Lois Jones

VoIP is a type of phone service that allows you to make and receive voice calls over the internet. Known also as Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP has many advantages, including lower cost, more features and better connection quality. But what equipment do you need to get started with VoIP? Let’s find out.

Internet Connection

One of the most important things you’ll need to be able to use VoIP is a strong internet connection. VoIP services run on a cloud-based system so this is a must. For higher quality calls, it’s best to only use about 80% of your available bandwidth at a time. Keep in mind that you and your employees will probably need to use internet browsers and other programs while on the phone with current or potential customers, so you’ll need some additional bandwidth for that. With this in mind, plan to use 100kbps per line.

Devices

All VoIP phone services, including calling, texting, call routing and faxing, are all able to be done through a computer, smartphone or tablet, though you can also use a traditional phone — it’s your preference. With VoIP service from Think VoIP, we’ll help get you set up. 

Depending on your device, you may also need a telephone adapter. This connects to your computer through a USB port so you can use the phone system on your computer. There are also VoIP telephone adapters that support more than one type of telephone connection at the same time, such as VoIP, analog phone lines and fax modems.

Get the ball rolling on your new VoIP system today with a service provider who has your back 24/7. At Think VoIP, we’ll get you set up and on your way in no time. Connect with us today to see how much you’ll save by switching to VoIP services.

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For many businesses, VoIP phone services are an attractive alternative to traditional landlines. Not only does it save money on the service, but less equipment is needed and there is less downtime than with traditional landlines. All you need is an internet connection, so it’s perfect for those who work remotely, too. 

One of the more common questions we receive is if you can call a landline with your VoIP phone. The answer is yes! VoIP phones work just like landline phones, except they’re run through the internet instead of via phone wires. Calls can be placed to any available number, whether it’s a landline or cell phone. There is also the ability to send text messages and faxes via VoIP phones, too. 

VoIP service really is this versatile. At Think VoIP, we’ll get you set up and on your way in no time. Connect with us today to see how much you’ll save by switching to VoIP services.

The post Can a VoIP Phone Call a Landline? appeared first on Think VoIP Services.

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VoIP Phone Service is essentially just a phone service you get that works over the internet instead of a local phone company. VoIP as a term may sound weird to you but it is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is perfect for your business on multiple levels as it makes it easier for you to access your phone systems when you are not at the office and it provides ease of use for your employees.

VoIP is a cheaper alternative with more data accessibility for your business instead of a traditional phone service provided by a provider. Some businesses also utilize a VoIP alongside a traditional phone service also!

How does VoIP work for me?

Voice Over Internet Protocol Phones provide a great ease of use for you and your business by providing lower costs, easier access to data, and increased functionality.

Lower Costs

Lower costs are one of the most appealing things about VoIP since you are using your internet service to send and receive phone calls. If you would like to read more about how to cut some of the costs read this post here.

Increased Functionality

Increased functionality and ease of use is a great benefit of using VoIP for your business. You will have access to your businesses phone anywhere you have access to the internet. So if there is an issue you are there to help. If you would like to read more about the increased functionality read this post here.

Easier Access to Data

When you are using a VoIP phone system you have access to a ton of data at your fingertips. If you want to see the amount of incoming and outgoing phone calls or the length of time on the phone you have that data easy to see at a moments notice.

All of this defines a VoIP service but it also only scratches the surface of all of the benefits, information, and nuance that goes into VoIP phone systems and how they are different from the locally provided phone systems that you know and probably use. Let us help you make a decision to see if VoIP is right for your business today!

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When it comes to phone services, you want the best. You need reliable service, flexibility for a team that grows, and you need something affordable. With VoIP services (short for Voice over Internet Protocol), that’s exactly what you get. Compared to traditional wired phone services, VoIP offers a more reliable connection, scalable services and savings — both in hardware and for the service. Read on for more details and see what Think VoIP can do for you. 

Reliable Connections

VoIP phone systems run on internet connections through the cloud, so they effectively let you use your business phone anywhere you have internet. With internet connections being one of the most reliable around the nation, especially over traditional aging phone lines, you’ll be able to do business from anywhere without the worry of a landline being down.

Flexibility for Scalable Teams

Give your employees the flexibility they need with a phone system that works for them. Whether they’re working from home, meeting with a client or traveling, as long as they have access to the internet via a computer or mobile device, they can use their business phone number to call, text and fax. It’s easy and puts the power in their hands. 

Adding lines is also easy, with no need for tons of setup time or expensive equipment. As your team grows, it’s incredibly easy to add lines. Need to scale back? That’s nearly effortless, too.

