When switching providers, consider these key factors to ensure you choose the right fit. The right VoIP provider can save you money, boost productivity and expand the capabilities of your business.
Look for a provider that offers reliable customer service and support. This is especially important for businesses that rely on phone communications.
Cost
As with any technology solution, the costs involved in a VoIP phone system can vary greatly. However, a cloud communications solution is typically less expensive than traditional on-premise systems. The initial investment is relatively low, and the system’s scalability is ideal for businesses growing or shrinking in size.
There are many ways to mitigate the cost of a VoIP business phone system. The first step is to establish your needs and determine the number of users you’ll need. Then, compare VoIP providers and their plans to find the best option for your company. You can read the guide here!
Many providers offer metered or unlimited call packages. Additionally, many offer hardware like headsets and desk phones that can help streamline workflows. If you decide to purchase hardware, ask about extra fees for setup and installation. Some providers charge for this, while others don’t. Also, consider whether the provider charges for phone number porting. If so, this should be included in your initial assessment of the costs of a VoIP system.
Reliability
Reliability is one of the most important things you need to look for in a VoIP system. You want to ensure that your calls won’t drop or be interrupted due to technical issues or internet problems. In addition, you should look for a provider with backup plans in case of an outage or multiple backup plans.
Consider other features that VoIP systems can provide depending on your business needs. For example, an automated attendant can help eliminate the need for a receptionist by routing calls to the appropriate person or department. This can save your team time and money. Other useful VoIP tools include digital faxing, call analytics, and integrations with other third-party software platforms.
Lastly, you need to make sure that your chosen provider can scale with your business as it grows. Adding more extensions, phones, and telecommunication services will ensure that your VoIP system can keep up with the growth of your business.
Flexibility
When selecting a business VoIP provider, choose one that offers scalability and flexibility. It’s important to ensure your chosen platform can grow with your company and provide robust backup solutions. This includes a redundant system in the cloud that will keep your team working even if you experience internet outages or other problems.
Some providers offer add-on features for additional fees, such as auto-attendant, call recording, voicemail-to-email, conference bridges, and analytics. Be sure to determine which features are included and which cost extra to make an informed decision. In addition, check whether the service integrates with your business’s software and CRM applications. This will improve productivity by allowing you to log calls within your existing systems. This feature is especially useful for sales and customer support teams.
Security
Security should be a top priority if your business relies on its VoIP phone system to communicate with customers, clients, and other companies. A reputable provider should follow reliable security protocols and encrypt data to prevent unauthorized access to confidential information.
Choosing a provider with built-in threat detection and mitigation tools is also important. These can help you identify suspicious traffic that could lead to a data breach. They can also detect a denial-of-service attack, which overloads the network, leading to call quality issues and downtime.
It’s also worth checking the provider’s customer support options. Some offer 24/7 support, while others only have phone and chat support. Additionally, it’s important to determine which features are included in the basic package and which are available only as extras. This can make a difference in the overall cost of the system for your business.
