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A rapid increase in the number of VoIP providers in the UK has given businesses around the country a wealth of extra choice – but this isn’t necessarily a good thing, according to one telecoms outfit.

Voice and data services provider Amvia says that while it is beneficial for businesses to have access to more options, the overwhelming choice can make it more challenging to identify the most suitable solution. The organisation warns that increased opportunities can mean some businesses may select a suboptimal deal, leaving them unable to fully take advantage of this top technology.

Amvia has noted a marked rise in the use of its online, real-time comparison tool for voice and data services; a change which the firm attributes directly to the growing number of VoIP providers across the UK. The tool, which aims to match customers with the most suitable local providers based on location, service availability, features and pricing, offers a unique overview of the current market. It highlights a selection of solutions all in one place, minimising the need for businesses to undertake lengthy research.

While use of the tool is rising, Amvia warns that there are still many businesses who may not be using comparison services, meaning that they are likely not getting the most compatible or cost-effective voice service for their needs as a result.

“The fact that there are now more VoIP providers than ever before shows that demand for voice services is on the rise and that UK businesses are really starting to fully utilise this essential technology,” says Amvia Managing Director Nathan Hill-Haimes. “But more VoIP providers is not always a good thing, especially for businesses that are struggling to find the best service for them.

“To put it bluntly, more choice means more opportunities to get it wrong. That’s why we believe it’s more important than ever for businesses to work to identify their own needs and really take a thorough look at the market, finding a solution that not only works for them now, but will continue to bring benefits in the future, without settling for second best.

VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, is one of the most disruptive communications technologies to have been introduced to UK businesses over the past few years. VoIP brings multiple benefits, including the cost saving advantages of IP-based telephony, as well as stronger communications through real-time conversations. It is a technology that has aided the development of successful remote and flexible working policies, facilitated better client/business relationships, and worked to streamline business processes.

Trade service businesses across the UK can now forego their landlines and save significant amounts of time, money and logistics with communication, thanks to the latest solution by job management company simPRO.

simPRO’s newest feature, VoIP phone, allows users to use an inbuilt web phone instead of traditional phone handsets or third-party phone software.

simPRO Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Eastgate said the VoIP phone integration would provide a number of benefits to businesses that were looking to take advantage of the trade service industry’s inevitable digital future.

“VoIP provides a flexible, multi-functional solution that couldn’t be simpler to use. Without the need of a traditional telephone handset taking up space on the desk, users can make a call with a push of the mouse or keyboard and connect with people without any disruption to their workflow.

“Incoming calls, re-directs and on-hold calls can all be coordinated on the screen, meaning you can continue to use your simPRO software on your computer while simultaneously speaking freely to colleagues, customers and contacts about important deals, affairs, meetings, files, documents and agendas.”

Mr Eastgate said that while streamlining business communication was a major benefit delivered by VoIP, the costs involved were also a significant variable that would overtly improve a business’ operation.

"Incoming calls, re-directs and on-hold calls can all be coordinated on the screen, meaning you can continue to use your simPRO software on your computer while simultaneously speaking freely to colleagues, customers and contacts..."

 

“VoIP can be much cheaper to incorporate than a traditional telephone line, which typically requires a business to be set up with a costly telecommunications deal.

“It means that businesses that use VoIP need no longer worry about the reliability of their phone connection, the changing rates of their telco deal, and the cumbersome need for dedicated hardware,” he said.

simPRO’s VoIP capability is a product first for the company and is expected to take the lead in the UK market, as many VoIP solutions currently available are limited by specific communication hardware requirements and ties to the UK’s local telecom suppliers.

simPRO's VoIP service is provided to all clients at no charge - they simply continue with their existing VoIP service provider at existing rates whilst getting the benefits simPRO has brought through the integration.

“When using simPRO, the VoIP will draw information to produce caller IDs and maintain call logs which can be viewed in a browser window – all you need is the internet and a headset,” Mr Eastgate said.

“simPRO’s VoIP product is the very embodiment of job management and a great example of streamlining your processes to increase your profits and productivity.”

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