Making a move from old-fashioned phone system technology and assorted communication tools to a modern system can sometimes seem overwhelming for business owners and decision-makers. The process of switching to an IP phone system will vary in scope, but business owners experience cost savings and increased call quality. Using cloud services to manage calling, web conferencing, chat, and other functions can save money and increase efficiency. Your business processes can be adapted, and staff can be trained to utilize the new cloud phone service fully, but the benefits of a business IP phone system make the adjustments worthwhile. Read on to learn what to expect after your business transitions to VoIP services from legacy phone equipment and software.
Making the Transition to IP Phones and Cloud Services
The main thing to know is that employees will need time to adjust to the new hardware and software. Some training will be required, though training will take a little time. While business phones share many similarities and chat and collaboration tools are similar, it will take a little time for employees to discover the differences between the new VoIP services and whatever tools the company used before. For example, a staff member who needs to administer the system may need this specific training for their role. The company’s new phones may have similar functions to their predecessors, but users will expect to experience a minor learning curve.
If you opt for a system that runs behind your corporate firewall, you will have additional equipment to purchase and install to get your business phones working at peak efficiency for all employees. You may also need adapters for legacy systems that rely on POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, such as fax machines, remote entry systems, and postage meters. Most businesses can use a cloud phone service where DirecTech owns and manages the hardware and software.
Using Cloud Services to Run Your Phone System
How a business operates can be significantly transformed by implementing a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system that also supports real-time chat, web conferencing, voice mail and fax to email, and other advanced features. Plain old telephone service offers some of those functions, but by switching to an IP phone system, a business gains added functions that can improve efficiency. Analog business phones cannot convert a voice message into an email attachment, for example. Your phone system can also be tied into Zoho, Salesforce, Outlook, NetSuite, Microsoft Exchange, and other enterprise software. That integration capability is only one of the benefits of IP-based telecommunication.
The Benefits of Using an IP Telecommunication System
Whether run on remote servers or hosted at your location, an IP business phone system offers significant benefits, with the cost savings of using cloud services to fuel. Traditional phone systems can be expensive to set up and maintain, requiring additional hardware and infrastructure. In contrast, VoIP systems require minimal equipment and no additional infrastructure costs. Using a cloud-based phone system can significantly reduce monthly phone bills, especially for companies with remote workers and offices in various locations.
Another significant benefit of implementing an IP phone system is increased mobility and flexibility. Employees can use the system from anywhere, provided they have access to the internet. This allows remote workers to participate in conference calls and other meetings, improving collaboration and communication. VoIP technology also allows for video conferencing, which enables face-to-face interactions even when employees are in various parts of the world.
VoIP systems also offer advanced features such as call recording, forwarding, and routing. Call recording can help companies keep track of conversations with clients and customers for training purposes, legal compliance, and dispute resolution. Call forwarding and routing enable businesses to transfer calls to specific departments or individuals, ensuring that customers are directed to the right person or department quickly.
A business IP phone system can also replace some equipment and software licenses. You no longer need dedicated audio or video conferencing equipment. Instead of buying or replacing it, use cloud services to provide conference bridging, recording, and video. Software licenses for those services may no longer be needed because the cost will be rolled into the monthly subscription fees.
Finally, VoIP systems can also include instant messaging and chat functions, making it easier for employees to communicate with each other and customers. This can be especially helpful in cases where a quick response is required or when an employee cannot take a call.
Ease the Transition to VoIP with Expert Installation and Support
With cost savings, increased mobility, advanced call features, and cloud services like web conferencing and instant messaging, businesses can improve communication and collaboration while controlling their costs. However, there will be set-up costs and a transition as employees and managers get used to the new hardware and software. Implementing a business IP phone system can transform a business’s operations, making it more efficient and effective in serving its customers. If you would like to take advantage of all the benefits of IP phone systems, contact the VoIP experts at DirecTech to learn more about our products and support and installation.