New to IP Telephony

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There are many things you need to know about IP telephony before taking the decision to upgrade your existing telephone system.

Internet telephony marries conventional phone calls with the Internet protocol. Instead of running a phone call along a traditional circuit, a computer system will digitise the call, chop it up into tiny packet of data, and send them out across a network. They are reassembled at their destination, and converted back into sound.

You need Broadband (ADSL) for VoIP to work, and, in a business environment, you may need one broadband connection for your computer and internet access, and another for your calls. Either way there will generally be a significant saving on your line rentals, calls. and equipment costs.

Using VoIP or IP, you can make calls to any phone, whether another VoIP user, or someone using a standard phone line. The costs for each vary, but calls can be made to any number you can call from your existing standard phone lines.

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What is VoIP ?

VoIP is just a new way of making a phone call, you've probably used it many times without realising. But basically VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is making calls over the Internet rather than through traditional telephone lines. The requirements are a broadband line (ADSL), and some form of phone adaptor, similar to a modem, simple.

The result is a substantial reduction in cost with a high level of audio clarity. You can use normal VoIP / SIP phones or use soft phones (PC based) on your desktop, wherever you have a broadband connection. So it has all the benefits and flexibility of a standard line with all the cost advantages and features of a hosted VoIP solution.

Why should I use VoIP?

With many businesses already using VoIP solutions, you have probably used it already. All call charges are significantly reduced and calls to other users on VoIP are free, with great call quality, giving you significant savings. In addition, VoIP can be used anywhere there is a broadband connection or WiFi. So now users can make free calls on a VoIP phone at home, on the train or even the beach, using WiFi. VoIP is the future of telephony. With Best4IP Hosted VoIP Solutions and Pure IP solutions, there are many options for business. Increase the flexibility and capabilities of your phone system, without the expected capital investment.

How does a business use VoIP?

Our platforms allow self administration of either the hosted VoIP solution or our IPGenie pure IP system. A simple software tool will enable you to change all the parameters of your users, without the need for costly engineering resources. We also have a service programme that will help with more advanced moves and changes. Once set up, users can call each other, or other offices in the same group, free of charge - it could not be more simple.
In addition, all calls to standard lines within and outside the UK are at a substantially reduced cost.

Is VoIP only about saving money?

Obviously, one of its virtues is that you can individually or as a group of office saves thousands of pounds. However, A VoIP solution is much more than this. Boundaries traditionally associated with calling work colleagues of offices are removed. Freedom to make calls, at virtually no cost, anywhere you get a broadband connection of WiFi. In addition there are more features than you would expect from a conventional PBX (phone system). You can add call centre functionality, CTI (computer telephony integration), call recording, call logging, and much more.

If I work from home can I use my businesses VoIP network?

You can work anywhere as long as you have a broadband connection and your PC. You simply log on to your connection and use your Best4IP SIP phone, or use the softphone. You are then ready to make your calls.

What does a VoIP Telephony Solution cost??

If you choose the Hosted telephony route, the costs are minimal. You can use soft phones, or buy SIP phones form Best4IP. Then you pay the monthly fee for your services, and rental of your broadband (ADSL). This will be substantially reduced, as you can have up to 12 users on 1 broadband connection, so no need for 12 lines for 12 simultaneous calls, and 12 line rentals!!

If you choose to buy the IPGenie pure IP telephony solution, you it costs a fraction of the normal price for a system with so many advanced features - such as call centre, CTI, call recording, and call logging features. You then pay for the phones and the broadband connection. Compared to the cost for the same package on a traditional telephone system, it is tremendous value for money.

As the solutions can be predominantly managed from within the organisation, the on-going charges for engineering call outs, and maintenance are also greatly reduced.

Does this make my PBX redundant?

Not in every instance. Some PBXs have the resilience and capacity to add IP extensions. This means that you can expand your network to allow other offices within a group, or homeworkers, to link over the internet ( VoIP ) to the office and then their calls go over traditional mediums from there. This centralizes the cost base (no more employees claiming for telephony from home), allows for greater management - all the calls are in to and out of one system so a call logger can keep track of employee productivity and makes calls between employees and branches free.

To find out which solution is best for you, explore the possibilities and get a quote for the solution of your choice, contact us now.

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