VoIP (voice over Internet protocol, also called Broadband Phone), offers the advantage of running both
voice and data communications over a single network which can represent a significant saving in
infrastructure costs.
Because of the bandwidth efficiency and low costs that VoIP technology can provide, businesses are
migrating from traditional copper-wire telephone systems to VoIP systems to reduce their monthly phone
costs.
VoIP solutions aimed at businesses have evolved into "unified communications" services that treat all
communications—phone calls, faxes, voice mail, e-mail, Web conferences and more—as discrete units that
can all be delivered via any means and to any handset, including cellphones.
Other advantages that appeal to business is that the per extension prices of VoIP are lower than those
of PBXs or key systems. Also, VoIP switches rely on commodity hardware, such as PCs or Linux systems,
so they are easy to configure and troubleshoot. Rather than closed architectures, these devices rely on
standard interfaces.
VoIP devices also have simple, intuitive user interfaces, so employees can often make simple system
configuration changes. Features such as dual-mode cellphones enable users to continue their conversations
as they move from an outside cellular service to an internal wi-fi network. The bundling means employees
no longer have to carry a desktop phone and a cellphone, so companies can reduce their telecommunications
equipment costs. Maintenance also becomes simpler, because there are fewer devices to oversee.
(no residential service available at this time).
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