Guide to VoIP for Small Business

1. It costs less than conventional business phone service — often a lot less. No more multiple phone lines or paying extra for features like conference calling. Most VoIP service works on a flat monthly fee, so bills are more predictable.
2. It's less complex and easier to maintain. Voice calls run over the same network you already use for email and Web access. One system serves all.
3. It offers more advanced features. You can select area codes other than your own for your business number and receive calls or voicemail to your laptop or IP phone while traveling, as if you were at your desk. You won't need a separate cell phone and number. Take your business phone system with you when you travel.
4. Business class VoIP offers auto attendant, desk-to-desk calling, message on hold, conference calling and other features.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Using the internet for phone calls isn't all roses. Audio quality still isn't perfect, but it is much better than a few years ago when VoIP calls required both people to be at a computer.
• You can make VoIP calls with regular phones or new feature-rich, high-tech IP phones, and many users report no difference in quality.
• Depending on the number of employees you have, you might need additional bandwidth (a T1 line) to handle VoIP if, say, a dozen or more people will be on the phone at the same time.
• Plan ahead if you intend to switch to VoIP. Find out if your current phone number can be switched to VoIP.
• You may want to keep a conventional phone line as a backup, and also to assure you business a listing in the local phone book.
• If power goes out, VoIP service can go down, so consider a power backup.
• The lack of 911 emergency access through VoIP is a concern, although that too is disappearing as VoIP service providers find ways to add this feature.

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