Why Companies Choose VOIP

The rise of technology has given us not only given us improved and convenient living, it has also helped increase globalization, and close cultural gaps through better communication. We see this with simple things that take place every day, such as long distance conversations on the cell phone, instant messaging on the Internet and finally, the newest breakthrough in modern communication: the Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

The name Voice over Internet Protocol itself pretty much sums it all up. VOIP is the transmission of voice over the Internet. Unlike regular analog telephones, it sends voice in digital packets or IP packets. Then, users can have the option to receive it either through digital means or analog means. Digital means would include receiving it over the Internet through your computer. Users may use applications like Skype or MSN messenger. Analog means of receiving VOIP calls is quite a tad more complicated. One would need the use of an ADC or an analog-to-digital converter to convert the digital audio packets first before being able to listen to them.

Why Companies Choose VOIP
Companies generally choose VOIP because of its cost-effectiveness, speed and efficiency. Especially with making business calls or calling for multi-location business meetings, VoIP certainly proves better than using regular phone lines.

Cost-Effectiveness
Making VOIP calls is free of charge. Since the audio is sent over the Internet, the company would need only to maintain an Internet subscription and not subscription from a regular telephone company anymore.

Companies also spend less in using VOIP networks because numerous offices in different locations are virtually connected and share common VOIP features like voice mail, caller ID and etc. They can communicate whenever and wherever in no time. All they need is an Internet subscription and the necessary equipment.

Efficiency
VOIP is especially good for business because business members can communicate effectively with it. As opposed to making a regular telephone call, VOIP calls are capable of incorporating multimedia features with it. For example, a business conference may need the assistance of graphs and charts to discuss profit trends. They can do so by just sending in the pictures, videos and graphics of those data and tables in a video conference. They sure won't be able to do this with a normal telephone.

Clarity and Portability
Because they are sent in digital packets, audio signals in VoIP calls are generally clearer than ones that pass through the telephone wires. These digital audio signals are not subject to weather disturbances. However, they do have the tendency to be choppy especially if the audio file being sent is large, but these are immediately patched up by either overlapping them with other data packets or repeating them. Generally they are not noticeable as one data packet consist only of a small portion of the whole audio.

One can also make a VOIP call anywhere as long as there is Internet. VOIP calls are not limited to PC-to-PC networks. Mobile phones are also capable of receiving them.