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VOIP Services

July 1, 2022

VoIP Deep Dive: Discover the best VoIP Service For Your Business

The telephone has been a part of business processes since it was invented, with businesses quickly taking advantage of the new features that telephony has introduced as it has improved over the years. VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol—is the latest improvement, and as such, offers businesses a lot of great benefits to embrace.

First, let’s take a dive into these benefits and explore how you might see improvements through adopting VoIP.

VoIP Offers the Mobility that Modern Businesses Often Need

As recent events have definitively shown, the capability to work from places other than the office is a valuable one for an organization and its team members to have. Due to its use of the Internet as its network, your team’s phone connections can follow them to wherever they happen to be working.

With today’s VoIP options working as a softphone on a computer or as a mobile application, you can be confident that your team members will still have the communication tools that many offices rely on, without forcing them to be tied to their workstation.

VoIP Offers All the Features of Traditional Telephony… Plus Some

Businesses need their phones to do more than just receive and make calls. Nowadays, there’s a laundry list of additional features that businesses often need. Rest assured, a phone company is happy to enable these features—it’s just going to cost a lot more.

VoIP offers the same, without the added costs. All of these features are included in the software, along with some (like instant messaging and video conferencing) that many telephone service providers don’t offer.

VoIP Simplifies Your Business’ Infrastructure

We also need to touch on the fact that VoIP, unlike traditional telephony, doesn’t rely on its own network to function. Like we said before: VoIP uses the Internet.

Traditional telephony, on the other hand, requires that each telephone have a dedicated connection. Regardless of how big or small your team is, that’s going to add a significant bit to your business’ necessary infrastructure. Plus, that’s without mentioning how much of a hassle it can be to add new lines throughout your office. VoIP’s use of the Internet eliminates all that.

Of Course, Don’t Forget that VoIP Helps Save Money

This is perhaps the biggest benefit that Voice over Internet Protocol brings: you’re already paying for your Internet services. By using them as your telecommunications network, you’re getting more value for the price. Compare that to actively having to pay for your telephone service each month in addition to your Internet services, and there really isn’t much of a comparison. VoIP wins.

So, how do you decide which type of VoIP service will work best for your business? Here are your options:

Device-based VoIP services

With this service, you will need to purchase a VoIP device from a service provider and plug it into your existing landline phone to be able to make free calls within the United States. Examples of device-based VoIP services include MagicJack and Ooma.

Software-based VoIP services

This is the most common type of VoIP, and many of us already use it on a daily basis. You either access a web-based application or install software on your computer. You then use your computer’s audio and video input and output devices to communicate with others. Popular examples of software-based VoIP services are Skype and Zoom.

Mobile VoIP services

Like software-based VoIP services, mobile VoIP comes in the form of an app. However, the latter is installed on mobile phones instead of computers, enabling you to make and receive calls wherever you are. Three of the most popular mobile VoIP services are Microsoft Teams/Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Meet.

Business VoIP services

Business VoIP services are more cost-effective than traditional landlines. They offer a variety of useful features, such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, interactive voice response, automated attendants, call queues, and call reports. You also get complete technical support when you sign up for a business VoIP service.

 

VoIP for business can either be on-premises or cloud-based. For on-premises VoIP systems, businesses need to purchase all the equipment and house these in their office. This alone requires huge capital expenses. On top of that, businesses have to pay fees for system maintenance, repairs, and upgrades regularly. The upside is that you’ll have total control over your hardware.

 

On the other hand, when you choose cloud-based VoIP systems, you outsource your phone system to a VoIP provider. This eliminates the need to purchase hardware or invest in maintaining the systems as your provider will handle everything for a fixed monthly fee. You can also scale services easily. The downside is that you’re not in total control of the hardware, and you need to rely on your provider’s expertise to ensure system reliability and security.

Want to learn even more about VoIP? Talk to our professionals today.

