If you’re a growing business that wants to take that crucial next step towards unified communications, VoIP may be your next step. Having a system that uses voice over internet technology will not only increase the clarity of your voice and data communications, it will open up a whole new world of possibilities for employee production as well. Keep in mind there are a few key factors to take into account when considering a new VoIP system.
Internet Connection
Determine if your current Internet connection is “VoIP-Ready.” Many times, upon installation, users are not happy with their VoIP service. Unfortunately, this is not always the fault of the service itself, but a slower internet connection that is not capable of handling the bandwidth necessary for VoIP. Get your connection tested for VoIP speed to see if you’re ready to make the move.
Price Comparison
VoIP can be a great cost-cutting measure, but only under the right circumstances. Examine your monthly phone bill to see how much you’re spending on services such as caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, and 3-way calling. If you’re choosing VoIP to save money, consider how much it would cost you to lose a “bundled” service if you were to cancel your landline phone connection.
Features
Do a thorough examination of your system and your employee needs to see what features are needed and for what price. While VoIP does come with a ton of great additional capabilities that many companies can no longer go without, make sure you’ve taken into consideration necessary features versus those that are not crucial to business workflow.
Contract Review
Don’t be fooled by a sneaky service provider. Look at the money-back guarantee, contract term, and other equipment return policies. Be sure that the provider offers a 30-day guarantee that will allow you to test out your new communications setup and determine if it’s a good fit for your business. If your service provider doesn’t offer this arrangement, keep looking. It’s poor customer service to not allow a new VoIP user to test out a system, and if that isn’t part of the deal, it’s time to move on. Contract terms are extremely important to understand, so you know how long you are committed to a service. Some companies will try free ploys that lock you into a long-term contact or charge for equipment upon cancellation. Don’t let a VoIP service provider determine what is best for your business.
Number Portability
Research your options for number portability. In most cases, it’s crucial for businesses to keep their current phone number, as it is the basis for all client communications. Make sure that your VoIP provider is able to keep your current number when performing the transition.
The growth of your business with a VoIP network infrastructure will largely be determined by the due diligence performed on your current system. A VoIP network is not an easy transition, and it requires the necessary steps to make it a success in a unique setting. Taking these steps to identify the potential pitfalls of a new system will help your business determine the setup that is right for you.
If you have questions about a VoIP installation for you business, contact GMS Communications today at 404-525-6216.
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