This is the second article, in a series, that covers the steps involved in migrating your business to VoIP. The objectives are: to demystify the transitioning process and provide you with valuable information about Business VoIP options and how your company will benefit.
Last week, I gave a brief overview of the commonalities and differences between Business VoIP and traditional business telephone systems. This week, we’ll go over some of the Business VoIP options which are available to your company for systems and services.
The very first thing you should consider is: whether hosted (cloud) or non-hosted (premise-based) Business VoIP is right for your company. Here’s the primary difference between the two configurations:
Premise-Based VoIP | Hosted VoIP |
a business will purchase all of the necessary equipment and keep it in their office. | the VoIP servers are located off-site and managed by your service provider. |
Hosted VoIP has rapidly been becoming the more popular option. However, there are situations in which Premise-Based VoIP might be more appropriate. You can read a more detailed comparison of the two, here: Hosted VoIP vs. Premise-based VoIP: 14 Key Differences.
Consider Your Cabling Needs for VoIP and Computer Data
In most cases, your existing computer network cabling will be more than adequate. Your primary options are:
1. A single set of cables, for VoIP and Computers
- Your VoIP phone plugs into your network jack and then your computer plugs into your VoIP phone. This forms a chain, which allows both devices to share the same cable.
2. Two sets of cables: one for VoIP and one for Data
Each VoIP phone and each computer has its own network jack and cable.
In any configuration, the most important thing is that your data cabling is in good shape. Read more about that here: Don’t Get Bent Out of Shape over Your Network Cabling.
After The Installation, you will have a number of options and features available to you. Here are some of the highlights:
A great feature is the ability to have phones at different locations and even at employee’s residences –and have all of them function as if they are at the same location. This is great for remote workers. You can read more about some of these features here: 12 VoIP Features that Can Help Your Medical Practice Maintain Homeostasis. (These features are also applicable to other industries).
You’ll have redundancy options available to you. For example, using an automated attendant, calls can be sent to individual employee’s cellular phones, should your VoIP service be interrupted. Read more: VoIP During a Power Failure – How to Keep Connected.
If you would like to learn more about these business VoIP options, and additional options, you can call us at: (855) 783-2332 (toll-free) or (212) 290-2736 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.