By admin
May 26, 2022

5G: What You Need To Know About The Future Of Business VoIP Systems

Fifth-generation technology, or 5G, will significantly enhance the performance of your business’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. That’s because 5G networks have much higher speeds, greater capacity, and reduced latency than 4G LTE networks. This means that businesses can enjoy crystal-clear voice quality and low call latency no matter what device or where they make calls. Here are three ways to take advantage of 5G for your VoIP system.

Explore VR and AR

With 5G network speeds, virtual and augmented reality can become more common for many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 5G easily surpasses 4G’s Gbps (gigabits per second) limit, which is currently holding back businesses’ adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications.

VR and AR need to process significantly more data because of the visuals they must process as users move, and this puts an enormous strain on mobile networks. 5G is set to ensure a better user experience by facilitating smoother connections and preventing network delays that can affect your bottom line.

Improved video conferencing

One of the major hindrances to smooth web and video conferencing is slow network data transfer. Fortunately, innovations like Web Real-Time Communication and 5G networks can enhance VoIP for businesses by providing open and stable streaming as well as sufficient transfer speeds. These will allow businesses to view higher-quality videos, even those at 4K and 8K resolution.

Beyond improved streaming quality, 5G networks will also be able to support video calls with a larger number of participants, which is timely, considering the current shift to remote working.

Utilize mobile VoIP

VoIP calls heavily rely on sufficient download and upload speeds. For example, mobile VoIP users may experience unstable and poor call connectivity and clarity when their 4G networks are limited to 12 Mbps upload and 2 Mbps download speeds. These limitations could also lead to packet loss. Packet loss happens when one or more “packets” of data traveling across a computer network fail to reach their destination, which is typically caused by network congestion. Packet loss reduces audio/video quality and can even cause calls to be dropped, leading to a poor VoIP experience. But thanks to 5G’s greater speed, packet loss can be prevented.

Moreover, 4G network providers set a fixed amount of bandwidth for every direction it transmits a signal to. But unlike 4G, the 5G bandwidth can be adjusted on the fly. This means that 5G network providers can allocate bandwidth to mitigate congestion. In practical terms, businesses could reach their customers even if the latter are in crowded places that normally max out 4G mobile network capacity constraints, like in football stadiums or airports.

When your business decides to adopt the up-and-coming 5G network, you can expect to see significant VoIP improvements. If you’re looking to set up a VoIP system for your business, call or email Net Activity today.

By admin
September 9, 2021

Recording Calls Is Good For Business-Here’s Why

Is your customer service department lagging in terms of quality? If so, it may be time to review the call quality of your customer service representatives. One of the best ways to do that is to use your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system’s call recording feature. By listening to recorded calls, you can find out what can be improved, reduce your team’s errors, and gain several other benefits, including the following.

1. Upgrade employee performance

According to Edgar Dale’s Cone of Learning, people only remember 10% of what they read, 50% of what they see and hear, and 90% of what they do. By providing your agents with actual recordings of good and bad calling examples during training sessions and having them simulate calls afterwards, they’ll be able to learn better and provide high-quality customer service faster.

2. Improve customer service

One of the most important reasons why businesses should always record their calls is to ensure high-quality customer service. By reviewing calls, managers can understand how their agents have been dealing with customers, find out whether or not they’ve followed company protocol, and pinpoint any aspects that can be improved on.

Without call recording, managers would have to listen to each call in real time, which is time-consuming. By recording each call, not only will your managers save time, but your employees will also be motivated to perform at their best, since they know their calls can always be reviewed.

3. Retrieve missed details and prevent potential lawsuits

Your employees handle hundreds of phone calls daily, so it’s understandable if they don’t catch every single detail. And for companies that require their agents to manually input information during calls, there’s always a possibility that they’ll forget or miss certain information, which could then lead to disgruntled customers. If not properly handled, this can harm your reputation, reduce work opportunities, and if things escalate, proceed to litigation.

VoIP’s call recording feature lets you replay saved audio files to make sure you haven’t missed any details, ensuring that all customer demands are met. And if you ever get into a dispute with your clients regarding who said what, you can always retrieve the exact audio file and have both sides listen to it, saving you thousands of dollars in legal fees.

