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There are many different business-class phone systems available with a vast array of features. Chances are you have heard of VoIP. What does that mean for you and your business?
VoIP stands for voice over IP (Internet Protocol). In other words, the phone system uses a network of cabling and switches similar to what computers use. This type of phone system offers a number of advantages such as expandability, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendant, and call recording. VoIP can be delivered as an in-house system or hosted by 3rd party provider.
Distinguishing Between Hosted and In-House VoIP
An in-house VoIP system has the phone extensions and a master “brain” unit that connects all the phones in your office together. The master unit connects to traditional phone lines to carry the phone traffic in and out of your office. With a 3rd party hosted VoIP system the master unit is located at the provider’s datacenter, and your phone extensions connect to it over your Internet connection. Both kinds use the same or similar technology between the master unit and the extensions.
What to Consider When Choosing In-House vs Hosted
There are a few things to consider when deciding if an in-house solution is more or less advantageous than a 3rd party host. For instance, an in-house system is better at supporting a larger number of extensions in a given location, about 10 or more. It also puts less strain on the Internet connection since the phone calls traverse standard phone lines outside the office.
On the other hand, a hosted solution works well for businesses with employees distributed among different offices. The monthly cost can be better for some organizations rather than having large up-front costs for phone hardware.
If you are looking for more information the advantages and considerations of VoIP systems, give Gravity Systems a call. We provide IT services in Austin Region, We’ll be happy to provide the 4-1-1.