Savings

Knowing your cost benefit is crucial so we’ll get right to it. With VoIP services from Think VoIP, our customers save about 60% on average by switching from traditional phone line service. This savings comes from lower setup costs, lower fees per user, the ability to make free calls (no more long distance fees or charges for international calls), and more, not to mention the money you’ll save on your bill by switching away from landlines to internet service. 

When it comes to VoIP service, go with the team that knows it best. Think VoIP will listen to your business needs and create a plan that works for you. As your business grows or scales back, all it takes is a phone call and we’ve got you covered. Connect with us today to see what Think can do for you. 

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Voice-over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, allows users to place phone calls directly through an internet connection rather than through the traditional phone line. Some examples of this technology include applications such as Skype, Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger. While growing in popularity in recent years, VoIP technology has been in use ever since the late 1990s. Here are just a few of the many advantages to utilizing VoIP in your workplace.

Lower Costs

When compared to traditional landline phone systems, you can save a considerable amount of money when using VoIP. Landline phone systems can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per person in a typical business. Not only that, but you will need to have extra wiring and hardware installed specifically for making calls. VoIP only requires an internet connection in order to function, eliminating many of the extraneous costs of using traditional phone systems.

Accessible Almost Anywhere

Unlike a traditional phone number, a VoIP number is not bound to a single location. Known as a virtual number, these can be used to make calls on any device that can make calls. These include smartphones, cell phones and even desk phones. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you will be able to make calls through your VoIP number, even when you’re not in the office. 

Easy to Rescale

Businesses are ever growing and ever changing, but that doesn’t mean your VoIP service won’t change with you. With traditional phone systems, you’ll need to purchase additional hardware and wiring whenever you add members to your team. With a VoIP service, you can do away with those types of purchases. It’s easy to add and remove numbers from your VoIP plan, making it easy to scale your team.

Clearer Voice Quality

How many times have you been on a call with someone with a poor phone line and you can’t understand what they’re saying? With VoIP, all that you’ll need is a strong and fast internet connection to have crystal clear calls. You won’t have to worry about calls dropping or latency issues.

Multitasking

With VoIP, you’ll be able to multitask while making a call. You can send any and all types of documents all while staying on the phone. This process allows for more integrated meetings anywhere, any time.

These are just a few of the many advantages that VoIP has to offer. At Think VoIP Services, we’re here to help! Whether it’s VoIP service for your home or business, we’ll get you set up in no time. Get in touch with one of our experts online or by calling us at 844-767-1924.

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You may already know the advantages of switching your business to a VoIP phone system, but what’s required to get set up? And can your business make it happen with the resources it already has? Let’s find out. 

VoIP Requirements

Since most VoIP phone systems are plug-and-play, there are very few requirements.

Internet Connection

First and foremost, you’ll need a strong internet connection. Because VoIP services run on a cloud-based system, this is a must. For higher quality calls, it’s best to only use about 80% of your available bandwidth at a time. Keep in mind that you and your employees will probably need to use internet browsers and other programs while on the phone with current or potential customers, so you’ll need some additional bandwidth for that. With this in mind, plan to use 100kbps per line.

Direct Connection or WiFi?

While both are certainly available options, being directly connected to the internet via an ethernet cable (for computers) will provide the most reliable connection. For those in offices, it may be worth the investment for a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch that delivers both power and data to VoIP phones via the same wire. 

For those on the go or working remotely, WiFi is definitely an option especially for those connecting via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Devices

Using VoIP phone services, including calling, texting, call routing and faxing, are all able to be done through a computer, smartphone or tablet. With service from Think VoIP, we’ll help get you set up. All you need may be your favorite pair of headphones, preferably with a built-in microphone. 

Is it really that simple? Yes, it really is. As long as you have a strong internet connection and a way to connect to the internet, you’re ready to get started. Connect with us today to see how much you’ll save by switching to VoIP services.

The post What Are the Requirements to Setup a VoIP Line? appeared first on Think VoIP Services.

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Looking to add or upgrade phone services for your business? Consider VoIP services. There are many benefits including cost savings, scalability and integrations that work with the tools and platforms you already use. 

Consider the Savings

Using VoIP phone services will help save your business some serious money. All it requires is a high speed internet connection and you’re ready to go. Most hosted VoIP systems are plug-and-play, too, meaning you save on setup, maintenance and IT costs. 

What’s more, VoIP phone services comes with the features you need — and the ones you want — at no additional costs, unline traditional phone lines. Services include unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada, chat messaging, call queueing for employees, voicemail, automated greetings to get callers to the right department, an easy to use app, and more.

Scaleable

VoIP services are also scalable. If you’re growing your business, it makes sense to start small and add as you grow. Using VoIP services make it easy. For businesses that increase staff during the holidays and at other times of the year, VoIP makes it easy to add and remove lines and services without the fuss. Whatever your business’s need at any given time, VoIP services make it easy. 

