1. Consider All Your Options
Not all VoIP systems are the same. You have a number of options to choose from depending on your needs. For example, do you want your VoIP phones hosted, on-site, or some mix of the two? With hosted VoIP you get the advantage of not having to purchase or deal with any expensive hardware yourself. You simply pay a monthly rate and your hosted service provider deals with all of the nitty-gritty work like installation, maintenance, and hardware upgrades. With on-site you are responsible for purchasing and installing your own hardware, but you actually own it and can keep it even if you want to switch providers. They both have their distinct advantages. The important thing is that you do your research and realize that you have these options.
2. Make Sure Your Internet Is Up To Par
Before making the switch to VoIP it’s important to know that it relies solely on your internet. If your internet isn’t fast enough then a VoIP system won’t work as well. You may experience poor voice quality, dropped calls, and a host of other issues. You can easily solve this by upgrading your internet speed or getting a separate connection just to use with your VoIP.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your bandwidth needs can change. If you’ve recently added new users to the system or you’re experiencing a higher volume of calls due to growth, then what you had may not be enough anymore. Honestly, there are so many benefits to having high-speed business internet that it’s something you should consider even if you aren’t running into issues with your VoIP phones.
3. Train Your Employees
Learning a new technology isn’t always easy. In many respects, VoIP business phone systems are actually more user-friendly and streamlined than landlines, but there will still be an adjustment period. The more you prepare for this the smoother the switch will be, so you should consider providing some formal training to employees who will be using the new system. Once this adjustment period is over you can really start reaping the many benefits of switching to VoIP
4. Keep What You Can
When switching to VoIP, many businesses throw all of their old hardware away in a rush of excitement. But that may not be necessary. Some old handsets are still compatible with new VoIP systems via analog to digital converters. So, talk to your VoIP provider and ask if you can get any use out of your current hardware before you go throwing out everything you own.
Switching to a VoIP business phone system can really boost office productivity. You get access to new, advanced features — often at a significantly reduced cost over regular landline phones — along with unmatched flexibility. But making the most of VoIP does require effort on your part. Hopefully, these tips will help you do just that.
Want more information about how a VoIP office phone system can help your business cut costs and enhance productivity? Please, contact us today at Atlantic Communications Team today.