Many people think of Skype or MSN Messenger or something similar when they think of making their voice calls over the Internet. These application-based, computer-centric manifestations of VoIP technology fall into the “Soft” category. VoIP technology has definitely come much further than “Soft phones” and reliance on desktop PC based applications to make cheaper or even free calls. The technology has matured to the point where the PC is no longer needed and any telephone handset can be used.
Softphone VoIP Technology
There are many Softphone VoIP solutions available with many features but all have one thing in common: you need a computer and headset/softphone to make calls. This has obvious drawbacks when comparing to a normal phone service on the Publicly Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). People can’t generally call you on the VoIP number from a traditional telephone service, for example, because Software driven VoIP applications do not offer a geographically based telephone number, even though you can make outbound calls to landlines and mobiles (cheaper in most cases than traditional services.) The other drawback is that you need to have the computer (the one that the VoIP software is installed on) to operate you phone service. This also means that even if the application isn’t running you can’t make or receive calls.
Hardware VoIP TechnologyThe big difference between hardware and software driven VoIP is that you don’t need a computer and software application to make and receive your calls. Hardware based VoIP technology uses stand alone hardware that you connect to any normal handset telephone to and that hardware is in turn connected to your Internet connection. Business grade VoIP can be set up with hardware called an IP-PBX. An IP-PBX is similar to the old PBX that connected a number of internal telephones to a single line, only instead of being restricted to the functions of the old technology and the high costs of maintenance and setup, VoIP based systems are much cheaper to setup, maintain and run as well as far more scalable. This is on top of the fact that the call rates are much cheaper than the incumbent telecommunications companies.
Game Changing TechnologyMore businesses have come to realise the difference between software driven VoIP and hardware driven VoIP and the huge benefits that the technology brings, they are quickly taking it up and enjoying those benefits.
The Software option is certainly useful for making free calls between other users of the same software. The Software option has a lot of great features and is great for a secondary phone for home users, while the hardware option is best for businesses of all sizes that are planning for growth and want value for money.
VoIP Consultation, Setup and MaintenanceWhen looking to set up VoIP as your business telephone solution, you’ll need someone to design the system, set it up and to perform some maintenance tasks. AWD’s technical knowledge and experience will prove of great value at every stage of your business VoIP implementation.
Our VoIP plans will definitely save you money on your business phone calls as well as setup: Get 8 additional phone lines and 1000 phone calls for $89.00.
Compare this with paying $35.00 per line in line rental alone!
Contact AWD to find out how best to implement a
VoIP solution for your business.
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