In a mobile workplace, is VoIP antiquated?

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Jack McCarthy, the content manager at ShoreTel

As organizations become increasingly mobile, many have questioned the viability of using a voice over IP phone system as a long-term solution. While companies may think that the technology is antiquated in the emerging mobile landscape, VoIP offers benefits comparable to mobile phones, making it a valuable business asset. VoIP services are easy to use and can be transported to be used in virtually any location with Internet access as long as management is up to date on the system.

Comparing mobile devices to VoIP use shows a few problems with using smartphones as the primary means of communication. Mobile phones can have grainy sound quality or lose connection completely in some areas. However, VoIP is becoming a requirement for many enterprises and many providers even have VoIP apps to accommodate the growing mobile market and facilitate unified collaboration. This way, no matter what the organization decides to use for its primary communication, VoIP technology can still be leveraged to realize benefits and drive a more positive overall experience. With VoIP phone services, companies can promote a more professional sound and capitalize on a product that will easily scale with developing needs.

“As new devices have emerged for interacting, working and collaborating employees have come to expect heightened accessibility,” according to Red River. “The benefits of embracing the shift toward a mobile workforce are extensive, including quicker, more flexible decision-making as well as improved productivity.

Bringing VoIP to mobile enterprise

VoIP technology has evolved to meet user demands by offering better call quality, more stable connections and mobility functions. However, there are many more benefits that organizations can realize while using a VoIP system. By converting the caller’s voice into data, the organization can avoid traditional phone lines and generate cost savings from lower long-distance prices, according to TechTarget. The technology also makes reassigning desks or working from other locations easier as the phone can be easily moved to the new site without requiring new wiring or a change in phone number.

“Because it goes through the data network and is run on a server, VoIP can integrate with other applications,” TechTarget states. “For example, in call centers, the benefits of VoIP include integrating the phones to customer relationship management (CRM) applications or providing a ‘click here to talk to a representative’ button on your client’s Web page.”

VoIP may be receiving competition from mobile devices, but the technology is not antiquated. By adapting to emerging mobile trends, VoIP solutions can provide all users with the features they need in their preferred form.

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Categories: Industry Viewpoint · VoIP · Wireless