Technology of any kind has become an important business component. While many companies are upgrading servers, virtualizing environments and even implementing the cloud, there is one function often ignored: The telephone and phone lines. One option to modernize older phone systems is to upgrade to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

If you are using older, more traditional phone systems, here are five reasons you should switch over to VoIP.

1. It offers more than just voice calls

Aside from offering voice calls, many VoIP programs also allow for video calls, video conferencing, and even screen sharing. For those who don’t have a phone – say someone who is out in the field, or who is working in a noisy environment, many VoIP systems also have chat capabilities that are also integrated into the service.

In other words, they allow for a wider range of communication from one system and can really help with collaboration.

2. It’s more flexible and scalable

Because VoIP systems rely on the Internet to send data and calls, they can be easily expanded. Adding a new line or number is usually as simple as clicking a button. If you have lines that aren’t being used, you can also remove these easily too. This means that as you grow, you can easily scale VoIP connections and lines.

This level of flexibility and scalability is not easily achieved with older, more traditional phone systems.

3. The cost is usually lower

If you make a large number of calls in your business, or are calling long distance on a regular basis, you know that telephone bills can become a large expense, especially when you begin to add in extra features and lines.

With VoIP, you often get cheaper calling rates and lower monthly fees, which means you usually save money. Costs are also lower because you won’t need to install new lines for each office or cubicle. As long as there is an Internet connection, you can often just plug an existing phone into an adapter and start making calls.

4. It’s easy to set up

With many VoIP connections, there is no need to install extra wires, switching boards, or phone connections. Some systems can be installed by simply downloading an app to your computer. Other systems require that you install an adaptor to your existing phones that converts the analog voice signals into digital, before sending them over the Internet. These adaptors are small and usually all you have to do is plug the phone’s cable in, then plug the adaptor into an Internet connection socket.

Many systems also offer Web or app-based management which allows you to easily manage everything related to VoIP. Because the management tools are light, you likely won’t need to invest time or money into actually running the system, which is great for many small businesses.

5. There are more features included

When you use traditional systems you usually have to pay extra for features like call display, call holding, call forwarding, fax lines, etc. These are often features that businesses need, and having to pay extra for them seems at times nonsensical. Most VoIP providers, on the other hand, include many important features in their products, meaning businesses won’t have to pay extra for them.

If you are interested in implementing a VoIP system into your company, contact us today to see what we have to offer and how we can help.