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Axis Telecom boss explains why he thinks VOIP is the way forward for businesses

There’s been much talk recently of VOIP (Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol). This technology lets users make calls across the internet by converting an analog voice signal into digital format and then compressing the signal into IP packets for transmission over the internet, with the process being reversed at the receiving end. All that is needed is a high speed broadband line and the right equipment; usually an internet telephone or headset which is then plugged into a computer.

VOIP has a number of advantages over traditional fixed telephone lines. The most obvious for businesses is a reduction in costs. VOIP calls can be routed over existing data networks, removing the need for the installation of separate voice and data lines. If businesses are running a call centre, or even a small- or medium-sized office, this can mean the difference between dozens of separate phone lines or one or two good quality broadband lines – a significant saving.

What’s more, many services vital to business, such as conference calling, call forwarding, automatic redial and caller ID are available free through most VOIP software – features which will usually cost more when sourced through traditional telecoms companies.

The cost of actually making calls also tends to be much lower through VOIP. Whereas regular telephone calls are charged by the minute, VOIP calls are charged per megabyte (MB) sent over the internet, in practise making the cost of calls much lower.

VOIP also offers considerable flexibility over a traditional phone set up. It allows home workers to log into an office network and removes the need for internal extension numbers or separate numbers – all calls can be controlled and directed using a few clicks on a computer screen.

Using VOIP also allows businesses to log all communications between customers digitally. This enables companies to monitor and evaluate all contact, allowing ongoing analysis of call answering time, length as well as the quality of customer service.

Ultimately, as the use of computers and the internet becomes ever more integrated into the workplace, VOIP will in turn become a resource that few can afford to ignore.

Read more about our VOIP packages and how Axis Telecom can help you