For the past several years a rapidly growing group of consumers have been getting rid of their traditional phone service in favor of internet telephony systems commonly called VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. These new phone systems, based upon sending telephone communications via the internet, have proven to be much cheaper than the land line systems offered by BellSouth, Verizon, and the rest of the traditional phone companies. Yes, for just a fraction of the cost, VOIP users are able to obtain comparable services offered via traditional phone services translating into savings of several hundred dollars per year. Businesses, too, have caught on to the VOIP revolution as a few companies have stepped forward to offer business dedicated internet telephony services at unheard of savings. Let’s explore VOIP for business and the transformation that it is bringing about for small and medium sized businesses across America.

If you run your own business, you know that a significant part of your overhead is tied into maintaining a state-of-the-art phone system commonly known as a Private Branch eXchange or PBX. These in-house exchanges are typically owned by the business and are used to connect all of the phones [extensions] within the business to each other as well as allow access to the outside world.

While a PBX system is cheaper than public telephone network systems that require each company phone to have its own line [and subsequent recurring monthly line charge], they can still be a significant cost burden for many businesses. Today, however, there is an alternative to the traditional PBX system in the form of VOIP PBX. Yes, VOIP which has been gaining strength in the consumer sector has found a place in many small businesses.

So, what are the benefits of VOIP for business? Many, to be sure including:

Start up costs for VOIP PBX systems can be as much as 90% lower than traditional PBX systems.

Monthly phone bill savings averaging 50% is common.

Interoffice calling charges are eliminated via business VOIP.

An Auto-Attendant feature allows for the replacement of a live bodied Receptionist. With Auto-Attendant, calls can be transferred automatically or through prompts; multiple greetings can be employed; and 24 hour availability means this service can be used around the clock and around the world. Companies get round the clock attention and save on at least one Receptionist’s salary.

An Audio Conferencing feature allows for meetings to be held with participants located at multiple sites; unlimited conference calls can be held concurrently; and password protection can ensure that only invited conference attendees participate.

Administrative Controls are implemented through a user-friendly web portal to manage the system and track calls in action.

Other significant features included are music-on-hold; call i.d. with name; call waiting; call transfer; three way calling; voicemail notification via email; ring groups; online real time monthly billing statement; and more.

Beyond all of that, VOIP PBX offers more flexibility than the standard PBX, lowering overhead costs significantly and giving small and medium businesses options that would have cost them much more through a traditional PBX arrangement.

Will you investigate VOIP PBX for business? Perhaps the question should be refrained a bit differently: can you afford not to switch to a VOIP PBX system? Clearly, if it is a great host of options and lower costs that you are seeking, than VOIP for business is the right choice of small and medium sized businesses everywhere.