A comprehensive guide to VoIP services

With advancements in technology and science, every component of human life has undergone tremendous change. There is little to no resemblance between how things were done in the pre-internet era to how they are executed in the modern age. Communication has, likewise, seen immense evolution especially in the past few decades, with cell phones demonstrating just how efficient and superior they can be compared to traditional devices.

Utilizing the limitless power of the Internet, cell phones have brought us closer in a variety of ways. Anf the inception of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was the game-changer, adding an entirely different dynamic to virtual communication. But what exactly is this technology, what are its features, and how much does it cost? Let’s find out.

What is VoIP?
Developed around 25 years ago, VoIP is a form of technology that enables voice communication over the Internet. Unlike traditional means where telephone lines form the basis of calls, VoIP uses the Internet to send packets of voice data, which are read and interpreted by devices having the same configuration as the transmitter.

In essence, VoIP converts the voice data into a digital signal, following which it is compressed and transmitted over the Internet. A VoIP service provider acts as the middleman, setting up the call between the participants. At the receiving end, the digital signal transmitted by the sender is decoded and interpreted, thereby completing the communication loop.

Besides being incredibly cheap compared to traditional phones, VoIP services offer a whole lot of advantages. From a technical viewpoint, VoIP systems easily prevail over conventional ones, with cutting-edge technology at its nucleus further features to it. Mobility is an added plus point, eliminating the dependence on the location of the device.

Types of VoIP services

Given its flexibility and ease of use, VoIP services come in many different forms, and some of the common ones are

• Residential VoIP service
  As the name suggests, this VoIP service is tailor-made for households, wherein the existing landline phone is connected to the internet via wifi or modem. This allows for calls over the internet to be received directly to the landline. The cost of the service depends upon the specific plan.
• Mobile VoIP service
  Considering the boom in smartphone usage in the last few decades, many VoIP services have customized their applications to be compatible with portable devices. An application needs to be installed on the device, following which calls can be made. This service uses the Internet, either through Wifi or cellular data. Skype, WhatsApp, and Hangouts are all examples of this service.
• Software-based VoIP service
  This is the most common type of VoIP service, which proceeds by installing an application like Skype on the desktop or portable device. Once the connection is established, the application is used to make and receive calls online.
• Business VoIP service
  Powerful enough in handling both a small and large number of connections, business VoIP service is much more cost-effective for organizations compared to traditional landlines. This VoIP service comes with a few more additional features for businesses, which includes video and audio conferencing, call queues, and call reports, among others.
• Cloud-hosted VoIP service
  The latest that VoIP technology has to offer, cloud-hosted service eliminates the need for installation of almost any hardware component and is a big favorite among businesses. This is because the VoIP provider hosts everything on its server, and takes most of the responsibilities ranging from maintenance to troubleshooting. Businesses, meanwhile, get added benefits like unified communications, video conferencing and more.

Features of VoIP services

The top features of VoIP systems include

• Unlimited calling
  Calls can be made to literally anywhere at the cost of almost nothing.
• HD Voice Quality
  Leveraging technology, VoIP systems provide better call quality compared to traditional telephones.
• Conference Lines
  A dedicated conference line consisting of multiple participants can be easily set up. This is especially useful for meetings.
• CRM integrations
  Enhanced CRM systems can be made and boost productivity manyfold.
• Auto Attendant
  Callers can be directly greeted as soon as they call, following which the appropriate connection to the concerned authority is established.

Top VoIP service providers in the country
With the rise in demand for VoIP services, multiple companies have come up with customized plans and benefits in order to make the market their own. Here we list the best of them, along with the cost of their services:

• 8×8
  The outright leader for international calling, San Jose-based VoIP provider 8×8 operates in over 150 countries where it serves close to a million customers. It offers a range of features, including a cloud-based contact center that helps build consumer relations. 8×8’s services are well-suited for small businesses with an international presence, while it’s also compatible with multiple third-party applications. The company offers a variety of plans, the cost of which ranges from $12 to $165.
• Grasshopper
  Suited for mobile businesses, Grasshopper allows for calls to be accepted and made through your business number. Text messages can be similarly exchanged, making Grasshopper near-perfect for someone looking for flexibility with communication. The company offers four types of plans: Solo, Connect Individual, Partner, and Small Business. The cost is in the range of $26 to $80.
• RingCentral
  Based out of San Mateo, California, this company offers businesses a chance to test their systems via a free trial, before eventually making the purchase. RingCentral has been in the industry for just over two decades and is operational in Europe as well as Asia. The VoIP provider uses integrated communications via an application and includes free features that other providers charge extra money for. RingCentral offers three types of plans: Standard, Premium, and Ultimate. The cost fluctuates between $23 and $43.
• Nextiva
  One of the leaders of VoIP services in the country, Arizona-based Nextiva provides a whole range of options to businesses of all types. The company is well-known for its online management system, with its app adding to consumer comfort and flexibility. Nextiva offers three plans – Essential, Professional and Enterprise. The latter is the most expensive, priced at around $28.