Everyone business uses office telephone systems and as technology has advanced in recent years the way in which business phone system options work has changed. Calls were traditionally made over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) although with the advent of the Internet an IP phone system has become more popular.
An IP phone system, also known as a voice over IP phone system, uses a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. This basically means that calls with VoIP phone systems are routed over the Internet or a private IP network rather than the PSTN network. Small business IP phone systems can typically be set up for a small business although they can also be used by individuals in their home.
There are a number of advantages that can be gained by using an IP phone system. Cost of an IP phone system tends to be the major advantage and this can be much less than using standard office phone systems, with some service providers offering savings of up to 50% over more traditional business phone systems.
Most IP phone system service providers tend to charge a monthly fee for the service with a flat rate for all local, long distance and even international calls. This can make it much easier to budget for monthly phone bills with an IP based phone system. The telephone number of a VoIP phone is associated with the phone not the location. This means that you can retain the number with your VoIP phone service even if you move location. PBX phone systems (this is another name for them) can also provide a range of additional services such as conference and multiparty calls, caller ID, call transfer, call hold and other premium services and these are usually included in the flat rate paid.
While there are a number of IP phones specifically made for VoIP phone systems you do not have to own one of these. Most ordinary phones can be adapted for use by an analog telephony adapter (ATA) with the standard phone connection being plugged into the adapter for use on the VoIP phone system. VoIP oftware can also be installed on a computer or laptop and these can be used to make calls over an IP phone system by using a voice over IP headset and microphone. These are typically called ‘softphones’. This means that if you travel a lot you can still be connected into your IP phone network simply by connecting to the Internet.
There are a number of companies that provide VoIP phone services and these include, amongst others, Vocalocity, 8×8, Ring Central and my1Voice. These IP phone system companies tend to be aimed at businesses and can install a VoIP system for small business or larger companies. The PBX phone system cost for this will obviously vary depending on the size of IP phone system required and the particular services to be included. However most companies can be contacted for a quote and will provide a cost for installing an IP business phone system based on your particular requirements.
If you are looking for ways to improve the phone service for your business or home office, as well as cutting costs, then an IP phone system is definitely something to consider. With the advantages a VoIP or PBX phone system can provide they can help to provide a better and more effective phone system for your business.