| Internet phone systems are gaining popularity as a | | | | messages to email. |
| fundamental communication tool for businesses today. | | | | Call forwarding. |
| First gaining prominence in 2004, virtual phone systems | | | | Caller ID. |
| are now recognized for providing a tremendous value | | | | Automated attendant. |
| for large corporations and home offices alike. | | | | Customized 'on hold' messages and music. |
| Internet phone systems are available from a number | | | | Conference bridges. |
| of VoIP phone providers. VoIP, or Voice over Internet | | | | Ability to set up 'hunt groups' or 'ring groups', as |
| Protocol, phone services convert the analog signal | | | | needed for inbound care or sales teams. |
| used for telephone conversations into digital | | | | Video conferencing. |
| transmissions that can travel over the Internet. The | | | | Fax services. |
| technology is also known as "Voice over Broadband" | | | | With these types of capabilities, a small business or |
| and "IP Telephony". This type of service is secure and | | | | home business can present a professional image to |
| high quality, indistinguishable from traditional telephone | | | | customers, ensure reliable communications and good |
| service. | | | | customer service. Another appealing aspect of internet |
| Any business with an Internet connection can utilize an | | | | phone systems for business is the ease of activation. |
| internet phone system; although for best quality a | | | | If a broadband connection is in place, VoIP service can |
| broadband connection of 256K or higher speed is | | | | be implemented almost instantly. |
| usually recommended. Some virtual phone provider | | | | The equipment required will vary depending upon the |
| services are based on open source standards, while | | | | VoIP phone provider, but is generally quite simple to |
| others utilize proprietary protocols. An open source | | | | install. Some services utilize an "ATA", or Analog |
| service is usually more flexible over time. | | | | Telephone Adapter, which connects a standard phone |
| For a company of any size, the cost savings realized | | | | to a computer connected to the Internet. With VoIP |
| by utilizing a virtual phone service are attractive. While | | | | software running on the computer, phone calls can be |
| the rates charged by each provider will vary, most | | | | made and received over the Internet. |
| fees are much less than traditional phone services. | | | | Standard PBX systems can often be easily converted |
| Many internet phone service plans include unlimited | | | | to VoIP with minor software and hardware upgrades. |
| calls throughout a specific region or country for one | | | | Other virtual office solutions utilize special IP phones |
| monthly fee, eliminating long distance charges. On | | | | and routers, which are networked to a central |
| average, businesses report saving 30% annually by | | | | broadband connection. |
| converting to a virtual phone system. Further, there are | | | | An internet phone system is highly scalable. New users |
| currently no taxes or miscellaneous fees tagged on to | | | | can be turned up quickly, the only limitation being the |
| VoIP services, although several governments | | | | capacity of the Internet connection. For the growing |
| worldwide are actively regulating this industry. | | | | business, this translates to additional cost savings. |
| For the small business, a virtual phone service is | | | | Maintenance is simple, usually in the form of periodic |
| compelling for several additional reasons. First, since | | | | software updates. |
| many VoIP phone providers offer powerful feature | | | | Another benefit of a virtual phone system for business |
| options, a small business can enjoy all the advantages | | | | is portability. If the business moves to a new location, |
| of a state-of-the-art, big business phone system by | | | | bringing the phone system along is an easy, |
| subscribing to a full virtual business office. Available | | | | do-it-yourself task. Whether a sole proprietorship or an |
| features include: | | | | international firm, businesses can benefit by converting |
| "Desk-to-desk" calling between multiple office | | | | to an Internet phone system and profit from a great |
| locations. | | | | business virtual office. |
| Voice mail; some services also forward voice mail | | | | |