When it comes to business communications, efficiency is key. Nobody wants to waste time – and therefore money – messing around with complicated technology.
This is one of the many reasons VoIP has risen as a de facto communication resource for enterprises. This phone system is highly adept and able to address several business issues in one place, making it indispensable for day-to-day business operations. Does that mean landlines are obsolete?
Not quite. Both VoIP and landlines have their benefits in modern business. Keep reading to learn about which one will suit your company best.
The Rise of VoIP in Business Spaces
Let’s do a quick overview of VoIP and why it’s been such a hit among today’s businesses. For many, this acronym is synonymous with improved productivity.
According to recent statistics, the VoIP market is expected to exceed $125 billion by 2024. This reflects a severe demand for more efficient and easy-to-understand communication systems. The pandemic has increased the need for remote and hybrid work models, making this technological shift paramount to success.
Landlines have fallen out of favor due to their more limited scope in the face of video calls and long-distance work requirements. That doesn’t mean they don’t still have their place…
Defining the VoIP System
The VoIP system is widely used among small businesses and large enterprises alike. It’s able to address many everyday business needs in one spot.
Short for ‘voice over phone system’, the VoIP relies on an internet connection instead of a specialized telephone line. This service is designed to give you all the benefits of a broadband connection without any of the stress of installing entirely new landlines. You will still have to sign up with a new provider to direct your calls and sync up your devices correctly.
The basic overview of a VoIP system includes (but isn’t limited to):
- The ability to set up conference calls
- Easy calls straight from your computer
- More flexible call management tools
- Relatively low-cost and high ROI
- Holds strong against power outages
Defining the Analog System
While some think the analog phone system is obsolete, the truth of the matter is quite different. All businesses have their own unique needs, which means there’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
The analog phone system is another way of referring to the traditional landline phone. This phone system works by crafting an internal phone network through the aid of a Private Branch Exchange (or PBX). This means your business can all share the same phone system, though this is where the convenience ends.
Unfortunately, landline phones are often susceptible to chaotic weather patterns and are considered less sturdy than broadband connections.
The basic overview of the analog system includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Straightforward calling and messaging system
- Reliable internal phone network
- Doesn’t rely on an Internet connection
- Susceptible to weather patterns or poor installation
- Unreliable under power outages
Communication is the lifeblood of your business. We provide today’s hardworking business owners with the communication tools they need to keep in touch.
Defining the SIP Trunking
Last but not least, we have the SIP Trunking system. You can essentially view this set-up as a combination of the VoIP and analog systems.
The term ‘trunking’ refers to a much higher level of customizable features. While VoIP and analog systems come with a pre-baked set of services, trunking allows you to pick and choose what suits you best.
SIP trunking is built to scale, meaning you’ll only get what you put in. Some of the features you can adjust include (but aren’t limited to):
- Call routing
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail
- Conference calling
- Cloud-based features
Cloud-based features are a highly competitive resource that allows you to adjust on the fly.
Which Phone System Suits Your Business Best?
It’s time to narrow down your options. The best phone system for your business depends on your day-to-day operations, your budget, and your employees’ work habits.
Small to Medium Businesses Should Try a Landline
The analog phone system – or landline phone – is a reliable tool for small businesses. If you primarily use your phone for answering customer calls, this system is more than sufficient.
Landlines also have no bandwidth requirements, which is ideal for a local office that deals mostly with nearby clients.
Large Businesses and Enterprises Should Use a VoIP
Larger businesses that regularly hook up conference calls and customer calls should use VoIP. The flexibility of this service is unparalleled.
Even the largest company is keen on saving money, which makes the affordable cost of VoIP all the more appealing.
Start-Ups May Consider VoIP or SIP Trunking
Are you a start-up that wants to be on the cutting edge of technology? VoIP or SIP Trunking are both feasible phone system options.
Due to the unsteady nature of a new business, the ability to use the cloud can provide some much-needed stability.
Conclusion
The best phone system for your business is dependent on a few factors. Once you narrow down the requirements of your day-to-day operations and your budget, the solution will become clear.
Small to medium businesses often farewell with an analog phone system, particularly if they deal with local clients. Larger businesses and enterprises should lean toward VoIP for maximum flexibility. Lastly, start-ups often do well with VoIP or SIP Trunking. That said, don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path if you feel it would suit your needs.
Which phone system is most powerful for your business? Contact us today for a competitive quote on direct routing, PBX, and cloud-based solutions.
