Despite the significant impact the internet has had on communications over the past couple of decades, the humble office phone is still a crucial part of most small businesses. Having as much company information on your website is great, and for many people the ability to manage all interactions with your business from their computer is ideal.
In some cases, however, there's no substitute for picking up the phone and speaking to someone. That's why smart small-business owners are bringing together the reliable functionality of the past with the adaptability and flexibility of the future, and making the switch to modern office VoIP phones.
Almost 30 per cent of the country has given up on their fixed-line telephone.
A study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that in 2014, almost 30 per cent of the country had given up on their fixed-line telephone. If your company is yet to make the leap, perhaps these VoIP features will be enough to lead you to embrace the change.
1) Easy call conferencing
After decades of regular landline phone use, you would think that an easy, affordable conferencing solution would have been developed years ago. Surprisingly though, while the technology for landline call conferencing is out there, it's far from commonplace and can be a complicated and expensive process.
With a VoIP phone system, video conferencing has finally reached the point where it is both simple to use and won't cost your small business an arm and a leg. What's more, using the technology alongside a complete unified communications solution, managing your multi-person calls is a breeze.
By controlling everything from a single HUD screen, you can quickly invite or disconnect participants, record calls, even share your screen to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Smartphones are becoming an essential part of professional life.2) Talk anywhere
One of the main drivers away from fixed-line telephone lines towards internet-based hosted phone systems is the increased freedom of mobility. More and more Australians are shifting away from a traditional office environment, using cloud-based office applications on smartphones, tablets and laptops.
In fact, according to research company Sensis, Australians on average own three internet-enabled devices. That's a lot of competition for the humble landline phone, and smartphones in particular are becoming an essential part of professional life.
Sophisticated, rapidly improving mobile technology means almost anything that can be done in the office can now be done on the go, and that includes business phone systems. Whether you're working remotely, a frequent traveller or just want to keep your workplace with you, embracing a VoIP phone system allows you to have the same communications experience no matter where you are.
More and more Australians are shifting away from a traditional office environment.
3) Reduced cost
All of these previously mentioned benefits are great, but one of the biggest advantages of switching to VoIP is the potential savings your small business could make. Freeing yourself from fixed-lines means you will no longer have to pay for separate networks for your phone and your data, which can be a significant saving right off the bat.
Also, should you need to add or remove people from your organisation, or even relocate your entire business, the costs which would have been associated with such actions in the past have essentially disappeared. As long as you have a broadband internet connection, and with the rollout of the NBN in Australia you're likely never far from an access point, you're essentially good to go.
If you think your small business could benefit from any or all of the above reasons, making the move to a VoIP phone system could be a no-brainer. Speak to Fonality today about a demo or no-obligation quote, and sever your connection to that outdated office communications system.