Integrations

VoIP services also integrate easily with CRM and other software your business currently uses and that employees are comfortable with using. VoIP service works with Microsoft platforms, Freshdesk, Zendesk, Datev and many more. Whatever you’re using, rest assured it’ll work with VoIP. 

Get a Competitive Edge

VoIP services also give businesses an edge with virtual workspaces. By using a mobile app, you stay informed and in control from anywhere you are, whether it’s at the office, working from home, or working across the country. 

The post How Can VoIP Help My Business? appeared first on Think VoIP Services.

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If you’re looking to reduce your business phone bill, consider VoIP services. It’s easy to switch and you’ll save on everything from installation and hardware to features and maintenance costs and more. 

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, also known as cloud-based VoIP, route calls and store information securely through the internet. These phone systems are typically plug-and-play, so it eliminates the need for phone system hardware and also reduces maintenance and IT costs. 

These phone services cost less than phone line service, too, and the extra features you normally pay for through a phone line are included! This includes things like unlimited nationwide calling, text messaging, auto attendant and call routing. Anything your business uses now, VoIP service includes it with your service. 

To use VoIP service, all you need is a high speed internet connection. Direct connection via an ethernet cable is recommended to ensure a smooth, constant connection. Each line uses approximately 100kbps so you’ll need to plan for that bandwidth through your internet service provider. For those in office settings, consider a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch that delivers power and data to VoIP phones from one cable.

Ready to talk about switching to VoIP phone services for your business? Connect with us today!

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Call centers are a major part of the customer service experience. Making sure customers have a way to reach your business with questions or specific issues is crucial. But just what kind of software do call centers use and why? Let’s take a closer look. 

Multi-Channel Software

While many customers are used to calling a number when they have questions, times are changing. Chat and other forms of written communication are widely used now, and call center software has to keep up. Because of this, many software packages now offer multiple ways, or channels, for customers to get in touch with customer service agents. These include the traditional phone number as well as live chat, email and social media. 

Additionally, when a customer reaches out to customer service, software can log incoming calls so that all interactions are tracked and any customer service agents working with the customer can see past information.

Interactive Voice Response

Interactive voice response software is also available to help answer questions or direct customers to the right department. This works by setting up a series of automated questions that a customer responds to with basic information. It helps reduce call volume for simple questions, gets customers to the right person, and also collects information that customer service agents can use to better serve the customer.

Reports

Being able to report and analyze data is crucial to maintaining an efficient call center. Simply knowing that your agents are fielding calls isn’t enough. Things like knowing the number of incoming calls, resolved calls vs. unresolved calls, agent efficiency and call trends help with things like agent scheduling and coverage gaps. It can also help pinpoint needed areas of training and determine common issues customers call or chat in about. 

Call Scripts

Another common feature is software that offers scripts to customer service agents. Scripts can be based on common questions are easily accessed based on keywords a customer uses so that agents can respond quickly and uniformly across a company. 

Deescalation

When customers call or chat into a company, many are often frustrated. Software that helps the customer service agent deescalate a situation is not only helpful, it’s essential. This software can help move customers through any necessary steps or departments to get the issue resolved. It can also allow agents to provide refunds, discounts or other incentives to keep the customers’ business. 

Internet-Based (VoIP) Service

Many call centers run customer service calls through the internet instead of a phone line. Benefits include ease of scale for greater efficiency, so whether you’re new and looking to grow, need to increase agents during the holidays, or something similar, it’s easy to do it with VoIP.

At Think VoIP, we offer all of this and more. And it’s easy to integrate with your current CRM! Contact us today for support you can count on.

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Tips for Great Customer Service Over the Phone / Effective Ways to Connect with Your Customers

Why is Customer Service Important in Business?

There are intelligent reasons why businesses spend the time and expense in building customer service departments. One of the biggest reasons is these departments directly connect businesses to existing customers – their most profitable business segment. Existing customers are ten times more valuable than when they made their first order. And when contact with that customer on the phone is strong, he or she won’t forget it and may increase their business. Even if your customers shop elsewhere, they are more likely to return, as well as tell their friends. Good customer service skills go a long way to profits.   

For these reasons, providing excellent customer service is key. When customers contact your customer service desk, they shouldn’t feel they are talking to an average Joe on the phone. Your teams should be well spoken and be constantly interacting with customers in order to maintain good relationships with your customers and create a deeper connection with your brand.

Here are some methods and tools to ensure it.  

What is Great Customer Service?

Excellent customer service is when you and your customer service team adopt the best industry-wide and internal practices to meet and exceed customer expectations while seeding relationships. It’s about being prompt and attentive as well as understanding your customers and their needs.

A good chunk of it involves a key service trait: etiquette.

