The evolution of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony systems continues to provide unique benefits, especially for those in business.
Although many of these benefits are associated with greater accessibility, efficiency, and reliability, there is no denying the cost-saving benefits available to business owners like yourself.
After all, the more money you save in regard to everyday costs, the greater your bottom line will be, which will increases your chances of sustained success.
If you have been considering the benefits associated with IP telephony, here's what you need to know — especially in terms of your bank account.
What is IP telephony and why does it matter?
In today's fast-paced world, businesses need to connect with other businesses, individuals, and organisations around the world in order to meet their unique goals as they grow.
In order to do so, communication is imperative. This is where IP telephony comes into play, as it allows you to communicate over long distances via the Internet. In fact, this option has become so popular based on its overall efficiency and practicality, that is replacing traditional phone systems.
Although there are many benefits associated with the transition from traditional phone communication to IP telephony, the use of this technology is gaining popularity among business owners specifically based on its ability to boost productivity while lowering operational costs.
Simply put, as a business owner, you now have the option to eliminate expensive existing telephone lines, pushing all of your communication efforts and teleconferencing through the Internet.
This means that instead of paying by the minute, which can be incredibly expensive when calling long distance, your voice calls and conversations will be billed based on data passing through your IP network — which is not only highly accessible but also relatively cheap.
10 ways that IP telephony will help you cut costs, starting today
If you have been reviewing your operational costs, wondering how you can boost your bottom line, begin with your current telephone services. If you are still paying a monthly fee, plus additional long distance charges, for in-office phone calls, this is the perfect place to begin.
By simply switching to IP telephony, you will benefit in the following ways.
1. More practical equipment
If you are considering new phone lines for your business, or believe that your current lines will need to be replaced in the near future, it's important to weigh your options.
Unlike the installation of traditional phone lines, which can disrupt work productivity and cost associated installation fees, IP telephony equipment works with your preexisting Internet network — and all of your needs are handled in the cloud, off-premise.
Best of all, you can even request that the required hardware be installed in your employees' homes, if your business model supports telecommuting.
2. Service rates are competitive
Traditional phone companies are known for their high service rates and costly infrastructure. In contrast, IP telephony providers face fewer overhead expenses and in turn, pass those savings onto their customers. There are also fewer costs associated with maintenance, as discussed below.
3. Greater mobility
Phone features associated with IP telephony allow employees to take their office-related phone with them, wherever they go. This is critical if you have employees that travel.
Since they can receive phone calls via the Internet, this will instantly reduce your administrative costs, all while making employees and coworkers more accessible.
4. Increased security — and peace-of-mind
Unfortunately, many business owners do not believe that they're at-risk of being hacked, especially when they are a small- to medium-sized business. However, studies have shown that more than 60 percent of the data breaches reported, occur among businesses who have fewer than 100 employees.
It has also been reported that up to 60 percent of small businesses who experience an attack, are forced to close within six months. The key here is to be proactive.
Although there can be select costs associated with enhanced IP telephony security services, these fees are an investment in your long-term success. Easy to implement, you can enjoy both everyday cost savings, as well greater security and in turn, greater peace-of-mind, knowing that your business is protected.
5. Less maintenance
We've all been there — phone hardware can fail, and as a result, you face costly downtime. To avoid this, IP telephony services are an ideal solution, reducing the potential for lost revenue.
It's also important to consider the fact that traditional phone systems are fading, and if parts are needed, this can be rather costly — not to mention costs associated with maintenance services.
6. Update your system with ease
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, which is why you want to invest in communication options that can be updated periodically, without the hassle.
Unlike traditional phone systems, which are your responsibility to update, IP telephony upgrades are generally covered by your provider. This means that you'll always have access to the latest technology, supporting your ongoing operational goals.
7. Free and/or lost-cost features
When you invest in IP telephone services, you will often gain access to a variety of advanced features — many of which are free. From auto-assistant to on-hold music features, this is a great cost-effective way to enhance your capabilities and most importantly, customer service.
8. Perfect for contractors, freelancers, and remote workers
If you operate a unique business in that you're a freelancer or entrepreneur who works from home, you may be looking for a business line. As you may have discovered, the basic features that come with a landline may not be ideal for your growing needs, yet a business line is outside of your budget.
With IP telephony, you will benefit from enhanced functionality for your business, including features such as call forwarding and visual voicemail without the high price tag. Once again, this can also save you an immense amount in regards to long-distance charges, which is important for web-based businesses.
9. Gain access to features that were once a luxury
Businesses today need to be flexible and agile in order to stay ahead of their competitors. If you are considering advanced features that allow you to operate more efficiently, you have likely researched the benefits associated with features such as videoconferencing.
In the past, these were features that only large organizations could afford. However, thanks to the speed associated with and the innovation of IP telephony services, these features are now much more attainable.
Being able to afford these features and implement them effectively, means that you can continue to compete without exhausting your budget.
10. Access to customization, tailoring to your exact needs
Each and every business is unique, especially those that are most successful. That is why it is important to set yourself apart, but in order to do so, you need to implement specific, targeted strategies.
When it comes to IP telephony services and features, you can invest in exactly what you need; nothing more, nothing less. This will help you save money initially, all while allowing you to increase revenue based on high productivity features — features selected by you, based on your unique business goals.
This is most beneficial in the sense that you're not "locked" in to any specific phone plan. Instead, you can alter the features you require as your business grows. In that sense, IP telephone and associated pricing is much more scalable than traditional phone systems. Whether you'd like to add a user or even a new location, this can be done with ease, for a fraction of the price.
Get started with Telavox
The bottom line is, if you are still using traditional phone systems to communicate with your customers and team, you are unnecessarily cutting into your budget, without enhancing productivity.
At first glance, this switch may seem different or even intimidating. However, once you do transition, you will benefit from much lower costs-per-call, greater mobility, a higher versatility of features, simplified conference calls, more efficient customer interactions, greater reliability, and so much more.
If you require more information in order make a more confident decision, it's important to reach out to a trusted provider. Seek advice and enhance your business capabilities, starting today!
Not sure what your current needs are or how to make the switch? Telavox is a world leader in communication platforms, bridging the gap between you and your customers/clients.
With multiple services to choose from, you can select the perfect option for your growing business.
It's time to invest in the future of your business, and more effective communication is where you should start.
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