4. Understand customer preferences

Have you ever received an inquiry about a product or service that’s not included in your offerings? While your agents usually jot these requests down and pass them on to the relevant personnel, they may overlook some of these if numerous calls are being made that day. Tiny issues like this can lead to potentially huge losses.

With call recording, you can review all your calls at the end of the day. You’ll have a better picture of what certain customers are looking for so you can address their needs better.

VoIP allows businesses to make on-demand calls affordably, and its call recording feature helps companies improve their customer service and prevent litigation. If you think Teams Voice or business VoIP is right for you, or if you have any questions, give us a call today.

By admin
March 8, 2021

What You Need To Do Before Committing To A New VoIP System

There comes a time when every business needs to invest in a phone system: they’re buying a new phone system for their new location or they’re upgrading from an older system. Regardless of the reason, they’re ready to make the commitment.

Your phone connects you to your customers, so you need it to be reliable. You want it to have a specific set of features (such as voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, conferencing, recording, etc.) and you want your investment to be supported for years to come. The question you have is, “Where do I begin?”

First and foremost, finding the right phone system can be a pain. Doing research online leaves you sifting through site after site as you look for answers only to find way too much information – and most of it isn’t worth your time.

As a business, you’re about to drop serious money on a new phone system, so you want to know you’re getting what you pay for. Unfortunately, the phone system business is a competitive one, which means it’s hard to find websites, reviews and data that isn’t biased or skewed in some way. There are countless websites featuring deals that aren’t really deals, or websites hosting reviews sponsored by a phone service provider. This isn’t helpful.

So, what is helpful? Here’s what you need to know.

Most phone systems are essentially the same. There may be a few features that vary from system to system, but most VoIP systems will all have the most important features demanded by businesses. Your best bet is to define your phone needs before you start searching for a system. Chances are it won’t take long to find what you’re looking for – if you ignore the clutter.

What you really want to find is a stellar service provider. You might get caught up in trying to find the best phone with the best features, but none of that matters if you don’t get good service to go along with it. You need someone who will be with you every step of the way, from setup and installation to configuration and the all-important support.

You need someone you can rely on. That way, if anything goes wrong or you have questions, you have someone you can call. The fact of the matter is that most people aren’t and never will be VoIP or phone system experts. Business owners have too much on their plates to learn – from scratch – about a new phone system.

This leads to the questions you should be asking before you commit and buy a new system:

  • Who is setting up my new phone system?
  • Will they customize it for my specific needs?
  • How do I get help if my phone system stops working?
  • Who do I call if I have additional questions?

As you vet potential vendors, get exact and direct answers. If they beat around the bush, that’s a red flag. They should be able to answer all of your questions in a language you understand. If they don’t answer your questions, or you aren’t happy with the answers, find a different vendor.

There are many vendors who will send you a system and leave the rest up to you. If you know what you’re doing and have the time to set it up, it’s no big deal. But that isn’t most of us. And forget about support. If anything goes wrong, you’re on your own.

The best thing you can do when searching for a new VoIP phone system is to find an honest, reputable, local phone system reseller that you can verify will do the following:

  • Set up the system.
  • Customize the system for your business’s specific needs.
  • Offer personalized and continuous support and training.

In most cases, the answer lies with a dedicated and experienced IT services firm that knows technology. This is the kind of company that not only checks the boxes but can also ensure that your system works with your network without any hiccups.

The bottom is this: Do your research. Ask questions, get answers and be confident in your decision before handing over the credit card and signing on the dotted line. You’ll be much happier that you did!

By admin
November 5, 2020

How VoIP revolutionizes communications for small and medium businesses

Many businesses fail to realize how ubiquitous and game-changing VoIP is, and as a result, they stay stuck on legacy phone systems. Staying put should no longer be an option, especially if your company is serious about seizing future opportunities. Read on to learn how VoIP can improve your communications.

Different phone systems

Phones have come a long way from analog landlines. Nowadays, many digital phone systems don’t even have conventional telephony hardware anymore. Modern businesses need a phone system that can service all of their needs, and in most cases, VoIP phones are the answer.

