What is VoIP?

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. 

SIP Trunking or Hosted PBX?

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. 

Have questions about SIP trunking or Hosted PBX, connect with a TouchTone representative at 1-800-900-5474.

To The Cloud! The Many Flavors of Cloud Services

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. 

Small Businesses look and sound more professional overnight with Hosted VoIP

Until recently, small businesses have faced a variety of disadvantages when it came to competing with larger corporations; however, technology is helping to even the playing field. By employing basic technologies, small businesses can expand their customer base, reduce costs, and become more efficient.   

 

One of the easiest and best ways a small business can take to take advantage of technology is through the adoption of Hosted VoIP phone service which is helping small businesses look and sound more professional overnight with little to no investment. Hosted VoIP provides business customers with a complete telephone service without requiring them to install and manage complicated, expensive equipment.

Hosted phone service provides high quality voice with powerful calling features typically not found with traditional phone service such as auto attendant, call forwarding, voicemail to e-mail, extension dialing, hold music and caller ID – and all for one monthly price. For only $24.99, TouchTone Communications offers customers unlimited calling in the U.S. and more than 18 international locations, in addition to over 20 calling features.

One highly regarded feature is Hosted VoIP’s auto attendant which automatically answers and directs incoming calls 24 hours a day. Calls can be routed to a number of destinations such as voice mailbox, an extension, or another telephone number (landline or cell phone) by simply pressing a button (for example: Thank you for calling Ralph’s Plumbing Supplies. Press 1 for Sales. 2 for Customer Service. To  hear our hours of operation, press 3.). You can have multiple prompts and if you want, they can all go to the same place – the customer will never know! The one thing they will think though, is that you  are a big, reputable and upscale company!  

Hosted VoIP provides so many valuable features to businesses.  I’ll post more on some of these features at a later date. Stay tuned!