Are you sick of your current office phone system malfunctioning? You can’t afford to lose time on the clock or disturb regular workflow. A better phone system can save time in the long run, eliminating the need to stop getting work done just to fix phone issues. What’s the best, most dependable phone service option for small to medium sized businesses?

What is VoIP Service?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is an IP-enabled phone service that transmits voice using the internet instead of dial-up access. VoIP service requires a high-speed internet connection (aka broadband internet), which you can get through cable, DSL, or your local network.

What’s nice about this set-up is most businesses already have broadband internet in place, so integrating a VoIP service is simple and straightforward.

VoIP phone systems are connected directly to the broadband internet and function almost exactly the same as a regular phone. You can also use personal computers with a microphone or a traditional phone with a VoIP adapter.

Using VoIP Service for Any-Sized Business

The VoIP phone service is flexible so it can accommodate the needs of any-sized business. VoIP service is capable of making in-service, local, long distance, international, and mobile calls.

To help you find the best package for your business, your provider will let you choose from several different options. Some providers offer free in-service calls (when you call another phone with the same service provider, i.e. Verizon to Verizon), but charge a minimal fee for any other phone call. Others charge a flat rate for a certain number of minutes. Some offer comprehensive plans that allow you to make unlimited local, long distance, international, and mobile phone calls.

More → 3 Advantages of Panasonic VoIP Phone Systems

Using Internet Protocol for Faxing (FoIP)

Not many people know that you can fax using your VoIP system (called Fax over Internet Protocol, or FoIP). Faxing over the internet is a particularly convenient service for small to medium sized businesses. Fax anytime, anywhere, and you’ll be sure the data reaches the desired location in tact and on time.

Depending on your provider, you can fax from the convenience of your mobile device, office monitor, or personal computer from a remote location (among others). The fax is sent as a “fax data package” over the internet via your VoIP system.

Analog or “dial-up” fax machines work differently than VoIP systems, but you can still integrate these two technologies. Analog T.30 fax protocol needs to be converted to T.38 in order to deliver the fax data to the correct location.

If your conventional fax machine doesn’t already have the ability to translate T.30 into T.38, then you’ll have to set up a VoIP gateway (also known as PSTN Gateway) with an analog port. You’ll also need an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) that accommodates T38.

If this sounds confusing, contact your IT Consultant! IT experts can explain how the system works and install it for you as well.