What is Phone Etiquette, and Why is It Important?

Phone etiquette is an integral part of customer service training. Put simply, it means using good manners while you talk to customers on the phone. It encompasses how you and members of your service team greet customers during a conversation, how calls are ended, the overall tone and friendliness of voice when you interact, the words you choose, approaching issues tactfully, and listening deeply.

It also means speaking in a language that connects with your customers but also represents your company. If your teams speak with customers with slang, colloquialisms, and other similar language, it comes off as less professional, creating barriers toward additional business with your customers.

Good etiquette not only provides a good first impression of your business, but it also shows professionalism, establishes trust, and shows your appreciation for loyalty by treating customers with importance, respect, and care. These are traits your customers won’t forget.

Here are 5 Ways to Provide Excellent Customer Service Over the Phone

1. Engage in Active Listening

Active listening by you and your service teams is more than listening attentively. It is asking questions, repeating them back to ensure their issues are understood correctly, taking notes when needed, and reinforcing your understanding of the issues.

The process of listening and verifying are crucial to good service and should be a standard customer service skill.  It helps you and your teams better problem-solve while showing you care about servicing the customers well.

2. Engage in Empathy

In customer service training, the importance of empathy can’t be understated. By putting yourself in their shoes, you and your teams connect with your customers in a deeper way and, in turn, understand their needs better. You learn what their priorities are, the challenges they face, and what solutions to provide. The more you understand how they work and what they need, the better and faster you can problem-solve issues. You can also deliver knowledgeable feedback to company management to help the business position itself better to meet those needs – even profitably.  

You and your customer service teams are on the front lines, and your feedback is valuable for business growth. The more connected you are to your how customers think and what they need, the better you can deliver on those needs and improve results company-wide.

3. Smile When You Talk to Customers

Excellent customer service also means acting like your customers are right in front of you – and this includes smiling. Why? Because even when you talk on the phone, they can hear your smile, and friendliness goes a long way in a customer’s positive perception of your company while showing your appreciation for their call and business. Having an engaging human connection helps separate the business from the personal, showing your company has a human side that cares about their issues.

4. Be Available

You and your customer service teams should be there for customers as needed, and don’t make them wait. Prolonged waits only frustrate customers. If you have to dig for answers, reconnect with them while they hold, so they know they aren’t forgotten. If you need to contact them again with answers, ensure that you do.

5. Be Honest

Like in any relationship, honesty is important. It shows that you care about the customer and are interested in providing excellent customer service. It also shows that your company hires quality employees.

There is also an underlying truth: people can smell dishonesty. Once they do, broken trust is hard to repair. Be truthful during a conversation and, when you can, be generous with your answers. It establishes trust and shows you are there to help.

For certain reasons, you may not be able to reveal everything, but being as forthright as possible is important. And if you don’t know the answer, don’t pretend you do. Contact them a second time if needed. It is much better to follow up with the customer on a second call with the correct information, and he or she will be impressed when you do it.   

Implement a World-Class Customer Service Solution

Your customer service team is on the front lines of customer engagement, and being able to service customers promptly and professionally ensures customer satisfaction and continued growth from your most profitable business segment: your existing customers.

Traditionally, having adequate tools on hand wasn’t always easy. Adding phone lines and intaking and handling multiple calls was costly and logistically cumbersome. And with limited ways to communicate, more customers had no choice but to wait their turn in line.

Here is where Voice-over-Internet Technology (VoIP) has become a huge benefit. VoIP is an online communications platform that uses a broadband internet connection rather than traditional phone lines. By being online, it enables your teams to have ultra-clear calls with customers that sound like they are right in the room, evoking a highly professional atmosphere to address concerns. And by being digital-based, call routing and providing service to customers is easier than ever before. And these are just a few of the benefits.

 Others include include:

·   Mobile App Capability: Your customer service teams can assist customers anywhere your team members are. This is a huge benefit as more remote workforces take shape due to COVID-19.  You can now service customers 24 hours a day by hiring representatives in other time zones at minimal overhead.

·   Phone Call Recording: Keep track of conversations and analyze customer issues more effectively than simple note taking. You also gain clarity on your team’s service performance. And since all data is in the cloud, you can easily set the limit to the amount of data you want to be stored without it affecting the size of your internal storage systems. 

·   Call Parking: This system allows you to put a customer on hold in the cloud so another representative can take the call. It is extremely useful for customer service teams, allowing members to forward customers to the correct departments, specialists, and managers to better address issues without requiring the customer to do this his or herself.

·   Auto Attendant: This feature provides easy and accurate call routing for faster and improved service without restriction on the number of calls at one time.

