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Making the switch to VoIP

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): revolutionary technology that is reshaping the way businesses communicate. VoIP, a technology that enables voice communication over the internet, has gained immense popularity for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and advanced features. If you're considering making the switch or simply want to understand more about VoIP, you're in the right place.

Learn more about what VoIP is and join us as we explore the reasons behind the growing interest in VoIP, particularly in the business world.

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Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group

Advantages of VoIP

As hybrid working becomes a norm of the modern world, it has become essential for thousands of businesses to rethink the way that they conduct their phone calls. Whether you’re a company that needs to be able to onboard employees at light-speed, or needs features that filter out callers, VoIP has a plethora of benefits.

Disadvantages of VoIP

Although VoIP has many, many advantages for businesses, there are a few aspects about it that you have to consider if you are wanting to switch over.

Lower Cost

One of the primary draws of VoIP is its potential for substantial cost savings. Traditional telephone systems often come with high maintenance and call charges. VoIP leverages the internet to transmit voice data, minimising the need for expensive infrastructure.

Needs a Secure Internet Connection

The reliability of VoIP is heavily dependent on a stable internet connection. While this is less of an issue with today's high-speed broadband, businesses in areas with inconsistent or slow internet may experience disruptions in their VoIP service.

Increased productivity

With VoIP phones, employees can easily make and receive calls, send messages, and participate in video conferences from their preferred devices, whether it's a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile phone. This flexibility allows employees to stay connected and productive even when they are on the go or working remotely, ensuring that they never miss a call again.

Unreliable in a Blackout

Unlike traditional phones that can often operate during power outages, VoIP systems are reliant on electricity and an active internet connection. Implementing backup power solutions and redundancies is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted communication in case of emergencies.

Higher Quality Sound

Contrary to early perceptions of VoIP having poor call quality, advancements in technology have significantly improved sound quality. With high-speed internet connections, VoIP calls can offer crystal-clear voice communication, rivalling or even surpassing traditional phone lines.

Emergency Calls

VoIP presents challenges in handling emergency calls (911 or equivalent). Unlike traditional phone systems that automatically transmit location information to emergency services, VoIP relies on users to update their location details manually. This can pose risks in urgent situations.

Unified platform

A VoIP phone system will allow you to Integrate all your communications channels into a single platform and allow for seamless communication across different devices and locations. With IP technology, businesses can consolidate their communication tools, such as calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, into one platform.

Jitter

Jitter refers to the variations in delay during voice communication, resulting in uneven sound quality. While advancements in technology have mitigated this issue, businesses need to ensure a robust network infrastructure to minimise jitter and maintain call quality.

Mobile and Desktop Apps

VoIP systems offer the flexibility of using mobile and desktop applications, allowing users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. This mobility is especially valuable for businesses with remote or on-the-go employees.

Training Staff

Transitioning to VoIP may require training staff to use the new system effectively. This includes familiarising them with features, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring a smooth adaptation to the new communication platform.

Completely Portable

VoIP systems break free from the constraints of physical phone lines. Whether you're relocating your office or embracing a more flexible work environment, your phone system goes with you. This portability is a game-changer for businesses with dynamic operational needs.

Advanced Business Features

VoIP doesn't just replicate traditional phone systems; it enhances them with a plethora of advanced features. From virtual receptionists and call forwarding to automated attendants and conference calling, VoIP provides a suite of tools that can significantly improve business communication.

Great for Scaling Up

As your business expands, VoIP scales effortlessly. Traditional phone systems may require substantial investments in infrastructure to accommodate growth. VoIP, on the other hand, can easily adapt to increased call volumes and additional users without major overhauls.

Encryption/Recording

Security is paramount in business communications. VoIP systems often come equipped with encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Additionally, the ability to record calls can be crucial for compliance, training, or quality assurance purposes.

Future-proof

Openreach is busy replacing the copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) with fibre optic connections across the UK, so all traditional telephone lines will soon be a thing of the past. A VoIP business phone system such as Horizon or Microsoft Teams means you’re ready for an all-digital future.

Switching to VoIP

At Focus Group, we understand the significance of a seamless transition to VoIP for your business. While there are challenges associated with the technology, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Our Switch to VoIP page details how we make the migration process easy, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.

Embark on a digital transformation journey with Focus Group, and discover the myriad benefits of VoIP for your business. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us – we're here to help you navigate the future of communication.

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Customer stories

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Carers First

A VoIP business phone solution delivered by Focus Group now connects over 16,500 Carers First staff with their patients.

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Hurstpierpoint College

Focus Group scored top marks with the delivery of a brand new, futureproof telephony system to replace an ageing network.

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Yeo Valley

Focus Group has been a trusted partner of Yeo Valley for over 15 years, driving the brand forward with Cisco technologies.

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