Over the past few years, helped by the emergence of companies such as Vonage and Skype, VoIP has received a lot of hype— being touted by many as the new way for businesses to communicate… But what exactly is VoIP?

Well, to start, VoIP is an acronym which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  And, as opposed to traditional phone lines which have historically implemented circuit switching, VoIP utilizes “packet switching,” which groups all types of content into digitally transmittable units called packets.  Consequently, VoIP technology allows businesses to transmit and receive multiple types of content— including voice, data, and video— all over the same network.

The question then becomes “Why does that matter?” Or, in other words, “What is the big deal about data, voice, and video existing over the same network?”  The answer is that VoIP drastically reduces the amount of space used each time content is sent to or received by the network.  As a result, VoIP’s packet-switched networks are not only much more pragmatic, but are also dramatically more efficient than traditional proprietary phone systems.

More specifically, several VoIP calls can simultaneously exist in the same amount of network space that would usually be reserved for one traditional phone call. And, since all content exists over the same network, the conserved space can be implemented towards other business functions—creating a more capable transmission.  Since less bandwidth is used in the process, monthly expenses are inevitably reduced as well. Consequently, for most businesses, a switch to VoIP often means better performance at a lower price.

Your Business and New Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction to Hosted VOIP

Ventures into new, emerging technologies can often be marked by stress and doubt. Consequently, many business owners forego these ventures and continue to use the older services that are more comfortable and recognizable to them. The problem is however, that eventually these older technologies can become obsolete, no longer serving as proficient means of operation in terms of both costs and efficiency. Think of the type-writer, eventually being replaced by the personal computer as a means of producing official documents.

At this point in time for many businesses traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phone systems and phone lines are, in fact, obsolete technologies. Over the past year, thousands of business owners have switched over to Hosted VOIP systems– resulting in dramatic efficiencies in phone features and business productivity. Coupled with saving money, Hosted VOIP systems have allowed businesses to achieve levels of flexibility and adjustability previously impossible to obtain through older phone systems.

In short, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is the transmission of both audio and other types of media (such as video) data over IP networks. In this way, calls occur over high speed broadband connections, instead of through standard telephone lines. The “Hosted” aspect of Hosted VOIP is that the phone systems operate through third party service providers- who also supply their customers with whatever hardware that is necessary.  Despite this “Hosting,” managing and troubleshooting a business’ communication system through VOIP is more versatile and user friendly than it ever was with standard PBX phone systems.

Let Cory Communications guide you in the switch to Hosted VOIP.  Cory, being an expert in field, will provide your business with the most efficient and cost beneficial means of operation.   Consequently, not only will help from Cory drastically slash your phone bills, but it will also optimize the communication capabilities of your business.  Listed below are ten specific reasons why your company should consider Hosted VOIP. If you are leaning towards VOIP, but are more interested in the capabilities of Cory Communications itself, please refer to the “Case Studies” provided. These case studies are examples of how Cory was able to supply businesses with the increased flexibility of Hosted VOIP while simultaneously reducing their phone bills.

1. Hosted VOIP can adapt to your ever-changing business needs
   Traditional phone systems implement permanent hard lines that are both costly and inconvenient to alter.  Hosted VOIP lines, however, can be removed or added on the fly.  Consequently, if your business needs 20 phone one day, and 200 the next, and then 20 once again—you’re covered.
2. Hosted VOIP, although a new technology, is very user friendly
   Most Hosted VOIP companies will provide your business with an easy to use web interface that will allow you to control and manage the communications of your business right from your own computer. Similarly, with Hosted VOIP, there is no hardware box—which means less costly visits from the phone system company. Traditional moves, adds, and changes are done through a simple user-friendly web interface.
3. Hosted VOIP is versatile, and can be used anywhere there is an internet connection
   Imagine you are on a business trip, in a hotel room and you want to call back to the office.  Being a long distance call, your fifteen minute summary of the day’s meeting turns into a costly venture. With VOIP, by simply downloading a soft phone onto your PC, you will be able to make those long distance calls from your hotel room through VOIP services that you are already paying for. All you need is an internet connection and a headset. In addition, most providers have a call-back feature allowing you to place the call from your laptop and have it directed to your hotel room phone.
4. Virtually all of the convenient functions of traditional phone systems can be utilized with Hosted VOIP
   If you are reluctant to switch over to VOIP because you are content with your phone system’s features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Extension Lines, Customer Service Menus, Conferencing, Call Queuing, etc, there is no need to worry. Hosted VOIP can supply you with all of those, and more. Almost every single function of a standard phone system can be achieved with Hosted VOIP.
5. Automatically upgrade your phone system at any time
   With traditional phone systems, there is a hardware box that, in order to be upgraded or altered, must be catered to by a professional. With Hosted VOIP, there is no box. All upgrades will be automatically made by the service provider, with any non-free upgrades being made only with your permission.
6. Crystal Clear Sound and Quality
   Everybody, at some point, has attempted to have a phone conversation through immense static. Hosted VOIP will provide your company with the clearest and highest sound quality possible. A fair question to ask, however, is that “If VOIP runs via the Internet, will your business’ calls be subject to the same types of delays that occur when browsing the Net?” The answer to that question is No. Your hosted system is engineered with Quality of Service equipment insuring your calls are reliable.
7. Growth and Remote Users
   One large benefit of Hosted VOIP is the ability to scale rapidly and to allow remote users business access as if they were actually present in your office. With Hosted VOIP, additional phones can be configured and shipped overnight, ready for operation as soon as they arrive. Operating as an extension of your office, remote users can save valuable time and money by eliminating travel costs. Calls are easily transferred back and forth between multiple locations, with all intra-company calling free of charge.
8. Relatively Low Start Up Costs
   Most brand new traditional PBX hardware systems are incredibly expensive simply to install. With Hosted VOIP, you buy the service, you buy or lease the phones, and you are ready to go.
9. You will save Time
   Your Hosted VOIP provider will supply your business with the most efficient means necessary for carrying out whatever needs to be done. Similarly, with minimal IT support required and a simple user interface already mentioned, a switch to Hosted VOIP will undoubtedly allow you to spend less time worrying about your phones, and more time taking care of business.
10. Your Business Will Save Money
    Keeping the above facts in mind, with the understanding that there are literally hundreds of providers to choose from, using Cory to adopt your Hosted VOIP strategy will help your business save valuable resources and money.