·   Voicemail Transcriptions: This feature enables customer service teams to read voicemails anywhere they are in a way that is more convenient for them at the time. This is particularly useful when a service representative has downtime during a customer call, improving their multi-tasking ability.

·   Video Conferencing: Further clarify customer issues through video calling, whether it be with one person or a team of individuals. You can have innumerable video calls, avoiding the issue of your team members waiting in line for conference space.

·   VoIP-Enabled Phones: Your customer service teams can use devices designed like traditional phones but with all of VoIP’s advanced features, allowing for easy onboarding to this new digital platform in a format your teams are used to. 

These benefits enable you to oversee your teams better and ensure your customers get improved service while exercising your teams’ customer service skills to maximum effectiveness.

Here at Think VoIP Services, we know what it takes to have an effective customer service platform because we aid customer service teams regularly. We provide strong and reliable VoIP-enabled phones and computer software that provide more versatility in communicating with customers and other service team members at a lower cost than traditional landline phone systems. Since VoIP is digitally-based, you can add or reduce the size of your system as needed and easily take advantage of new communication methods as they hit the market. All data is fully protected in the cloud. And our first-class customer service ensures your phone systems are running properly. We can work in-person or remotely.To learn more about how Think VoIP Services can help, contact us here.

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More businesses each year are jumping on board with VoIP Technology.  The advantages are powerful for medium-sized companies and large enterprises, but the system works equally well for small businesses, too. Let’s look at how you, as a small business, can benefit. 

In this article, we will look at some of the differences between VoIP and traditional phone systems. We will cover the benefits of VoIP and how switching to VoIP is easy to do without risking a decline in business. If anything, your business will grow.  

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol.” It is an Internet-connected system that uses a broadband connection rather than traditional phone lines. 

Being internet-based, today’s VoIP phones and compatible devices provide the same characteristics of traditional work phones but with added benefits that make it a powerful business choice. It acts as a digital pathway for multiple modes of communication while providing crystal-clear calling. It serves as a medium for most business communications used today beyond standard audio calls. It is also customizable based on the unique needs of your business. And it’s surprisingly cheap compared to traditional landlines, resulting in more profit for you. 

What are the Advantages of Using VoIP?

Some benefits of VoIP extend to any size business. Here are some key ones.  

Call performance: The difference is startling. Because calls via VoIP are done through broadband, audio is crystal clear. Listeners will think you are sitting right in the room, helping you communicate ideas more clearly while creating a more professional experience than the competition.  

Communication is faster: Lags in long-distance communication from traditional landlines are shortened significantly, making it easier to communicate during long-distance and international calls. 

Video conferencing: As mobile workforces increase and the world continues to navigate COVID-19, video conferencing has boomed. VoIP lets you use this new method of communicating to convey ideas more clearly and personally without being physically present, saving you the time and expense of travel. 

Instant messaging: VoIP systems include instant messaging platforms. Communicate via text to any contact in your phone right on your computer screen. 

Call recording: No more struggles with note-taking. You can record calls to ensure tasks and orders are fulfilled correctly and maintain a log of all communications overtime for further verification whenever needed. 

Reliable security: Though VoIP requires the internet, businesses don’t have to think about the security of online content. With all company information stored on cloud-based systems with reliable anti-virus software, you can enjoy safe and secure communication without worry.  

Nearly unlimited capacity: As evident with the Phone System we offer at Think VoIP Services, today’s cloud-based capabilities allow for ample memory to store audio recordings, video conferences, instant messages, emails, voicemails, and more. 

High call thresholds: With higher thresholds, you can accept more calls and talk with more customers than on standard phone systems, resulting in more business. 

Voicemail transcriptions: You can check voicemails wherever you are, even in locations where the surrounding sound is an issue. Respond via chat to keep communication quicker while you multitask. 

Virtual telephone extensions: Using broadband avoids limiting calls based on the number of physical lines. And you can add more lines quicker and at a lower cost than a landline system.  

Mobile app capability: For businesses with mobile workforces or outbound sales, this gives companies a distinct advantage over the competition. Talk, chat, or email anywhere you are. 

VoIP phone and software support: You get more effective backend support than traditional phone systems. As time has gone by, landline phone system providers continue to reduce their services for customers. VoIP provides you with the help you truly need.  

Top Benefits of VoIP for Small Business Owners

Is VoIP Good for Small Businesses? Absolutely. Here are Four Benefits of VoIP for Your Small Business. 

It Can Limit Company Expenses

What’s one of the biggest benefits of VoIP? It is cheap compared to landlines. For businesses with a concern for profits, this is a big advantage. For a small business, every penny counts. With savings on per-minute usage on long-distance and international calls, you will benefit financially while helping you expand your business to a wider audience at a lower cost. You can further reduce fees through monthly plans. All this keeps you and your employees on the phone longer, boosting relationships and securing sales. 

