Hosted VoIP has grown in popularity over the years. It is a secure, inexpensive, internet-based communication service that supports your business with minimal hassle. A hosted VoIP phone system likely includes all the communication features a business needs and then some, and it is an excellent choice for small businesses wanting to grow or maintain size. We explain how hosted VoIP works and how it can help your business stay connected.
By subscribing to a hosted VoIP, you essentially outsource equipment and infrastructure without losing any associated benefits. You need to connect your business to your hosted VoIP provider using the Internet, and you’ll be able to access any online communication services you need. It’s also a guaranteed way to save money. Hosted VoIPs are inexpensive compared to installing an analog phone system or any necessary infrastructure for an on-site VoIP system.
How does hosted VoIP work?
Hosted VoIP relies on the same infrastructure and methods used to distribute information on the internet. Let’s say that you make a call from your office using hosted VoIP. In the simplest scenario, your call connects to the internet via your office router, transferring the data packet to the remotely hosted VoIP servers. The server processes and manages the call, routing and connecting it to its appropriate digital destination. Receiving a call works similarly, just in reverse. Calls can easily go to and from landlines as well, but this process involves the additional step of using a PSTN (public switched telephone network) to connect.
Since hosted VoIP requires a stable internet connection to function, your business must have a secure and private IP network. You will also need plenty of bandwidth and potentially a wired (not wireless) connection for your calls to have the best quality and performance possible.
What’s the value of hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP empowers businesses by enabling them to make and receive calls from anywhere using a variety of devices. This flexibility, coupled with features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calling, makes hosted VoIP a superior choice over traditional dial-up connections. We strongly advocate for hosted VoIP solutions for our clients and are confident that it will continue to be the future of business communication.
Hosted VoIP has many services and features
Hosted VoIP doesn’t play around with its suite of available services. While it comes with many standard phone features like conference calling, VoIP’s internet-based technology makes so much more possible. Though the exact selection can depend on the provider and how much you are willing to pay, the most advanced hosted VoIP offers every essential call center feature and more.
This makes it a powerful tool for any business to utilize. Many providers will also offer a variety of plans and services, so there’s no need to pay for a bunch of extra features you’ll never use. You can customize your plan to your exact (or close enough) business needs.
Hosted VoIP features can include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Sophisticated call management (including routing and screening)
- Unlimited calling
- Auto attendant
- Extension numbers and number changes
- Instant messaging
- Voice mail (including voice mail to text or email)
- Video conferencing
- Online fax services
Popular Hosted VoIP Providers
The best VoIP providers offer flexible communication solutions and services that can be customized to your specific business.
A whole range of hosted VoIP providers are available. Some even offer free service trials before you make a final purchase. Make sure to look for a provider that will mesh well with the business’s needs, isn’t going to inflate or hide extra expenses in the contract, has a good reputation, and offers dependable customer service.
About Plow Networks
Plow Networks is a leading IT services provider, connecting businesses to technology since 2012. With deep expertise in network, cloud, and end user support services, we partner with clients to leverage technology in ways that simplify operations and fuel growth. Plow Networks is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.
