7 Best Small Business VoIP Providers

There has been an explosion in the development of and the demand for VoIP phone systems in recent years, and now small businesses are beginning to reap the benefits offered by the technology. Streamlined communications, scalability and increased productivity are but a few of the benefits in deploying a small business VoIP phone system. However, it is the reduced cost of communication both domestically and internationally that is the biggest attraction of a VoIP phone system for small businesses. And with the rapid growth of virtual working teams and telecommuting, VoIP for small business is here to stay!

To learn more about the best small business VoIP providers and the benefits they provide, read on below.

RingCentral
If you’re running a small business, then you’ll know the importance of being easy to reach for your customers – especially if you’re building a service based business. With RingCentral you can keep your existing numbers (no transfer fees) and quickly set up a hosted phone system for your whole business. It comes with an auto-receptionist, a feature that makes your business appear much more professional. However, it’s the integration of mobile phones into the system that makes it most useful – a great feature if you have remote workers or staff making sales calls. RingCentral’s business plan also comes with an integrated online fax service, allowing you to ditch your fax machine and send faxes via the internet using email. Apps are available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Overall this is a brilliant plan that makes business communications a cinch, in the office or out of it.

ViaTalk
ViaTalk boasts a wide range of small business VoIP features that will help boost productivity and profit. This is an establlished business VoIP provider that has been catering to the needs of businesses since it started. Among the many features on offer are voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, which combined with their state of the art fiber optic network and 24/7 technical support team, means you’re assured of the highest possible quality service. ViaTalk’s iPhone app, ViaTalk Mobile, is a great feature (if you have an iPhone) because it allows you to see your call log, listen to your voicemail, forward calls and more. Plans are extremely good value, starting at just under $30 per month and up.

Nextiva
Nextiva offers a wide range of client and product flexibility. To begin, companies can choose to get new phones and a new number, or keep what they have. One main feature of Nextiva is their auto attendant. This feature allows companies to create a Virtual Directory to help callers reach the person or department they are seeking. A follow me feature eliminates missed calls by making a call directed to a desk phone also ring a cell phone. Custom greetings can be created with the voicemail feature, and voicemail can be accessed from an office phone, mobile phone and email. Conference calling is supported for 3 parties. Unlimited calling starts at $29.95 per month and requires no set up fee.

Aptela
Boasting a combination of power and simplicity, Aptela provides a long list of desirable features for small businesses. One appealing feature is that their calling features reduce the risk of missing an important call with features like sequential ring and simultaneous ring. Outlook integration, voicemail to email capability, fax to email and conference call support round out fundamental and valuable features for client communication. Intra-office communication can also benefit from Aptela. Users can “flip” a call from their mobile phone to their desk phone and vice versa, as well as use software-based phones. Further, extensions can be used to contact all company workers no matter where they are. As a bonus, Aptela works with small businesses to set up their service to suite their needs, and then trains all employees on how to use it. Unlimited calling plans begin at $29.99 per month.

Jive
Jive offers excellent flexibility and control for small businesses. Jive uses a web-based platform that allows customers to log in to view information about their account and edit different features. All phones in the network can be in use simultaneously, and an auto attendant directs incoming calls to where they need to go. There is no limit to the number of lines, and all it takes to add a line is to buy and set up a new phone. Call forwarding and follow me features ensure that all calls are answered promptly and by the right personnel. Voicemail can be set up with customized greetings and email integration. Further, Jive’s web-based design means that it is easy to transport the system if the office is ever moved. Jive starts at $30 per month per phone.

Speakeasy
Speakeasy helps small businesses take control of their communications. Their small business VoIP service provides remote office capabilities through several means. Employees have control of which of their phones rings during an incoming call, meaning a call to the office number could ring their cell phone and home phone. Further, employees can make call from a private number and the caller ID will show their business number. In addition, Speakeasy supports a simultaneous ring for up to 10 phones, and sequential ringing is supported for up to 5 different phones. The service can be programmed so that incoming client calls are automatically directed to the employees that can help. Voicemail to email is supported, and each employee can be assigned a different long distance plan to help save money and prevent long distance calling complications.

Vonage
Vonage is a well know name for many already, and is now doing well in the small business VoIP market. Vonage works by using an adaptor to call through high-speed Internet connections, allowing customers to keep their existing phone number or select a new one from any area code in the U.S. Phone features are adapted to modern and mobile business needs, supporting simultaneous ringing and accessing voicemail from any phone, from email and through text message. In addition, this VoIP service supports unlimited local and long distance calling in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as free unlimited calls to landlines in Italy, France, Spain, Ireland and the UK. The Vonage program starts at $49.99.