Old-fashioned private branch exchange (PBX) systems are being replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in many businesses. VoIP has a number of benefits, not the least of which is that it can save a company money. The top five ways VoIP saves money are:
- low-cost installation and replacement,
- lack of replacement parts,
- free premium features,
- affordable company phone numbers, and
- reduction in IT costs.
Installation and Replacement
Legacy phone systems can become quite expensive to install or replace due to the hardware they require. In contrast, there are some VoIP systems that require nothing more than a headset and software. For businesses that already have a legacy system but are looking to switch, some VoIP providers can even adapt and use the existing infrastructure.
Replacement Parts
VoIP’s lack of reliance on hardware also means that it doesn’t need as many replacement parts as a legacy phone system, which can break down due to age. With technology constantly evolving and traditional PBX losing popularity, businesses may find that replacement parts for a legacy system become harder to find and more expensive to purchase as the years pass. An IP system, on the other hand, has few components that may break in the first place, and anything that does need to be replaced can easily be found.
Premium Features
Legacy systems often add extra charges for necessary features like long distance calls, call forwarding, and voicemail. With VoIP, many of these features are already included in the base software. Because the internet connects in the same way both locally and internationally, this can be especially beneficial for businesses that often make long distance calls.
Company Numbers
Being able to contact core employees quickly can help a business succeed, but many employees prefer to keep their personal numbers private. Because VoIP numbers can connect directly to an employee’s phone, a business can reach employees without requiring their personal numbers. With the recent FCC ruling that gives VoIP providers the same access to numbers as telecom providers, businesses will no longer have to deal with third parties in order to contact essential employees quickly.
IT Cost Reduction
An increase in technology often means growth of the IT department, but a major benefit of VoIP is that it doesn’t require multiple professionals to function. With VoIP, the professional who fixes the phones also fixes any network issues because they’re both internet-based.
While switching over to VoIP may require an adjustment period, these five benefits make it cost-efficient for most companies. Businesses will reduce IT costs, keep in contact with core employees, have free access to necessary features, and save money on both installation and replacement costs.
