What is VoIP?
In short
VoIP (voice over IP) is calling over an internet connection instead of the traditional telephone network. For businesses it usually means a phone system in the cloud, letting you use landline numbers on a desk phone, computer or mobile app.
How does business VoIP work?
With VoIP, your voice is converted into data packets that travel over the internet. Business providers usually supply this as a phone system in the cloud. In an admin portal you set who can be reached on which number, how a menu works, when calls go to voicemail and which colleagues form a queue together. You can call with a desk phone, a softphone on your computer or an app on your mobile, with your landline number as the caller ID.
The phone system is a form of SaaS: you pay per user or per number per month, and you add an extra employee with a few clicks.
What do you need?
- A stable internet connection with enough capacity, at the office and at home.
- Phones, headsets or apps that the provider supports.
- Preferably an integration with your CRM, so you can see who is calling.
Can you keep your number?
Yes. According to the ACM, the Dutch competition and consumer authority, you have the right to keep your number when you switch to another provider. You request it from your new provider, who arranges it with the old one; the old provider may not refuse or charge for it. A landline number can only move within the same area code, a mobile number only to a mobile subscription. Do watch the notice period of your old contract.
Which software helps with this?
Business telephony providers deliver VoIP with a cloud PBX, apps and often integrations with your CRM. Compare the price per user and what is included for queues, menus and call recording.