Have you missed calls from potential clients because of tied-up phone lines? Are you tired of phone bills because of poor audio quality that doesn't match the costs? You might consider switching from traditional phone calls to a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system.
VoIP is a modern form of telephone management that uses the Internet rather than traditional phone lines. This system allows a great deal of flexibility and customization but also poses some questions. To help you choose, we've compiled a comprehensive list of VoIP advantages and disadvantages. When you see that the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages, call Integrated Technologies and make the switch!
VoIP Advantages and Disadvantages at a Glance
The advantages and disadvantages of internet telephony are complicated. When discussing this service with VoIP providers, come with some notes and thoughts. Our clients have seen that since VoIP can be customizable and look different between two providers - or even between two users – the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP will also be seen differently. That said, the biggest advantages and disadvantages of using VoIP are:
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Disadvantages |
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This list is far from exhaustive, but the broad overview of VoIP phones should help you interrogate VoIP providers and their promises. Now, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP a bit more closely, starting with the advantages.
VoIP Advantages
VoIP services can bring many major benefits to companies that know how to use them. With a reliable internet connection, your business could enjoy standard services like call forwarding with additional benefits like an auto attendant. These benefits come from decreased cost and improved call quality, all through a stable internet connection.
If you've been paying for a landline phone system that is causing issues, like large costs for poor-quality audio, then you should consider what VoIP advantages and disadvantages there are. You might already be in touch with a VoIP phone service provider, as many managing IT support companies can provide you with this connection.
Cost Savings
Traditional phone lines can come with very high costs, especially when installing a new phone system. A private branch exchange (PBX) is a physical piece of phone hardware that puts all of the landline phones in your corporate phone system into the same branch of the landline system. This hardware is necessary for many of the features we expect from business phone lines but is prohibitively expensive.
Additionally, monthly bills for business VoIP providers can be far lower than phone lines. Since VoIP is run through your internet, your internet service provider is responsible for the infrastructure that your VoIP phone service will use. Other cost savings include those from remote work, scalability, and accessibility.
Improved Voice Quality
VoIP call quality used to be very low, but today the clarity of sound is much better than landline phones. Today's VoIP calls have HD sound quality and are fully integrated with most phone and internet carriers for superior quality.
If your internet connection is poor, you might still struggle with poor audio, jitter, and latency, so you should have an assessment done to ensure the best connection possible.
Accessibility Wherever You Are
Because VoIP calls only require an internet connection, they can be used anytime, anywhere. This increased accessibility allows you to make calls while on business trips, working from home, or even on the go.
Calls are coordinated via the VoIP systems, which allows much greater flexibility. Once again, the only limit is your own internet speed and connection. A poor internet connection can make all the difference in today's digital era.
Improved Security
VoIP phone systems were once a major concern for cyber-security threats, but today, they are one of the safest methods of communication. Standard features of security and control include:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) for identity conformation
- Spam blockers for reduced annoyance
- End-to-end encryption for reduced vulnerabilities
- Compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, PCI, and more security regulations.
- Live security notifications and reporting
We will explore further into the list some of the ways that increased accessibility can expose your underlying security issues, but VoIP connections are themselves highly secure and controlled.
Easy Scalability
Scaling up your business is a major goal for most companies, big or small. A major advantage of VoIP is the easy scalability of the system. Traditional telephone systems require you to invest in physical wiring, larger PBX boxes, additional lines, and more.
VoIP can be scaled up almost with a simple flip of a switch. Additional lines can be added instantly by simply buying a new number from your provider, and you can purchase virtual phone numbers, which allow a number of vanity, toll-free, and international options.
Advanced and Custom Features
Because VoIP utilizes your internet connection, you are able to do far more with this communication service than you can with a simple phone. During voice calls, you might send images, videos, or documents for greater information sharing during business calls. You might even purchase a VoIP number from a different area code to appear local to a different market than your business.
Other features include auto attendants to appear like a larger company, built-in conference calling, live call queue assessment, international calls, and dozens of analytic measurements.
VoIP Phone System Disadvantages
When considering VoIP advantages and disadvantages, you should also consider your current situation. Something like scalability might be attractive for the future, but if you don't have the high-quality internet connectivity needed, that should be your first step.
VoIP services aren't a one-size-fits-all answer to business needs. But VoIP services can be tailored to your needs in various ways. If these disadvantages concern you, know there are usually ways to work around or with your needs.
Dependent on Internet Connection
VoIP is run entirely via an internet connection, meaning you will need an Ethernet cable, fiber-optic cable, Wi-Fi, or some other high-speed internet connection to fully use the system. Because so much of the world runs on the internet today, this isn't a large ask for most businesses, but not all locations have the same access to such a connection.
Lack of Emergency Services
Because the 911 emergency services system was born from landlines, there is a mismatch between it and VoIP. 911 calls need to have immediate reactions and know exactly where a call is coming from - something that landlines get by having a physical connection, and cell phones get via GPS. VoIP phone systems are completely digital and can't provide location data similarly.
Most VoIP companies will provide an Enhanced 911 or E911 service, which provides a location to a VoIP number, but this doesn't fix the issue if you have multiple locations.
More Access Means More Security Vulnerabilities
While VoIP phone systems have a large number of built-in security features that we discussed above, being tied in with an internet connection inherently poses a risk. Security experts and hackers are in a constant game of cat-and-mouse, and sometimes, your business is the mouse.
Additionally, having more connections and communication nodes means you will have more access points for phishing, identity theft, spamming, viruses, malware, and other dangers. Experts are constantly updating and patching these holes, but the threat is worth considering.
Compatibility Issues
Because VoIP phone systems are not linked to traditional phone lines, some older systems won't be able to link to a VoIP network. For instance, fax machines aren't usable via VoIP, though most of the same functionality can be done through an internet connection.
Similarly, some older alarm systems won't function through VoIP. If you rely on older systems, consider upgrading them or discuss options with your IT company.
Interested in a VoIP Phone System? Call Integrated Technologies Today!
You might have heard that VoIP systems are the greatest - or worst - decision a business can make. If you're considering upgrading your phone call system, this list of VoIP advantages and disadvantages can be useful for your research.
If you still have questions about VoIP's possible benefits and drawbacks for your business, call us today to start a conversation about what this new and exciting system could do for you.
