2014 Predicted To Be The 'Year of Business VoIP'

Oct. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- VoIP services made a big name for themselves in 2013. Often touted as a cheaper, more productive source of voice communication than traditional copper phone lines, VoIP has changed the very nature of PBX lines by rerouting them over IP channels. According to SocialBarrel, VoIP is a cost- effective technology that easily facilitates hundreds of extensions. It should be considered by anyone looking to keep their systems up to date, functional and beneficial.

How VoIP Is Advantageous To Companies

VoIP phone systems can aid businesses in other ways besides by simplifying voice capabilities. Hosted VoIP services are functional for more than just voice, allowing faxes to be sent without the use of a separate line as well, for example. Utilizing this technology can also allow for a digital copy to be sent to the recipient's computer in addition to gaining a physical document. Security and functionality can also be positively impacted. With tighter reigns on telecom controls, specific requirements can be met with greater ease than by continuing with legacy systems. Additionally, standard IP services like firewalls will also be applied to communication information relayed over these advanced networks.

Using VoIP can also help cut down on physical equipment. Calls can be routed through microphone- connected desktop computers. In some cases, connections can be made directly through an organization's website. Softphone set-ups can be an incredible perk for some companies.

Where VoIP Is Headed In 2014

The business world is starting to catch up to the advances enjoyed by countless smartphone users. According to TMCnet contributor Mae Kowalke, employees are starting to utilize mobile solutions to work from home, on the road or even on vacation. More people are now able to maintain productivity on a less rigid schedule, and IP phones are greatly to thank. But Kowalke said that for businesses and their staff to gain the most out of their VoIP connections, strategies need to be looked at first and foremost as mobile solutions.

"Business VoIP solutions should embrace mobile apps more than they currently do," Kowalke wrote. "There needs to be a mobile app that employees can install on their work cell phones and their personal phones to make calls from their mobile phones while on the road." She added that these apps need to have many features like integration of address books and voicemail, and they must be universal to all major smartphone platforms so that mobile voice advantages can be enjoyed by the whole staff."