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a system of hardware and software that uses the cloud instead of analog circuits to transmit data. VoIP does more than just transmit audio — it can also send a variety of data (videos, documents, etc.) and perform other tasks as well.

A VoIP system’s hardware (phone units, cables, CPUs, etc.) and software (one or more applications that run the system) can be either on-premises or hosted.

On-premises – The hardware and software are physically located within the premises of the company.
Hosted – Some of the hardware, like phone units and other equipment, can be found within the premises. But most, if not all, of the software is hosted online. Service providers look after hosted systems for their clients.

Life cycles: On-premises vs. hosted

The useful life of hardware remains the same whether it’s on-premises or hosted. Hardware is affected by the wear and tear of daily use. Barring any accidents or physical damage, VoIP hardware should last as long as analog handsets, usually several years.

Software, on the other hand, needs constant updating. It’s faster and cheaper to update software that’s hosted in the cloud versus one that’s on-premises. The differences in longevity between the two should be negligible; both can last upwards of 10 years, depending on your IT support.

Future-friendly technology

Cloud technology has fundamentally changed the way IT solutions are produced. In the past, hardware and software were built to last. Today, they’re built to adapt and change. The effect of this shift on telecommunications technology is dramatic.

Most hardware components are very similar, with replacements and upgrades coming every 5–8 years on average. So even new ones aren’t necessarily cutting-edge, and yet they tend to be costly. Cloud software, on the other hand, is faster, more powerful, and costs less to upgrade. Critical updates can be released almost constantly, with complete overhauls taking no longer than 2–3 years.

As your business grows, your phone system should be able to adapt to rapid growth, the need for more speed, and integration with the other systems in your business, like email or management software.

Be a step ahead

Your business cannot afford dropped or missed calls. Imagine what one day of phone downtime would do to your company. The time to replace your phone system is not after it fails. The best time is before that, when you can plan and budget properly.

Nowadays, it’s not longevity that’s important; it’s staying ahead of the curve. Call our experts today so you can always be a step ahead.

 

By admin
February 27, 2018

Learn More about VoIP Architecture & Call Components

A lot has been written about the features and benefits of VoIP services. So, in this blog, we would concentrate on understanding the architecture and components of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. We would consider the major components along with their individual functional characteristics.

The 4 major VoIP components include:

  • Signaling Gateway Controller
  • Media Gateway
  • Media Server
  • Application Server

VoIP Phone Services

SIGNALING GATEWAY CONTROLLER

The signaling gateway controller (SGC) is a known as ‘called agent’ due to its call control function and is popularly referred to as a ‘Media Gateway Controller’ because of media gateway control function included in the system. The SGC entity is the heart of VoIP platform and performs multiple roles out of which connecting the PSTN world with the IP world is its main function. Some of the main characteristics of SGC component are:

  • Supporting signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol stack
  • Supporting voice call control protocols such as H.323 or SIP
  • Supporting media control protocols such as Megaco (H.248) or MGCP
  • Generating detail call records
  • Providing bandwidth management control using admission control mechanisms
  • Supporting bandwidth policing mechanisms
  • Allocating media connections

MEDIA GATEWAY

The transmission of voice packets is performed by the media gateway by using RTP transmission protocol. The media gateway performs extra functions such as packetization when it’s used in a converged IP/PSTN network. It requires using IP trunks on one side and TDM trunks from the other. Some functions of the media gateway can be listed as below:

  • Supporting MEGACO or MGCP
  • Transmitting voice data using RTP
  • Supporting E1/T1 Trunks
  • Supporting various compression algorithms
  • Managing digital signal processing (DSP) resources

MEDIA SERVER

The role of media server comes into the picture when additional features such as video conferencing or voicemail is needed. It also assists when announcements or special tones need to be transmitted. Media server performs the following functions:

  • Voice activated dialing
  • Voicemail function
  • Transmitting customized call progress tones or special service announcements
  • Transmitting voicemail to email
  • Supporting Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

APPLICATION SERVER

Application Server takes the responsibility to provide value-added services to the IP network. The server provisions both – customer specific and global services. Moreover, session specifications and call characteristics are also influenced by the application server. Below are its main functions:

  • Offering basic services like call forwarding, call waiting, call transfer, etc.
  • Supporting private dialing plans
  • Generating call detail records (CDR)
  • Free Phone service

Once you opt for VoIP phone services, it is important to decide on a reliable VoIP service provider who can assist you with business-specific requirements and provide cost-effective services to your business. The Net Activity team is well-versed and well-equipped to serve your organization with a functional VoIP system. Please visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to know the details or contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346.

