new wave of VoIP – let’s unpick the basics.
I’m sure you’ve heard the term VoIP arise in casual workplace conversations. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be the first person to have to clarify its meaning.
It’s simple; VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which can also be referred to as IP (internet) telephony. In even simpler terms, it’s making calls over the Internet. Further explanations into VoIP can be found in The Federal Communications Commission piece.
A VoIP phone system is a future-proof piece of technology, that enables you to make phone calls via your internet connection, instead of relying on a regular (analogue) landline or mobile network. As long as you have a high-speed internet connection, with a modem and router, you are basically VoIP-ready!
The digital wave – VoIP technology
As part of the upcoming digital transformation, BT announced from 2025 ISDN (integrated services digital network) and PSTN (public switched telephone network) lines will be permanently turned off. In their place, every line in the UK (both business and home) will be equipped to receive digital, routing calls over internet protocol (IP), as opposed to relying on the traditional, regular telephone system.
So how does VoIP work?
VoIP services sophisticatedly convert your analogue voice into a digital signal that travels across the internet. This is enabled through your broadband connection. In scientific terms, sound waves (i.e. your voice) are converted into digital data, thus enabling people to use the internet as a communication method for every one of their phone calls.
If you are calling a regular phone number, this signal is then converted to a regular telephone signal, before it reaches the intended destination (usually other telephone networks). Therefore, VoIP can allow you to make and receive phone calls directly from a computer, a VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special VoIP adapter . Wireless “hot spots” in essential locations such as airports, parks, and other public places, then allow you to connect to the internet and may even enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly. VoIP really does create increased accessibility in the majority of places, which is essential for any business.
What are the benefits of a VoIP phone system?
As with any new technological switch, knowledge is power. Understanding the advantages of any change is essential to you, in ensuring the subsequent growth of your business. We’ve compiled a succinct list of the main advantages for you, when switching from ISDN to VoIP:
- Cloud-based (usually hosted at your VoIP provider’s data centre, rather than at your location), but also, as VoIP runs over the internet, your data is stored securely in the cloud
- It proves to be a cost effective way to obtain a business phone number for your website
- Brand awareness through increased accessibility and customer satisfaction
- Additional, useful phone features, such as: call routing, call waiting, caller tones, auto-attendant, the ability for multiple phone numbers and many more.
- Complete portability
- Excellent call / voice quality during each voice call
- Ability for increased multi-tasking.
- Flexibility, such as increased opportunities for international calls – which is key for any business
- Advanced productivity for teams of varying sizes with improved video conferencing quality
How will the switch to VoIP impact my business and am I ready for it?
Now’s a good time to consider if the current state of your business communications is VoIP ready or soon to be obsolete. It can be a scary consideration, but please don’t worry. Once you’re in the know with your current tech situation, decisions and steps towards the switch can be made relatively easily and stress-free.
It’s currently estimated that up to 40% of SMEs still use analogue technology, so we promise if you are one of these, you’re certainly not alone. There’s still plenty of time for you to plan, resource and implement changes towards the VoIP technological switch.
What happens to the existing analogue / ISDN?
Similar to all technological advancements, VoIP will soon replace the existing analogue (ISDN) way of making calls, making them completely obsolete. However, this doesn’t just impact your everyday telephone calls, as it goes much further than that. The switch to VoIP will include all devices that currently run off the existing phone network and non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN.
The following equipment will also switch over:
- Fax machines
- EPOS machines
- CCTV systems
- Security alarms
- Premises entry and exit systems.
Need VoIP help, advice or further information?
As with every topic we cover in our articles, we’re always on hand to help you with your business queries or concerns. Whether you’re a start-up, or a fully-fledged growing business, we know the importance of honest, open, clear communication; especially when it comes to the ever-changing world of technology.
Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our trustworthy, experienced agents about all things VoIP. Whether it’s figuring out which of the many VoIP providers may be best for you, or our advice on getting started with integrating VoIP into your business, we’d be delighted to help you.
You’re always welcome to book a consultation with one of our most trusted advisers today. Here at Technology support 247, we believe being productive in business is far more beneficial than being reactive.
