If you’ve been looking into some of the advancements the business world has experienced lately, or if you’ve been looking for ways to enhance your communication options, you have likely heard of something called VoIP.
VoIP is an innovative solution to your communication needs that is taking the business world by storm, but it’s not the easiest thing to understand until you start using it to see it for yourself. That can make it a little complicated to warrant trying it out despite all the hype.
So, we’re going to walk you through the basics and give you a better understanding of what is hosted VoIP, how it works, and what you can expect.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is a fairly general term. It means Voice Over Internet Protocol. Essentially, it lets you do all the things you can do with a phone plan, but you do it over the internet. There are no cell towers or phone lines involved.
This includes some of the normal VoIP services you’ve likely used over the last decade or so. Skype, Facetime, and similar options are low-level forms of VoIP.
In a business setting, traditional VoIP is still operated via computer systems, but hardware is required, and it’s installed in your business establishment.
What is Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP is the next evolution of VoIP. It takes the benefits of VoIP, and it streamlines them into a subscription-like service rather than requiring hardware installations, on-site maintenance, etc.
The service is fully integrated into the cloud, and as long as you have an internet connection, you can enjoy all your favorite communication features.
The “hosted” part is also a key feature. This isn’t just some automated software that lets you make calls, and then you have to handle updates, maintenance, and everything else like a traditional in-house VoIP.
Instead, the service handles that. Just like when you have an issue with a streaming service. The service handles everything, and you can simply focus on leveraging the product.
What is Needed to Use Hosted VoIP?
Very little is needed to use a hosted VoIP system. There are three main components.
Internet Connection
Since your hosted VoIP service will be in the cloud, you’ll need a reliable internet service. In fact, as a business, you’ll want to make sure you have a good internet connection, because it will play a part in the quality of your calls, video chats, and more.
Since you’re a business owner in today’s high-tech world, this likely isn’t a problem to worry about.
A Service Plan
Hosted VoIP is provided via service plans. These are scalable, low-cost, plans that function just like the subscriptions you probably use every day. You pick a tier and any add-ons or special features you want, that create a total price, and then you pay it each month.
Typically, you can get cheaper plans if you opt for longer commitment payment methods just like any other cloud service.
While this sounds like the phone bill you’re already paying, it is a lot cheaper. We’ll get to that later.
Hardware
While the service is on the cloud, you’ll still need a way to interface with it. Luckily, this is extremely flexible with hosted VoIP.
There are dedicated VoIP handsets and phone-like systems that resemble the phones you and your team are used to using, and practically any modern smart device or computer can be used with it as long as the software is set up.
Of course, it’s typically a better idea to invest in dedicated handsets. As dedicated hardware, they’re capable of operating all features effectively, and you don’t have to worry about any potential compatibility issues like you do if you start using random devices.
What are the Advantages of Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP services provide you with a number of advantages that can completely reinvent your business’s communication efforts.
Here are the most prominent benefits you should consider.
1: Low Cost
First, Hosted VoIP is considerably cheaper than having a traditional phone system setup for your business. The hardware is a 1-time purchase, or you can sometimes rent units. Beyond that, the recurring bill is a fraction of what you’d pay for a traditional business phone service.
This is one reason it has grown so popular with its target demographic.
2: Ease of Use
Hosted VoIP is extremely easy to use. It resembles the same phone systems you and your team use every day at work and in your personal lives. This is especially true if you opt for dedicated handsets.
Beyond that, you don’t have to worry about updates, troubleshooting, staying on top of security, maintaining anything, etc. Your host takes care of all that. You simply get on the service and start enjoying unmatched communications.
3: Full business Features for a Fraction of the Price
You don’t just make calls with a hosted VoIP. You can, but you’re not limited to that at all. In fact, for a low price, you get all the advanced features that the top businesses use.
This bridges the gap between a business that needs to watch its resources carefully and those mega-corporations that can afford the best of the best. It’s a huge advantage.
4: Scalability
Finally, a hosted VoIP can grow or shrink based on your needs. If you have an awesome year and expand your workforce by ten employees, you can get those new employees on the plan with quickly and efficiently. If you have a bad year and your needs shrink, you can always opt for a lower-priced plan without those extra features you don’t need.
Who is Hosted VoIP for?
Hosted VoIP is the way of the future, but right now, it’s the best option possible for small to middle-market businesses that need professional features without extravagant costs.
Try Lanstar Voice and Data
If you’re looking to enhance your business’s communication capabilities without breaking the bank, contact Lanstar Voice and Data today to learn more and get started.
Contact Lanstar Voice and Data today.
