The cloud remains a popular option for companies seeking the always-on convenience and speed of the Internet and the services it offers. Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, leverages the cloud to provide companies with phone service over the internet. You can call from anywhere with your desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, as well as a desk phone—all by using the same VoIP telephone number.
This blog will help you understand the benefits of a VoIP number and how it could improve your business.
Understanding VoIP Numbers
So, what is a VoIP phone number? A VoIP telephone number is a virtual number assigned to an end-user or a business. The VoIP number is virtual because it exists in the digital realm, transmitting a voice call over the cloud between two (or more) points. For companies that have a traditional land line, your number will look the same but can be easily transitioned to the cloud. The difference is that you can make and receive calls anywhere you have the internet instead of being tied to one location. In addition to your desk phone, your laptop, tablet, or desktop computer can all make and receive VoIP calls
With a land line, you are tied down to a physical presence where there is a twisted pair of copper lines running into your business. While you can forward calls to that number to another extension, what you see is pretty much what you get with traditional phone service. A VoIP telephone number is easy to install, feature-rich, and very cost-effective.
What is a VoIP Phone Number Used for?
You can use your VoIP phone number for anything you used your landline for. The difference is that you can take calls on any computer that has internet access. This allows for a great deal of flexibility that you don’t have with traditional phone service.
While the VoIP number may look just like your old landline number, there is no relevance for an area code under VoIP service. Plus, enterprise VoIP service offers all of the bells and whistles of landline service for a fraction of the cost. Typically, you can save up to 80% by switching to a business VoIP provider.
But this service, which is less costly and more convenient, also comes with many premium feature options. Some of the features you can use with your VoIP telephone number include:
- Auto attendant automation to let your customers self-select the department they need.
- Call analytics to help you improve the efficiency of your inbound and outbound calling patterns.
- Caller ID for call screening.
- Call queueing that automates the distribution of inbound callers.
- Call recording.
- Call routing to send calls to another location based on their purpose or your availability.
- Call transfer, which works just like a PBX.
- Conference calling that lets you add more than two people to a call.
- Custom on-hold music.
- Do not disturb (DND).
- Email and text notification of voicemail.
- Number porting that allows you to keep your existing phone numbers when switching to a VoIP number.
- Speed dialing for frequently used numbers.
- Toll-free numbers.
- Unlimited voice calls with no per minute fees.
- Voicemail that is customizable.
As you can see, your VoIP number offers the same features and uses of a traditional phone line, and then some.
Four Steps to Get a VoIP Number
Getting a VoIP number for a business is easy. There are generally four steps:
- Make sure you have fast, reliable internet service.
- Select a business VoIP provider.
- Select the best plan for your business; most enterprise VoIP packages are feature rich but relatively low cost compared to traditional phone service.
- Decide what devices you want to have the VoIP number connected to. You may decide to use a desktop phone, but you could also use your cellphone, desktop computer, laptop, or tablet—or all of these.
Your landline number can be made portable, so you won’t even have to change business cards. Once you’ve made the decision to switch, choosing the right business VoIP provider can be tough; there are a lot of choices on the marketplace today.
How to Select a Business VoIP Provider?
To select the right business VoIP provider, first ask yourself what kinds of features you need to replicate the current landline phone service that you have. VoIP First Media helps clients do a thorough assessment of their communications needs as part of our service design. We will ask about international calling as well as your call patterns and how you’re using phone service today.
Next, read the reviews of these providers and have a conversation about how the service could help your business. Your VoIP telephone provider can help you select the subscription package that’s right for you.
Conveniently, you do not need to be a phone or internet expert to set up a VoIP telephone number. All you really need is a fast broadband (cloud) connection to support the service. Typically, the average cable or DSL connection is usually enough to get up and rolling with VoIP.
If you have a computer, you can use VoIP, and you can alternatively elect to use a desk handset as part of your enterprise VoIP service. That’s a decision you should make after talking to your VoIP vendor as well as the people (e.g., your employees) who will be using this new service.
PC Magazine recommends
several considerations when picking your business VoIP service provider:
- Determine your pricing and plans.
- Decide what collaboration tools you’ll need.
- Decide what call management features are important.
- Determine the level of service that is important to your business and select the vendor that provides it.
- Discuss internet security with your provider.
Get a VoIP telephone number; the benefits far outweigh the risks. You’ll be shocked, first, at how easy it is to plug and play a VoIP number. In just a month you’ll be shocked by how inexpensive your phone bill can be. Give your business a competitive advantage and get VoIP service today.