If you haven’t made the move from traditional telephony to VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), you should ask yourself why. For both businesses and residences, IP phones make sense for a variety of reasons.
First, IP phones are associated with a phone, not a location, much the way cell phones are. Like a cell phone, a VoIP phone is mobile, so if you move offices, you simply unplug your phone and plug it into the VoIP jack in the new office and you retain the same line and number.
Second, IP telephones have user controlled features accessible through Web or telephone interface. These features allow for forwarding and speed dial lists to be added, deleted, or edited. IP phone users can store a Personal Address Book and Fast Dial list on most IP phones as this is a common feature. This can be done either using a Web interface or through manually entering information on the IP phone set.
Third, IP phones are not only more functional, they are more attractive and provide better features than traditional phones. These phones, for example the Cisco 7960G IP telephone, typically come with a liquid crystal display. These LCDs include dynamic soft keys that are promote ease of use with call features and functions.
Fourth, mMost VOIP providers include the same premium telephone
services available on traditional phones like caller ID, three-way calling, call waiting, call forwarding,
and voicemail. These are typically free of charge and included in your monthly subscription. Better yet, they charge a flat
rate for all calls placed within the month as opposed to separate local and long
distance charges.