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VOIP For Business, Unleashed!
by: Michael Brito
For the past several years a rapidly growing group of
consumers have been getting rid of their traditional phone service in favor of
internet telephony systems commonly called VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol.
These new phone systems, based upon sending telephone communications via the
internet, have proven to be much cheaper than the land line systems offered by
BellSouth, Verizon, and the rest of the traditional phone companies. Yes, for
just a fraction of the cost, VOIP users are able to obtain comparable services
offered via traditional phone services translating into savings of several
hundred dollars per year. Businesses, too, have caught on to the VOIP revolution
as a few companies have stepped forward to offer business dedicated internet
telephony services at unheard of savings. Let’s explore VOIP for business and
the transformation that it is bringing about for small and medium sized
businesses across America.
If you run your own business, you know that a significant part of your overhead
is tied into maintaining a state-of-the-art phone system commonly known as a
Private Branch eXchange or PBX. These in-house exchanges are typically owned by
the business and are used to connect all of the phones [extensions] within the
business to each other as well as allow access to the outside world.
While a PBX system is cheaper than public telephone network systems that require
each company phone to have its own line [and subsequent recurring monthly line
charge], they can still be a significant cost burden for many businesses. Today,
however, there is an alternative to the traditional PBX system in the form of
VOIP PBX. Yes, VOIP which has been gaining strength in the consumer sector has
found a place in many small businesses.
So, what are the benefits of VOIP for business? Many, to be sure including:
Start up costs for VOIP PBX systems can be as much as 90% lower than traditional
PBX systems.
Monthly phone bill savings averaging 50% is common.
Interoffice calling charges are eliminated via business VOIP.
An Auto-Attendant feature allows for the replacement of a live bodied
Receptionist. With Auto-Attendant, calls can be transferred automatically or
through prompts; multiple greetings can be employed; and 24 hour availability
means this service can be used around the clock and around the world. Companies
get round the clock attention and save on at least one Receptionist’s salary.
An Audio Conferencing feature allows for meetings to be held with participants
located at multiple sites; unlimited conference calls can be held concurrently;
and password protection can ensure that only invited conference attendees
participate.
Administrative Controls are implemented through a user-friendly web portal to
manage the system and track calls in action.
Other significant features included are music-on-hold; call i.d. with name; call
waiting; call transfer; three way calling; voicemail notification via email;
ring groups; online real time monthly billing statement; and more.
Beyond all of that, VOIP PBX offers more flexibility than the standard PBX,
lowering overhead costs significantly and giving small and medium businesses
options that would have cost them much more through a traditional PBX
arrangement.
Will you investigate VOIP PBX for business? Perhaps the question should be
refrained a bit differently: can you afford not to switch to a VOIP PBX system?
Clearly, if it is a great host of options and lower costs that you are seeking,
than VOIP for business is the right choice of small and medium sized businesses
everywhere.
Copyright 2006 Michael Brito
About The Author
Michael Brito
Click here to learn more about Business VoIP PBX
http://www.packet8.net/about/virtual_office.asp products and services.
Michael Brito is an Internet Marketing Consultant
http://www.britopian.com for small
business.
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