By admin
September 22, 2017

How to Train Non-IT Professionals for VoIP Phone Systems

Incorporating VoIP phone systems for your business adds value to your routine operations and results in improved profit margins. However, this is possible only when your staff is well-informed about the complete feature set of the phone system. Using the VoIP phones does not require any technical expertise; however, the non-IT professionals want to be trained to utilize the system to its full capabilities to extract the best possible outcome. It’s important to train the non-IT staff during the procurement and deployment of business VoIP phone systems. This will also give the employees reasons to excited about this transition and adapt to the new work environment.

VOIP Phone Systems

Get end-users involved in the selection process

When you make decisions at the managerial level, you often tend to concentrate on figures and integration with your infrastructure. The system features appear to be a perfect solution to your business. However, you may be missing an important step – talking to the end users. The job duties of end users involve them in getting hands-on with the system on a day-to-day basis. So considering their views before making a selection would help in discovering the most useful features for employees so that they meet the expectations of the businesses to their full capacity.

Arrange extensive training sessions

Implementing VoIP phone systems to your business set up would mean a sudden transition in the working environment. The best thing to do is train your employees, especially the non-IT staff members so they are prepared for change in the work processes.

If you are a business in Northeast Ohio looking for a VoIP service provider locally, Net Activity is the place for you. We offer customized VoIP plans and well-planned training sessions for your staff members so that you define the objectives to be achieved by the implementation.

Sell focused benefits to the non-IT staff

Individuals tend to be more interested in role-specific benefits of the VoIP system implementation rather than knowing the complete set of features. The VoIP system has the potential to explore the untapped areas of your business. By addressing non-IT concerns while deploying it into your business will help in aligning the right efforts towards accomplishing your business goals. Net Activity, Inc. can be your technology partner for VoIP system installation. Please visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to see a list of our offerings or contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346 to discuss further.

By admin
August 16, 2017

Top 5 Differences between VoIP and Regular Telephone Service

Voice communication has undergone a huge revolution in the past few years and VoIP is a common term now. In fact, VoIP represents all the voice communication nowadays as the traditional telephone service has become an extinct species. VoIP has set high standards in the telecommunication industry as they are reliable, convenient, cost-efficient, easily scalable and offer utmost flexibility. Let’s understand why VoIP crept in and acquired the already established monopoly of the traditional phone services.

VoIP and Regular Telephone Service

VoIP and Regular Telephone Service – Top 5 Differences 

VoIP is in tune with the latest technology

VoIP emerged as a completely unique technology rather than just bringing in an update from regular voice calls. It utilizes internet connection and packet switching technology to set up a voice call in contrast to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and is more freely available to users across the world.

VoIP is economically priced

When a call is placed using the traditional telephones, the entire circuit from one end to the other is utilized and needs to be kept open which is why long distance calls cost high. On the contrary, VoIP converts the human voice into packets that travel using different routes and are assembled together at the other end. This packet switching technology reduces the overall cost of the calls placed as voice communications use the internet connection that already exists.

VoIP is a complete package & doesn’t serve a single purpose

For multi-tasking persons of the 21st century, communications are not just limited to voice messages. VoIP offers several additional features such as a customizable virtual attendant, call forwarding, voicemail to email, three digit dialing, and many more. This whole set of convenient options for users tend to attract them towards the Voice over Internet Protocol service.

VoIP is more convenient and reliable

The concept was introduced to make communication easier, convenient and effective. VoIP allows maximum flexibility to users such as attending calls from anywhere, placing conference calls, computer to computer calling, etc. Also, it is very convenient to record calls and keep a record of the conversations (especially for businesses) on the internet.

