I've used VoIP technology for the past few years for my home

line, and recently made the switch to using VoIP for my business,

as well. For those who may not know, the acronym VoIP stands for

"voice-over-ip", and, essentially, means that our phone calls can

now travel over data lines, much the same way our email does.

If you follow telecommunications at all, you may remember the

early days of this kind internet telephony: users needed a

computer, an internet connection, and a headset with microphone

in order to make and receive calls. The amount of equipment

required was rather cumbersome, and one could only make calls

while sitting at the computer. Now, though, the communications

landscape has changed, as VoIP can be utilized in much the same

way as a traditional land-line-- you can use a wireless phone and

take VoIP around the house, or you can get a so-called "soft

phone", which enables you to take your calling around the world.

VoIP plans are less expensive than traditional calling plans, and

come standard with desirable features such as call-waiting,

call-forwarding, 3-way calling, and voicemail. In fact, you can

even have your voicemail delivered as an audio file to your email

account, saving you the time and hassle of calling in to retrieve

messages.

Aside from the cost savings, calling features, and convenience,

(reasons 1, 2, and 3) VoIP is great for business in seven other

ways. First, you can choose your area code. So, for example, if

you have clients in Los Angeles, but you work from New York, you

can obtain a Los Angeles area code so you seem to be right next

door. This can be a good way to create a business presence in

multiple cities very cost effectively. Next, you can order

toll-free lines for less than traditional carriers. Having a toll

free line makes your business seem bigger. Also, you can take

your calling plan on the road when you travel, and can use your

'softphone' to make calls to/from hotels. No more paying

exorbitant fees for local calls, which saves you money (reason 6)

The higher end VoIP plans allow you to place an unlimited number

of calls for one set fee. This can help you budget your business

expenses more effectively. You can forward calls to any number

when you're out of the office, meaning more flexibility. VoIP

also allows you to call internationally for very low rates, so

you can expand your business reach and influence across the

globe. (reason 9). Setting up a VoIP phone system is easy, and

can often be done in less than five minutes, provided you have high

speed internet and an IP-usable phone.

So, for all these reasons, VoIP is great for business. It's

affordable, convenient, and simple to use. As the world of

business gets more complex, it's nice to know your

telecommunication systems doen't have to follow suit.