Voice over Internet Protocol phone systems help independent agents run their businesses more efficiently compared to traditional phone landlines. VoIP comes with numerous features and benefits already built in, and VoIP comes with substantial cost savings.
To find the right VoIP provider, ask, and answer, these eight questions:
No. 1: Is the VoIP provider scalable? Employee turnover happens, and the VoIP service needs to easily scale up or down. Ask: How long does it take to add a new user? What’s involved in removing a user? How does pricing change as you add or remove users?
No. 2: Is it easy to manage? You’ll need management tools and reports to monitor your VoIP service. Ask: Is there a single cloud-based management portal or tool to make changes? Can you make updates, changes or customizations anywhere? What types of reports are there—calling reports, VoIP call quality, etc.?
No. 3: Do they offer features needed? Beyond making calls, businesses will need additional features—a mobile app, chat, video conferencing, etc. To determine what’s needed, ask employees who make the most call—sales, marketing, customer care. Once determined, you can better choose the VoIP provider and plan that meets your needs.
No. 4: How is voice quality? Voice quality is an important factor in choosing a provider. Ask: Do they offer HD voice, which may make it easier to understand people on conference calls? Do they offer handsets, headsets or what devices they support?
No. 5: How easy is it to set up service? Businesses may need help setting up new technologies, so evaluate how easy it is to set up. Check the VoIP provider’s documentation to see updated manuals, videos and other online resources to make setup easy. Ask: Do you have to buy additional hardware, or can you use your current hardware—desk phones, employee laptops and smartphones? Can you install the service yourself, or does it require a technician?
No. 6: Do they support remote work? Remote working is widespread, and the VoIP provider should support this. Ask: Do they offer mobile apps making it easy to place and receive calls from preferred devices, and advanced features like video conferencing?
No. 7: How much money can you save by switching to VoIP? You’ll likely reduce telecommunications costs by switching to VoIP. Use a VoIP Savings Calculator to find out how much you can reduce your monthly bill.
No. 8: Does the VoIP provider have a good reputation? Identify VoIP leaders by looking for high ratings from publications like PC Magazine, which annually surveys readers and makes Business Choice Awards.
Jim Gustke
Jim Gustke is vice president of marketing at Ooma and he is responsible for all aspects of marketing and customer acquisition for the company. Ooma Office is proud to have recently won PC Magazine’s Business Choice Award for Best VoIP System for the 10th year in a row. For more information, visit: www.ooma.com. For questions or comments, email: press@ooma.com. If you would like additional information about VoIP, please download the free guidebook: The Complete Guide to VoIP Systems. Ooma also offers a VoIP Savings Calculator.
