Most business owners don't consider how their phone systems can improve business capability. Phones are often the pulse of operations which keep partners, suppliers and customers connected - particularly in small businesses, which must stay mobile and light while providing continuous service. A phone system which connects traveling businesspeople and field offices to HQ is a key asset for enhanced productivity and good news at the bottom line.

What's VoIP?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, transforms voice data into data packets which are delivered to an IP address. Because remote employees can log on to the main phone system, the technology is favored among small businesses which support telecommuters. Advanced features include auto attendant, voice mail, and 4-digit dialing from any location with broadband.

VoIP works a bit like instant messaging. Your phone number is mapped to your IP address by a central IP server. You can make and receive calls as you would instant message. The company's IT staff will need to install and provide ongoing support, or outsourced hosting solutions can be contracted. This can be a great solution for organizations which lack the staff and resources to operate the entire system in-house. Maintenance, support and upgrades are supplied by the contractor, freeing internal resources to go after more business.

The Benefits for Remote and Traveling Workers

A small law firm in Manhattan realized VoIP's ability to attract and retain key employees. When a key legal assistant had to move to Virginia after twenty years with the firm, Managing Partner Nicolas Timko didn't want to see her go. The VoIP system with remote usage support allowed the assistant to stay on and work from her new location. ?Her caller ID even displays our main number, so callers have no idea she's not in our New York office,? said Timko.

Don't Miss the Chance for Flexibility

Many businesses rely on enterprise systems and applications, but don't consider integrating home workers and traveling employees to log into the main system from afar. With VoIP, users can connect to the main phone system through a remote IP. Users can also opt for a Webportal solution, which puts system features in a simple, intuitive portal. Connected parties can call and receive, access voice mail, and speed dial with called ID and transferring. In addition, users can check voice mail with a Web browser, and take advantage of features such as meet-me-conferencing and click-to-dial.

A great alternative to regular cellphones, VoIP works for an expanding group of business travelers. It provides equal access, interface and usability as if they were at the main office, and pricey roaming charges are averted. VoIP beats mobile phone service in terms of quality and reliability, maintaining continuity via redundant connections. Substantial cost savings are perhaps the greatest benefit. An investment advisory firm, Prince Street Capital Management, reduced their monthly phone bill by two thirds once switching.

Whether telecommute receptionist, traveling sales rep or an office closed by a natural disaster, VoIP can help employees stay connected and productive anytime, anywhere.