If you’re still using a landline for business, it may be because you’re taking an “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach. What you may not have considered is that while it might not be broken, it is inferior to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and is costing you in many ways. VoIP calls utilize your internet connection, so you enjoy a range of features that aren’t available on your landline.

The cost of landlines: The monthly cost of VoIP calls is much less than that of landlines, which means you’ll experience even greater savings if your company makes a lot of long-distance calls. VoIP is a subscription-based service that invoices you monthly, so your costs for the solution are categorized as operating expenses rather than a single larger payout that must be categorized as a capital investment.

While the cost is often what first draws enterprises to consider a switch to VoIP, the benefits go far beyond savings.

Scalability: If your company experiences seasonality or you expect a big surge or growth, your VoIP calls can scale with your needs. You can also scale back just as easily when the holidays or other busy seasons end.

Features: The VoIP solution you choose will offer a variety of features that may require an additional investment through a unified communications package. You can select digital receptionist, call forwarding, video conferencing and a host of other tools. Talk with the VoIP provider about the types of tools that would bring value to your business to determine the right VoIP solution.

Convenience: VoIP calls are accessed through the internet, so connecting another phone is as simple as plugging into the internet. If you opt for hosted VoIP, your enterprise will also enjoy troubleshooting and maintenance no longer being the responsibility your in-house IT staff.

There are a few things to consider before switching from your landline over to VoIP:
How’s my network? VoIP relies heavily on high-performing network connectivity, so it’s a good idea to do some testing on your network to see how it performs in heavier traffic conditions. There are several online tools that can help with testing.
Do I have existing hardware I need to incorporate? VoIP can be utilized through your existing private branch exchange (PBX). If you’re still under contract with a PBX provider, don’t let that stop you from checking into VoIP. In many cases, VoIP can be a good fit for existing communications.
How will I train my staff and get buy-in? One of the challenges of a technology upgrade is fighting against resistance to change. Include as many people as possible in evaluation and testing of the solutions you’re considering and schedule plenty of time for training.

Are you convinced your landline is broken? If you still need more reasons to switch to VoIP calls, or you would like to know how to get started, contact us at eXemplify.