But the savings don’t stop there. You can also upgrade and upscale your phone systems more cheaply, quickly, and easily. As your business grows, your phone systems grow with you, helping you realize more profits faster. 

Then there is the cost of installation. Because VoIP is internet-based, companies such as us can incorporate these VoIP systems into your business easily. There is even the possibility we can use your existing computer technology to do it. 

Auto Attendant Puts Your Business on Another Level

If you want the appearance of an established company but lack the staff, or if you are looking to reduce your reception staff, our Auto Attendant feature will route calls for you. Your callers get professional assistance while boosting their perceptions of you and your brand at a fraction of the cost. 

It Increases Flexibility and Mobility for Users

If you are a small, mobile business, your in-office VoIP benefits also extend to mobile devices, allowing for increased communication methods on the road or working at home. The same benefits extend to all of your staff. VoIP is a cost-savings benefit that extends anywhere you and your teams go.  

Easy Set-Up and Onboarding

VoIP is easy to incorporate into your business. If you already have a dedicated phone number, you won’t have to worry about changing it, making it an advantage over systems like Skype that require a unique number. And all existing contacts load up easily. 

VoIP systems are also intuitive. VoIP-enabled phones are designed like traditional phones to make transitioning to this new technology simple. And using VoIP on a computer is just as easy. The technology is up and running in no more than a few clicks. 

When needed, we can onboard entire organizations or specific employees to help them take advantage of these technical benefits easier. 

What You Need:

Reliable internet connection required: Some businesses are wary of VoIP due to a perceived risk of a decline in business if the internet goes down. In weather events, any electronic communication methods, including landlines, can be affected, but reliable internet is required to ensure a strong connection and optimal performance daily. 

Opt for VoIP-enabled phones: Though you can use VoIP without a phone, you will get the most out of the technology with a VoIP-enabled telephone. It allows you to do everything a digital phone system can do but also offers video conferencing, audio and video recording, and the ability to handle higher call thresholds. 

How do I Choose a VoIP Provider? 

As with choosing an IT-provider, it is smart to work with a local company. When assistance is required, and an issue isn’t solvable over the phone or online, a local provider can tackle it in person. It’s also smart to choose a provider with substantial experience with VoIP, so they respond faster and more efficiently. 

When you are ready to make the switch, Think VoIP Servicesis ready to help. As a local provider in Florida, we are familiar with your local needs and are available when you need us. We can supply your business with VoIP-enabled phones and conference devices as well as instant messaging capabilities. We can add more lines easily, ensure your contact lists remain intact, and help you enjoy video calls, record conversations, and maintain voicemails on a secure, cloud-based system. And we can set up this system to work with mobile platforms. You also get professional support if any issues arise. We’re here to serve you.  Visit our site to find out more.

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You may have heard of the term before, but what exactly is VoIP? And what are the benefits of VoIP systems that businesses are using most today? This article provides a quick summary of VoIP systems and shows how they open new doors for improved communication. You’ll get an honest look at the advantages and disadvantages and learn how you can benefit from this technology.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is an online-based phone system that uses a broadband connection in place of a traditional phone line. With the increased demand for internet communications with most businesses, this form of communication is becoming easier and increasingly popular when compared to traditional systems.

What is the Main Use of VoIP Technology?

Thanks to the advent of low-cost, high-speed internet, VoIP has become an affordable alternative to traditional phone lines. It provides remarkably clear calls and works particularly well for high-frequency calling and conference calling. It also offers more features than traditional phone systems, such as call recording, video capability, a large volume of phone extensions, mobile app capability, and even chat capability – to name a few.

Here at Think VoIP Services, we offer many key VoIP benefits for businesses today:

Video Conferencing

Call Recording

Voicemail Transcriptions

Virtual Extensions

Call Parking

 Auto Attendant

Mobile App Capability

Chat / Messaging Capabilities

Local Support

Scalability 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Voice Over Internet VoIP?

What are the pros and cons of VoIP? Here is a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of this unique technology.

The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems

The cost benefits of switching to a VoIP Service: The biggest advantage to VoIP is its low overall cost.Other than a desk phone, no other hardware is required. In addition, the phone system is kept up to date at no cost to you, adding up to serious savings over time.

Clear voice quality: The second biggest advantage is call clarity. Once you hear the difference in sound quality, it’s hard to go back. The calls via VoIP are jarringly clear, almost like the speaker is sitting next to you.

Video capability: Communication is changing, and with it comes more video capability. The pandemic has shown just how useful this feature is. Whether it be a one-on-one call or a video conference call, you can do video calls via VoIP on a PC, smartphone, and even a VoIP desk phone. We offer a range of phone styles with video capability.

