The internet has expanded the range of tools available to the individual and to small business. Email, web 2.0 sites and online video has opened up several possibilities that did not exist a few years back. And the ability to carry voice over the internet using VoIP technologies is another advance that can help people.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and refers to a technology and a series of devices that use the internet to send voice messages. For individuals or small business this is often in the form of replacements for the standard telephone sets. These units can be more cost effective and offer services that a standard phone would not have.
The technology allows people to use the internet to make call at a fraction of the cost of regular phone calls. The technology being open source does not lock you into specific hardware which many regular office phone providers do. There can also be the feature of encrypting phone calls over the system for additional security.
These phones come in three types known as soft phones, USB VoIP phone and power over Ethernet or POE phones. Soft phones use software on a computer and a headset to connect and make calls. USB phones add a handset unit can be used from a computer or on some versions a router to make calls. The POE phone uses Ethernet cable to send data and power over the same line to a single or multiple lines.
The first two solutions are designed for individual use due to range and capacity. Soft phones have a limitation which is the range of the headset that is used with the unit. USB phones are limited by cable requirements to around ten feet maximum. The POE phone that uses network cable can have 100 foot long cables and multiple phones attached which makes it the choice for a small business option.
When looking at this technology the starting point would be to know your current telephone workflow and the speed and capacity of your network. This is especially true when choosing the option of POE phones which would put some stress on a current company network. Looking into a UPS system to provide back up power would be another important point to look at.
The last important note to examine before making your choice is how is your future service going to incorporate newer technologies that become available. Companies as technology advances are looking at incorporating newer technologies that would complement their current services. A prime example of that is the use of streaming video to provide video phone call services.
VoIP is a technology that more companies are adopting due to price and features that can not be found on standard lines. The technology can be easily used by the individual or small business using a few simple devices and the internet connection they have. Examine the choices and pick the choice that fits your current and future needs for yourself and your business.
