Hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications offer businesses an efficient and extremely cost-effective alternative to traditional telephone systems.

Here are five key reasons why:

#1:  Cost Savings

One of the limitations of both landline and mobile telephone systems is that they tend to use per-minute billing models. Hosted VoIP systems, on the other hand, typically include unlimited usage for fixed rates that are normally calculated based on the number of users.

Since there is no need to purchase hardware, hosted VoIP systems allow businesses to forego the expense of third-party PBX vendors entirely. Additionally, there are no maintenance fees. There is no hardware to maintain, no software to continually update, and no end-of-life scenario to deal with five to seven years down the road.

#2:  Support
Traditional phone vendors schedule a later time to respond to a customer issue once it has been brought to their attention by the customer. Hosted VoIP issues are handled by the service provider and are addressed immediately.

#3:  Simplified Communications Management

Hosted VoIP services can be seamlessly integrated with other Internet-based communications platforms, such as videoconferencing, allowing businesses the luxury of merging all their telecom functions onto a single network. Also, hosted VoIP technologies offer innovative customer service improvements, allowing telephone conversations to be recorded for instant transcription and easy access at a later date. In addition, Conversations can be digitally distributed across company departments, enhancing efficiency.

#4:  Easier Telecommuting

Digital technologies are changing the traditional workplace, and growing numbers of employees are telecommuting. Hosted VoIP supports telecommuting, allowing employees working from remote locations to stay in contact with their peers and colleagues with the click of a mouse.

Hosted VoIP also supports easier collaboration, and with workforces being subjected to increasing demands on their time, telecommuting offers an attractive solution. Implementing a company-wide Hosted VoIP system enables employees to be more productive both at home and on the road.

#5:  Network Decentralization

Traditional landline and cell phone networks forced employees to use a single interactive voice response network, and that meant there was virtually no way for an individual employee to customize voice menus and telecommunications services. VoIP has changed that, permitting the individualization of Interactive Voice Response (IVR).

Through hosted VoIP networks, employees can now create menu options that make it easier for colleagues and customers to reach them quickly. Everything from system options to hold music can be individually tailored to each employee, allowing businesses a great deal more marketing and branding flexibility.

Hosted VoIP is fast becoming the standard rather than the exception in the business world. Companies that find traditional telecom services cannot meet changing business needs can take full advantage of the capabilities of hosted VoIP while gaining significant cost savings and operational efficiency.