What is VoIP?

Over the years, communication techniques have changed considerably with companies striving to connect people all over the world. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has played a significant part in these developments with its ability to offer web-based calls, which are not only convenient but also save money.

Origins of VoIP Technology

Interestingly, VoIP dates back to the 1970s when the US Department of Defence trialled a system of communication much like the VoIP technology we see and offer today. It’s only been recently that VoIP services have been refined enough to become a universal option for companies. In short, VoIP technology is different from traditional telephone networks as it embraces packet switching, a process in which data is divided into small packets and transported across an Internet network to be recompiled at its destination. As systems have improved, more and more features have been added making VoIP compatible with both small and large companies. These include:

PC to PC: takes place with a headset and an instant messaging service

PC to telephone network: only the caller uses a headset

Telephone network to telephone network: the caller uses a telephone adaptor

IP phone to telephone network: takes place using a phone that is IP enabled

Each option works to make communication easier than ever

Advantages of Hosted VoIP Services

Cheaper calls, even to international numbers

Advanced features such as call waiting, voicemail, call barring, and more

Ability to call standard network phones through gateway providers

Beneficial for businesses by streamlining the working environment, reducing

account management tasks, and offering exceptional scalability

Disadvantages of VoIP Technology

Misconceptions over call quality

Lack of familiarity with the system

Concerns over compatibility

Making VoIP work for you

If you like the sound of VoIP communication and want to make it work for you, you’ll need to following equipment:

Instant messenger service such as Skype or Yahoo Messenger

Microphone or integrated headset

Headphones or speakers

When calling non-VoIP customers, you’ll require an IP-enabled telephone, which will connect directly to your modem or router. Many service providers offer IP phones free of charge when you sign a contract.

More than just cheap calls, as well as cheap calls, VoIP services include:

Anonymous call block

Call diverting

Call waiting

Caller ID

Do not disturb

Emergency calls

Ring back service

Three-way calling

Voicemail

Making your decision

Not sure whether to invest in VoIP or continue with a traditional landline? Well, there are many things to consider. While VoIP will likely save you money there are certain restrictions. For example, some providers will not allow you to contact emergency services via VoIP, while a loss of Internet service will cause your telephony system to be unusable, with such downtime significantly affecting business operations. For this reason, many businesses choose to complement their landline services with VoIP technology, particularly if they regularly make calls overseas. We recommend calling Xinix World to discuss your options and to receive a wealth of much-needed help and advice regarding your telecommunications network.