VoIP
stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and is commonly referred to as
Internet phone service. VoIP technology allows users to
make and receive calls using a high-speed Internet connection instead of a
standard landline. The technology converts voice into little packets of data so
that it can be sent over the Internet. Hosted PBX and SIP trunking are two forms of VoIP
solutions.
What is Hosted PBX?
A
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) includes both the hardware and software that
directs calls between a company’s phones and the PSTN (public switched
telephone network). Instead of using traditional landlines to make and receive
calls, hosted PBX uses the Internet to
transmit calls.
Hosted PBX business phone service provides business
customers with a complete telephone system (phones and service) without
requiring them to install and manage complicated and costly equipment. Both the
service and PBX are fully
managed off-site by the service provider.
What
is SIP Trunking?
Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP) is a VoIP service that connects a company's PBX telephone system
to the PSTN via an IP connection (the Internet) to the service provider. This
IP connection can be used to carry both voice and data traffic (i.e., Web and e-mail), and as a result, eliminating the need for costly T-1s and PRIs.
If you are considering buying a
business phone service and/or business phone system, here are some questions to ask yourself before
starting your search.
Have
questions about Business VoIP, SIP trunking or Hosted PBX, connect with a TouchTone representative at 1-800-900-5474.
5 important questions to ask before buying a business phone service/system
Having reliable Internet and voice is important to the everyday
operations and growth of a company. Fortunately, with the introduction
of VoIP (Voice over IP) technology, customers have more options now than
ever before when it comes to choosing a dependable and cost efficient
communications solution. But with so many VoIP service options on the market,
choosing the right business phone service and system can be
overwhelming.
In the end, it comes down to either hosted PBX or an on-premises SIP
compliant IP phone system with SIP service. Your needs, budget, and
company size will help dictate what VoIP service you should consider.
If you are considering buying a business phone service and/or system, here are some questions to ask yourself
before starting your search.
With
today’s dynamic office environments, cloud services are proving to be a
surefire way to reduce costs and streamline operations. But what does
it really mean ‘to move to the cloud’? Such a nebulous word, ‘the
cloud’ means different things to different people depending on their
needs.
For some, the cloud means a storage locker in
the sky; a place to save documents, pictures and videos online so that
they can be stored, accessed and even shared whenever and from where
ever there is Internet connection.
Not only has this made our
personal lives easier (we no longer need to e-mail documents to
ourselves or burn a CD of vacation pictures for family and friends),
but businesses are looking into cloud-based data storage in support of
protection efforts such as replication, backup, archiving, and disaster
recovery.
For others, the cloud serves as a way to provide
cost effective and scalable voice and data services. This means big
bucks in agents’ pockets because small to medium sized businesses can
get big business presence on a small business budget. Commonly known as
hosted communications or digital phone service, voice is provided over
an IP backbone (the cloud) – the PBX and service is fully managed
offsite by the provider. Cloud-based phone service provides more robust
functionality beginning with crisp, clear voice quality and an
abundance of features not available with traditional phone service.
Since the service is completely outsourced and the PBX does not reside
at the customer’s premises, upgrades are automatically provided by the
provider in the background so there aren't any costs to upgrade.
With cloud-based digital phone service, customers can
make and receive calls from any device and from any location with only
one number, one voice mail box, one set of unified features, and all
under one calling plan! More about digital phone features.
When shopping for a quality cloud-based voice solution
for your customers, it is important to compare the features and
options each provider offers. Not every cloud-based phone service is
created equal.
Here are some things to look for:
- Nationwide Tier 1 network
- Competitive rates – be sure you are paying one price for unlimited calls (both domestic and international)
- Feature rich and included with the price of plan
- Look for a provider that doesn't require a dedicated Internet connection, otherwise you will not be able to move your office for disaster recovery, telecommuting, etc.
- Backed by a reliable network service provider, service level agreements, and an infrastructure designed to provide business continuity
- Professional support and customer service
Learn more about TouchTone’s cloud-based digital phone service.
