Advances in VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) technology have given a whole new meaning to “keeping in touch”.
That’s according to Andre Joubert, GM of MWeb Business who says that in today’s connected world, every business person needs to be in touch with employees, colleagues, customers and suppliers at all times.
“Having a mobile phone is no longer enough,” he adds.
When it was introduced, VoIP was all about cost savings: only one network to manage instead of two; inter-branch calls and calls to employees on the same network for free; and local, long-distance and mobile calls at a significantly lower cost than using a conventional PSTN – traditional telephone network.
However VoIP also delivers convenience and improved productivity:
* Home offices, international branches, remote branches and regional offices can all be contacted via a single telephone number.
* Users can accept and make calls on most devices – a VoIP phone, mobile handset or any phone connected to the public phone network – as if it was their own extension.
* Users can work where and how you want, and remain contactable via a single number on the device of your choice, anywhere in the world.
Users can even take calls with them as they move from one location to another. For example, a customer can call your switchboard landline and the call is transferred to users at their desks.
But if they are on their way to a meeting, they can use the office WiFi system to continue the conversation as they walk through the building to their car. Then, as they drive off, their call is automatically transferred to the 3G/GSM network.
However, Joubert warns that because voice and data technology are not the same, businesses should ensure that their VoIP supplier has technology experts who can implement voice and data solutions properly.
In addition, MWeb Business recommends that the connection for most businesses considering a VoIP solution should not be less than a business-quality, 4Mbps connection.
In addition to innovative VoIP solutions, MWeb Business offers a range of services and solutions to meet all aspects of an organisation’s IT needs, from connectivity to cloud-based security, backup, archiving, business application and hosting services.