By 2020, the global Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) market is expected to reach $136.76 billion with almost 348.5 billion subscribers, according to Transparency Market Research. This is up from $83 million in 2015. IHS, Inc., an international source of critical information, projected that the industry will grow by $88 billion this year.
Those are big numbers. So big in fact, that they include far more small business subscribers than you may realize. Organizations of all sizes are migrating to VoIP services and the trend shows no signs of stopping.
Why are more and more companies embracing VoIP? What makes it better than old phone systems? Here are five ways this new technology can help your business:
Clearer calls
VoIP allows you to make and receive voice calls using a broadband internet connection. Your voice is converted into a digital signal, so you get crystal-clear calls, unlike regular or analog phone lines that have been using the same technology for decades.
Improved security
Traditional phone systems transmit audio from point A to point B without much alteration. VoIP systems improve on this by encrypting call audio and data. This means your conversation and data remain private and can only be accessed by you and the person you’re talking to.
Easy access
VoIP makes communicating convenient and easy since you can talk to anyone, anywhere as long as you have a decent internet connection. Clients can contact you at one number, regardless of your location. Local, long-distance, mobile, and international calls can be made from your computer, a traditional desk phone, or a mobile device.
Wireless VoIP services are available in Wi-Fi hotspots located in airports, parks, and cafes, so home-based or regular employees away on training or business can connect with the company and customers when they need to. A 4G connection is usually good enough to handle an audio call as well.
Better customer service
Customers can get angry or frustrated if they can’t call your office and you have a hard time calling them back. This is known as “phone tag” and it’s a common problem with traditional phone systems. When clients give up trying to reach you, this results in missed opportunities, poor sales, and gives your company a bad reputation.
VoIP eliminates this problem since calls can be directed to multiple devices and voicemails can be automatically transcribed to email messages. Firms can communicate with customers 24 hours a day. VoIP call forwarding features allow you to create systems that automatically redirect callers to another number when the intended line isn't picked up within a certain number of rings. This increases productivity and helps companies save 191 hours a day and 49,660 hours a year, according to Gartner, Inc., a global research and advisory firm in Connecticut.
Big savings
The best reason to use VoIP is that it helps companies save a lot of money. Traditional landlines require monthly fees that depend on your plan, the number of calls you make, and how often you make long distance phone calls. Since VoIP calls use an internet connection, migration costs are minimal and service plans cost a fraction of traditional lines.
There are also countless indirect cost savings that come from using VoIP hi-tech features, such as digital faxes, voicemail-to-email, instant messaging, teleconferencing, video conferencing, and more at no extra cost. VoIP provider Vonage Business said organizations that switch to this new technology can save at least 30% on their phone bills.
When comparing VoIP with a traditional phone service, FitSmallBusiness.com, a digital resource for small businesses, found that companies can save as much as $1,200 per phone line over two years because VoIP plans are lower, have advanced features at no extra cost, and require minimal setup.
Owing to its many benefits like low fees, special features, improved security, and increased employee productivity, it’s no wonder numerous businesses are switching to VoIP. Considering how much money you can save in the long run, isn’t it about time you did the same?
If you want to take advantage of the power of VoIP to boost your business, consult the experts of ATS Tech Solutions, Inc. For more than 20 years, we have been providing timely IT recommendations to companies in the Gainesville–Atlanta–Sandy Springs area. Make your business grow with our strategic solutions that will increase your profits! Learn more when you contact us today!