Voice over IP (Internet Protocol) represents the latest in phone system technology. With a voice over IP solution (VoIP), regular voice calls are sent over a computer network instead of traditional phone lines.

The voice over IP solution has gone from “interesting idea” to “business necessity” over the last few years. Audio quality has improved drastically, the technology has become cheaper, and many businesses are purchasing VoIP phone systems at a rapid clip.

According to industry analysts Frost & Sullivan, worldwide revenues for IP PBX systems (the heart of a voice over IP phone solution) are expected to grow from $1.96 billion in 2003 to $9.08 billion in 2007. Other industry players predict that by then, more than half of all phone traffic worldwide will be IP-based.

Types of voice over IP solutions
There are two basic varieties of voice over IP solutions. In its most straightforward form, VoIP requires a regular phone, an adapter, broadband Internet service, and a subscription to a VoIP service. When you place a call, it’s sent over the Internet as data until it nears the recipient’s destination. The call is then translated back into a more traditional format and completes the trip over standard phone lines. Also known as Internet telephony, this allows for extremely cheap long-distance and international calls.

The other option is VoIP phone systems – equipment installed at your business that routes internal calls over your computer network. With VoIP, you can unite multiple offices on a single phone system. No matter how remote the locations, a voice over IP phone system can completely eliminate long-distance calling charges between them. However, it does not replace your existing phone service to the outside world.

Where to find the right voice over IP solution
Voice over IP solutions can work for the smallest offices and the largest enterprises. Why not shop for the right voice over IP solution for your business today? Submit a free BuyerZone request for VoIP phone systems quotes, and compare price quotes and service levels from multiple vendors.