Whether we’re talking about our phones, laptops, or our Internet provider, we all expect reliability and consistency. This is one of the main reasons why many businesses were nervous switching to Hosted VoIP from their trusty PRI or analog trunks phone system.
However, over the years Hosted VoIP’s reliability and popularity has increased, and that’s something businesses need to take into consideration.
What do you need to do first?
Before you take the plunge and decide on making changes to your communications setup, you should know the facts, so that any decisions that you make are the right ones for your business. For instance, you’ll need to consider aspects such as Internet connection, compatibility, bandwidth and volume, mobility, network components and training, all of which we’ll discuss in further detail below.
Here at Jive, we aim to help you improve your bottom line and keep up with the latest technologies that are available on the market. When thinking about switching to Hosted VoIP, it’s worth noting that the technology has improved to now offer reliable, good quality sound and many cost-effective features. So, before deciding to make the leap to a Hosted VoIP service, we will outline the main aspects that you need to take into account:
#1. Ensure your Internet connection is high quality
For your VoIP service to perform well, you need to verify that you have a reliable high-speed Internet service. Without it, your Hosted VoIP service can’t perform optimally.
Nowadays, it’s become much easier to access high-quality Internet with fiber connectivity becoming commonplace and available nationwide. As Internet connections and upload/download speeds have got better and more robust, companies are now finding it much easier to switch to Hosted VoIP systems.
#2. Account for bandwidth and call volume
Another question that you need to ask yourself is how many phones will you have taking calls at the same time? With this in mind, you need to make sure that your bandwidth is able to handle the number of calls and the Internet usage.
#3. Configure and set up before you go live
Customers that call your business will make a judgement call about your service quality based on their call-in experience. So make sure your phone system is properly set up, including the extensions and where they lead the caller, hold music, the recorded greetings, and any background music. All of these things should be checked and confirmed before you go live.
#4. Verify your phone system is compatible
Before switching to Hosted VoIP, you need to make sure you have a VoIP-compatible system. As Hosted VoIP uses the Internet to receive and make calls, your current equipment needs to be Ethernet compatible. Your Hosted VoIP provider should be able to help you with any new equipment you may need.
There are many features that are available on a Hosted VoIP system such as video calling, phone logs, call waiting, extensions, transferring, contacts and voicemail, which are dependent upon the compatibility of your phone equipment.
#5. Take advantage of mobility
A Hosted VoIP system is mobile and offers a range of advantages. For instance, you could allow employees to work remotely, something that’s increasing in popularity. With Hosted VoIP, business communications can also come in through laptops and smartphones, not just desk phones. Further that advantage by ensuring employees are adequately trained to use VoIP remotely, as well as being trained to effectively work remotely.
#6. Verify network components
Quite often, problems related to voice quality can be attributed to poor network components. So consider updating all relevant components to ensure your network is able to handle the addition of VoIP traffic and that you don’t waste time and money in the long run. If you’re unsure which components require updating, consult a professional to identify them for you.
#7. Ensure employees are trained
A crucial point is to make sure your team is fully trained before switching to Hosted VoIP. Imagine the headache of having a new system that people have little knowledge about and hence are unable to utilize effectively. We would recommend that you train your employees using tutorial videos and manuals.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy a smooth, uncomplicated transition to a Hosted VoIP system. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at Jive and we’ll do our very best to answer your questions and guide you through you transition.
