The Benefits Of Voice Over IP

Businesses are rapidly converting to VoIP because there are compelling advantages.


Firstly, and most obviously, there are significant financial savings on running the network itself. One infrastructure carrying both data and voice, provided by one supplier, can be managed, maintained and upgraded much more efficiently than two separate networks for voice and data.


Secondly, and more importantly, while each network has its own value, that value is maximized when the two systems are consolidated. Computer applications and communications technologies can be intelligently linked to streamline the working environment.


Thirdly, VoIP allows organizations to integrate their telephone, fax, e-mail and other applications to capitalize on the benefits of unified messaging. Such a system can eradicate unnecessary interruptions while ensuring individuals always receive information in the most convenient format wherever they are in the world.


Fourthly, the system can be used to support flexible working practices, whereby members of staff work from home or in dispersed, 'virtual' teams. Using the VoIP network, team members can see when their colleagues are logged on to the LAN or using the telephone. VoIP offers improved bandwidth capabilities and makes video-conferencing a viable and cost-effective option for discussions between dispersed team workers.


Fifthly, VoIP technology can contribute to an effective knowledge management strategy. The larger the organization, the more information that must be shared, so an efficient communications system is particularly important. The VoIP network provides individuals with the opportunity to tap into colleagues' areas of specialty, allowing them to search for experts according to specific criteria.


Sixthly, an organization can also use VoIP to enhance relationships with its customers. For example, converged call centers, or 'IP contact centers', allow agents to answer all customer enquiry mediums, including telephone, e-mail, fax, web call back, web chat and instant messaging. Customers appreciate the flexibility of interacting with an organization that can handle feedback from a range of different sources, and are even more inclined to do business with those who can offer an integrated response.


To summarize: VoIP networks provide cheaper means of carrying voice but more importantly provide a much enhanced range of services.


Increasingly, residential consumers too are taking up the option of VoIP services. For them, such services offer:

• More choice of voice operators and tariff packages
  
  
• Cheaper services including possibility of 'free' calls
  
  
• New services such as conferencing
  
  
• State and Local government regulate traditional phone service, which is taxed, VoIP isnt.
  
  
• There are no legal or technological procedures for tapping Internet calls for surveillance by law enforcement agencies.
  
  
• Rates for traditional phone service could rise as its number of customers making monthly payments shrinks.
  
  

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