VoIP, the Future of Voice Communication Heralding an Era of Affordable Telephony

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP as its better known has revolutionized voice communication in the last few years. The technology effectively addresses business communication needs like flexibility, reliability and low costs.

Several businesses have started migrating from conventional telephone systems to using VoIP systems. The reduction in monthly phone bills is quite remarkable with some companies able to cut expenses by as much as 50%.

Long distance calls at cheaper rates

The technology works by connecting your IP phone to the Internet similar to what you do when you log on to browse the Web. This means you can avail of the extensive reach of the Internet to communicate with people anywhere in the World and what’s more at negligible costs, ideal for making long distance calls.

The facilities of the Internet combined with the IP phone

One of the major advantages of using VoIP systems is that it offers a common communication medium. Activities like making phone calls, sending faxes and emails, or checking and responding to voice mail can be done through a single medium and that too simultaneously.

The system is extremely versatile and can be used in tandem with other Internet services like video, instant messaging, email and data file transfer. There’s no need to set up separate networks for data and voice communications now.

What are the requirements?

During VoIP Phone installation, virtually anyone with an IP phone, soft phone, smart phone or a standard analog phone with an adapter and a network connection can talk to anyone at anyplace and at anytime. Offices with a broadband Internet connection can install up to 8 phones based on a single wired connection for external as well as internal communication.

Consistent cost saving

VoIP helps cut costs not only with regards to monthly phone bills but also saves considerable expenses with respect to infrastructural costs. With VoIP there is considerably less infrastructure to maintain as compared to what’s required to set up a PBX system, while offering similar features. Often an easy to use IP phone in the office and a dual mode cell phone when outside is all you will need.

Overhead costs are reduced as one can host phone communications with third party service providers. Conference calling, automatic redial, call forwarding and caller ID check are just some of the features available with VoIP systems often free of charge.

VoIP service is available through four types of phones

1. VoIP specific phones - Referred to as Office Internet phones, these phones can be installed with your computer network or even connected wirelessly. The IP Phone looks similar to a normal phone with ability to connect the phone to the Internet by way of an Ethernet connector or wirelessly to the router.

2. Standard Analog Phones - These phones require a special adapter to connect to the Internet.

3. Soft Phone - Software phones are programs installed on your laptop or PC that lets you communicate with others using an interface similar to a regular phone and with the aid of devices like headsets, microphones and speakers.

4. Smart Phones - It's now possible to use an Apple iPhone, Google Android or Windows Mobile phone with network connectivity or from Wi-Fi hot spots to make low cost or free VOIP phone calls.

The recently released 4G cell phones also have plans to provide broadband wireless access which can be used for VoIP services in a more efficient manner as compared to earlier cell phone standards.