Productivity is a catchphrase that drives businesses forward. It is all about working smarter, rather than harder. But you need the tools to achieve better productivity. With all the new buzzwords, Cloud PBX and IP telephony in Australia, it is easy to get lost trying to make decisions about a new telephone system.
Whether you are moving your operations to a Cloud PBX system or just want to upgrade the technology in your business, upgrading your phone technology to an internet telephone system will give your organisation more flexibility.
What is IP telephony?
Internet Protocol (IP) telephony uses the power of an IP-based network or the Internet. It replaces the old analogue telephone lines and wires. It consists of one or more SIP phones and an IP PBX server to connect to Brisbane’s public telephone lines. The server acts like a proxy server. When a user makes a call, the phone connects with the IP PBX to connect. The IP PBX has a directory of users and corresponding SIP addresses stored to connect internal calls.
The IP PBX has a directory of users and corresponding SIP addresses stored to connect internal calls. External calls connect through either a VoIP gateway or VoIP service provider like SKYPE.
Replace analogue systems that use circuit-switched networks Install an IP communication network. This will enhance the productivity and communications of your company. Convenient and cost-effective, you can do more than you could with an old system.
An internet phone application, with an Internet connection, enables voice and data communication. In an office environment, implementation is through the physical IP phones that link into the IP network infrastructure. Firmware built into IP telephones provide full functionality for using and managing organisational communications. IP telephony even supports videoconferencing for more than two users at a time.
Benefits of IP Telephony
When you plan to upgrade your phone system consider the benefits of an IP telephony system. One great advantage is integrating any number of services into one program from more than one location. Here are a few of the core benefits to consider:
Easier to install and configure
Software for an IP telephone system runs on your computer. This gives it the ability to link into the computer’s power, and user interfaces and features. It is easy to install and configure by anyone competent in IT and networking. This is in stark contrast to old systems that needs an installer trained in its installation.
Easier to manage
Manage IP telephony systems through a graphical user interface (GUI) or web-based set-up. This allows users to adjust the system to meet their needs. Most old phone systems are difficult to use. They usually only have limited options for user configuration.
Cost savings using VoIP providers
No longer do you need all the hardware of fixed lines; thus, eliminating these costs and inconvenience when you what to expand or move staff around. Make significant cost savings using a VoIP provider for regional, interstate and overseas calls. When you are travelling or your business has branch offices, connect between your office internet phones in Brisbane, or anywhere in Australia.
No more telephone wires
Changing to an IP telephone system means IP phones connect directly to a computer network port on your personal computer. Once you changeover to Internet-based communications, there are no more wires or calling in technicians to move phone extensions when staff move around. Eliminate the expense, inconvenience and unsightly wires caused by a conventional telephone system.
Improved customer service and productivity
IP telephony allows staff to deliver better customer service, which can increase productivity. A computer-based telephone system makes it easy to service customers. When they call the organisation, the system brings up their record making customer service faster. Cut costs with less time spent with each customer. Make outside calls directly from your Outlook contacts without having to type in a number.
Room to grow
You can outgrow an old, proprietary system quickly as they have limited options to allow for organisational growth. If they do, it can cost a lot to add new hardware components to accommodate more telephone lines and staff extensions. This is never a problem with an internet phone system. All you need to do is add more IP telephones to the network to expand.
More features for less money
Being software-based, IT developers can develop new or improve features included in the system. Some of the basic features IP telephony come with included are video and audio conferencing, voice mail, an auto attendant when someone cannot answer the phone. These are normally added costs with the old fixed line telephone systems. IP telephones usually allow free calls within the data network. You can also setup fixed call costs regardless of where in the world you need to call.
Add hot desks and roaming
Add a hot desk capability to allow staff to move around without having to move offices or furniture. With an old PBX, a technician would need to move the extension to the new location. All a staff member needs to do is take their IP telephone with them, plug it in and they are ready to take calls immediately.
IP telephone systems allow employees to roam. It gives them flexibility to work from home. All they need to do is use their internet phone at home in Brisbane and they can answer calls coming into their business extensions, just as if they are in the office.
IP phones are easy to use
Staff often have trouble working out how to use advance features on PBX phones. You need a full user manual just to work out how to make a conference call or even to transfer a call to another extension. Not with internet phones. Everything is using friendly using a GUI. Simple to use and you can see what going on with other extensions in your telephone system.
Do not let your old telephone system let your business down. Find out more how you can transform your communications with our Brisbane managed IT Support plans capability to add value to your organisation cost-effectively.