Should Your Business Switch to VoIP?

With all the benefits VoIP has to offer, if you're now considering a switch to VoIP service, these tips will help you overcome any potential hurdles and make the most of a VoIP system:

When in doubt, hire an expert. An off-the-shelf VoIP system for a business with a few employees is fairly straightforward to implement. But larger VoIP systems may work best if installed and configured by experts. Ask your network equipment vendor about VoIP services tailored for small businesses.

Test it out. Rather than switch everyone at once, test a VoIP service first with just a few users. Once you're satisfied with the service, then you can roll it out to other employees. (You might want to keep your traditional phone system up and running during the transition as a backup.)

Use call forwarding. If the power goes out, your computer network may go down--taking your VoIP service with it (unless you have a generator or other alternative power source). For backup, configure your VoIP service to automatically forward unanswered calls to a cell or landline number.

Secure your network. VoIP's growing popularity is attracting the attention of hackers, and users are concerned that hackers may digitally intercept VoIP calls or bring down a company's VoIP system using denial-of-service attacks. The solution? Make sure your network security is thorough and up to date. For more information, see my earlier article, "Is Your Business Safe from Internet Security Threats?"

One thing's for sure: VoIP technology is continually evolving, with compelling new benefits being developed for small businesses. For example, some new wireless PDA/phone combination devices allow you to use your VoIP service whenever you're near a Wi-Fi network and use your cell phone service when you're not. Among the advantages: a dramatic increase in mobility and a sharp decrease in your cell phone charges.

For larger small businesses, having a single IP network for both voice and data can provide other advantages, too. For example, an IP network can also support real-time, high-quality, affordable videoconferencing, call center applications and more.

No matter the size of your business, VoIP is a surprisingly flexible, affordable technology that offers the same, sophisticated communication tools your enterprise-size competitors have.