What Is Hosted Voice?

By: Chris Darr
March 23, 2022

There's just something satisfying about a landline telephone, and unlike the old dot matrix printer, many people still have a fondness for it. The receiver was better designed for the human hand, it couldn't be programmed to play an annoying song when it rang, and you could hang up on a telemarketer with a bit more flair. But landlines are quickly going the way of the phonograph and the icebox, and if your business is still using them, it's time to start talking about better options.

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If you're starting your research here, let me simplify what could be a frustrating process. Hosted Voice is a phone system that's hosted and managed within the Cloud. Simple enough, but depending on how it's used and applied, this same technology goes by many names, some of which are used interchangeably. Here are a few of them:

  • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
  • Hosted VoIP
  • Hosted PBX
  • Hosted Telephony
  • Cloud PBX
  • Cloud Phone System
  • Cloud Telephony

How Does VoIP Work?

Landline phones convert your voice into a frequency that is transmitted along a wire. VoIP converts your voice into data so it can be sent via the internet.  And unlike many advances in technology, VoIP is quite compatible with its landline ancestor. You can use VoIP to call someone who is using a landline without any problems. If you really love your current business telephones, you can still use them with the help of a VoIP adapter. Finally, if your business has a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) in place, you can still upgrade to VoIP.

7 Benefits Of Hosted VoIP

Nearly a third of all businesses now use VoIP systems, and there's good reason for that. VoIP offers a lot of additional features, and as more businesses make the switch, this already good deal is expected to get even better. 

1. Save Money

VoIP providers charge far less than traditional phone companies, in part because there's no need to maintain the same infrastructure. Expert installation isn't required for new lines, moves or additional features, which further reduces cost. And because calls are taking place over the internet, there's no additional charge for long-distance calls.

2. Improve Collaboration

Video conferencing with VoIP is far easier than patching in multiple landline callers. Plus, you'll be able to share files during the call, so you can collaborate in real time.

3. Boost Flexibility

VoIP allows remote workers to access an office's fax, voice and data services through the internet. And should you ever need to move, the entire VoIP system can be easily transferred to a new location. You can also have calls automatically forwarded to other smart devices if they go unanswered after a few rings, so no matter what smart tech you or your employees are currently using, you can ensure the same level of responsiveness.

4. Reduce Inefficiencies

Because VoIP calls allow for better collaboration, research shows that the average business could save 32 minutes of calls per day per employee by making the switch.

5. Add Features

Like the old landline office phone, VoIP will include the basics. But you'll also be able to forward messages with a single click. And if you need to travel frequently, you'll love this one: your voicemails can be transcribed and sent to your email, so you can respond quickly from just about anywhere.

6. Improve Scalability

It's easy to add or remove features and lines through an online portal, so you only pay for what you need, and aren't stuck maintaining expensive features during lean times.

7. Increase Compatibility

VoIP is designed to work with a variety of apps, like email and customer record systems. Therefore, you won’t have to put a customer on hold while you look up their purchase history. 

Potential Drawbacks

As VoIP uses the internet to transmit data, it requires a reliable, high-speed internet connection. Unfortunately, 22.3% of rural Americans don't yet have access to that vital infrastructure. Without a reliable connection, for many rural businesses, migrating to VoIP might have to wait. Another frequently cited drawback of VoIP is that if an internet connection goes down, a business will also find themselves unable to place or receive calls. However, in those rare circumstances VoIP can still be accessed on other smart devices.  

It’s important to note that even landlines fail on occasion, and most providers will guarantee an uptime of at least 99.99%.

Who Is The Best VoIP Provider?

The best hosted VoIP provider is the one that gives you the best and most reliable service for the best price. Marco takes pride in maintaining long-standing relationships with our phone system vendors, and offers 24/7 network monitoring and support. If you're still wondering whether migrating to Hosted Voice Services is the right choice for your business, this handy tool can help point you in the right direction, or you can speak with one of our phone systems experts.

Learn More About Voice Over IP Contact a Marco Rep

Topics: Phone & Collaboration