There have been many variations of ‘internet killed the television’ but in recent years it has killed traditional telephony as well. For many, Voice Internet Protocol (VoIP) is seen as a disruptive technology. Due to VoIP, once considered for personal use has now entered the world of business. This has led to traditional telephony to be regarded as not built for the 'digital age'. We consider how and why VoIP has come to be seen as a disruptive force.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is a cloud system allowing the transmission of data and voice to be made over the internet. There are primarily two types of VoIP cloud phones which are hardware or software-based. The interface is similar to that of a phone with touch pad and display allowing users to make calls directly from their desktop from a standard business phone and smartphones such as mobiles and tablets.
How is it different from traditional telephony?
There are a number of reasons why VoIP is different from traditional telephony. One of the most notable is that VoIP uses ‘cloud’ services such as ‘WiFi’ than traditional copper lines. Cloud phones have many features traditional telephony cannot match such as call queue, auto-attendant etc. The cloud alternative offers a lot more for small businesses who want to provide convenience and a professional front for customers.
From niche to mainstream
VoIP was previously popular for personal use through instant and video messaging. The early players Skype were one of the leading providers of cloud phones and has rapidly expanded to 300 million users.
Now with the introduction of super-fast broadband, it's now easy to make professional business calls in an instant. Corporations large and small are now using cloud phones to stay in touch with customers and business partners. Skype business has now surpassed 100 million enterprise seats and more than 50% of enterprises were using Skype for business. Openreach has now called for the end of the landline as VoIP now has capabilities to replace the traditional telephony.
The introduction of VoIP for business
One of the biggest disruptions to telephony is VoIP for business. The introduction of Skype for business and Google Hangouts have made it clear that small companies and larger corporations do not have to use telephony for their communications. VoIP has disrupted technology by offering a better alternative that is cheaper and more efficient and can support the high bandwidth of calls businesses are accustomed to.
At the price of zero
As facilitated by the internet most WiFi calling is completely free and stable. Nowadays, free WiFi is available via hotspots making telecommunications easy on the go. Making communications seamless has disrupted the industry allowing businesses to work more efficiently for cheaper. Furthermore, unlike traditional landlines, cloud phones can be acquired without lengthy contracts and bundled with one bill with broadband included. VoIP phones are also available through call packages with fixed minutes making pricing and usage transparent.
VoIP has shown businesses that reliable telephony does not have to cost a fortune. Prior to this, the only way to communicate was by using costly hardware phones charged by the minute. Now, audio and video calls can easily be made on smartphones using a simple app.
No limitations
The scope of using cloud communications is not bound by copper lines and has no geographical limitations. Cloud phones are redefining the world of business by making remote working a reality. For example, collaboration tools such as call conferencing allow businesses to host 'virtual offices'. Avoiding the need for fixed office space and shown to increase employee productivity. Telecommuting has risen with 37% of employees saying they telecommute at least part-time. These mobile workers can end up saving 40 minutes per day and gain 3 1/2 days of working time every year.
Why can't the landline keep up?
The landline is seriously outdated and the industry is aware. Traditional telephony has remained static whereas cloud communications have always evolved. Copper lines make ISDNs stagnant and non-versatile. Meaning that when businesses move out of their office space they cannot keep their business phone number. Traditional telephony has yet to compete with features and versatility that cloud phones offer. With traditional lines moving to broadband and the stop-sell of ISDNs in 2023, traditional phone lines will soon be a thing of the past.
Final Thoughts
VoIP is disrupting the world of telecoms by changing how small businesses are run by providing convenience and lowering costs. Switching your telephony is simple with bOnline, we help bring you into the digital age with easy onboarding and excellent rated customer support. To find out more see our packages here or speak to a customer representative on 0203 617 9950.
