What is VoIP?
This article discusses the basics of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which refers to using your internet connection to make telephone calls. It will also discuss different types of VoIP technology available for individuals and small businesses, as well as list some advantages and disadvantages associated with VoIP services in general.
VoIP in Business
In this day and age, a lot of business is conducted via phone. Nearly every company has a dedicated “sales” line that potential customers can call to purchase products or services offered by the respective corporations. A large portion of these companies have found it necessary to cut costs wherever possible. Inevitably, any company looking to save money on their phone bills is going to consider Voice over IP, or VoIP.
VoIP is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using the internet instead of a traditional phone line. This can be done in one of two ways: either by using your computer as a telephone, or by using a traditional phone that has been connected to your computer. Both methods are extremely easy to set up, and in some cases may even be completely free of charge.
VoIP Technicalities
If you only have a reasonable amount of technical knowledge, using VoIP technology from the comfort of your personal computer should pose no difficulty at all. In fact, setting up a VoIP phone service is as easy as signing up for an email account. However, if you are not particularly computer-savvy, or you simply don’t want to hassle with installing software and configuring your settings, using a VoIP phone that plugs into your computer is the way to go. All you need to do is connect the phone to your computer, and you’re ready to make calls.
The best part about VoIP technology is that it can be used anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. This means that you can call friends or family members living in other countries without having to worry about expensive long-distance phone rates. You can also call friends or family members in your own country without having to worry about long hold times, busy signals, or talking to people you don’t want to talk to.
VoIP Services
As with any technology, however, there are disadvantages associated with VoIP as well. With VoIP services like Vonage and Skype, for example, you are often limited to using only their respective software and cannot use your phone to make calls to people who do not have VoIP accounts. In addition, because VoIP calls are made over the internet, they can sometimes be subject to poor sound quality or even dropped calls.
Despite these disadvantages, the pros of a VoIP phone service far outweigh the cons. If you’re looking to save money on your telephone bill, or if you want to have more convenient access to long distance friends and family members from the convenience of your own home, then VoIP technology might be right for you.
