| Is VOIP Business Phone Service in Your Future? |
| by Gabby Hyman, writer |
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| Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) service is a new business phone technology that allows your employees to make and receive calls using a broadband Internet connection rather than connecting through traditional telephone lines. |
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| Many business owners prefer VOIP for its ability to integrate with their customer-relationship software and records database. VOIP business phone service companies sometimes offer features and cost-saving options unavailable through other alternatives. |
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| Anyone can call your business whether they have VOIP service or regular telephone service. Depending on your voice IP contract, your employees can also enjoy access to your business system from anywhere in the world where there's a broadband computer and telephone. Some systems require businesses to use a special VOIP phone that plugs directly into a broadband connection. |
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Getting the Most from VOIP Business Service
Typically, voice IP service providers charge a flat-fee rate that allows you unlimited local, long-distance, and international business calling. Another benefit is that you can pay a single, reduced, combined-broadband Internet and VOIP provider bill. |
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| IP voice telephony is a combined corporate business solution that serves large enterprises, allowing them to merge their communications systems with their IP networks in a large-scale, cost-cutting move. |
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| The Ethernet system is replacing the traditional private branch exchange (PBX) chassis technology that still powers many large business phone services. PBX systems use circuit-switched systems to move communications traffic to business extensions through outside lines. IP voice telephony sends data over broadband lines (and wireless networks) in an efficient load-balancing system called packet switching. |
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| Both PBX and VOIP business telephone systems can be configured to support the latest advancements in customer call-center operations. Voice messaging, auto-attendant, and call distribution functionality can help any customer-facing business. Caller history data can be displayed in computer screen pops that are activated by incoming calls. |
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| For many, however, the integration of systems and broadband functionality of VOIP can streamline employee training and remote contact capability. People living thousands of miles away have real-time access to software training, document transfers, animated presentations, conferencing, and more via their VOIP business systems. |
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| If your company is evaluating PBX and VOIP business telephone solutions, VOIP may be able to provide a solution that reduces operating and calling costs, provides employee remote access, is easy to install and maintain, and is scalable. |
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About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK. |
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