Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication technology that enables voice calls and virtual conferencing over an internet connection. It has become a popular choice for businesses, big and small, for its cost-effectiveness and improved communication capabilities.
If you’re a small business owner in South Africa looking to adopt VoIP, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a provider:
Pricing
The cost of a VoIP solution varies depending on the provider and the features offered. Most systems are charged on a cost-per-user basis, so the larger your business, the more you can expect to pay overall. However, cost-per-user may decrease due to bulk pricing depending on the provider.
In South Africa, small business VoIP systems range from about R50 to about R350 per user per month, depending on what features you need. Just bear in mind that installation costs, additional telephone numbers, phone units, VoIP devices, maintenance, and extensions will increase what you pay, so get a formal written quote and rate sheet before you sign up.
It is also important to consider the ROI you can expect from switching to VOIP. Remember that VoIP calls tend to be significantly cheaper than traditional voice systems, so factor in potential savings when looking at different providers.
Related:
VoIP vs Landline: What’s Best for Your Small Business?
Redundancy
Ask your potential provider about their backup and recovery plans and whether they offer any guarantees for network uptime. Ensuring your business can continue to communicate in cases of an unexpected outage or disaster is critical.
This is especially important during load shedding, for example, as some VOIP providers in South Africa do NOT offer coverage.
Onboarding & Training
The transition to VoIP technology can be a challenge for your employees, whether they are customer-facing or internal. A good provider will offer comprehensive onboarding and training programs or documentation to help your employees become comfortable with the new technology and take full advantage of its features.
Unified Communications
Unified Communications (UC) is a growing trend in the world of modern business. UC integrates various communication methods, such as voice, video, screen sharing, file transfers, instant messaging, and more, into a single interface.
For example, employees can engage in live chat with customers on WhatsApp via the same platform used for VoIP calls. Or instant messaging and file sharing within a team takes place on the same platform as VoIP-powered virtual conferencing.
Related:
What is Unified Communications (UC)?
Support
Choose a provider that offers 24/7/365 support. The provider should have a knowledgeable and responsive support team that can help you troubleshoot any problems you may encounter, no matter the day or time. Avoid VoIP providers that outsource their support to international call centers and those with limited contact methods.
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