Also, you can prefer a virtual receptionist that makes the satisfaction of customer experience. 

In the battle of VoIP vs. landline phone systems for your business, which one wins?

  • Deciding between a landline and VoIP phone system is not as simple as it sounds. Since both offer unique benefits, the best option depends on what your business needs.
  • Cost, internet connection and reliability are key factors to consider in your decision.
  • VoIP offers greater flexibility, but landlines are known for reliability and consistent quality.

The phone system you choose can be a make-or-break decision for your business. There are many things to consider when deciding between a landline and a VoIP system, including cost, reliability and functionality. While you may be inclined to write off a landline as an antiquated system compared to modern VoIP systems, there are many benefits to a traditional system that may work better for your business. Read on to see which business telephone system is right for you.

What is VoIP?

You may be asking, What is VoIP and how does it work? Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a type of communication technology (comprising both hardware and software) that allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection rather than a traditional analog phone line that uses wires or optical fibers to make a connection.. VoIP is also known as internet calling or IP telephony.

VoIP is transmitted through various methods, including traditional phones, smartphone apps, computer software and specific VoIP-enabled phones.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP works by breaking up your voice into digital packets, like electronic envelopes, and sending those packets as data to the recipient over the internet.

VoIP is available in a variety of systems, making it accessible to anyone with a reliable internet connection. You can make VoIP calls via these methods:

  • A phone and VoIP adapter. With an adapter, you can use a regular landline phone to make calls over the internet. The adapters plug into a phone outlet in the wall or directly into your router.
  • A computer (i.e., a “softphone“). There are many programs or applications available that will let you make voice calls over the internet, including Skype, Google Voice and FaceTime.
  • A smartphone. With your smartphone, you can download apps, such as Google Voice or Skype, that allow you to make internet calls.
  • A dedicated VoIP phone. These look like traditional analog phones but connect directly to a computer network rather than a phone line.

Virtual receptionist

A virtual receptionist – often called a virtual assistant – can fill many of the traditional functions of a receptionist through fully automated features. It can answer phone calls, deliver recorded messages, direct calls and engage in a number of other useful services, all included in the VoIP packages.

Most likely, you have encountered virtual receptionists when calling customer support lines. The automated directories, including up-to-date information and changes to the system, can help resolve issues before a caller needs to be connected with another person.

Automatic call forwarding

Automatic call forwarding is one of the most useful features for anyone who utilizes it. Essentially, this will automatically take calls to the VoIP line and redirect them to another line of your choosing. Once common use is to redirect office calls to your cell phone while you’re traveling or working in the field. Calls to an individual can also be forwarded to a receptionist during important meetings. In general, this feature gives you more direct control over your own accessibility to others.

3-digit dialing

When there is an emergency, you know the number to call. There are only three digits, and you get directed to help. Imagine if such easy and reliable access existed for more than just emergency dispatchers.

Well, it does, and it’s called three-digit dialing. You can program any numbers you deem important and give them a unique three-digit code. This makes it as easy to remember and access numbers you frequently use as emergency services. If you can teach a small child to remember 911, then three-digit dialing gives you the same simplicity for any number that deserves it.

Pros and cons of VoIP systems

VoIP systems are becoming more popular as the world continues to digitize. They offer significant perks like lower costs, increased reliability and better sound quality. But VoIP systems aren’t right for everybody, especially those with unreliable internet connections or businesses that require significant telephony features.

Pros

  • Low cost: The main benefit and draw of a VoIP system is its low cost. Because calls take place over the internet, you are only charged for internet access rather than for call minutes or for extra phone service. With traditional phone systems, a system with multiple lines can be expensive, and additional features like call transferring or queuing can run up costs. VoIP offers a budget-friendly solution for long-distance calling, since international calls over a VoIP app are often free.
  • Connection anywhere: VoIP systems offer enhanced functionality compared to traditional phone lines. The world of business is moving rapidly, and many professionals need to be reachable anytime and anywhere. VoIP phone systems enable this by automatically routing phone calls to your VoIP-enabled phone. Wherever you are able to connect to the internet, you can make and receive phone calls.
  • Sound quality: Sound is usually clearer with VoIP than with analog phone lines, but this too depends on your internet connection. A slow connection can negatively affect the quality of your call, but a strong connection typically results in clear, consistent sound quality.
  • Better functionality: VoIP solutions tend to offer greater function than landlines by allowing users to host video calls and transmit multimedia messages. Systems often include add-on features like voicemail, call analytics, anonymous call rejection and voicemail-to-text transcription.
  • Technology: Modern communication runs through digital lines, and VoIP digitizes voice communications. This makes it compatible with the latest technologies. VoIP can work through the newest headsets, smartphones, computer accessories and more. Any cutting-edge technology that uses your voice is going to work better with a VoIP system than a landline.
  • Reliability: The digital nature of VoIP makes for extremely reliable communication. IP information exchanges run through some of the most robust infrastructure on the planet. When this infrastructure is supporting voice calls, it adds considerable reliability to the process.

What is a landline?

The landline phone system was invented in 1876 and has remained largely unchanged since then. Landline telephones work by sending signals through a series of physical switchboxes via copper wire from one phone to another, making them reliable and fast, though maintenance can be complicated and time-consuming.

Pros and cons of landline systems

Pros

  • Reliability: Traditional landline phones are extremely reliable. Because the connection uses wires, you can count on your service not to be spotty or spontaneously drop. This can be vital to businesses, both for maintaining productivity and because customers can consistently reach you. Additionally, when a natural disaster or bad weather strikes, phone lines tend to remain functional or can be fixed more quickly than the internet, which can reduce downtime for your business.
  • Consistent quality: If you have unreliable internet service, a landline phone can mean significantly better sound and call quality with no dropped calls.

Cons

  • Technology: The world is moving away from analog or traditional systems in many areas, and telephony is no exception. The ability to make a call from anywhere in the world at any time is becoming more of a business necessity. Landline systems do not allow that, potentially restricting your business capabilities.
  • Higher costs: Landlines are more expensive than VoIP systems, especially when you add features like voicemail, call waiting or caller ID. Landlines are also subject to taxes and additional fees, which further raise costs.
  • Spam calls: You may be more susceptible to spam calls on a landline than on a VoIP or mobile number. While it is technically illegal for telemarketers to call you on your cell phone, no such regulations exist for landlines. 

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