The world is changing. People are demanding more. They want to have all the features and bells and whistles that technology has to offer, all wrapped up in one convenient package. They want to pay less for more. And that’s basically what Hosted VoIP is all about. In the past, people had to rely on their phone company for their phone service. Now, with Hosted VoIP, they can have everything in one place. They can have all the conveniences of a cell phone company, without the contracts or the long-term commitments.
What Is Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP is, in essence, phone service that’s been bundled together and delivered over the Internet. Typically, the service provider will install and maintain the equipment that’s required for IP telephony, commonly known as a softphone, inside their data centers. The service provider will also provide you with staff to manage the call center as you grow your business.
Why Should You Try Hosted VoIP?
First off, you don’t need much experience to get up and running with Hosted VoIP. Second, the cost is considerably less than what you’d spend with a traditional phone company, and there’s no long-term contracts to worry about. With Hosted VoIP, you pay for what you use.
Once you have Hosted VoIP, you have access to all the calling features that a traditional phone company offers. You can make calls using your phone number, email, or social media accounts. If someone calls your number, you can then pick up where you left off talking before the call cut out. You also have the option of forwarding calls to your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Another great thing about Hosted VoIP is the versatility of the service. You don’t necessarily need a mobile device to take advantage of the calling features. You can use your web browser to make calls, or use third-party applications that are widely available for almost all platforms.
Features
One of the most important things to consider before selecting a phone company is the equipment and features that they offer. At the most basic level, you need a softphone to have VoIP service. This is a phone application that allows you to make calls over the Internet rather than through a networked landline.
As you’d expect from a traditional phone company, there are a variety of features that you get with Hosted VoIP. You can check out their website to view a complete list of the features that they offer.
In addition, you need to consider what kind of calling you’ll be doing. If you plan on making international calls frequently, then you might need to look into signing up for an international plan. Doing business across state lines requires you to have a state licensed phone company. If you have a business that requires you to access voicemail or send faxes, then you might need a TAC phone or fax machine. Keep all these extra costs in mind and you’ll be able to create a package that fits your needs perfectly.
Security
Just because you’re using the Internet doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t worry about security. After all, the vast, vast majority of hacks happen online, not over the phone lines. That’s why it’s important to sign up for a security plan that offers coverage for phone hackers and digital eavesdroppers. While this might seem like a luxury that you can afford once your phone bill is paid, it’s important to remember that these things happen for a reason. It’s often the case that the security plan is included in the cost of the phone service. So, while you might not have to think about it initially, eventually you’ll want to purchase a security system to protect your personal and confidential information. Think of it as an investment in your business. After all, what are the chances that your phone company will get hacked? Probably pretty low, but it’s still important to protect yourself against the threat of identity theft. If your information gets hacked, you’ll have to take time to notify all your customers and fix the damage that has been done. This is money and time that you’ll have to spend, so it’s important to be secure wherever you can be.
International Reach
If you’re looking to do business internationally, then you need to select a phone company that provides international coverage. Just because you live in the United States doesn’t mean that you can’t reach international destinations. You just need to know where to look. Depending on how frequently you make international calls, you might want to look into an international plan. Doing business across state lines requires you to have a state licensed phone company. If you have a business that requires you to access voicemail or send faxes, then you might need a TAC phone or fax machine. Keep all these extra costs in mind and you’ll be able to create a package that fits your needs perfectly.