Simple and Affordable Conferencing: Conference call systems aren’t always very intuitive, and call costs can add up depending on the number of users and the call time. VoIP offers a lower-cost option and with fewer issues with access. Multiple conference calls can happen at once in the office, without any interruption between calls. 

Call Recording: This feature is a huge asset during conference calls and communications with clients in which the wealth of details discussed are too numerous to jot down. They also help with employee performance by being an important evaluation tool.

Real-time Call Monitoring: Like call recording, this feature makes it possible for a supervisor to read an employee’s performance for improved business results.

Additional voicemail features: You can connect VoIP with your email system or with a messaging platform, allowing you to forward voicemails to emails or text, making it easier to track, hear, and read voicemails than ever before.

Mobile App: You can take your business with you while maintaining the same features of in-office VoIP technology. Portability is proving to be a key advantage for businesses offering work-from-home capability. This technology helps you complete work wherever you are, bringing the same office functionality to your smartphone.  

Higher scalability: With VoIP systems,  you can easily add as many phone lines as you need. Adding phone lines to traditional systems is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. With VoIP, you can quickly add lines cost-effectively, without all the hassle. 

Today’s phone providers also don’t provide the same amount of oversight they did in years past. Providers like us provide all the backend services you need.

Chat and instant messaging capability: In many cases, texting is easier than a phone call and can be a helpful multi-tasking tool. VoIP systems provide texting capabilities via online access on your computer.  

Automatic Upgrades: Like a smartphone, the fact that VoIP electronics are online, your software will  be updated automatically.

Simple to Use: Even with all the technical advantages, VoIP devices are user friendly. Onboarding is simple for any level of user. If you and your employees are familiar with work phones, the transition is even easier – in fact, consideration has been taken toward designing VoIP devices to look and function much like standard work phones for that purpose. This technology is all about making things easier.

Quality hardware: Are VoIP phones any good? In many ways, the quality is higher than traditional phones. They offer everything you would expect of a traditional system, but with clearer sound, additions like color video capability, noise cancellation, 20-foot and 360-degree voice pickup, and the ability to hold up to 16 different SIP accounts. It’s a regular phone on steroids.

The Disadvantages of VoIP Phone Systems

You may have heard people knocking on VoIP technology, but is any of it true? Why is VoIP so bad? Here are some common issues found with this technology.

Reliable internet connection required: Not only do you need the internet, but the connection should be reliable to reduce any disruptions during important conference calls or high-frequency calling.

Communication Quality: VoIP systems make calls clear as day, but there can sometimes be issues unless diagnosed and resolved. Thankfully, most issues are easy to fix. In nearly all cases, the cause of the issue is related to your current online technology and related software settings such as firewalls. More often than not, a few setting changes and improvements to your connection do the trick.  

Your VoIP provider can do a simple analysis to determine the issues and fixes. We offer analysis and upgrades to your current network including evaluating your internet as part of our Managed IT Support service to ensure everything works as intended. Some problems we often address are:

Latency or jitters

Issues making or maintaining calls

Echoes or loss of sound during conversations

Reduction in audio quality

Some devices work while others don’t

Power Outage: This con of VoIP has been minimized thanks to increases in technology. In the past, you would lose access to the system when the power went out. However, with the advent of mobile apps and PC softphones, communications can still help you accomplish essential tasks via phone calls and chats on a short-term basis until the power is back up and running.

Summary:

With the right guidance and provider assistance, the advantages of VoIP will significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Your business can enjoy remarkably clear calls via VoIP even when the power is out. You can also gain a wealth of benefits over traditional phone lines to make communication with clients easier and clearer anywhere you and your employees are, helping you accomplish more while saving you money in the process. And with intuitive designs similar to traditional phone systems, switching to VoIP technology is easy.To find out more about what this system can do for your business and how we can help you make the most of this technology, contact us

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is an online-based phone system that uses a broadband connection in place of a traditional phone line. With the increased demand for internet communications with most businesses, this form of communication is becoming easier and increasingly popular when compared to traditional systems.

What is the Main Use of VoIP Technology?

Thanks to the advent of low-cost, high-speed internet, VoIP has become an affordable alternative to traditional phone lines. It provides remarkably clear calls and works particularly well for high-frequency calling and conference calling. It also offers more features than traditional phone systems, such as call recording, video capability, a large volume of phone extensions, mobile app capability, and even chat capability – to name a few.

Here at Think VoIP Services, we offer many key VoIP benefits for businesses today:

Video Conferencing

Call Recording

Voicemail Transcriptions

Virtual Extensions

Call Parking

 Auto Attendant

Mobile App Capability

Chat / Messaging Capabilities

Local Support

Scalability 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Voice Over Internet VoIP?

What are the pros and cons of VoIP? Here is a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of this unique technology.