VoIP is scalable at the least cost

Despite the estimations, one may require to expand or collapse their telephone services at any time. VoIP allows maximum flexibility and there is not much cost included. If the same has to be done with the traditional phone services, it would invite unnecessary cost escalations.

Net Activity, Inc. provides reliable VoIP phone services since 2002 and has saved 80% of the telephone costs of customers. Please visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to know more details or contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346.

By admin
July 28, 2017

VoIP Phone Benefits: How is it Advantageous to Your Business?

Traditional phone systems, also called as Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) have been long ago morphed into a digital communication system – the VoIP networks to eliminate the need of hardware and transform into a completely different communication medium.

voip phone benefits

VoIP Phone Benefits

The VoIP phone service offers software application driven features that proves to be the biggest advantage over the traditional PBX systems. It allows for a set of unique features that ease communications and foster a sophisticated IT infrastructure. The PBX functions on traditional methods and is programmed to function likewise. It will keep on ringing simultaneously even if the caller is not at place. However, an IP-based phone may be programmed to ring only when an external call is received or to ring only for a certain while and become silent or take a voice-call in case the user is not in place. Users can even route their calls from one number to another if they are travelling or can set up to receive a voicemail transcribed in a text message or email. VoIP also benefits users by allowing them to have voice or video calls over the internet for better convenience.

VoIP leverages many benefits over the PBX telephone systems that lead to its popularity across businesses. There is no hardware set-up; just a small footprint of VoIP phones and adapters along with a standard API for accessing applications. Moving to VoIP is like taking a giant leap into a completely different world of communication that is innovative, flexible, and cost-effective. However, organizations must assess their network for all verticals before establishing a VoIP solution.

Net Activity, Inc. is a popular and reliable VoIP service provider in Ohio serving the industry since 2002. We are a team of trained professionals who possess technical expertise and customer handling experience and are determined to deliver the best of our VoIP services to our customers. Please visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to know more about what VOIP services we offer or dial 888-545-5346 to discuss further.

By admin
July 18, 2017

Why Do Nonprofit Organizations Need to Upgrade to VoIP Phone Services?

VoIP phone service is a common term now and does not require an introduction. This type of telecommunication is highly recommended for non-profit organizations as it eases the jobs and saves money. Collaboration with VoIP service providers brings in a feature-rich system which ensures smooth functioning of the non-profits in a cost-effective manner. Convinced by the benefits, a large number of non-profit set-ups have adopted the VoIP Phone Services communication system. However, some of those are still lagging behind.

VoIP Phone Services

Here’s how VoIP phone services for nonprofit organizations have changed the way they operate:

Receive calls while on Appointments

VoIP allows workers to twin a single phone number on two devices so that they ring simultaneously – one on the desk and other mobile device. This feature enhances reachability of the non-profit workers as they will never miss a call just because they are atan appointment.

Auto attendant

Non-profits run on a small budget and cannot afford to appoint a full-time receptionist to handle calls attentively. So, the auto-attendant feature provided by VoIP phone system proves to be an economical and sophisticated option. This enhances customer relationship management and displays a bigger picture of the organization at literally no extra costs.

Greener fax messages

VoIP services are known to be a greener technology service. It offers the ‘UniFax’ feature that receives fax in an email format wherein there is no paper wastage. Since non-profits are known to contribute to a good cause, this would be an extra step that promotes greener living.

Voice mail transcription

Users of VoIP phone systems are amazed at this feature as it adds up to their comfort by receiving the voice messages in an email format so that you don’t end up taking a paper and pen to note down every message in a hassle. This saves a lot of time and effort.

Net Activity, Inc. has helped one of its non-profit clients save nearly $250,000 over a 5-year period by installing a VoIP phone system and the organization now operates economically and more efficiently. If you wish to experience the VoIP telecommunication methods and benefit from the feature-rich service, contact the Net Activity office at 888-545-5346. You can also visit us at https://www.netactivity.us/who-we-help/non-profits to know how we can help your non-profit organization.

By admin

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