VoIP Extra Features

Because VoIP runs on a computer--either your desktop or laptop, or the computer inside your IP phone--there are several features that you can get which would not be available on a standard telephone system.

Larger companies are able to take advantage of the unique nature of VoIP to route all intra-office calls and connect multiple branch offices through a VoIP network, significantly reducing telephony costs.

The biggest advantage of course, to both home and office users, is price. VoIP means you'll never have to pay big long distance bills again. A side benefit of this fact is that VoIP's low long distance prices are forcing traditional long distance telcos to offer more competitive prices as well. Other than that, the most important extra is VoIP's portability. Because it is not connected to a single location, you can use your VoIP phone from any location. If you go on vacation, you can take your laptop and IP phone with you, and connect to the hotel's broadband connection to make phone calls from your same phone number.

Other advantages and frills include the ability to check your voicemail via your email client, or attach voice messages to email. The combination of voicemail and email, and even fax, is referred to as unified messaging, and adds a great convenience. Additionally, the ability to create a "virtual office" with multiple extensions that ring in different geographic locations is a big winner for today's modern telecommuting-based company. Businesses with a large customer presence, or telecommuting workforce in another state will also enjoy the ability to select numbers with different area codes, allowing users in other states to call you via a local number.

Most of the major VoIP carriers are already offering more features than you can imagine, including the ability to add a dedicated fax line, and an extra toll-free number. Of course, all the same extras you get with regular service are also available, such as caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding.

In the future, the number of extras will only increase, making VoIP a no-brainer. Very soon, there will be Wi-Fi IP phones, which would let you make a VoIP call from your favorite Wi-Fi enabled coffee shop or airport. The next generation of IP phones will come with web browsers and instant messaging facilities, and some providers are already creating IP videophones.

A big plus to consumers and providers alike is the onset of the "Triple Play." This powerhouse business concept combines telephony, Internet access and television all in the same package, and all delivered to your home on the same wire. The result will be even bigger cost savings and convenience, as carriers are feeling the pressure already to implement this combined offering in order to stay competitive. The good news for the consumer is that carriers will be obligated out of competitive necessity to offer these combined services at a lower price than you would have to pay if you purchased them separately. Carriers will also feel pressure to improve their service offerings with enhanced quality and value-added features in order to make their triple play more attractive.

VOIP :: Voice Over IP Information

Your Guide to VOIP Telephone Technology and Services