Today, in the telecommunications industry, a new technology called VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet-based phone service) has emerged and is making all of the above and more, possible for SMBs (small and medium-size businesses).
Today, in the telecommunications industry, a new technology called VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet-based phone service) has emerged and is making all of the above and more, possible for SMBs (small and medium-size businesses).
VoIP technology compresses voice (audio) data into packets that can be transmitted over data networks and the public Internet, and converted back into voice at the receiving end. This is the basis for some of the significant cost savings as voice now becomes just another form of data, allowing for integration with web based applications and the development of new features that would be impossible using traditional networks. SMBs Demand Higher Functionality at a Lower CostTraditional telephone networks were designed solely to carry low-fidelity audio signals with a high level of reliability. Although these networks are very reliable for voice communication, they are not well suited to service today’s explosive growth of digital communication applications, because they:
Advantages of VoIP TechnologyVoIP uses packet-switched networks to carry non-real-time data using much less bandwidth. The advantages of such networks are flexibility, efficiency, and scalability.
Flexibility: - Networks can be built in a variety of configurations to suit the number of users, client/server application requirements, and desired bandwidth availability.
Efficiency: - Bandwidth is consumed only when needed. - Service providers can converge their traditionally separate voice and data networks, and carry voice, video, fax, and data traffic over the same network. - Many terminals can share the same connection to the network and as a result, significantly more traffic can be transmitted over a packet-switched network than over a circuit-switched telephony network.
Scalability: - Extensions can be easily added to the network as growth demands.
These advantages help create cost savings that can be passed on to consumers in the form of lower telephone bills. Around the world, more than 25 million SMBs could realize significant benefits by employing VoIP as their phone service.
A Hosted PBX A Hosted IP PBX system is built using a VoIP infastructure specifically for small business. This system offers many advantages to SMBs compared to traditional telcom offerings. Businesses that opt for non-hosted VoIP phone systems, must first invest in a scalable and very expensive platform; as well as devote resources to set up, configure, and maintain them — a significant overhead cost.
In a hosted PBX service, configuration and maintenance are handled by the service provider and included in the monthly service price. In any price comparison, an SMB must look at all these costs and consider the entire total cost of ownership associated with on on-premise based system versus a hosted solution.
In a hosted IP PBX environment, a subscriber uses their broadband IP network for a small business phone system as well as data service. Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) for VoIP service requires only IP phones, or analog-to-digital converters for analog phones. This dramatically reduces start-up costs. Typically, all applications are also hosted, eliminating multiple vendors and points of contact. Hosted PBXs Reduce Costs from 50 to 90 PercentWith traditional business phone systems, each company must pay for expensive equipment, phones, applications, installation, and maintenance, as well as bring in trunk lines. On top of this, a business will need to add in expensive monthly fees for local and long distance calling, a maintenance contract and annual upgrade costs.
Payback periods for a PBX phone system may never occur, preventing smaller companies from considering a traditional business phone system and forcing them to rely on basic, multi-line service and phones, which can be really expensive. Even after the upfront and quite substantial investment, customers could hear a busy signal if traffic exceeds the number of available lines.
For small businesses, the only alternative has been to use regular, basic phone service, which requires that all users must be in the same physical location, have a limited features and pay a large up front cost.
Hosted PBX services nearly eliminate the upfront investment and cover the local and long distance calling costs for a low monthly fee, and include all the features.
For a monthly subscription fee, a business enjoys unlimited long distance and local calls in the U.S. and Canada, and can use all the advanced applications including auto-attendant, ring groups, and extensions. These features would cost much more if provided with traditional solutions. Also, since each user can have two non-blocking lines, up to 20 calls can be handled by a single extension, reducing busy signals and customer abandon rates.
Hosted PBX FeaturesUnlimited Calling - using the Internet backbone for routing calls to any number in the United States and CanadaE911 - automatically routes emergency calls, along with computer-based "screen pops" of caller information, to dispatch operators at local public service answering points (PSAPs) for every extension based on locationBusiness Class Telephone with 99 name directory and 99 number display for inbound outbound calls and one touch controls for regularly used features such as voicemail, forward, DND, park, conference, transfer and more. 7 speed dials, 100 name directory, headset ports with separate connect control
Auto-Attendant - automated system that can replace the need for a receptionist, 24 x 7 with multiple schedules and greetings, transfers callsFull Featured Conference Bridge – audio conferencing system to hold meetings involving participants at multiple sites
Business-class Voicemail – up to eight prerecorded greeting options, password protected, Voicemail to e-mail, one number access allowing follow me search and many more productivity features
Ring Groups –incoming calls routed to a group of phones simultaneously
Music/Messaging On Hold – replaces dead air with melodic music or important information
Administrative Controls – Web portal for all PBX, auto-attendant, ring groups, and complete extension control. Includes Extension Manager and Switchboard.
Call Park / Call Pick-Up – gives receptionist flexibility to park a call while paging the recipient
Do Not Disturb – calls automatically forwarded to voicemail
Caller-ID and Call Waiting Caller-ID – number of incoming call appears on display; controls for single Call ID blocking *67/*68 or block all Call ID also per Call Waiting Disable *70, and perminant call waiting disable
Distinctive Ringing – advises whether call is from inside or outside the company
Call Return *69 – automatically call back the last incoming call whether it was answered or not, without having to dial the number
Local Time Zone Management – phone displays local time zone
Call Transfer – route calls with ease
Automatic Call Forwarding with Selective Rules –including busy, ring-no-answer, internet outage, and forward all calls
Three-way Calling – quickly add another person, join parties, drop parties and connect two others to calls
Stutter Tone Notifications – advises if you have any messages, have setting such as forward and DND on
Online, Real-time Monthly Billing Statement – with call logs of all direct-inward-dial numbers
Administration web portal for all PBX, auto-attendant, ring groups and complete extension control
Extension Manager allowing users the ability to control all extension settings including busy, ring-no-answer, and Internet outage handling ring duration and forwarding destinations.
Other settings in Extension Manager including forwarding rules, one number access, caller ID blocking, call waiting disable and other unique settings.
The Journey to a Healthier, Happier Bride: A Tailored Weight Loss Success Story
Embarking on a journey to a healthier self, a bride-to-be sets a goal to shed 25 pounds before her wedding day. After years of unsuccessful yo-yo dieting, she discovers the key to sustainable weight loss: a revamped exercise routine, a nutritious diet, and a metabolism boost. This transformation isn't just about slipping into a smaller dress size; it's about embracing a lifestyle change that ensures the weight stays off. This article explores how personalized weight management strategies can lead to real results, and how you too can achieve your health goals with the right approach.
VoIP for Business: Uncovering Your Options
The emergence of new technologies has benefited businesses tremendously. The internet has brought together customers from around the world; laptop computers have made it easier for employees to work remotely; and company phone systems have become completely automated. In each case companies have realized sharp gains in worker productivity while trimming overhead expenses significantly.
The 6 C’s of Marketing Unleashed
Okay, so we have all learned about the 4P’s of marketing in undergrad: Product, Place, Price and Promotion. If not, you can open up one of your old marketing text books, blow off the dust and read about it there. The 6 C’s, however, is a not a concept that replaces the 4’Ps; rather, it just expands on the promotion element and provides a more granular approach to consumer marketing.
