Clinging to traditions can be reassuring, but sometimes it can hold your business back. Your office landlines are a perfect example of an outdated custom.
If you haven’t considered getting rid of them for a better choice, know this: you’re missing out on an improved communication platform. Using an option like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones can save you money and improve your business efficiency.
You can hang onto your phones as antiques worthy of display, but you should stop counting on them for your business needs.
1. The Costs
Your business will save a significant amount of money by bidding farewell to your landline system. Simply maintaining your phone system is costly, with equipment fixes largely being your responsibility. VoIP phone service is typically hosted on the cloud and requires no additional computing hardware to use.
Related: 5 Benefits of Cloud Mobility
VoIP also offers your SMB the communication options that previously were practical only for larger corporations. You can use your computer to call around the world without requiring much financial investment.
You’re also able to use numerous features, such as call conferencing, that are usually reserved for the most expensive landline packages.
2. The Consistency (Or Lack Thereof)
Your landline can easily become worthless during a natural disaster or even a simple thunderstorm. A tree can still take out the phone line and seriously limit your business communications.
On the other hand, VoIP systems are dependable. VoIP relies on your internet connection, so you may worry about electrical blackouts. What happens when the power goes out? VoIP systems can keep going with the help of a battery backup. You can also configure the system to ring to smartphones or be routed to voicemail so that you don’t miss any calls.
3. Missing Options
A traditional landline offers your company limited options unless you spend a significant amount of money for things like an automated attendant and call conferencing.
Your business needs the professionalism of a sophisticated phone system without the high cost of a landline based solution. A VoIP system can give you these features at a fraction of what the landline version would cost.
Related: Goodbye Landline, Hello VoIP
Small offices can then offer the same level of communications that the larger businesses do, making them more competitive overall.
4. What Versatility?
Once you purchase a phone system, upgrading it can be difficult and expensive, often involving the tedious replacement of your hardware.
The fact is this: your landline is simply not that versatile.
In contrast, a VoIP system can easily be upgraded because it’s based on software instead of hardware. You can enjoy the latest improvements almost immediately, while saving costs on buying brand new phones.
5. Iffy Call Quality
Traditional landlines have long been plagued by strange noises, muffled voices and other unpredictable bugs. In 2018, VoIP phone quality is expected to improve significantly due to 5G technology. Issues like echoing and packet (aka data) loss are minimized, making VoIP a better choice for both phone calls and video streaming.
Landlines were a great thing back in the day, but modern companies need the advanced communication ability of a VoIP system. Landlines are now more expensive in the long run.
These phone services charge oversized fees for options your business needs, including simple domestic long-distance and global calls. With VoIP, your business can stay ahead with the latest advances in technology while reducing your company’s overhead.
When you consider all these factors, it’s clear to see that it’s time to hang up on landlines.