Comparing analog phones to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems is like comparing a basic telephone to a computer. An analog phone is a basic phone you can plug in and you’re instantly ready to use, but the VoIP is a little more complex than that. Analog phones are probably what you still have at home (if you still have a home phone); they are reliable, easy to use, and familiar, but can probably only offer you so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An analog phone system, also commonly known as a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), converts voice signals to electronic signals that travel over the phone line until they reach the destination. These voice signals can travel in two ways – from one phone to another and vice versa – because the phone system offers bidirectional communication. Users communicating to each other using POTS or analog systems are connected through a copper wire subscriber loop running from a central switch office to many homes and businesses. Subscribers are assigned to a phone number allowing them to contact others.

If you don’t know anything about VoIP, it is a system that converts analog phone signals into digital signals and runs your phone system on an IP network through your own IP address or the Internet, combining voice and data on one secure network. The digital signals being converted can be delivered over the Internet from one home or business to another. This communication method is cost-effective and easy to use. Of course, your features may differ depending on the size of your business, but it is generally the same idea for small and large businesses alike. So, why are more businesses are turning to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication and ditching their conventional landlines? VoIP communication systems offers several advantages for small and large businesses.

VoIP communication systems offer a secure and quality service, managing calls over their own private networks. VoIP also offers more features than a traditional analog phone such as voicemail, caller ID, Internet faxing, virtual receptionists, advanced call screening and forwarding, integrated office software, and voicemail forwarding to a personal email or cell phone. Advanced technology has even provided access to hosting web and video conferences with VoIP.

Business VoIP services are generally cheaper than traditional phone services, even with all of the extra features listed above. There is less hardware to buy or lease, if any at all, and monthly subscription fees are lower. Several hosted providers offer smartphone apps that allow the user to make and receive calls through their data connection which can be connected to your office phone or left as a standalone option. Adding new extensions is also an easier task with VoIP communication systems.

Among all of these advantages of VoIP is increased productivity. Choosing the VoIP communication system simplifies and combines your communication tools. This is one step up from analog or traditional phone lines.

While your analog may be working for your small business, consider choosing a VoIP communication system for added benefits, such as security, improved productivity, and features such as caller ID, voicemail forwarding, and call screening.

At ITG, we have the ability to supply various sizes and types of phone systems. Whether you require a couple of phones to hundreds of phones, we have the solution that is right for you.