Wednesday, July 25, 2012

VoIP Is A Cost-Effective Business Phone System For Small Business

By Kenneth B. Raygoza


Many rapidly growing small businesses need a business phone system or a PBX (private branch exchange) as it is known to handle all phone calls to and from the office. A business phone system is usually used for functions such as making multiple simultaneous outbound calls, receiving all calls on a main number and routing it to appropriate person or voicemail, making interoffice calls and transferring calls as required.

For a long time, the only option for a business phone system was a private branch exchange supplied by a major phone service provider, with a main phone box, internal cables to phone lines with extensions and external connections to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Small businesses these days have access to phone systems that work over the internet using VoIP (voice over IP) technology which is much more advantageous over conventional PBX systems.

VoIP phone systems are referred to as virtual private branch exchanges (virtual PBX) and can be utilized to make telephone calls over an IP network like the internet. Virtual phone providers offer virtual PBX as a 'hosted' service, which means that your virtual phone provider will 'host' and manage all the telephone needs of your business using equipment and software located at their office. Therefore, your business does not have to physically setup an expensive business phone system or manage it using valuable IT resources. Instead, all you require is a high speed internet connection, a cell phone or landline and a different line for every phone. It saves time and expense, as the installation is normally less than twenty minutes for each phone and setup and monthly costs are low. Your provider will configure you virtual phone box through an online interface and link up your phones to the internet.

These types of hosted VoIP phone systems are cloud based to give you geographical independence and are practical for businesses with multiple locations. You can easily use a complete phone system without having to hire specially trained personnel to manage or maintain it. Your virtual business phone system will include many corporate class capabilities such as voicemail, intercom, extension dialing, ring groups, auto attendant, music on hold, conference bridge and more.

Small business hoping to develop and grow should consider using a hosted VoIP phone system to save more than 50% on their phone bill. Flexible service plans and a abundance of features including audio conferencing makes it the clear choice to manage all the communication needs of any business.




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