Essential Business VoIP Features
Essential Business VoIP Features
Need help figuring out which business VoIP features are important? VoIP is big on features, and often times it's difficult to know just what you'll need. So we've broken down the top features we think everyone should consider:
Lines, Extensions, and Numbers: How many employees do you have? How many will be calling at the same time? How many need direct numbers? These are important questions to consider. VoIP providers may charge per user, per line, or per extension. Every employee needs an extension, but not every employee necessarily needs a line. A line is required to make or receive a call, and you can have as many simultaneous calls as you have lines, with each line having a unique number. However, if you have employees who don't spend much time on the phone, an office of 10 people may only require 5 lines. Each person will still have an extension that can be reached via the receptionist or virtual pbx, but without the cost of an additional number.
Toll-Free Number: If you receive calls from clients outside your area, consider a toll-free number. Many VoIP companies offer this as standard, while others charge extra for it.
Unlimited Calling: Most VoIP companies we looked at provide unlimited calling plans in the United States and Canada. If your business calling needs include locations further afield, mention that in your quote request.
Virtual PBX: This is less a feature, than the way the whole VoIP system works. Traditional PBX systems require a complicated routing box to split your main business line into employee extensions. Business VoIP solutions employ a virtual PBX system, sometimes called a "hosted pbx," that turns hardware into software, so your calls are routed just like Internet traffic. Since you use the same ports for your phone as you do for your Internet connection, there is no extra wiring required.
Internet Fax: Normally, faxing requires an analog phone line, but with a business VoIP solution, you have the option of using Internet faxing. Internet faxing saves resources by allowing you to send and receive faxes electronically, a standard feature with most VoIP companies. If, however, you still want to use a stand-alone fax machine, you'll want to find out what the cost is for the fax line and any necessary adapters.
Call Forwarding: This is a pretty standard feature, but a pretty useful one. Call forwarding lets your employees set up their phones to send their calls to any number they choose. That way if they're out in the field or on a business trip, they can get the calls coming in to their desk phones just as if they were right sitting right in the office.
Smart Phone Apps: For most business professionals, the smart phone is key. Some business VoIP providers allow you to use your smart phone (BlackBerry, Palm, Android, or iPhone) as part of your business VoIP system, allowing you to check your company voice mail, and use the unlimited calling. You'll never be away from your office phone.
Conference Calling: Why pay another company for a bridge number when your VoIP service may have this functionality built in?
Web Conferencing: Some VoIP business plans come with integrated web conferencing solutions. This is particularly useful for companies with many offices or employees that work remotely.
Auto Attendant: An auto attendant gives your business an automated answer and phone menu to help route calls. This gives your small business professional big-office feel and functionality.
Voicemail Transcription: Sometimes referred to as voicemail-to-text or visual voicemail, this handy feature automatically transcribes voicemails and sends them to you as email. This unified messaging allows you to easily decide which voicemails are worth your time.
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