VoIP Conference Software for your business
When switching to VoIP for your business, be sure to spend time comparing and evaluating multiple VoIP conference software options. Because so much of the system is controlled by the software, you'll want to make sure that the user interface (UI) is intuitive and that you'll be able to do everything you need to manage your VoIP system.
What are the benefits of VoIP conference software?
VoIP conference software greatly simplifies the Move, Add, Change (MAC) process. Instead of requiring a phone technician to rewire your PBX closet, VoIP conference software lets you configure your system on your computer.
VoIP conference software may offer your business benefits like:
- Intuitive web interface. Some VoIP conference software includes a web interface, allowing the phone system vendor to diagnose problems and make changes without even requiring a site visit. This means lower ongoing costs since you won't need to call your vendor for every MAC. Some VoIP conferencing software providers allow businesses to set up their own call conferencing servers. This will allow a larger number of participants to join a conference call, limited only by bandwidth.
- Multi-office connection. VoIP software lets you seamlessly connect multiple offices, so they can share a single receptionist, auto-attendant, and voice mail system. Both conference calls and private telephone meetings can be scheduled online using a PC; some software may improve inter-office communication further by allowing for image, document, and video uploads between branches.
- Remote employee support. Employees on-the-go can connect to a company network via a Virtual Private Network (VPN); VoIP software allows them to make conference calls from the road at no extra charge. One salesperson on an extended trip can save hundreds of dollars in cell phone or hotel long-distance charges. All the user needs is VoIP conference software that that lets their laptop function as an IP phone (also known as a "soft phone"), a PC microphone, and speakers.
- Mobile attendance. Most VoIP software will allow traveling employees, remote employees, and clients alike to intend a conference from a Blackberry, Android, or Wi-Fi enabled device. This simple connectivity feature will cut down on travel costs significantly to save a business money. A company will no longer have to pay to fly employees or clients to their office for an in-person meeting; conference calls can be scheduled on-the-fly with both employees and clients located throughout the US. Some VoIP conferencing software can also connect international clients and employees with multi-language support.
You may also want to learn whether the VoIP conference software in your phone system is built on open standards. While all VoIP systems use the industry standard Internet Protocol (the "IP" in VoIP) to route calls, some use proprietary technology for administration or integration features in the software.
Having VoIP conference software that runs entirely on open standards can allow for greater flexibility in integration and customization, although you may not be as concerned about flexibility as long as the features and costs match your requirements.
Does free VoIP conference software really exist?
You may be tempted by online offers promising free VoIP conference software. Tread carefully with such offers. While you may initially get the software at no cost, the provider may tie you in to long-term service contracts that can become costly and are difficult to break.
As with other complementary service offerings, you may get more than you bargain for with free VoIP conference software. Even if the service really doesn't cost anything, it could be very difficult to get service and support when you need it most. If your business relies heavily on VoIP conference software, you can't afford to lose the functionality for any length of time.
Users confirm that a number of free VoIP conference software packages are difficult to set up and implement without the help of a skilled IT department. Paying for a commercial package may offer easier installation with advanced features and reliable support. Nonetheless, commercial VoIP conference software may still incur extra charges with setup fees and potential conference room access costs.
Instead of seeking free VoIP conference software, why not look for reliable solutions from trustworthy providers? BuyerZone can help with our free request for VoIP phone system quotes service. Multiple VoIP vendors will review your conference call software needs and recommend the best solutions. While it won't be free, it may still be more affordable than you think!
