What to consider before trying VoIP phone service

Internet-based telephone service –— also known as VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol — is usually cheaper than using traditional phone lines. If you’re thinking about trying VoIP, here are some things to consider:

Internet connection. Your calls will be going over the Internet, not over the local phone company’s copper wires, so make sure you have reliable broadband service.

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Software-based services. The cheapest VoIP offerings — sometimes free — involve downloading software and then making calls from your computer to another computer. Video chat may be included. For a little more money, you can make computer-to-phone calls. Skype, Yahoo Voice and Google Voice are among your choices.

Device-based services. With VoIP services such as Vonage, Ooma and Phone Power, you connect an adapter to your Internet router, and then connect your phone to the adapter. You then can use your phone as usual, and your computer doesn’t have to be on to make calls. Cable companies that offer VoIP will typically send a technician to hook up the adapter.

Other features. Most providers offer a range of packages and prices, depending on how much you use your phone and whether you want features such as voicemail and caller ID. Some offer automated transcription of voice messages to your email. Be sure to check on 911 service — it typically is available with device-based services, but not with software-based ones.

Power outages. Unlike copper phone lines, which still work even when the electricity dies, VoIP relies on using the Internet — so if the power goes off, you may have no phone service. Some Internet providers and VoIP companies offer back-up batteries to provide temporary service.

VoiceLinx at the Business Show 2013

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VoiceLinx exhibited at the Business Show 6–7 June 2013 at London EXCEL conference Centre.

On 6th & 7th June 2013 Excel Played host to several enormous events aimed at meeting the needs of every business.

Whilst VoiceLinx exhibited in a stand as part of  Sales Management and Performance 2013 the same hall plays host to the Great British Business and the Business Start Up shows.

Voicelinx showed Sales Professionals how Voicelinx can help their Call Centres with Automated outbound dialling and fully customisable inbound calling routes.

VoiceLinx is so flexible that Call Centre agents can be sat next to each other or on the other side of the world! It can be fully integrated with many CRM systems.

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Were you there? Then tell us about it…
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Case Studies

When Tough Mudder set up the London office, Voicelinx deployed a fully functioning phone system including voicemail to e-mail and conferencing within a day of Internet becoming available. We have 31 extensions in our London office. One of the major benefits of using Voicelinx is their personal attention and in depth knowledge this led to us installing a Polycom IP7000 conference phone which allows us to join skype calls into our regular conference calls.

Yvonne Muller
EA to Europe Vice President, Tough Mudder

AIA, the leading international service provider in cargo management, has 18 employees in four geographical locations. The requirement was for a flexible telephony solution at an affordable price, to be implemented within short period of time. The requirement for 20 DDIs (Direct Dial Inwards numbers) lent itself to VoIP with an IAX trunk. Voicelinx perfectly integrated four of our offices to use ‘one’ phone system, which made it very much cost effective.

Mark Andrew
General Manager Europe, AIA Cargo

Find a Future is an organisation which brings together the nation’s flagship skills and careers experiences: WorldSkillsUK Skills Competitions, The Skills Show, and The Skills Show Experience, to provide every young person with the chance to unlock their potential and get excited about the world of work. We have been using Voicelinx phone systems for over 5 years, across 3 different office locations, with over 100 extensions at times. The ease with which our telephony can be moved, expanded and contracted has been of great benefit to us. We also use Voicelinx for a disaster recovery solution – should our offices become unavailable for any reason.

Louise Stone
Executive Co-ordinator, Find a Future

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