VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is the process by which voice data can be sent over the internet, rather than by a traditional phone line. And the business applications of this new technology mean that, with the aid of increased internet speeds, your future business communications can be streamlined in ways you never thought possible.

As business VoIP systems rely on broadband, you will need a good business broadband connection and a telephone that is VoIP enabled. Here's a list of the standard phone options:

1. A VoIP phone is a speciallydesigned phone with an Ethernet connection to plug into your broadband network. They also tend to give you the best call quality, as they are specially designed for this use.
2. A VoIP adaptor allows you to use your touch-tone phone on a VoIP network. These will plug into your phone at one end and then into your broadband network at the other.
3. A software phone is a telephone programme that you can download - Skype is one you might have come across. It should be noted that these give sound lower quality than the former options as they rely on a computer's ability to process voice signals, which is generally not as good as that of a phone.

Next you need to get an account with a VoIP provider. There are many options for this, but if you want to save some money you can look for a broadband and VoIP combined deal.

VoIP Benefits:

Cost

Long-distance calls can be expensive, but with VoIP you're sending your voice over the internet, which helps to cut down the costs. You can find deals which will allow you to pay a fee for line rental and then get free landline calls all over the world. Also features like conference calling can work out cheaper on VoIP systems.

Multiple Lines

Making calls on multiple lines on a conventional phone system is limited by the amount of physical lines that your system has - adding lines means that you have to have them physically installed. But with a VoIP system, all that limits you is your internet bandwidth. So you can add lines with the minimum of expense and fuss.

Working Remotely

Many people now work from home at least some of the time and VoIP system allows you to keep making business calls from the same number. This allows you to always appear 'in the office' to your clients. But you can also have several different 'local' numbers all coming from one office location too.

Reliable?

We all know that broadband connections can be temperamental. VoIP sends voice data in 'packets', which can cause a drop in call quality if they are delayed or lost. The data also moves quite slowly compared to regular phone systems, so the callas can sometimes experience a 'delay' effect.

Improving

However, if you want evidence that VoIP is at least worth considering, then look to the call centre industry. It's hard to think of a business that is relies more on reliable telecommunications -and VoIP technology is now the widespread in this industry. And of course as times goes on, as with all technology, more innovations will lead to a more stable, cheaper product, which has to be good news.