Voice Over Internet based phone. Is it the right choice for you?
What should you consider before switching your phone systems? There is a lot of information available from many different sources online, and in order to represent our company as an unbiased party, I will point out the basic areas of consideration before deciding to go with any VOIP phone service provider.
Virtual PBX(web based)
What should you consider before switching your phone systems? There is a lot of information available from many different sources online, and in order to represent our company as an unbiased party, I will point out the basic areas of consideration before deciding to go with any VOIP phone service provider.
Virtual PBX(web based)
- These services might be appropriate for small or ultra small companies, where mobility and flexibility are paramount.
- It's easy to set up with no need to purchase equipment . Use your cell phone, existing land line or even a softphone (available free) for extensions. Moving physical locations is no big deal. Your virtual office may have roots in California one month and Connecticut the next, just have your provider point your "business number" to your current number .
- You need features and professionalism and may even want a toll free number for your business. Perhaps, at times you add or subtract associates/employees, but you don't see a standard office environment for some time, then this type of service could be ideal.
Hosted PBX:
- Hosted PBX solutions are best for the SOHO office environment where some mobility and remote working is needed.
- The upfront cost may be limited to setup fees and the cost of IP phones or a CPE device (and perhaps a router).
- Your Internet connection needs to be stable and have enough capacity to handle the amount of extensions located at the premise.
- Good for multiple small locations (i.e. Three offices with 4 or 5 people at each location.)
- Larger companies with over 15 extensions at the same location might want to consider an on premise PBX solution or design and maintain a LAN/WAN network architecture that encompasses QOS.
Stability of the provider.
Although most providers strive for stability, the service may not meet your expectations. Expect a hiccup or two and the occasional failed call and/or bad quality call. Even then, some providers are better than others, and are more technically and financially stable. Hosted VoIP companies, just like web hosting companies, experience growth that can affect their entire network with capacity issues. Additionally, while trying to drive down costs by changing partners, a VoIP provider's stability can be sacrificed. So do your homework and get recent information about any possible providers that you might consider.
Stability of your Internet connection.
Your Internet provider's stability and capacity along with their peering partners will greatly affect your calls. Remember that both calls and signaling are traveling over the Internet and your connection to your provider needs to be sound and stable. One strong point to remember, is that ISPs and Internet connections are getting better, bigger and cheaper all the time.
Cost.
Including equipment, monthly reoccurring charges (monthly service plan) and international charges. Pricing is important, but it should not be the most important factor. Features and suitability are more important. That being said, pricing is a factor, so look at the entire package.
Contract and equipment usability.
Is there a contract, and if so what are the terms? If there is a cancellation clause, figure that in on the overall cost. If you purchase equipment, like IP phones or CPEs, are they locked down to the provider or can they be used at a later time with another provider? Depending on the answer, this could be a large additional cost.
Support.
One of the most important aspects of any service is the quality of the support you will receive. Not only the hours of operation, but the expertise and helpfulness of the employees. A service provider who scores low on customer service and technical support should be discounted.
What may be another solution:
What may be another solution:
An Asterisk based IP-PBX should be a consideration if you are looking for more than 10 extensions. It's reasonable in cost, stable, and sits on premise, so there is not Internet signaling out on the Internet. It will have more features than what most hosted solutions would offer and will take you long into the future without additional extension costs.
|
|||||||||||||||||
