Small business phone systems have changed remarkably over the years. From the conventional landline phones to the internet-based connections available today, choices are aplenty.

Voice over IP, or VoIP, is a relatively innovative concept of small business phone systems. It works with the internet connection instead of traditional landline phones. There are some major benefits of VoIP over conventional business phone systems, which include:

• Low cost of maintenance
• Minimal installation/setup
• Requires lesser maintenance
• Has advanced features like call transfer and auto-attendant

While the call quality with VoIP remains the same as traditional phone services, you should have an appropriate internet connection to use it.

VoIP Small Business Phone System – What Is It?
Most businesses use Skype or Vonage, which is VoIP, for making phone calls. Whilst these applications are meant for personal use, there are several companies specializing in VoIP business phone systems too.

There are 2 major areas of costs involved with VoIP – the cost of handset (one time) and the cost of service. Mostly, VoIP providers would price their services based on subscription and the number of lines used. In general, the cost varies between USD30 to USD60 per line per month inclusive of fees and taxes. Along with this, users get an array of features such as long distance calls and free local calls, call transfer and call queue features with music on hold, call ringing multiple lines, and auto-attendant for calls to be directed using keypad.

Generally, VoIP can be used with any service provider. However, you have to choose an appropriate handset for this purpose, especially meant for small businesses. The cost of an average VoIP handset ranges from USD50 (on the lower side) to several hundred dollars with additional features for video calls. Since VoIP is an internet based calling system, there are no maintenance or installation charges.

Conventional Business Phone Systems
Conventional landlines have been the most convenient ways of communication for business over the years. With these phones, you would either have dedicated phone lines or Private Branch Exchange, or PBX system. It is the PBX system that brings functionalities like intercom, call transfer, call queuing, phone directory, group ringing and much more. In fact, PBX has transformed the traditional small business phone system with enhanced features.

Call and Quality
Traditional business phone systems are definitely more advantageous than VoIP phones when call quality is concerned. However, as a result of increased internet speed and performance, and innovative technology, VoIP service providers strive to offer unparallel services.

There are two important factors that determine the quality of VoIP calls – stability and speed of internet connection. Whilst a typical cable based broadband connection can support maximum 131 high quality VoIP calls at once, a DSL connection can support only up to 6. This, however, is only possible when the same connection is not being used for other purposes such as browsing.

Features of Latest Business Phone Systems
You can expect some or all of the following features:

• Voicemail
• Conference calling
• Call forwarding/Internal transferring
• Office intercom

The Bottom-line
VoIP is, undoubtedly, an advanced technology and not just an alternative to traditional landlines. If you are planning to switch over to VoIP, you can try Ansatel and its products. Ansatel offers a wide range of VoIP business phone systems with advanced features.

With the consistent growth and development of mobile technology, use of Cloud-based programs and data storage system, and the steady demand for reduced startup costs, several new businesses are looking for a better option for their offices. Office space should be utilized judiciously to accommodate essentials. The best way, however, is to go virtual – with the help of the Web connecting employees, customers, clients and business partners.

Experts suggest that there are plenty of advantages of establishing a virtual headquarter for your business. It includes reduced overhead costs, increased productivity, and overall environmental adjustment.

Communication System – How the Virtual Business World Functions?
One of the most vital aspects of a business is communication – the ability of all employees to keep in touch with one another and the company to communicate with its clients and partners. That is how business is generated.

Whilst not having a traditional office setup changes the way and mode of communication, it does not however mean that virtual offices are less effective in sharing or transferring information.

As a matter of fact, with improved mobile technology, the virtual business world is now sharing information across varied platforms efficiently, especially with the latest business phone systems.

Choosing a Business Phone System
One of the most important factors to ensure seamless and fluent communication across virtual networks is to pick up the right business phone system for virtual businesses.

Without having a physical office, there is no need to purchase an expensive PBX-based phone system or KSU, or landlines. These types of business phones require maintenance and are expensive too.

As such, the only choice is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. With VoIP, you can make regular calls via internet connection instead of using the traditional landline. Bear in mind, to get the highest call quality, you as well as your employees should have access to high-speed internet or broadband connection.

Overall cost savings for international calls and long-distance calls is significant compared with any traditional landline or telephone service. Most VoIP service providers now offer free local as well as long-distance calls anywhere in the world and they offer lower rates for international calls too. Thus, VoIP is ideal for companies with clients and employees based all over the country as well as around the world.

VoIP Features and Benefits
As a business phone system, VoIP is definitely a money saving choice for your company. However, there is a fierce competition amongst service providers which makes it difficult to choose. Some service providers are offering cooler features like high-definition video conferencing too.

Noted below are some of the important features you can find in VoIP business phone systems:

• Local telephone numbers
• Toll-free number for business
• Auto attendant feature to help route calls to appropriate persons
• Call forwarding feature for businesses, home phones or cell phones
• Dial-by-name phone directory
• Holiday and special greetings
• On-hold music
• Caller ID
• Call screening
• Virtual fax
• Visual voicemail
• Call recording
• Call logs
• Video conferencing
• Instant messaging
• Call encryption
• Integrated messaging

With hosted phone services such as VoIP, you need not hire a person to maintain your business phone system or office phone – your chosen service provider would happily manage all technical and service related problems.

Ansatel Communications is one of the leading business phone system suppliers in Canada. For high quality services, you can rely on Ansatel.