Most organizations resist drastic changes in their operational environment. This is common when considering migrating to IP communications. Organizations fear the costs, disruption of service, financial feasibility, and time it takes for the service to take off. This article takes you through some popular myths and explains the truth on IP communications.
IP Communications are Complicated
Many organizations fear that IP systems are hard to implement and may require an overhaul of the entire communication system, as well as the retraining of the technical teams. In contrast, IP communication is easy to implement and deploy. There are multiple options available for any organization. For example, if you have analog phones, you may use an adapter and convert them to IP phones. You may have hosted IP service rather than an on-premise system.
IP Communications are Expensive
VoIP is a lot cheaper compared to legacy systems due to low international rates, various free calling features, and less maintenance. For example, communication between branches of the same organization takes the bulk of the communications bill, but it is free with VoIP. You can also integrate every device and service to your business' IP PBX phone system – whether fax, videoconferencing system, voice mail service or audio conferencing. This lowers management costs and improves the quality of communications. Besides, if you have teams in the field, it is a lot cheaper for them to communicate with the office over SIP extensions or SIP apps than having to call every time they need clarification on an issue.
The Quality of Sound is Poor
Unlike traditional lines that use a broadband connection, IP communication uses internet bandwidth. While the quality of sound can be affected by slow internet connectivity, other factors such as the sound codecs and HD sound options are important. Fortunately, these factors are not hard to comply with. Most IP phones allow for HD audio and have a full-duplex speakerphone while standard bandwidth packages will work with basic telephony. Therefore, you are less likely to experience poor quality sound.
Big Companies Benefit from VoIP, not Small Businesses.
Most small business owners believe that IP systems are designed for large enterprises. However, IP communication has flexible options that can also work with small businesses. As the business grows, the capability of the IP system can be scaled to meet new demands. Small businesses can hire teams to work at home while communicating using IP phones just as they would do when seated in the office. The efficiency and ease of management make it the best option for small businesses that want to keep costs low.
Consider Migrating to IP Communications
It is good to talk to an IP system provider about your business needs so you know what system works best. If you are setting up an office, VoIP and related technology can give you the best returns while allowing for flexibility and scalability. This ensures fast service delivery and greater customer satisfaction.
