Last month I answered a question over at VANA about using VoIP in a small home office and here is what I said….
VoIP = Voice over Internet Protocol. Basically it means that your voice is converted to data packets and sent via the Internet to an exchange where it is then converted back to voice and sent over the telephone line. There are many benefits and disadvantages as with anything else.
Benefits
- cheap as chips phone calls
- If you have the software installed you can answer your calls via the computer (an example is Skype) which means you can be anywhere and not just in your home office to answer calls
- can be used in webinars/online conferences to save call costs
Disadvantages
- some providers WON’T let you call emergency services
- you will need an alternative for when the power is out or your internet is down
- some people complain of bad reception although VoIP technology has improved by leaps and bounds the last few years so this really does depend on your broadband speed and the quality of your VoIP device
To use VoIP you will need one of the following:
- Softphone installed on your computer with a headset and mic (eg, Skype)
- VoIP enabled router and telephone (eg, bullion router and I’m using a snom phone)
- VoIP ‘box’ plugged into your phone socket which will let you use a normal handset
- Ermm, I’m sure there are other options…. just insert them here
I personally have a Snom 320 phone which allows for multiple VoIP lines to be connected and an account with Engin Australia. The savings you get in using VoIP just cannot be compared.
So if you are looking for cost effective ways to remain in communication with your customers and suppliers, look at VoIP and start taking advantage of this great technology today.
