Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a
broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA’s with them on
trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.
Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a
specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your
desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that
looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place
VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a
broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added
to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard.
Features such as:
-
Caller ID
-
Call Waiting
-
Call Transfer
-
Repeat Dialling
-
Return Call
-
Three-Way Dialling
Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These
additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are
handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to:
-
Forward the call to a particular number
-
Send the call directly to voicemail
-
Give the caller a busy signal
-
Play a "not-in-service" message
Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or
attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to
check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what
features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly.
There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined VOIP
phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone system means
they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the
phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone
systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the
network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier,
and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you
carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company.
Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is, because
multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly
connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can offer, such as:
-
One single receptionist
-
Auto attendant facilities
-
Voice mail system
©2005, 2006, 2007 Business Phone Systems Direct. All rights reserved.