Top 10 Reasons To Use VoIP

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about why I should use VoIP because there’s no point being a VoIP evangelist and not knowing why! So I got to thinking about it and came up with this list of 10 reasons why you should use VoIP. I think it’s handy to have an answer to those people who are thinking about a change but just don’t see why yet. Hopefully you’ll find this useful.

1. It’s cheaper than PSTN
   VoIP doesn’t use the exchange system, instead phone calls are placed via the internet. Voice is digitized, sent as packets of data and reassembled on arrival. By cutting out the exchanges, VoIP calls incur fewer expenses from the incumbent telcos. While a VoIP call to a PSTN landline or cell phone is cheaper, the real savings come when you place PC - PC calls where there is no charge. Many VoIP providers offer unlimited free national calls, or at least a capped volume of free national calls per month. Cost is by far the most obvious of all the reasons why you should use VoIP if you haven’t already.
2. VoIP is software-based
   So what you might say? There are huge benefits in having a software-based system as opposed to a system dependent on hardware. VoIP uses a number of protocols such as SIP, and work is constantly ongoing on making improvements. As VoIP is powered by software, which is always being developed further, improvements do not require a costly new handset. Instead, you can get the benefits by downloading and upgrading to a new version. As well as the convenience factor, companies that have a large number of handsets in use will benefits over time as the cost of acquisition is vastly reduced.
3. VoIP is built on an Open Source platform *
   Open source development has been the driving force behind VoIP in many ways. Rather than closing the source, protocols such as SIP and H.264 are open for any person or company to download, edit and republish under GPL. The added value in this is that any bugs and inefficiencies found can be quickly identified and subsequently resolved fast. What does this mean for you? More stable, faster and secure software that improves call quality.
   * Some popular soft phones ie. Skype are built using a proprietary protocol.
4. Improved call quality
   Yes I admit there are issues with VoIP call quality, but in most cases a VoIP call will actually match and surpass the quality of a traditional landline call. VoIP will easily beat the quality of calls provided by your cell phone, and cost less.
5. Integration with online applications
   For a long time VoIP has been seen as a standalone solution, VoIP for VoIP calls. But with the onslaught on Web 2.0 type services, VoIP is finally being integrated into online applications. We’re now seeing developers building in VoIP alongside other technologies such as IM and video to create an integrated communications and collaboration platform. Colleagues from around the world and collaborate on projects, so not only can you stay in touch, business collaboration is a breeze.
6. Ease of conference calling
   Conference calling is a very useful way to quickly brainstorm on a topic, come up with ideas and then draw up a plan of action. But it’s no fun if setting up the conference call is difficult. With VoIP, conference calling is simple and easy. Applications like Skype allow you to invite anyone on your list to join a conference just like you would invite someone into an IM chat.
7. Make free calls from your computer
   Downloading an application such as SightSpeed, Hullo or Skype will allow you make unlimited free calls to other users. Skype are currently offering free SkypeOut calls to all landlines and cell phones in the USA and Canada, as long as you are in the USA or Canada.
8. Be an early adopter
   VoIP is still a relatively unheard of technology. So there is a certain ‘coolness’ to get in fast and be seen as an early adopter among your peers.
9. Easy to record calls
   With VoIP it is very easy to record calls, especially if you are using a soft phone on your computer. There are many applications out there that will record your conversations, then save and archive them so you can either listen to them later or share them as a podcast.
10. Take your number with you
    Say you work in New York and you have to go on a trip to a conference in Tokyo, Japan. Instead of someone calling an international number, they can call your local VoIP number and get through to you as a local rate call. It sounds weird because we’re so used to the PSTN system, but with VoIP you’ll be local anywhere in the world!