How Should an Enterprise Select a VoIP Provider?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has existed for over a decade now. It has created opportunities for people to communicate over distances via the internet, saving them a fortune in telephone bills. VoIP-based services are used extensively by business enterprises today as they seek lower costs through virtualization.
Using a VoIP-based communication system in your business has advantages.
First, you do not have to change your local phone number as VoIP is not based on your normal telephone line. You can communicate with your customers or with your employees through an intra-enterprise VoIP right from any internet-connected device. Today internet speeds have shot up to such a level that audio and video are better quality than telephone.
Automation within your customer contact system is made possible by VOIP. You can set up an automated response for a customer call directing him or her to the concerned department automatically, thereby reducing service time and delay while providing better satisfaction.
Furthermore, VoIP-based employee communication systems are scalable. When a new employee joins the team, you do not have to assign a new telephone number – simply a VoIP extension!
Automation largely reduces service time which would translate into great savings because more satisfied customers enhance the brand’s image. However, it is unwise to choose any VoIP system without conducting a detailed study of business requirements as well as the service provided by the VoIP vendor. The following criteria should be adhered to:
Flexible Service Plan:
This is a vital norm as your business only needs what it requires – nothing more, nothing less. The provider should offer whatever services your business needs: international call management, intra-organizational calls, and much more. Choose a specific business plan that offers you with enough minutes of service to suit organizational support and infrastructure budget.
Features:
Service providers offer more utility features such as call-queuing systems, mobile-forwarding applications that direct the calls to your mobile, and several other specific call features.
Usability:
The VoIP system should be easily integrated into your business environment.
Reliability of Network:
Losing a live call due to network errors is something an enterprise cannot tolerate especially with tight deadlines. Ascertain the network infrastructure of your VoIP service provider to ensure that it is full-proof.
Support:
Any issues or faults that may arise in VoIP should be rectified ASAP because any lengthy disruption to customer service for will seriously affect brand image. The service provider should give reliable assistance and support for VoIP products.
Be Part of Our Cloud Conversation
Our articles are written to provide you with tools and information to meet your IT and cloud solution needs. Join us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Guest Author:
Mandira Srivastava is a fulltime freelance writer who specializes in technology, health and fitness, politics, and financial writing. Equipped with degree of mass communication and having worked for both private and corporate clients, I have experience meeting a wide range of writing requirements and styles.