The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems

The cost benefits of switching to a VoIP Service: The biggest advantage to VoIP is its low overall cost.Other than a desk phone, no other hardware is required. In addition, the phone system is kept up to date at no cost to you, adding up to serious savings over time.

Clear voice quality: The second biggest advantage is call clarity. Once you hear the difference in sound quality, it’s hard to go back. The calls via VoIP are jarringly clear, almost like the speaker is sitting next to you.

Video capability: Communication is changing, and with it comes more video capability. The pandemic has shown just how useful this feature is. Whether it be a one-on-one call or a video conference call, you can do video calls via VoIP on a PC, smartphone, and even a VoIP desk phone. We offer a range of phone styles with video capability.

Simple and Affordable Conferencing: Conference call systems aren’t always very intuitive, and call costs can add up depending on the number of users and the call time. VoIP offers a lower-cost option and with fewer issues with access. Multiple conference calls can happen at once in the office, without any interruption between calls. 

Call Recording: This feature is a huge asset during conference calls and communications with clients in which the wealth of details discussed are too numerous to jot down. They also help with employee performance by being an important evaluation tool.

Real-time Call Monitoring: Like call recording, this feature makes it possible for a supervisor to read an employee’s performance for improved business results.

Additional voicemail features: You can connect VoIP with your email system or with a messaging platform, allowing you to forward voicemails to emails or text, making it easier to track, hear, and read voicemails than ever before.

Mobile App: You can take your business with you while maintaining the same features of in-office VoIP technology. Portability is proving to be a key advantage for businesses offering work-from-home capability. This technology helps you complete work wherever you are, bringing the same office functionality to your smartphone.  

Higher scalability: With VoIP systems,  you can easily add as many phone lines as you need. Adding phone lines to traditional systems is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. With VoIP, you can quickly add lines cost-effectively, without all the hassle. 

Today’s phone providers also don’t provide the same amount of oversight they did in years past. Providers like us provide all the backend services you need.

Chat and instant messaging capability: In many cases, texting is easier than a phone call and can be a helpful multi-tasking tool. VoIP systems provide texting capabilities via online access on your computer.  

Automatic Upgrades: Like a smartphone, the fact that VoIP electronics are online, your software will  be updated automatically.

Simple to Use: Even with all the technical advantages, VoIP devices are user friendly. Onboarding is simple for any level of user. If you and your employees are familiar with work phones, the transition is even easier – in fact, consideration has been taken toward designing VoIP devices to look and function much like standard work phones for that purpose. This technology is all about making things easier.

Quality hardware: Are VoIP phones any good? In many ways, the quality is higher than traditional phones. They offer everything you would expect of a traditional system, but with clearer sound, additions like color video capability, noise cancellation, 20-foot and 360-degree voice pickup, and the ability to hold up to 16 different SIP accounts. It’s a regular phone on steroids.

The Disadvantages of VoIP Phone Systems

You may have heard people knocking on VoIP technology, but is any of it true? Why is VoIP so bad? Here are some common issues found with this technology.

Reliable internet connection required: Not only do you need the internet, but the connection should be reliable to reduce any disruptions during important conference calls or high-frequency calling.

Communication Quality: VoIP systems make calls clear as day, but there can sometimes be issues unless diagnosed and resolved. Thankfully, most issues are easy to fix. In nearly all cases, the cause of the issue is related to your current online technology and related software settings such as firewalls. More often than not, a few setting changes and improvements to your connection do the trick.  

Your VoIP provider can do a simple analysis to determine the issues and fixes. We offer analysis and upgrades to your current network including evaluating your internet as part of our Managed IT Support service to ensure everything works as intended. Some problems we often address are:

Latency or jitters

Issues making or maintaining calls

Echoes or loss of sound during conversations

Reduction in audio quality

Some devices work while others don’t

Power Outage: This con of VoIP has been minimized thanks to increases in technology. In the past, you would lose access to the system when the power went out. However, with the advent of mobile apps and PC softphones, communications can still help you accomplish essential tasks via phone calls and chats on a short-term basis until the power is back up and running.

Summary:

With the right guidance and provider assistance, the advantages of VoIP will significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Your business can enjoy remarkably clear calls via VoIP even when the power is out. You can also gain a wealth of benefits over traditional phone lines to make communication with clients easier and clearer anywhere you and your employees are, helping you accomplish more while saving you money in the process. And with intuitive designs similar to traditional phone systems, switching to VoIP technology is easy.To find out more about what this system can do for your business and how we can help you make the most of this technology, contact us.

The post Benefits of VoIP for Today’s Business World appeared first on Think VoIP Services.

source https://thinkvoipservices.com/benefits-of-voip-for-todays-business-world/

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