VoIP technologies are gaining popularity nowadays. Companies, both small and big, enjoy communication by means of VoIP tools. In case you don’t really understand what VoIP refers to, this article might be pretty useful for you to be aware of advanced technologies and to benefit from them. And we shall start from the very beginning.
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What does VoIP mean?
Those four mysterious letters indicate Voice over Internet Protocol. This phenomenon might equally be called IP Telephony. That was quite smart to come up with such an eloquent name signifying the framework for voice communication on the Internet. Isn’t it convenient to have the possibility to integrate VoIP tools without any phone lines? Moreover, you won’t even require any mobile GSM/3G instruments.
VoIP is capable to allow clients to enjoy exactly the same possibilities compared to regular phone communications, which is the chance to talk to a specific individual online. Meanwhile, IP Telephony is a considerably cheaper solution, and we’re about to find out why it is so.
Reasons for the low costs of the VoIP calls
- To create the necessary infrastructure no investments will be required.
It’s pretty obvious that for delivering landline phone services, you should lay communication cables, and those lines must be enormously long. Speaking of mobile services, you shall require dedicated cell phone towers. In its turn VoIP communication applies the World Wide Web, meaning, the adequate infrastructure is already built.
- It has another approach to the payment.
We all know that the longer we speak on the phone the more we’ll ultimately pay. That’s the case of regular phones, as well as mobile communication. Moreover, we shouldn’t forget about the location factor, because international callings impose extra fees due to the distance issue. Nonetheless, VoIP solutions, which provide both voice and video communication, need just Internet access, thus, we simply need to bear in mind the volume of traffic used.
- When pausing during the calls, it’s completely free-of-charge.
Do you remember what happens, in case you need to pause while talking on the landline phone? You still pay for those minutes. The same goes for cell phones. Applying IP Telephony, there’s a completely different story, as you can simply block, so to say “pause” the communication.
That’s how VoIP affordability could be explained. And we shall proceed to the principles of the VoIP functioning, shall we?
How does VoIP system work?
The VoIP tools allow transmitting voice and other multimedia materials by means of the Internet Protocol (IP) frameworks. The technique is to convert analog audible signals into digital format.
Let’s put it simpler.
Analog voice material is to be transformed into data files, that are to be sent over the IP channels. VoIP needs to apply peculiar codecs for data encapsulating to send the desired message. On the other side, the files shall be removed from the encapsulation and transformed back into the audio format.
The VoIP greatest advantage is that the data is sent as digital files via specialized communication networks that have impressive bandwidth. That’s the trick of the high speed of data transmission and communication greater quality. In this case, the location factor is irrelevant.
Still somewhat confusing? That’s not a big deal, cos only VoIP providers have to get into the details, since they’re required to be proficient in the subject, and speaking of which…
Who are those VoIP providers?
The VoIP providers’ task is to enable and support a solid channel for callers to communicate. There exist few more aspects that fall within their competence: high quality of voice communication, reliability of the process, absence of any troubles on the wire, and so on. To get everything functioned properly VoIP providers utilize particular proxy servers. Moreover, dedicated upscale telecommunication systems help them as well.
Choosing the right VoIP provider
When you’re about to select the most optimal VoIP provider in your opinion, answer those questions to ensure you make the right choice:
- Is a VoIP provider in question covering all countries you need?
- What about its services and functionalities? Will they meet all the demands your business has?
- Does that VoIP provider have tech support available 24/7?
- Are communication channels properly protected against hacking?
- What about the price? Is it affordable for you?
Such questions will help you decide which solution to apply. Honestly speaking, it’s very individual, so the choice depends upon your business particularities, and what can be perfect for one company might be completely useless for another one.
We shall move on to explore the classification of VoIP solutions.
Kinds of VoIP technologies
We’re to discuss the kinds of VoIP calls specifying what pieces of equipment you’ll need in every instance.
# Phone VoIP calls
Certain people prefer to apply regular landline phones to make their calls. So, obviously, in this case, you’ll require to have such a phone. A dedicated VoIP adapter is mandatory as well. Those adapters could be different. Do you need the one to plug into phone sockets or the one requiring routers? Pay attention to such critical details to get compatible pieces of your equipment.
# Computer VoIP calls
It’s also possible to make VoIP calls by means of computers. So, you’ll need a computer, so make sure it has a stable Internet connection. Another condition is a specific program, for instance, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp and the like. Various programs provide different possibilities – some could be applied to call only that program’s users, and others enable them to reach cell phones and landline telephones.
A few additional things you’ll need are speakers and headsets (or a computer microphone). Now you’re good to enjoy VoIP technologies.
# Mobile VoIP calls
That would be the simplest case. If you have a cell phone and a specialized communication application, you’ll make a VoIP call. Also remember, that Internet access is a mandatory condition as well.
Now, when you know more about VoIP solutions, the time has come to get to the most interesting part.
VoIP key benefits
The development of the VoIP application could be pretty interesting for various groups of people, and we would mention the main two clusters:
- Businesses that strive to enhance their processes, since VoIP solutions positively influence companies they’re applied by.
- Businesses that offer voice-chat applications to various markets. Those are the direct rivals of Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp.
No matter what group you belong to, you’ll surely enjoy all VoIP benefits. Are you a provider striving to develop a decent VoIP phone application? Then you better learn what would be beneficial to your future clients. That’s the proper approach to market your solution.
Obviously, the key VoIP benefit is its possibility to ensure an effective business communication network having a great voice chatting framework. Let’s be more specific on what VoIP technologies provide:
- free-of-charge voice communication between the company’s staff, even when offices are in various countries;
- ability to take advantage of diverse communication tools from home or even during business travels;
- easy implementation of multiple VoIP technical means;
- possibility to incorporate voice chatting platforms into business apps;
- ability to record conversations and to get statistical data;
- conversations’ better privacy.
Well, now you’re completely ready to select the right VoIP service depending upon your business requirements. Would you like to enjoy all the benefits it’ll bring to you? Have fun!
