As a successful business owner, you’re probably used to handling long-distance phone calls. But have you ever considered using VoIP as a long-distance alternative?
If you’ve never heard of VoIP before, you’ve come to the right place. A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) program from an IT service is a way to place free phone calls to anywhere in the world. By using VoIP, you’re bypassing the phone company and its outrageous charges completely.
Now VoIP is nothing new. It’s actually been around for quite some time. There are many different companies out there that are either already offering a program or are setting up VoIP calling plans. With VoIP, there’s more than one way to place a call. There are actually three diverse ways of using VoIP today, so let’s take a look at them.
ATA
Probably the most common way to use VoIP is with an ATA. An ATA, or an analog telephone adaptor, allows you to connect a phone to your internet. It’s an analog-to-digital converter, meaning it takes the analog signal from your phone and converts it to digital data online. It’s really easy to set up, too. All you do is take the ATA out of the box, plug the cable from your phone that goes into the wall socket into the unit, and then you’re ready to go.
IP Phones
IP Phones look just like normal phones. But aside from their appearance, they’re actually quite different. Instead of the RJ-11 phone connector, IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. These phones connect right to your router and are pre-equipped with VoIP software.
Computer-to-Computer
While ATA is the most common way to use VoIP, computer-to-computer is the easiest. All you need for this type of call is the software, speakers, a microphone, a sound card, and an internet connection. You’ll have to pay for a monthly ISP fee, but there is no charge for computer-to-computer calls. You can call anywhere in the world for a very low price.
If you’re looking to get hooked up with a VoIP program, reach out to your local IT services. The IT company will not only be able to install a VoIP program within your company, but they will also help you out with backing up your data and security management (which protects against cyber crime). Cyber crime damage is expected to hit $6 trillion each year by 2021. But with the help of IT services, your company can be protected.
