Category: Phone Systems
VOIP is the abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol. This refers to phone calls that are made over the internet as opposed to the traditional phone line. At FutureTel, we have started to phase out the use of VoIP in favour of the more modern ‘SIP’ phone services which are similar but have many more benefits.
For businesses, there are many ways that you can manage your customer calls which means that you can choose the best system for your business to suit demand. Some of the different types of voice call management include:
- VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol
- SIP – This stands for ‘Session Initiation Protocol’, the latest in voice services. SIP allows you to host multimedia calls over the internet across multiple platforms and devices, utilise call waiting options, has low costs and can also provide disaster recovery options to safeguard your company.
- ISDN – This service offers high-quality phone calls and enables you to have multiple call channels so that you can take more than one call at a time. However, BT is phasing out ISDN by 2025.
- Analogue phone line – the traditional phone line option, which has some limitations compared to the above options.
How do I know what the best phone options are for my business?
To get the best recommendation for your business, you should speak to one of the experts at FutureTel who can help you to decide what the best voice package is for you.
If your business doesn’t handle that many calls and the main part of your business is a physical shop front, you may be better off with a simpler phone service such as an analogue line. However, if your business is mobile, it may benefit you to have a SIP option for your business so you can make calls from anywhere, anytime and also never miss a customer call when you are on the road. This works equally well if you have multiple sales agents that are often on the road too.
In recent years, many businesses have taken advantage of the benefits of ISDN, however with technologies moving on and BT announcing that they will be phasing out ISDN services by 2025, it may be advantageous to choose an internet based service such as SIP for your business for longevity and efficacy.
What is the difference between VoIP and SIP?
VoIP works by receiving analogue phone call signals and converting them to digital and then sending them over your broadband service as data. VoIP can be made available on your desk phone handset, computer or mobile device and an adapter can be used to convert calls from your old landline.
SIP is a protocol used in multimedia apps which include the use of voice calls and VoIP as well as video calls, instant messaging, interactive chats via other types of apps and has many other benefits. This option provides the most advantages as it has more functionality and can be applied to many areas of your business no matter how large or small. This type of system provides lots of flexibility and is a smart way to handle your professional calls.
Using SIP means taking advantage of the features that can help you as a business owner, such as backing up all your calls and customer info as part of your disaster recovery plan, playing on-hold marketing when customers are in call waiting, having flexibility over which calling methods are used across different media and also saving money on low calling rates for this type of system compared to other systems which do not have as many features.
What are the benefits of VoIP and SIP?
VoIP and SIP are similar in that they both use the internet for you to make calls. One of the main benefits of this is that you can save money, especially if you make a lot of overseas calls. We recommend SIP over VoIP as SIP has more features and the costs are low so it just makes sense to choose this type of phone system over all the others.
Using an IP phone system can help your business by:
- Allowing multiple call handlers to speak to customers at once, increasing productivity
- Having an automated call waiting system manages calls efficiently and can also play music and marketing messages whilst
- Receiving call on any device, in any location as long as you are connected to the internet – great for taking calls to your professional business phone number whilst on the go
- Having the option to use multiple methods of calling to suit your staff and customers
- Allowing you to save money with cheaper call rates and low monthly service charges
- Allowing staff to work remotely and more flexibly
- Avoid having to use different numbers for when you are out of the office, allow your calls to come through to your mobile device when calling your business phone number
- Making use of call recording for staff training and also to protect you in any cases of customer disagreements
Speak to FutureTel today about VoIP and SIP Phone System Options
Our knowledgeable and experienced team of experts can help you to make the most out of your business phone system. Call us today on 0333 220 0707 or send us a message via the contact form and one of our team members can give you a call or arrange a meeting to discuss your business needs and talk you through some of the available packages that Futuretel offer.