Switching to VoIP Comes with a Multitude of Benefits for Your Business.
Have you ever experienced the transition to a new business phone system or been a part of the decision-making process? While you may not remember every detail of the transition, you probably remember how you felt:
Anxious because your phones were down during the transition and you might be missing important calls from clients and prospects.
Angry because a technician had to install lines into your office, interrupting your workday.
Confused because you’re unsure as to how all the features of the phones work.
Shocked at the cost for initial installation and future service appointments.
These feelings that were once commonplace when starting or switching a new phone system are quickly becoming history.
Here’s why:
Most phone systems of the past were landline-based and many still are today. A landline system requires copper wiring in order for it to function. Typically, a service technician comes onto the site to install the lines and phones.
The good thing is that complicated wiring by a service technician isn’t required today when switching to VoIP.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol. This means that your phone service uses your existing internet to transmit user communication.
In other words: existing internet combined with a VoIP phone system equals a smarter business phone solution.
Aline is a cloud-based, VoIP phone system that makes your business more efficient and easier to manage. Click here for a free quote from Aline!
Switching to VoIP is Simple:
Plug and Play Phones
That’s right. Plug your phone in and turn it on. You’ve installed VoIP! It’s that simple. All you need to do is to make sure that you have an ethernet outlet and a power outlet.
What is ethernet?
An ethernet outlet is where internet connection occurs. This outlet can be found in most offices or on the back of a PC.
With a set-up this easy, no technician is required for set-up and you don’t have to pay service fees for switching to VoIP.
Zero Downtime
In the old days, when the service team came to switch over phone systems there was significant downtime.
Downtime on your phones means valuable production time is lost. Combine this with anxiety knowing that you’re probably missing important calls and you have an operational nightmare.
The good news is that with VoIP there is actually zero downtime. The account is already created before your phones are shipped to your office. Simply install one phone at a time knowing they’ll work as soon as you plug them in.
Once you’ve plugged in your phones, all you have to do is have your current provider forward the service over to your VoIP provider and you’re all set!
Porting
After a successful week or two of forwarding, the numbers will be ported. Porting means that you transfer the phone numbers from your current provider to your new VoIP provider.
Support is Remotely Managed.
Like we said before, with VoIP, there isn’t a service technician required to visit your office, which saves you money. Therefore, if you ever have questions or need to make a change to your account, most VoIP companies offer customer support that’s available to receive your calls or instant message.
Aline, for example, offers award-winning customer support that’s free for life. As you’re getting started with VoIP, you can rest assured that your business can continue as usual as your support needs are taken care of.
Desktop Phones are Not Required.
Did you know that with VoIP, desktop phones are no longer a requirement? Many offices are now solely utilizing a desktop app also known as a softphone to send and receive calls.
What is a Desktop App?
A desktop app is an icon on your computer that allows you to send and receive calls at the click of a mouse, e-fax, and much more. All you need is a USB headset to plug into your computer and you’re ready to go!
Check out Aline’s desktop app here to learn more about the value softphones brings to businesses of all types.
Go Mobile.
Mobility is key in the fast-paced business world we live in. Maybe you work remote or meet clients out of the office. Salespeople, office managers, doctors, and lawyers are just some of the professionals that use a mobile app every day to stay in touch with their clients and staff.
How Do VoIP Users Use It?
- Ever need to call a client back but don’t want to use your personal cell phone number? A VoIP mobile app will display the caller ID of your office number and not your cell.
- To access voicemails: Don’t want to wait until you’re back in the office to check your voicemail? With the app, you can listen to voicemails instantly so you never miss a beat.
- To stay in touch with staff: Do you want to know what your staff is up to or need to make a quick call to a coworker? Check their availability through the app and call when you need to.
As you can see, VoIP allows for much more flexibility for any business.
However, if you’re not sure which VoIP components are a good fit for your business, schedule a sales consultation call to help determine the best solution.
Conclusion:
Here’s a quick recap on why switching to VoIP is easier than you think:
- Set-up is simple and doesn’t require a service technician to come on-site.
- Phones are plug and play, meaning all you need to do it plug the phone in, turn it on and continue business as usual.
- There is zero downtime when switching from a current provider.
- Desktop phones are optional with the softphone and mobile app components.
- Many VoIP companies allow you to keep your current phones so you don’t have to purchase new ones.
- Most VoIP companies offer training and resources to their customers.
- Customer service is easily accessible.
Are you ready to get started with VoIP for your business? Click here for a free quote from Aline and one of our sales representatives will reach out to answer any questions and help get you started!