Choices for Office VoIP Service

One of the biggest challenges in the rush to migrate to office VoIP technology, is convincing those who are die-hard fans of the conventional telephone systems of days past that the business VoIP system is the way to go. The first selling point is that only three things are needed to make the business VoIP work; a high speed Internet connection, phone equipment and a VoIP service plan.

Office VoIP telephone systems work through a high-speed connection to the Internet instead of through a conventional telephone line. One of the most notable reasons for choosing the business VoIP system is, of course, cost savings. Usage plans for office VoIP telephone systems are typically less costly than those for traditional telephone systems. Business VoIP telephone systems usually come with caller ID, voicemail, call waiting and enhanced features such as video conferencing, online system management and call tracking.

What follows is an overview of the various options that are available to users of business VoIP phone systems that will convince even the most stubborn proponent of the traditional telephone that office VoIP is the way to go.

Instant Messengers

Although not the most convenient method to access VoIP, instant messengers are the easiest. A number of IM providers such as Google and Yahoo have been allowing access to VoIP services through their own customized message platforms for years. Now, it is entirely possible to configure the business VoIP service to work in conjunction with most of the IM programs out there. In doing so, it becomes possible to message both international and domestic parties through a computer with the mere click of a button.

SIP Phones

It is difficult to tell the difference between a SIP phone and a conventional telephone. They look and feel exactly alike. However, SIP telephones do not require any type of ATA or other adapter to work. SIP telephones can be purchased in wireless or wired varieties and do not require a computer connection in order to operate.

Soft Phones

A software program that is designed to make calls over the Internet using office VoIP is what is known as soft phone technology. This program is designed to operate like a conventional telephone, only it is viewable on a computer monitor. Business VoIP providers and soft phones connect directly to make regular telephone calls. The calls are engineered to use the standardized protocols such as H323 and SIP. However, in order to use them, participants must be stationed at a computer at all times.

VoIP IP Phones

Business VoIP phones are considered to be more advanced phones that have the capacity to communicate with the VOIP application directly through a USB port on the computer.

ATA Adapters

The equipment used to connect a conventional phone to a VoIP network is what is known as an analog telephone adapter. Businesses can utilize their existing hardware when deploying their office VoIP system telephones through an ATA adapter.

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