The major benefit of switching from a traditional analog public switched telephone network (PSTN) to
VoIP service is cost savings. High call volumes from PSTN's incur charges for long distance, peak-hour calls, and most importantly international connections. Since VoIP operates over the internet, you will only be paying for monthly internet service charges. By sending digital information packets instead of placing individual connection calls, your business is essentially using the internet like it normally would to send emails or browse the internet. Internet services have flat rates, and instead of charging for things like single emails, the bill only comes out to your monthly connection charges of DSL, ADSL, or broadband usage.
Simply put, while PSTN companies can charge by each call that is dialed and connected, internet calls aren’t regulated by distance or even call times, and the information sent over the internet, which isn’t measured and is actually available on an unlimited basis, is paid on a standard monthly fee by your ISP.
This also means that companies can place calls between branches nationally or internationally without extra charges, and also provides a way for callers to be connected or transferred to employees anywhere within the system from a single location. This basically allows for instances where one person answering
VoIP phones can help direct calls all across the globe. In addition to call savings, you will also be saving on traditional analog service add-ons, where options such as call-forwarding, call-waiting and voicemail are usually less expensive. VoIP providers also offer many traditional service features such as call blocking, caller ID, 3-way calling or conference connections, and faxing services.
In addition to traditional PSTN add-ons, internet phone providers also offer service specific options that can help increase productivity. One feature that is exclusive to VoIP services is an option called “Follow Me,” which allows a single phone number to connect and ring across multiple lines and locations like cell phones and Wi-Fi connected laptops. “Follow Me” allows for employees to travel without missing calls and erases the need for separate phone bills or long distance lines. Also included as private VoIP features are Hold Music and Information voice options, where callers can listen to prerecorded business information or listen to hold music. Another innovative option called Outlook Integration allows calls to be sent from Outlook email boxes.
Business VoIP service providers usually offer their own packages, and may even offer more options depending on the company.
