By Sheila Shanker
Published: 6 May 2011
VoIP, also known as “Voice Over Internet Protocol,” allows businesses and individuals to use the Internet to share real-time voice and even video messages, bypassing the telephone. VoIP is not a new technology, and the quality of voice communication has improved dramatically over the past few years, making it a viable option to regular phone service.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started with VoIP, and you can usually use your existing phone system with the addition of adapters. You can even use VoIP wirelessly and at home. To use this service, you need to have a reliable high speed Internet connection.
Advantages
The main advantage of VoIP is its cost, especially if you make numerous long distance and international calls to clients and other parties. Many providers offer services starting at $30 per month, with small fees for international calls. Extras, such as call forwarding or conferencing, are usually included in the monthly rate.
Another benefit of VoIP for your legal practice is that it’s easy to set up and to maintain. If you add employees or move your office, the needed changes are simple processes. Many individuals maintain their own phone systems and are able to do the technical work by themselves. Others use their IT professionals to take care of their VoIP, saving money and decreasing down-time.
Disadvantages
VoIP relies on your Internet connection, so any connection disruptions or electrical outages can affect your firm’s access to VoIP. Before considering buying into this technology, inquire about backup systems and options from your provider.
Another disadvantage of VoIP is accessibility to E911, an emergency number that shows the caller’s phone number and address. If you call 911 using VoIP, emergency dispatchers will not know where you’re located and you will need to give your address. Many VoIP providers request your home or office addresses, so that this information is on file in case of emergency. Some firms keep a regular phone just for emergency needs.
VoIP is here to stay – it’s not a fad and it is utilized by many large and small businesses. If you would like to learn more about this communication medium, check out the Federal Communication Commission website at www.fcc.gov and search for the word “VoIP.” Beware that many websites covering VoIP are owned and managed by providers and may give you biased information.
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if you subscribe to a VoIP provider that has Internet fax, you can benefit big time, especially if you send and receive faxes regularly, like most law firms do.