Getting past the myths of VoIP technology
Every new technology that hits the market brings with it a certain amount of scuttlebutt. Questions arise about what it can actually do as compared to the potential down the line as well as discussion about whether it is actually that much better than what organizations are already using. This leads to the creation of myths, some of which can keep business decision makers from exploring it as a possibility.
A recent white paper set out to explore this problem when it comes to VoIP services and how these rumors can actually hurt a business in more ways than one.
"Are common myths about switching your business phone service to VoIP holding back your business? As voice, video, and data networks meld into a single user experience, solutions that integrate phone service, unified messaging, voicemail, audio and video capabilities, rich-media conferencing, and mobility solutions are in high demand," the report reads.
The report goes on to examine the specific myths that have caused a major problem for business. Here is what they came up with.
My old system works, no need to upgrade.
While this may work for some systems, when it comes to technology, it is the same as arguing that the most effective way to get in touch with clients is by sending a letter through the pony express. While the communication will get there, it would be a smarter move to pick up the phone or send an email.
In the VoIP argument, traditional phone systems have higher maintenance costs and increasing carrier as well as have substantial hurdles when it comes to expansion or relocation.
VoIP is just for consumers.
Most people understand the concept of VoIP because of the rise of services like Skype and FaceTime. This can lead to varying opinions because early versions of these services had spotty quality at best. However, as the technology has evolved and business solutions providers have got on board, the benefits have become more widespread.
"Business VoIP helped me run my business from Columbia for six months recently," Ken Berry, owner of Asian Therapeutics, said in the report. "Clients kept asking, 'When did you get back?' I had a hard time convincing them that I was speaking to them from South America with such a crisp, clear connection."
Who needs VoIP, we all have cell phones.
Mobility has become a major piece of the business technology puzzle. While using a cell phone makes sense in some instances, companies need to deploy a business phone system. A quality VoIP service can become part of a unified communication solution that brings all of these services under one umbrella. Companies can also add features like an auto attendant which helps add a new level of professionalism to a mandatory service like business phone calls.
On top of that, complete solutions have the ability to incorporate mobile devices into the service through the use of a mobile applications.
With the help of an IT consulting firm that specializes in business VoIP solutions, any organization can start taking steps to upgrade its overall communication solution and start reaping the benefits.
