If you've clicked on this article, you're probably aware that VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is a type of phone that uses the internet instead of good old copper wire. You're probably here because you're wondering: is it worth investing in?

Before diving into the six key advantages of installing a VoIP phone system, we're going to reframe that question as "when should I invest?"

This is because the ISDN network – that nationwide tangle of copper wires – is being switched off in 2025. Large-scale wireless telecoms is just around the corner, so many businesses are preparing themselves for the big switch.

Making the change sooner rather than later means you can ensure a smooth switchover and not get backed into a rushed decision.

But here's the thing. Even if cloud-based telephony wasn't soon to be a necessity, we'd still be singing its praises. In this article, we explain what you can achieve with VoIP phones.

1. Cut costs

We thought we should lead with this one as we often get asked about it.

The bottom line is this: VoIP phones are much cheaper than their alternatives.

Many providers – including yours truly – will offer unlimited calls as part of your package. This gives it a clear edge on your current system, where you'll be paying for individual calls as well as system upkeep.

Once you've paid for the package, you're good to go. You can start making calls straight away using your inbuilt laptop mic. As long as your internet connection is up to snuff, those calls should be crystal-clear.

There's always room for improvement, though, and those costs you've cut by investing in a VoIP system can be used to upgrade with some speakers, headphones or headsets.

2. Scale away

As we said, traditional phone systems are on their way out – and this means that people are investing in them less and less. If your business grows and you move into new premises, this creates unwanted issues.

Relocating your current phone system is costly, and while it's being uninstalled, transported and reinstalled, it's out of use.

By contrast, VoIP systems are easily scalable. As your personnel swells and you add office locations, you can easily add users to the system.

3. Foster collaboration

As you know, flexible working is the hot topic in business right now – and the big challenge lies in reproducing the advantages of office life when working from home.

A VoIP system means your team is well-connected and on the same page – wherever they are. Customers, suppliers and all your other contacts can ring a number that can be answered anywhere. And with the capability to integrate your software into a VoIP, each of your staff effectively takes the office home with them.

4. Integrate software

One superpower that VoIP phones have is the ability to integrate with your software. This is something that old-fashioned phone lines simply can't do, and is a big reason why VoIP is benefitting workplaces in sectors as diverse as education, health and housing.

What this means in practice is that you can bring up a customer record or other contact on your workplace's software and VoIP them with a single click.

The time you spend toggling between tabs and cross-checking contact details could be better spent on, well, anything really, and cloud-based telephony frees up that time for you.

VoIP systems can integrate with everything from stalwarts like Salesforce to industry-specific software – from hotel management to medical databases. You can even hook them up to your intercom.

Of course, you need to make sure that your VoIP provider can provide the integration you need. Check out Wildix, Webex and Microsoft Teams for a full list of integration partners.

Want to know more? We've done several explainers on VoIP software integrations, from hotels to GP surgeries to estate agents.

5. Enjoy useful features

VoIP phones include a host of functions that can make life so much easier for your staff – and come with the package at no extra cost. Call forwarding, call recording, call queues, call transfers – all of these increase efficiency and make the customer journey more pleasant.

These systems are rich with features, including:

• Website chat widgets ("click-to-call" buttons for your website that allow visitors to message, call or video chat).
• Easy screen share.
• Calendar integrations.
• HD video conferencing.
• Webinars.
• Call monitoring and reporting.
• Performance monitoring for call centres.
• Wallboards.
• Auto-attendants. An auto-attendant is essentially a virtual receptionist. A caller selects the destination of their call from a menu, and the auto-attendant routes it for them.

Naturally, these features vary from system to system. Have a look at the rich features on offer with Wildix, Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx VoIP phone systems.

6. Keep the customer satisfied

Many companies are now switched on to the need for satisfying customer journeys online – easily navigable websites, clear lines of communication, and so on.

Unfortunately, this sometimes comes at the expense of offline communications. Let's say you run an estate agency, and you get regular calls from a tenant. Because you're in and out of the office, they are regularly asked to call back later, or put on hold, or transferred to someone who can't help, or given a different number to dial.

VoIP telephone systems bypass this problem by having a single phone number which will connect them to the person they're after, no matter their location.

Are you ready to ditch and switch?

We hope this article has convinced you that switching to a VoIP system has multiple advantages for your business.

What we haven't explored is the range of systems available. It's a big choice to make and, at first glance, there might not seem to be much between them.

That's where we can help you. If you want to speak to a VoIP expert about the different packages available, get in touch to arrange a no-obligation chat.

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