VoIP technology has resulted in serious changes in the way we communicate with each other. It has succeeded in integrating both voice and data and utilizing the Internet for communication as well. Telecommunication is continually evolving and as people we can only continue to benefit from this evolution. Internet based phones will be the telephony service of the future but are its advantages being overemphasized? All things may not be as they seem.
VoIP has a great number of benefits and advantages. The only requirement that VoIP has is that you use a broadband DSL or cable connection. Provided you have this sort of connection, you can easily use Voice over IP. If you use yours through a PC-to-PC connection calls are usually free just as long as the person you are calling has VoIP as well, other than this most VoIP providers tend to offer unlimited calling plans for calls made outside a certain geographical area for a flat monthly fee. Traditional telephone services are much costlier than internet phones. This technology also offers additional services such as call forwarding and caller id, free of charge.
One other benefit of the integration of voice and data is that the person needs only a single system. It makes it easy to install and save money as well. Each phone is identified by a single IP address regardless of wherever it is plugged into. This makes it easy to move from one place to another or to add it to other networks as well.
These VoIP phones may also be utilized anywhere just as long as they have been connected to an IP network. This assists a lot with telecommuting and international offices as well, saving companies and individuals a lot of money. These devices also tend to be light and very easy to carry.
Regardless of these numerous benefits, there are disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage would be that VoIP is run by a lot of power. If a power outage occurs all voice communications cease, unlike the traditional telephone service which can still be made use of if there is no electricity.
Problems also exist with the calling of 911 emergency numbers. When you usually make a 911 call it is traced back to the sender and sent to the nearest 911 communication center in the area. However with VoIP these calls cannot be traced back to a particular location and cannot lead rescuers to find you.
Voice quality with internet telephony is generally efficient but the use of cable broadband could mean poorer qualities. This is because the data is broken down in order to be transmitted and the delay or a packet of data will sometimes mean that it needs to be dropped. This then results in silent periods.
Phone equipment may also need to be updated since voice over IP only tends to work with newer phone versions. Depending on the number of phones that need to be replaced, this could a substantial expense.
VoIP also has some minor annoyances that have to be sorted out but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. From all evident aspects this alternative telephone technology is the phone of the future but the future may already have arrived for all we know.
By: Darren Williger
Posts Tagged ‘Telephone Services’
Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP
February 22nd, 2010The VoIP Race – New Technology in Communication
November 11th, 2009
VoIP, or Voice over IP, communications and service providers are situated an industry with a furious growth rate and positive trends, paving the future for business, corporate, social and scientific communication. VoIP usage in the USA is expected to have soared from just over one billion Dollars in revenue in 2004 to almost twenty billion Dollars by 2009. VoIP services are relatively new to the market prompting an incredible boost in its usage and sales. Although it would seem that the change from regular phones to VoIP phones and services is predominant in large enterprises and the small to medium enterprises, as well as domestic settings are sticking with the traditional telephone services available, VoIP is still taking over the world.
The VoIP Race
With the influx of demand on VoIP services, communication carriers and suppliers are taking up the trend and converting to these services, offering customers the best in VoIP technology whilst being teamed with an existing carrier. However, an issue affecting the service providers’ business is the usage of VoIP. Many companies are installing it simply for the extra benefits and complex applications such as voice mail and relying on traditional telephones as means for direct communications instead of converting their entire PBX to VoIP. Most people are happy with regular telephones and high bills – something new is somewhat frightening to them. With these perceptions and “fears” of new technology such as VoIP, the industry will not progress as quickly as it should.
Due to the race for better prices, more features and lowest costs, the marketing features surrounding VoIP companies comes at quite a price, leading fees to increase. The cycle is a vicious one and the only provider able to combat this problem is the provider who focuses on their features being better than the rest. Small business enterprises will benefit greatly from the better features available from competing companies.
Times are a-changing!
The fearful perception of VoIP is a huge downfall for businesses still relying on old methods. The out dated methods of communication simply do not offer the advantages a VoIP PBX can. Many small businesses are fearful of moving to this technology because the technology is advanced and relatively unknown to employees and leaders of the companies. However, VoIP providers today have managed to escape the confusion and fear labelled to their services through clever changes. For example, some providers allow calls to be made through the normal phones over PSTN until clients are ready to receive calls using VoIP.
Users and observers not “in the know” may be under the misconception that VoIP is only concerned with phone calls using the internet. VoIP is not simply “talking over the internet.” Features such as voice mail that is accessible over any phone or internet connection, Call Forwarding; CLI; Hunt Groups; Call Barring; Call Restriction; 3-way Conferencing; Music and Message on-hold email, fax, multiple connectivity, easy access to user features settings and much more.
Smart Communication
Many communication companies are catching on to the benefits of joining forces with VoIP service providers, incorporating good value for money deals whilst expanding both companies customer base. This amalgamation of companies allows cheaper calls and services to subscribers in the sphere of customers of both companies.
The VoIP generation is growing. Despite some fears from the public as to the technical side of the services, the growth of VoIP in the communications market, especially in corporations and businesses, is becoming greater and greater.
By: Rosemary Grace Brooks
