What You Should Know Before Switching to VoIP

what you need to know about voip

You’ve decided to eliminate your outdated analog phone system and switch to a Voice over IP (VoIP) system. Congrats! Now, it’s time to start the transition! There are a few key differences between the two platforms you should know before, during, and after the process. 

For example, what are the main technical differences between an analog phone system and VoIP? Who will make programming changes after installing new phones? UpLync, your local Lafayette VoIP provider, is here to answer all these questions and more to help you prepare for switching to a VoIP system.

Analog vs. VoIP – Technical Differences

Perhaps the most significant difference you’ll first notice between analog phones and VoIP is that you could actually see and touch your old analog system. It was living somewhere in your office, typically a closet or the basement. While it’s possible for your new VoIP system to do the same (e.g., premises-based VoIP), most businesses choose the more cost-effective option — cloud-based hosted VoIP. Your closest physical connection to this type of system is the phone sitting on your desk. 

A VoIP phone system requires a reliable internet connection and fault-free IT network, while analog phones use the copper wires in your building walls, aka phone lines. VoIP eliminates the need for that original infrastructure. It uses the same internet connection as your office computers.

The Pay Off!

Given the technical differences, you no longer need to pay a telephone company for phone lines or a telephone service provider to make onsite visits for phone system support. Your VoIP service provider is now your primary contact for any phone-related needs. 

Since VoIP phones rely heavily on your internal IT network, it’s essential to have an IT expert, such as an in-house staff person or managed service provider, available. Your VoIP company and IT expert will partner to ensure you have a smooth initial installation and ongoing remote customer support.  

Analog vs. VoIP – Ease-of-Use Differences

If you’re switching over from an analog phone system, it may be hard to adjust at first. You’ll have some growing pains along with a learning curve. However, with most VoIP systems, using the new desk phones and making changes, like voicemail recordings, is easy and intuitive. Plus, most plans come with advanced features, like forwarding to a cellphone, visual voicemail, voicemail-to-email, and do-not-disturb, that make your life easier and more efficient. 

The VoIP provider you choose ultimately determines how easy it is to set up and customize. Some vendors offer a self-service approach. They ship you the new phones and provide a user portal to set up and manage the entire system. Other VoIP vendors will do that for you, saving you from having to become a phone system guru. Interview a few VoIP companies during your decision-making process to ensure they provide the service and support you want. 

If you’re not happy with your vendor selection, switching providers is much easier than the original change from analog to VoIP. Just be wary of signing any long-term contracts.

Your Business Phone System Provider – Lafayette, Indiana

Sometimes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” This statement is true more often than not when business owners decide to switch from analog to VoIP phones. Find a local VoIP company in Lafayette, IN, and start asking questions to avoid after-installation surprises. These providers can offer valuable insight from years of experience and often have more attractive pricing than national vendors. 

The experts at UpLync Communications, a VoIP provider in Lafayette, Indiana, love answering questions about business phone systems. Contact us for a free, low-pressure consultation.Â