A Close Look at Vendors Supporting IP Phone Systems
You may have noticed there are dozens of vendors that support IP phone systems. This can present some difficulty when trying to decide between them, since they each offer their own specialized version of the service. Here are four of the largest vendors in the business marketplace and the benefits they can provide:
Vonage
Vonage has a monthly plan that provides unlimited long distance calling within the United States, as well as cheaper versions that give you a set amount of minutes. They do not require an annual contract or long term commitment, and have a 14-day trial that allows you to test the system and determine whether or not it meets your company’s needs. They also offer a wide variety of features such as 3-way calling, anonymous call block, enhanced call forwarding and repeat dialing. In addition, they provide 24/7 customer support and the option for unlimited readable voicemail. You can also keep your existing phone number if you choose to switch over to their service.
Voip.com
VOIP.com offers a hosted service plan for businesses that includes 5000 free outbound minutes every month. They allow you to have as many phone extensions at your company as you want, as well as the option to use your own phone device. They also provide a free softphone when you sign up and a second phone line and free voicemail. Their features include call waiting, remote voice mail access, eleven digit dialing, and a 'do not disturb' option. They also provide free in-network calls to all of their customers, along with web based call logs that can be viewed in real time through a special online interface.
Lingo
Lingo has a monthly plan that lets you make an unlimited number of phone calls to the United States and Canada. They provide free activation and a complimentary phone adapter when you sign up, and there is a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied with the service. They also have more than twenty special features available, including caller ID with name, speed dialing, simultaneous ringing, and an enhanced 911 service. In addition, they have the Refer-a-Friend Rewards program that gives you a $50 American Express cash card for every customer that you refer to the company.
Broadvoice
BroadVoice is widely known for their special monthly plans dedicated to international phone calls. They offer unlimited calling to 80 separate countries in the world, and have low international rates for everywhere else. Technical support is provided to their customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of their monthly plans come with call forwarding, outlook integration, call notification, and voice mail aliases. They also have several premium features available such as alternate phone numbers and the ability to have multiple devices connected to a phone line, even if one is at home and the other is at the office.
Before it became a necessity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had already begun realizing the benefits inherent in embracing remote work. These benefits are substantial and signal that (even when the pandemic is but a memory) remote work will continue to flourish and become a mainstay in the redefined workplace - particularly when it comes to VoIP. This guide will demonstrate how the workforce is changing and leaning toward remote work as a permanent business choice, explain the critical role VoIP will continue to play in supporting remote work, and highlight some of the new trends and innovations coming in 2021 for VoIP. more
