You may already have heard of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems. VoIP phone systems eliminate the need for PBX hardware by hosting networks in the cloud, providing the added benefit of saving you money.
Today, we’re going to look at the best benefits VoIP has to offer to the modern workforce. VoIP empowers remote workforces by increasing productivity, mobility, and more.
Let’s take a brief look at how VoIP can improve life for remote workers.
The Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not bound to a specific device. Using a virtual phone number enables inbound and outbound calls to be made from any device.
This new technology allows workers freedom from their physical desk phones. Now, calls can be made or answered from desktop computers, laptops, or cellphones. You can make and receive these calls using software distributed by your VoIP provider.
With virtual phone numbers, your workforce can make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. When it’s time to sign off for the day, they simply need to close the VoIP software.
Softphones Are More Powerful
The software used to make and receive calls is often referred to as a softphone. Softphones have numerous features that aren’t available with ordinary desk phones. These features are only made possible because VoIP technology is located entirely in the cloud.
Presence Information
Presence information is one of the most useful softphone features. Your team will never have to guess which one of their coworkers is available. Presence information gives status updates for everyone in the company, including statuses like:
- Available
- Busy
- In a Meeting
- At Lunch
- Offline
Presence information updates automatically when softphones are connected to scheduling software. This functionality is perfect for remote workforces, as it’s otherwise next to impossible to see if a coworker is available.
Meetings Made Easy
Who needs 3-way calling when you can have 20-way calling or more? Softphones make it easy to connect users over multiple devices. Whether you’re using a desk phone (which can be connected to a VoIP system with ease) or a tablet, VoIP allows everyone to meet together.
Video conferencing is available with most softphones, and those without webcams can still connect in an audio-only capacity. That means your remote workforce can easily join in-office meetings – no need for Skype, Zoom, or other software!
Advanced Calling Features
Softphones are also equipped with all the features that you’d expect from a high-quality PBX system – as well as the features that would be impossible outside of the cloud.
These features include:
- Three-way calling
- Call forwarding
- Caller ID
- Custom hold music
- Vanity phone numbers
- Voicemail to text
- And much more
VoIP Is Secure
VoIP is more feature-rich than old-school PBX systems, but that doesn’t address one of the primary concerns most businesses have with remote workforces – security.
Fortunately, VoIP communications are all encrypted. That means you can use VoIP in the same way you’d use a regular desk phone, with the knowledge that all your communications are secure. That makes VoIP perfect for a remote workforce.
VoIP Is Easy To Implement
It’s exceedingly likely that your remote workforce won’t need any new hardware to connect to your VoIP network. The only exception is if they have desk phones at home – these phones may need to be replaced with phones that can connect to their home networks.
We believe that VoIP is an excellent telephony solution for remote work. If you’re interested in switching to a VoIP system, give us a call. We’re a Houston IT provider, and we specialize in secure IT solutions that make your business more efficient.