Do you need a small business VOIP phone system? We can help.

Written by Meg C.

Small business VOIP phone systems have gained in popularity over the last couple of years. If you are in the market for new small business telephone equipment, chances are a VOIP system is going to be on the top of your list. Here's what you need to know before you buy and how we can help.

How a small business VOIP phone system works

VOIP stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol." It works by transmitting your phone calls over a broadband Internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Most business VOIP systems allow you to call anyone, even if they have a cell phone or regular phone line. If you call someone with a traditional phone, the signal will be converted to a standard phone signal before it reaches the person you are calling. Some VOIP systems use your computer to make telephone calls, while other business IP phone systems allow you to use a handset that looks just like a traditional business phone.

Typical features of a small business VOIP system

Business VOIP phone systems can give your employees increased flexibility, and help you run your business more efficiently through a variety of features. These include easy-to-set-up conference calls, the ability to tie cell phones into the phone system, and a call tracking feature that can be tied to your client billing system. These features, common to small business VOIP phone systems, aren't always offered by other types of phone systems. You'll find more traditional features like voice mail, auto-attendants, music on hold, and much more comes standard on a VoIP system.

Pros and cons of a small business VOIP system

There are many pros to selecting a small business VOIP phone system for your small business telephone equipment needs. Most importantly, VOIP can save you 30 to 50 percent off your traditional phone bill. You don't have to change your telephone numbers when you switch to a VOIP system, either. In addition, voice-mail messages can be sent to your e-mail account so you can listen to them no matter where you are. Greater call clarity is also a commonly-cited benefit of VOIP phone systems.

VOIP small business telephone equipment has few cons. In the event of a power outage, most VOIP systems won't work – but on the other hand, most business telephone systems won't work without power, either. You may also find that you have to spend more up front for VOIP equipment, but the savings in your monthly phone bill should make up for that cost in the long run.

A small business VOIP phone system might be the correct small business telephone equipment for your needs. Find out by talking to a qualified VoIP phone system dealer: BuyerZone's free phone system dealer match service will help you get price quotes from multiple dealers.