Austin has become the epicenter of technology and the arts. The two seemingly opposite ways of life are kindred, creative cousins. At their core, they tell stories through their chosen mediums distributed worldwide. Your business is a lot like Austin, having two seemingly disparate focuses: your business purpose and the technology that supports it. One isn’t without the other; they push each other to be more.
Business competition is fierce, so you must explore every possible advantage to get yourself over the top. VoIP phone services can significantly benefit small businesses in Austin by providing cost-effective and scalable communication solutions. A primary area to look at for improvement is your business communication solution. VoIP service in Austin may be the jolt you’ve been looking for.
Business phone systems offer advanced features such as unlimited calling, business texting, call recording, voicemail options, and call management. These features, powered by VoIP technology, allow businesses to grow exponentially, strengthen customer relations, and modernize their telephony. According to Salesforce, 73 percent of customers expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations. Use VoIP to create a better customer experience for your clients.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as Internet telephony, is a communications system that allows making and receiving phone calls over the internet using a computer, smartphone, or VoIP phone. It uses an internet connection and converts voice into data packets to transmit to their destination.
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) vs. VoIP
SIP and VoIP are two acronyms often used interchangeably. VoIP is the technology that allows for calls to be made and received, whereas SIP, or Session Initiation Protocol, is the language used to make calls work over the internet. SIP is used in more than just voice; it’s included in messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, and other media types. Video conferencing, in particular, has become essential in modern business communication, enabling real-time collaboration across different locations. SIP and VoIP are part of a larger technology team that runs your business communications, including VoIP phone service.
Types of VoIP Services
All the terminology can be confusing, but it’s essential to get a good base of understanding before jumping deeper into the discussion of the business phone system. As quickly as VoIP and SIP are used interchangeably, the same applies to the various VoIP deployments and the VoIP providers that offer these services. Softphones are also commonly used in VoIP services, allowing users to call directly from their computers or mobile devices.
On-Premise VoIP
An on-premise VoIP solution is software and hardware installed at your business location. Your IT department is responsible for configuration, ongoing servicing, system updates, maintenance, and user support. Some larger enterprises may opt for the on-premise option for specific configuration needs or the desire to manage it themselves. Conversely, a small business might be inclined to install a “do-it-yourself” on-premise phone system to reduce upfront and ongoing costs.
Hosted, or Cloud, VoIP
A hosted VoIP service is different from an on-premise VoIP solution, where the provider maintains the system, and the business only needs to supply the VoIP phones if it’s not using softphones and an internet connection. Ease of access is a central selling point with remotely offered cloud VoIP. These services facilitate remote work by allowing employees to connect from anywhere with an internet connection. You can sign up for the service and have instant access to the services and features provided by the provider.
UCaaS
UCaaS, or Unified Communication as a Service, is a complete VoIP platform that provides a total end-to-end solution and feature set beyond simple calls and mobile apps. While initially touted as a great call center option, UCaaS has developed into something most businesses should consider. With its all-in-one, single-pane-of-glass implementation, UCaaS is the simplified communications platform that most organizations today prefer. It also includes collaboration tools, making it an even more comprehensive solution for modern businesses.
Benefits of VoIP
1. Cost-Effective
VoIP is a cost-effective business option, especially for long-distance and international calls, offering significant cost savings. On average, you can save as much as 50 percent from a traditional business phone and up to 90 percent in upfront costs. No more nickel and diming; you get straightforward pricing for an array of features.
2. Scalability and Flexibility
VoIP phone systems are highly scalable and flexible, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes. The uncertainties over the last five years have forced firms to update how they operate, and remote capabilities, even if only used in emergencies, can be the difference between having a business and not. According to FEMA, 43 percent of small businesses affected by a disaster never reopen, and an additional 29 percent go out of business within two years of the disaster.
Take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based VoIP to ensure your business can survive any scenario that comes your way.
3. Advanced Features for Business Communication
VoIP offers advanced features, allowing a more cohesive work experience for employees and customers alike. Unlike years ago, when the process for a job lived within the brain of a person who’s been in a job for their lifetime, so when they retired, everyone scrambled to document that process. Collaboration is the key to today’s business communication. A report from Grammarly found that employees spend half of their time collaborating with others. Some of the advanced VoIP phone service features include:
Business Texting
Call Recording
Admin Control Console
Video Conferencing, up to 500 participants
Full-feature Mobile App
Call Forwarding
Unlimited Calling
4. Simplified Administration
Say goodbye to needing an advanced degree in Computer Science to successfully make a simple update to a user or user group. With technical training from eTech Network Solutions and easy user guides, you have the power to make the system as customized as you need it to be. You’re welcomed with a crisp and clean interface that won’t overcomplicate what you need to do: assist customers.
5. Geo-Redundant
A massive advantage of hosted VoIP options is that they’re not dependent on a single location. With the option of cloud-based VoIP service in Austin, you never have to worry since you’ll connect from anywhere with an internet connection and be able to service your clients. Even in a natural disaster scenario like a deep freeze, wildfire, or tornado, your connection is safe in a data center out of harm’s way. Take care of yourself and your loved ones by getting somewhere safe while still being able to work. It’s the remote capability we talked about already.
6. Productivity and Efficiency Improvements
Here’s a little secret: implementing a new technology doesn’t immediately equal improving your business. That may be tough to hear, but it’s true. Before bringing anything new on, you should do a needs analysis and decide where it’ll simplify your workflow. An easier workflow means better productivity and efficiency improvements, such as offering unlimited calls within regions like the US, Canada, and Mexico.
VoIP provides you with the tools, but deciding how to use them will be the ultimate test. At eTech, we thrive on getting into the nuts and bolts of your business technology to supercharge your VoIP service in Austin.
7. Local to Austin
National brands and conglomerates are great and all, but isn’t it better to use local businesses when you can for your organization? eTech Network Solutions is your business technology partner that understands the needs of local businesses and companies in Austin, Victoria, and beyond.
Partner with an Industry Leader in VoIP Service in Austin
Welcome to the best business decision you can make, including VoIP phone service in your future strategy. The beauty of VoIP is it can be customized to fit into your business communication platform with little disruption and maximum improvement possibilities.
eTech Network Solutions offers a full range of business technologies, from internet service to network devices, telecommunications, structured cabling, consulting services, and technical support. We’re not here to sell you something and move on; we’re here to be a partner in your business to make you the most successful you can be. Now that you’re ready to learn more about VoIP service in Austin, contact us today to start the process!
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