VoIP, which makes phone calls over broadband internet connections, is the most popular business phone solution for many businesses. A VoIP solution can be more affordable and flexible than a dedicated landline line telephone system, supporting numerous calls via mobile desk phones, smartphone and web-based apps. This is in addition to offering business customers free Voice over Internet Protocol calling plans. Some VoIP providers offer their clients advanced Call management features like call recording, call forwarding, call blocking, and caller ID and call waiting.

VoIP offers several benefits over traditional business phone systems. VoIP services are scalable, meaning a business can purchase multiple lines of either analog or digital telephone services, and still expect peak and minimum usage rates. In addition, because VoIP utilizes the same type of technology as traditional telephony services and the Internet, it is highly compatible with third-party applications, and can even inter-operate with these applications.

There are several VoIP service providers available in the market, so it is vital to look into the most cost-effective unified communications solutions. There are three types of unified communications service offerings, including Integrated, converged, and premade phones. Each has its own strengths and limitations, but the most cost-effective unified communications solution is undoubtedly integrated. Integrated business phone systems allow customers to integrate all of a business’s communication needs, such as messaging, calls, conferencing, and video conferencing, within the one system.

The most cost-efficient integrated business phone systems feature integrated voicemail and auto-attendant features. Auto-attendant functions work by sending a pre-recorded message, like a greeting card, when a client presses the call button. In addition, users can assign a specific caller ID to a specific business, based on a preset database, for easy management. Voicemail can store messages in a user-defined voicemail folder, and the auto-attendant feature can record a message, then play it back for an appropriate time during the next incoming call.

Business phone systems that use virtual phone service (also known as hosted VoIP phone system) provide users with the ability to place calls anywhere in the world for a very low monthly fee. Users only need to purchase a virtual phone service in their location. They do not have to purchase expensive phone lines for international calling, as well as long distance numbers or special lines for business. A virtual phone service provider can manage voicemail, auto-attendant, and other business phone system features, without any additional equipment or software. For businesses that cannot afford to install expensive telephone lines, or whose employees do not have access to high-speed Internet, a hosted VoIP phone system makes great sense.

Business phone systems that offer on-hold music options are also available. Some Voicemail providers offer pre-recorded audio messages that can be played during on-hold times. Business customers can even select which messages they want to listen to during their meetings or when they receive telephone calls from customers. Additional features that some Voicemail providers include are conference calling, caller ID, call recording, and music on hold. Voicemail also provides customers with a feature that allows them to preview messages before they are sent. This allows businesspeople to review important documents, or important phone messages, before they print them.