Phone Systems Software

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone system software makes it possible to make and receive calls through an internet connection. VoIP software can be run on an office computer and many VoIP providers also offer apps for smartphones and tablets as well. Computer-based VoIP software is also known as a “softphone” which facilitates ingoing and outgoing phone calls over an internet connection. VoIP platforms supply phone numbers, toll-free lines, and international toll-free lines to support business communications for small companies and corporations alike. 

Business phone systems work by setting up a phone number for every business phone line a company needs. Each unique phone number established by a VoIP provider has its own separate line capable of making and receiving calls over the internet. Each line will ring when a call is coming in and show lights for lines in use. Phone numbers can be customized by business needs and business phone systems also offer a variety of features like voicemail and call forwarding  to improve call quality and enhance communications.  

When choosing a voice over IP vendor, it’s important to look for important factors such as :

• Business needs
• Budget
• Call volume
• Scalability
• Backup lines and protocols for downtime
• Features and Functionality

You should choose a Voice Over IP (VoIP) software that offers all the features and technology your business needs to support existing communications, but that can be easily scaled as a business grows and adds employees and lines. Choosing the best VoIP provider for your company can quickly become overwhelming, but focusing on features, functionality, and VoIP providers’ reviews can help you in the VoIP selection process. 

The most popular VoIP services and features include:

• Call forwarding
• Number porting
• Call routing and transferring
• Call recording
• Domestic and International VoIP Calling Services 
• Voicemail
• Auto-attendant or virtual receptionist
• Mobile apps
• Integration capability with other business software
• Call conferencing
• Data and screen sharing
• User-friendly dashboards
• Reporting and analytics
• Integrations
• Unified Communications (Calls, Chat, Email, Etc)
• Admin controls
• Video Conferencing and Chat Tools
• Directories

VoIP is the acronym for “Voice over Internet Protocol”. VoIP is also often referred to as Voice Over IP phone service, Voice Over IP software, or Voice Over IP phone solution. 

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology transforms voices into digital signals that flow through the internet and enable users to make calls easily from a computer, softphone, or smart device. In its most basic form, voice over internet providers leverage the internet to facilitate calls, and require only a simple internet to function. With voice over IP products, unlike PBX, there are no cables or landlines to restrict use to a singular location. 

Landline and traditional on-site PBX systems are being phased out increasingly every year due to the vast benefits VoIP such as cost-savings, impressive productivity hikes, and robust feature sets including global VoIP calling, auto-attendants, call forwarding, call routing, hold music, and mobile apps. 

While IP Telephony and VoIP are frequently used interchangeably, the two are a bit different when it comes to how the technology works to facilitate calls. IP phone systems use a private data network (that is housed in a set location) that can be securely accessed by users on the network for calls in office or from remote locations. On the other hand, VoIP technology leverages the connective power of the internet to make and receive calls, without location limitations. 

VoIP phone systems are cheaper than landlines, typically costing less than 50% of what a landline costs. This is because a VoIP platform operates through your existing internet connection, compared to the copper wires of landlines, which must be physically installed.

Cloud Phone Systems are also referred to as Hosted VoIP providers, Hosted PBX or Cloud PBX. Cloud VoIP providers offer a solution that is accessed via a cloud IP Network. VoIP phone providers help facilitate calls and provide other features using the internet and are managed and maintained by the provider, which reduces upfront investment costs for companies that want a more traditional telecom structure with the convenience and mobility of VoIP. 

Cloud-based phone systems work by converting voice signals into packets that are sent digitally as data on the internet to make and receive calls. The biggest VoIP providers and voice over IP programs are moving to the hosted model as their primary due to business adoption, mobility, and cost-savings. 

The benefits of a cloud-based VoIP phone system include:

• Enhanced communication, both internally and externally
• Increased collaboration opportunities
• Increased mobility and flexibility
• Improved efficiency and productivity
• Reduced costs
• Competitive advantage and profit opportunities
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Advanced and customizable integrations
• More communication controls
• Improved customer interactions and service

VoIP phone system reviews can also offer insight into the best VoIP tools and benefits. The best VoIP reviews and VoIP ratings will convey honest feedback from users like you so you know which VoIP option matches your interests and goals. 

UCaaS is the acronym for Unified Communications as a Service. UCaaS is a cloud-based communication platform that incorporates the different communication mediums a company may be using, into one centralized platform. UCaaS systems aren’t simply telephony providers as they typically include integrated options for voice calls, voice and video meetings, unified messaging and chat, and presence.

Understanding the difference between VoIP and UCaaS will ensure you choose the right mix of communication features and tools for your business. 

Any company needing a cost-effective phone system with robust features will likely benefit from VoIP. VoIP carriers offer highly customizable features and there are packages and pricing plans available for companies ranging from startup to enterprise. Top VoIP providers often offer services for as little as one user, going up to fully featured enterprise phone system tools and technology for corporations.

Reading VoIP service reviews from companies similar in size and type to your own can help you identify the most valuable VoIP features and give you a better idea of which VoIP phone provider will be the best fit for your business communications. The best VoIP reviews will mention features, pricing, and include information about the full user experience and give insights to the voice over IP companies in the market from a user standpoint. 

Many VoIP companies, particularly the top 10 VoIP providers, are also expanding into full-service communication platforms that not only provide voice calling but also contact center and customer communication tools as well as video conferencing options that can be added to your package to support all your business communications. 

Buying the best phone system for your business and choosing among all best VoIP providers in the market requires careful consideration, and you can reference the checklist before to ensure you’re considering all the vital factors needed as you conduct voice over IP comparisons. 

• Conduct a business review of communication needs (internal and external) to help identify what communication issues you’re looking to solve or improvements you want to make to your internal and external collaborations. 
• Research what functionality is offered by the largest VoIP providers, and gain an understanding of what’s most critical to your company. 
• Consider company size, growth plans, and budget to help prepare for comparing voice over IP solutions.
• Identify the must-have phone systems tools and features your business will benefit from most.
• Research the best VoIP services, plans, and pricing offered by the top VoIP phone services.
• Research and read Voice Over IP provider reviews from companies similar to your own.
• Conduct a voice over IP comparison to make a shortlist of VoIP options that best fit your business needs.
• Make a list of top VoIP vendor choices and set up demos with your top 10 VoIP choices to determine which VoIP services provider is best for your company.

Wheelhouse offers tools and advice to help you find the best VoIP software. Compare VoIP providers, read voice over IP phone systems reviews, and check VoIP provider ratings with our dynamic tools and reports. Whether you’re looking to find a new hosted VoIP provider or upgrades with your existing voice service provider, you can use our tools to review VoIP providers and find your best fit.

VoIP phone systems have become a business necessity in recent years, and the number of companies implementing VoIP call services to achieve the benefits of a reliable, flexible communication system is now growing more quickly as many companies explore the option of operating remotely for the foreseeable future. The top 10 business VoIP providers, like RingCentral, 8x8, and Vonage for Business are definitely companies to watch for innovations and new feature offerings.

Alongside the rapid growth expectations for top hosted VoIP providers over the next few years, there will be new VoIP innovations and trends developing that help drive those increases and make VoIP more flexible, mobile, and dynamic than ever before. Embracing these changes and improvements in VoIP programs can help improve business communications both internally and externally.