| Landline | VoIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Call Costs | Expensive | Cheap |
| Setup | Needs a technician | Can be DIY |
| Equipment | Depends on the type | PC or laptop and headset with mic |
| Setup costs | Depends on the type but usually needs quite a bit of investment | Depends on provider but cheaper than landline |
| Reliability | Has been around for years – definitely reliable | Can´t be used when there is no Internet connection |
| Features | Depends on the package | Depends on the package but comparable to those of a traditional telephone system |
| Security | Can be tapped but requires some work | Can be hacked and infiltrated with malware and virus |
| Mobile integration | Yes | Yes |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes |
Many start-up and small businesses prefer VOIP because of the many benefits it brings. One of the most attractive offers are free calls. Before deciding on it though, you should also look at other aspects of your business and how VoIP can affect the performance of each one. Most companies rely on this type of communications platform for expensive long distance and international calls. You should be able to justify the use of a VoIP system and its costs in your office.
Let’s look at some of its pros and cons of using VOIP.
Pros
Low call costs
You can make free domestic and some free international calls. Other countries have very low rates. Check with your provider for a list of free packages. You can start immediately once your mobile data plans and broadband are paid for.
Teleworking/Telecommuting
This platform is also great for teleworkers or remote employees. You can call them directly on their laptops, PC’s and tablets. No need to change devices. You can hire people from anywhere in the globe and contact them easily.
Conference
Conferencing and teleconferencing are also very easy to set up. There are also better phone models now that are available in the market such as hybrid phones. This will allow you to use the phone as a landline or as a VOIP tool.
Cons
You need a good internet connection
As mentioned before, your number one requirement is a good broadband connection and even though you have one, the quality may still differ from time to time especially if there are extreme weather occurrences. A landline normally does not encounter these problems.
You only get free calls if the other person also has VoIP
You can benefit from this setup as long as the person you are calling is also using VOIP. If not all your contacts are using this platform, it is a good idea to keep your old phone.
No Internet, no service
If your broadband goes down, everything goes down and that includes your phone lines. How will your clients contact you and vice versa if you don’t have a landline?
Costs
The initial set up can be expensive for a small company with a limited budget. Training is also another consideration as this can be costly too. You don’t need training for a traditional phone line.
Security
Since your system is Internet based, it can be vulnerable to viruses, hackers and malware. Also, as your systems are interconnected, one virus attack can affect everything else.
Based on these facts, you can clearly see that VOIP and landlines are both important to a business. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case some problems arise. Ask your provider how they can best serve you given your current budget, company status and future plans of expansion.
Author: Yazz
Yazz is a trained telecommunications engineer with a diploma in telecommunications. He has spent the last 15 years working for Telefonica, one of the largest telephone operators and mobile network providers in the world.
