knowledge

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that lets users make calls over an internet connection. You may have heard it called IP telephony, internet telephony, or other alternative names. At the end of the day, terms used to describe internet based phone calls are referring to VoIP systems.
Olivia Maier

Olivia Maier

3 min read

VoIP technology converts your voice into a digital signal, which allows you to make calls from any device that can connect to the internet. That means your phone, computer, or other data-driven devices can now be used to make and receive calls.

Many businesses looking for a new phone service provider are making the switch from traditional phone lines to a VoIP system. That is because a VoIP system is able to provide additional services and benefits beyond what a traditional telephone service could.

How does VoIP Work?

VoIP systems are able to pick up your voice through the microphone of the device that you are using. As said before, this can be a computer, phone, tablet, or other device that connects to the internet. Your voice generates analog voice signals, which are compressed into packets of data. The VoIP data packets are transmitted over the internet and then decompressed back to analog voice signals for the person on the other side of your phone call.

For a VoIP user making and receiving calls is done in the same way that it would be with a traditional telephone system. The person on the other end of the call, whether they are using a VoIP system or not, wouldn’t notice any difference as well. This is helpful as it allows businesses to take advantage of this technology without any additional process necessary for users or the receivers of their calls.

The Advantages of a VoIP System

As mentioned above, a VoIP system can provide additional services and benefits that lead to competitive advantages for businesses. Below are some generalized benefits for a VoIP system. Of course this may vary depending on a business’s current phone system, and what they are looking for in a VoIP system. But in general, businesses who take advantage of a VoIP system are able to see:

  • Lower costs
  • Increased flexibility
  • Productivity improvements
  • Improved international capabilities
  • Optimized integrations

However, a VoIP system isn’t always perfect for every business. Businesses who don’t have a strong and consistent internet connection will not be able to take full advantage of a VoIP system, as it is dependent on the internet. If your business is interested in a VoIP system but you do not currently have a strong internet connection, it may be prudent to begin your search by improving upon the strength of your internet connection.

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VoIP Advanced Features

VoIP providers are able to offer advanced features that traditional phones aren’t able to. These features will vary depending on who your provider is, but Yodel is able to offer collaboration tools, productivity enhancers, and more.

Collaboration tools can include features such as:

  • Ring groups
  • Call whispering
  • Conferencing
  • And more!

Productivity enhancers are features such as:

  • Call screening
  • Voicemail and call transcripts
  • Business text messaging
  • And more!

VoIP solutions in general are able to offer most or all of the features of a traditional telephone system. This means that you will have the ability to make and receive calls from a business phone number, and access voicemail.

How to Pick a VoIP Provider

If you are looking to take advantage of a VoIP system, you might be overwhelmed with having to choose the right provider for you. In general, it is best practice to determine the features that your team absolutely needs. That will help you weed out many options who can’t offer you the non-negotiable features. From there, look to see which additional features can add value to your team, as well as pricing, and onboarding options.

Our best recommendation is to take advantage of a free trial. With a free trial you will not only be able to see if a VoIP system in general is right for you, but if you have found the right provider.

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