There are many benefits to switching to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. The ones that are most commonly cited are that calls are usually significantly cheaper, and that it will future proof your systems in anticipation of the PSTN switch off in 2025.
In addition to this, there are many benefits to using VoIP that are not as widely known as those above. So, with this in mind, let us take a look at 5 hidden benefits of using VoIP.
1. Instant upgrades
VoIP is hosted in the cloud, which means that it is accessed via a downloaded software or an online portal. This means that if there are ever any updates made to the system, these will be downloaded and updated automatically.
Similarly, as VoIP can be operated through laptops, computers, tablets, and smartphones, updates to the hardware can also be downloaded, installed, and implemented automatically. This means that you will never have to undergo the hassle of having to have tradesmen interrupting your day and potentially causing costly downtime.
2. Improve internal communication and efficiency
VoIP often comes with a variety of different features in addition to phone calls. With the ability to make more efficient phone calls, and contact colleagues in a variety of different ways, this makes VoIP fantastic for enhancing your communications.
Instead of having to scour through several different applications or webpages, everything you need will be in one, easy-to-use online portal, making it much easier to find all the information required. This will save valuable time, and improve the efficiency of internal communications.
3. Geographical flexibility
Though remote working options were certainly available before, the coronavirus pandemic popularised working from home due to necessity. Globally, around 15-16% of employees worked remotely before the pandemic, which rose to 70-74% at the height of the restrictions.
Remote working is thought to be here to stay, as it allows businesses to offer flexible working options to its employees, and gives businesses access to the best talent, wherever they live in the world.
As VoIP is a virtual phone that can be used on any device with internet connectivity, it can therefore support remote workers to communicate efficiently, and allow companies to hire employees from further afield without compromising on productivity.
4. No need to update infrastructure or hardware
As VoIP works through the internet, there is no need for you to have to update any physical phone lines or ports. You will also be able to install the software yourself virtually without the need for a manual, in-person installation.
In addition to this, VoIP can typically be used on the hardware that you already have. As long as your computers, laptops, smartphones, or even handsets can connect to the internet, you will be able to use them to operate your VoIP phone system.
5. Ability to participate in non-traditional calls
VoIP doesn’t just have the capability to perform traditional voice calls, but it can also support conference calling, video calls, instant messaging, text, email integration, and much more! This makes VoIP much more than just a phone.
As you can see, there are several advantages to implementing a VoIP phone system, despite only a couple of the benefits being more widely publicised.