VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is changing the way businesses communicate. And with so many VoIP providers now offering a wide selection of call packages for businesses, there's never been a better time for small businesses and SoHos to embrace this new technology and benefit from cheap calls.

The new way to communicate

For businesses looking to maintain international links but still save money, business VoIP call plans make good economic sense. There are now several established providers specialising in offering comprehensive call packages for small and medium sized businesses that are specifically designed to give SMEs all the advantages of a system that was originally developed for large, multi-national companies. Companies such as Vonage, one of the largest VoIP providers, saw a gap in the business market and, with the advancement of modern telephony technology, realised that it would make perfect sense to develop flexible call packages that would suit smaller businesses.

By adopting a business VoIP system, businesses can maintain their communications with international customers and clients and still reduce their call bills by a considerable amount. Some providers offer unlimited free international phone calls to selected destinations, particularly useful if your business has a satellite office in India, for example.

What you need to know

If you think that your business could benefit from a business VoIP system, there are a few things to consider before you install one. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP uses the Internet and your broadband connection to make and receive calls. Because it is now possible to link a standard telephone handset to a VoIP system, you won't notice any difference in voice clarity. In fact, it will probably be better than a traditional landline link-up because of the absence of any delay' in the time it takes for the voice to travel along the line.

What you should consider though, is how you will support your VoIP system in the event of a power failure, so a portable UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) system may be a wise investment. You will also need to check that your broadband connection will be able to carry the extra data packets that is the method of calling with VoIP. Check with your Internet service provider that your network's capabilities will be able to run VoIP. With the advent of fibre optics and faster broadband speeds, most businesses now should not have a problem with this issue, but it is still wise to double check.

Buying VoIP-adapted phones is no longer a necessity. If you want to carry on using your normal telephones, you can buy simple adapters allowing you to use normal phones on a business VoIP system.

The economics of VoIP

The fundamental benefit to businesses using business VoIP packages is the cost savings. With some call plans including free unlimited international calls to selected destinations, you can save a considerable portion of your annual communications budget for a small initial investment in the technology. But it doesn't just save you money - it enhances your business reputation too. By switching to VoIP you are showing your business partners that you are serious about embracing the new way of doing business and that you are prepared to invest in new technology to help your business compete on a global stage. That can only help to promote your business in the best possible light, and another very good reason why companies who are serious about doing business would be wise to embrace VoIP.