In the past, the amount of money spent by businesses on their communication costs was so significant that the expenses were one of the main contributors to the operational budgets of some companies.

Fixed line rentals, service and technician fees, handsets and call costs were and still are an incredible expense especially if the company held international clients requiring long-distance communication. Today, however, businesses have other options for maintaining their communication requirements.

The introduction of hosted VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and voice and data systems has revolutionised communication to a level where businesses are able to function with lowered costs, but still maintain superior functionality at the same time.

How does hosted VoIP work?
Hosted VoIP uses an IP carrier (internet protocol) to carry voice and data over a broadband connection. This method makes calls and data sending a faster and more reliable service than previous fixed line services. The hosted VoIP system allows for global communication solutions allowing businesses and corporations to stretch their potential market to every corner of the globe.

Companies using hosted VoIP are able to save an incredible amount of money on call costs. Because hosted VoIP is run from a centralised system, calls between branches of this system are free. Because hosted VoIP runs over a broadband connection, these branches are not fixed to one location. Employees can take handsets with them when they leave the office and make calls between branches and all users without any charge. Due to the broadband connection using a voice compression technique, call quality is high and connection speeds are super fast.

Many companies feel that their current PBX phone system allows them such control over their calls and system functionality that they are reluctant to switch to a PBX phone replacement system such as hosted VoIP, which is provided by an external service provider. However, using a hosted VoIP system leaves subscribers with as much, if not more control over their phone systems.

Features of hosted VoIP
Hosted VoIP is controlled by easy-to-use online tools allowing users to activate and deactivate features as they please. Users have control over who they receive calls from as well as when and where due to the easy online tools. The handsets are fully programmable to follow users when changing locations. The systems are fully scaleable so businesses can add and subtract lines as desired without needing technical support. IT managers are able to operate systems over the internet to control user features through system management tools. Receptionists are able to manage all incoming and outgoing calls though a single interface.

Businesses can also benefit from the voicemail and fax features available with hosted VoIP services. An employee can access their voicemail via a phone or internet connection.

Voicemails can be listened to from an inbox or viewed as an email. Faxes can also be sent to a user’s inbox, allowing superior fax management as faxes can be stored as digital files which can be forwarded to other users.

As well as these features, hosted VoIP services allow for call forwarding, call barring, conference calls, inbound call management, online call details, monitoring, billing and reports, soft-phone accessories and function keys.

Satellite features
Hosted VoIP systems are run over an international gateway using a broadband connection. Because of this, users can subscribe to satellite communication, allowing VoIP services to be used world wide. When employees are on business travel, internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots and global roaming is simple, allowing easy access to emails, browsing the internet, company documents, faxes and calls, all at local costs. The international gateways are fully scaleable and offer competitively priced wholesale minutes.

Hosted VoIP offers business communication which is simple, reliable and high quality. The many features and benefits allow a business to function to the best of its ability.