VoIP services have been around for decades, but they are now more affordable and easier to use than ever before. VoIP is a cost-effective way to connect with customers and employees, and it offers the convenience of being able to make calls from anywhere. However, there are many types of VoIP services available, so choosing the right one can be a challenge. But you don’t have to worry; we’ve created this article to guide you in choosing a VoIP service. In these VoIP services reviews, we’ll compare several categories of VoIP services so you can choose the one that best suits your business. Let’s get started
In-house VoIP Systems
This type of service uses a private IP-based phone system that is installed and maintained on-premises by a business. This means that the hardware and software required to run the system are physically located within the business’s own facility. This type of system allows for more control over the system and its features, as well as the ability to integrate it with other on-premises systems and applications. In addition, this type of VoIP system is suitable for both small-sized businesses and larger businesses. It requires several things to set it up and have it up and running.
What You Need To Step-up In-house VoIP System
To set up an in-house VoIP system, you will typically need the following:
IP Phones: These are specialized phones that can connect to an IP-based network, allowing you to make and receive calls over the internet.
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) System: This is the central system that handles call routing, voicemail, and other features of your phone system.
Gateways: These devices allow your phone system to connect to the public telephone network, allowing you to make and receive calls to and from traditional telephone numbers.
Networking Equipment: This includes routers, switches, and other equipment that is required to connect your IP phones and PBX system to your internet and LAN (Local Area Network)
Server or Computer: Depending on the type of in-house VoIP system you choose, you may need a server or computer to run the software that handles the call processing and routing.
Voice over IP (VoIP) software: You need to install this software on your server or computer to handle the call processing and routing.
IT support: An in-house VoIP system requires ongoing maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting, so you will need a dedicated IT staff to handle these responsibilities.
Backup system: Backup systems such as cloud-based storage or external hard drives are necessary to protect against data loss in case of hardware failures or other emergencies.
SIP Trunking: You might not necessarily need this, but it can help you enhance the functionality and flexibility of the in-house VoIP system. SIP Trunking uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to connect a business’s existing PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system to the internet, allowing for more cost-effective and flexible communication. In order to use SIP Trunking, a business typically needs to have a PBX system in place that is compatible with SIP, as well as a reliable internet connection. Your business will also need to contract with a SIP trunking provider for the service.
In general, an in-house VoIP system requires a significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and IT support.
Hosted VoIP Systems
This type of service is provided by a third-party provider and is hosted in the cloud. This means that the hardware and software required to run the system are located on servers owned and operated by the service provider. This eliminates the need for a business to maintain and manage its own phone system, as the service provider takes care of those responsibilities. This can be more cost-effective as the business pays a monthly or annual fee for the service. However, it may not be as customizable as an in-house system, as the business will have to work within the limitations of the service provider’s offerings.
Hybrid Systems
This type of service combines the best of both in-house and hosted systems. This allows a business to maintain some control over its phone system while also taking advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness of a hosted solution. A hybrid system typically includes a combination of on-premises hardware and cloud-based software. The on-premises hardware allows for more control over the system, while the cloud-based software allows for easy scalability and remote management. This can be a good option for larger businesses that want more control over their phone system.
Now that we’ve compared major types of VoIP services, you should have a better understanding of which one is right for your business. If you can’t still figure out the perfect one for your business, you can reach out to professionals in the industry. When choosing a VoIP service, it’s also crucial to consider your business’s needs as well as your budget.
