VoIP Benefits
VoIP service can achieve communication benefits and cost savings when compared to the conventional telephone services. Practical VoIP advantages include the following:
The capability to transmit multiple telephone calls over the same broadband connection at the same time. This permits users to use VoIP as an extra telephone line to a home or business.
Caller ID, call redialing, speed calling, conference calls and call forwarding are generally fee based services with the telecommunication companies (telcos) while they are no cost features with most VoIP service plans.
VoIP permits secure calling with standardized protocols (such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol.) Most of the obstacles in creating a secure phone connection over traditional telephone lines, like digitizing signals and transmitting digital content, are already performed with VoIP.
VoIP permits mobility and location independence. All that is needed is a broadband Internet connection to a VoIP service provider. VoIP greatly facilitates remote workers, virtual companies and telecommuters.
VoIP offers system integration with many other services available on the Web, including video conferencing, groupware collaboration tools, social networks, Web 2.0 tools, e-mail systems and data file exchange systems.
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) and telephony functions such as call routing, inbound screen pops, outbound dialing and IVR (interactive voice response) systems are easier to implement, more straightforward to integrate and offer a much lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
While different people cite varying VoIP services benefits, the below items are the most common VoIP benefits. Lower cost telephone services
Consumers can save significant fees by switching from their legacy phone service monthly invoices to a VoIP service. Consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports, performed a recent survey in which their analysis concluded that VoIP service saved consumers about $50.00 USD per month on their monthly phone bill. Lower costs long distance services
VoIP service providers generally provide unlimited local calls as well as long-distance calls to the United States and Canada for a low, flat rate, generally around $9 to $24 per month. International VoIP service calls usually cost only a few cents per minute. For example, Qwest or ATT, traditional phone service providers, charges about $1.20 to $1.40 per minute for calls to the UK, however, SunRocket, a VoIP call service provider, charges about $.03 per minute. Free Calling Services
VoIP users receive free calling features which they previously paid for with legacy phone systems. These features typically include caller ID, call conferencing, 3 way calling, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail and many others. VoIP users can have their voice messages e-mailed to them for easy management, quick playback and instant response. Several VoIP service providers permit users store messages or call contacts directly from their Microsoft Outlook. Consumers can also receive extra phone numbers (usually called virtual numbers) which enables out-of-town friends and family to dial a local number and avoid long distance charges. On-demand telephone administration
Many users cite simplified and on-demand administration of their VoIP phone system as a benefit when compared to having to call a traditional phone or local phone service provider to make changes to their home or business telephone systems. With VoIP, consumers can track their call activity, manage voicemail, view billing information, and change account information on-demand and online 24 by 7. Mobility
VoIP service providers help users take their VoIP service with them anywhere in the world (sometimes called the Travel Globally feature). With nothing more than a broadband web connection and a VoIP phone adapter, callers can use VoIP calls from any location without additional charge.
The capability to transmit multiple telephone calls over the same broadband connection at the same time. This permits users to use VoIP as an extra telephone line to a home or business.
Caller ID, call redialing, speed calling, conference calls and call forwarding are generally fee based services with the telecommunication companies (telcos) while they are no cost features with most VoIP service plans.
VoIP permits secure calling with standardized protocols (such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol.) Most of the obstacles in creating a secure phone connection over traditional telephone lines, like digitizing signals and transmitting digital content, are already performed with VoIP.
VoIP permits mobility and location independence. All that is needed is a broadband Internet connection to a VoIP service provider. VoIP greatly facilitates remote workers, virtual companies and telecommuters.
VoIP offers system integration with many other services available on the Web, including video conferencing, groupware collaboration tools, social networks, Web 2.0 tools, e-mail systems and data file exchange systems.
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) and telephony functions such as call routing, inbound screen pops, outbound dialing and IVR (interactive voice response) systems are easier to implement, more straightforward to integrate and offer a much lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
While different people cite varying VoIP services benefits, the below items are the most common VoIP benefits. Lower cost telephone services
Consumers can save significant fees by switching from their legacy phone service monthly invoices to a VoIP service. Consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports, performed a recent survey in which their analysis concluded that VoIP service saved consumers about $50.00 USD per month on their monthly phone bill. Lower costs long distance services
VoIP service providers generally provide unlimited local calls as well as long-distance calls to the United States and Canada for a low, flat rate, generally around $9 to $24 per month. International VoIP service calls usually cost only a few cents per minute. For example, Qwest or ATT, traditional phone service providers, charges about $1.20 to $1.40 per minute for calls to the UK, however, SunRocket, a VoIP call service provider, charges about $.03 per minute. Free Calling Services
VoIP users receive free calling features which they previously paid for with legacy phone systems. These features typically include caller ID, call conferencing, 3 way calling, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail and many others. VoIP users can have their voice messages e-mailed to them for easy management, quick playback and instant response. Several VoIP service providers permit users store messages or call contacts directly from their Microsoft Outlook. Consumers can also receive extra phone numbers (usually called virtual numbers) which enables out-of-town friends and family to dial a local number and avoid long distance charges. On-demand telephone administration
Many users cite simplified and on-demand administration of their VoIP phone system as a benefit when compared to having to call a traditional phone or local phone service provider to make changes to their home or business telephone systems. With VoIP, consumers can track their call activity, manage voicemail, view billing information, and change account information on-demand and online 24 by 7. Mobility
VoIP service providers help users take their VoIP service with them anywhere in the world (sometimes called the Travel Globally feature). With nothing more than a broadband web connection and a VoIP phone adapter, callers can use VoIP calls from any location without additional charge.
