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SMEs with Remote Offices Should Consider Hosted VoIP

By Tammy Wolf, TMCnet Web Editor

We constantly hear of corporations and enterprises making changes to their data and e-mail systems so that they can be accessed anywhere and at anytime, but what about a company’s phone system? Shouldn’t a company also invest in this important avenue of communication in order to empower the business to be flexible, efficient and unhindered by geographical obstacles?

Many of today’s SMEs have already moved to replace their traditional fixed lines with VoIP phone systems as the importance of being able to communicate and function across multiple offices becomes more paramount. However, while an in-house VoIP system guarantees boosted flexibility and efficiency, and has proven effective for larger corporations with unlimited resources, a substantial investment in equipment and IT personnel usually comes along with it.

That’s why many SMEs are turning to hosted VoIP, which is a VoIP phone system implemented through a hosted service, without the high price tag (News - Alert) that coincides with the typical in-house VoIP service. In fact, according to recent research from Aberdeen (News - Alert) Group, 32 percent of survey respondents are now adopting hosted VoIP technology, and another 35 percent planning to do so within the next two years.

A Dynamic Business blog post outlines several reasons why SMEs should nix their fixed line subscription and instead migrate to a hosted VoIP system.

Direct call handling: Hosted VoIP phone systems sit across an entire organization, meaning companies require only one receptionist to handle and transfer calls to the appropriate contact. In addition, hosted today’s advanced hosted VoIP systems come packed with features like pre-determined call flows and ring groups so the customer can reach the right person, without the unnecessary run-around. Meanwhile, hosted VoIP systems also enable remote workers in other cities and even countries to work from the same phone system.

Lower operation costs: Hosted VoIP providers handle equipment maintenance and system upgrades, meaning lower maintenance costs, less equipment and fewer personnel to handle calls for the company, and a better bottom line overall.

Access to advanced features: You hosted VoIP system isn’t meant solely for taking calls; it’s designed to perform a variety of functions that today’s enterprises utilize for boosted productivity and communication. For example, hosted VoIP systems feature conference calling capabilities as well as video conferencing, analog/PRI handoff, voicemail to e-mail, and more, without exorbitant fees. Even more, hosted VoIP allows companies to purchase equipment on an as-needed basis, so the chances of moving offices in the next few years shouldn’t be of concern.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Juliana Kenny

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