VoIP Vs Landline for Business
VoIP Vs Landline for Business
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the new kid on the telephony block. VoIP has been growing in both popularity and functionality over the years, developing in tandem with the internet.
Pioneered in the 90s, internet telephony has come a long way from its clunky origins. VoIP has developed into a genuine alternative to traditional landline telephony, with many businesses around the world adopting it as their prime communication method.
It can be a tricky decision to migrate away from the tried and tested landline. That’s why our experts at CAB IT Services have put together this guide to run you through the fundamentals of VoIP and help you to make an educated decision on what’s best for your business.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is comprised of both hardware and software elements that allow you to make a phone call via the internet rather than the traditional analogue landlines that we’re used to.
It works by parcelling your voice up into digital packets before distributing these packets to your recipient over the internet. As a result of its digital heritage, VoIP can be customised to add a variety of useful features, and often benefits from frequent updates that improve the service.
VoIP Features
As VoIP is a piece of software that is inherently connected to the internet, it’s easy to update and add useful features to. Some examples of these features include (but aren’t limited to):
- Text messaging
- Video conferencing
- Web meetings – this allows you to easily hold multiple-participant calls.
- Mobile integration – this allows you automatically forward calls to your mobile if you’re out of the office and gives you general access to your work contacts when remote.
And many more, depending on who provides your VoIP service.
What is a Landline?
The traditional choice for any business, a landline uses an analogue collection that runs through copper wiring. This wiring connects the telephone company to your telephone socket. This system is based on systems that were set up in the 19th century and have proven to be resilient as they’re reliable and easy to maintain.
While a little archaic, it’s no surprise that many businesses still use landline telephony to this day, as much of the infrastructure is already in place – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
What Hardware is Required for VoIP?
Much of the hardware needed for VoIP will, most likely, already be in place at your business, as many VoIP services are designed to be flexible and run in a variety of circumstances and on different hardware.
Reliable Internet
This is an important crutch of VoIP, as without reliable internet, your calls can disconnect, lag or reduce in quality. Ensuring that you’ve got quality internet infrastructure installed is a must before converting over to VoIP. The faster, more reliable your internet is, the better an experience you’ll have using VoIP.
Laptop or Desktop Computer
Many VoIP calls will be made through a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a more traditional phone. You’ll need to make sure that you’ve got your computer connected to the internet (either wired, or wireless) before making a call. There will also be accompanying software that, once installed, will manage your VoIP.
Smartphone
Smartphones are powerful, useful tools for any business. By downloading a VoIP app, you can make free calls to others using the same app. You can also connect to VoIP software that you’re using on your computers, allowing you full control while on the move.
Microphones or Headsets
While most laptops come with microphones built-in, many businesses opt for more reliable, higher quality headsets. Headsets offer a comfortable, handsfree way for employees to hold a phone call. If holding video conferences, you might also need a cheap webcam (many laptops come with one installed).
VoIP vs Landline – Which is Better for Businesses?
It’s time to settle the hotly anticipated question: which is better?
Functionality
Landlines are often quite limited in what features that they can offer. This is because of the physical nature of the product – it can’t be easily updated. VoIP, on the other hand, can be easily updated, and apps offer a wide variety of features that landlines can’t. VoIP wins this round!
Convenience
When measuring convenience, it’s easy to see that VoIP has the upper hand. Landlines are restricted by their wiring, meaning that they can only realistically be used in-house. As VoIP can be used on the go, we have to give it this round too.
Security
While neither are completely secure, as a landline is a physical connection, it’s often considered far more secure than VoIP as it takes a great deal more effort to intercept these communications. VoIP needs to be secured using firewalls, VPNs, and encryption. VoIP is very secure when managed correctly, but as a landline is more naturally secure, landline takes this round!
Quality
Both VoIP and landline solutions offer good sound quality. Higher sound quality is achieved by using better hardware and, in the case of VoIP, a better internet connection. Generally speaking, VoIP provides a premium quality experience over landline. This is because it usually operates using newer technology and can implement advanced session border controllers to maintain this higher quality. VoIP is another round up!
Cost
In many cases, VoIP is significantly cheaper than its landline alternative. As calls take place over the internet, you’re only charged for internet access rather than minutes. In addition to this, adding multiple users is digital rather than physical, meaning that it’s far cheaper to implement. Finally, international calls are free over the internet – no more expensive tariffs. VoIP wins this round handily.
Connectivity
As a landline system is connected physically, the connection is fairly resilient. You can rely on your landline service to be consistent and not drop out. VoIP relies on the internet, so if you find that your business’ internet drops frequently, then VoIP might not be the best choice for you. Landline claws back a round!
The Verdict?
Overall, VoIP is the resounding winner, offering far more functionality and convenience in a cheaper package. Businesses that implement VoIP benefit greatly, as their employees can focus on productivity and aren’t restricted to their landline phones. However, it’s worth mentioning that many businesses will rely on both landline and VoIP to ensure that everyone can get in touch.
VoIP Installation and Support with CAB IT
At CAB IT Services, we’re experts in everything VoIP and IT. Our onsite management device sends all VoIP traffic through a secure tunnel to the hosted server, ensuring security at all times, while our partnership with 3CX provides a whole host of useful communications functionality for your business.
If you’re looking to modernise your communications, get in touch with us by clicking here. Our team is on hand to help create the perfect VoIP telephone system to suit your business’ needs.
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