Efficient, cost-effective communication service is vital to a successful business. As business owners compare business phone systems, they find that new technology has welcomed alternatives to land lines. Internet lines offer many benefits over traditional ones, including a free business phone number. Seamless extension dialing between all locations on a private network, or even over a public computer, is typically much easier and less expensive. All offices can be connected together to serve as one large office, no matter how far apart they appear on a map. This new technology has started a communications revolution.

Various Types Of Internet Lines

The simplest and most common type of internet line is through an analog telephone adaptor (ATA), which allows a standard telephone to be connected to a computer or internet connection. It converts analog signals to digital ones by using the analog signal from a traditional telephone and transforming it into digital data to be transmitted over the internet. Most ATAs don't require much set up, and can be easily done by the person who ordered it.

An internet telephone appears just like a regular version with a handset, cradle, and buttons. However, rather than utilizing the standard RJ-11 connectors, this option has an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. They connect directly to a router and contain all the hardware and software necessary to receive and make calls.

The last system only requires a computer, software, speakers, a sound card, and an internet connection. This 'computer-to-computer connection' makes a call through one computer to another, no matter the distance.

Telecommuting Employees Stay Connected

Along with providing a free business phone number, this type of system simply and inexpensively connects home-based workers to the main office. A telecommuting worker can directly connect to the office phone system via a high speed connection, such as a direct service line or cable internet. By having a telephone from the office at home connected to the internet, set up is complete.

Another option is for the employee to use a 'soft phone', software on their computer at home that operates like a telephone. The physical telephone, located anywhere in the world, becomes one of the communication points in the office system, including all the individual settings that worker has saved on their telephone at the office. When someone calls the office, the call automatically rings at the staff member's home without the caller having any idea that the individual they are calling isn't at the office.

Compare Business Phone Systems To Save Money

To compare business phone systems, getting a free business phone number and saving money must be listed as the major benefits. With an internet line, the cost of a home telephone is eliminated by sending calls over the internet instead of over the phone network. When a call is made through this type of connection, the voice is converted to a data stream that's transferred over a broadband network. This service provides a free business phone number and doesn't limit who can be called. Despite what some may think, a user isn't restricted to sit in front of a computer to make phone calls. All systems include wireless handsets that work like cordless home telephones.

Long distance charges become obsolete with this setup. Local and national calls are usually all included in the monthly fee. Also, international calls don't always incur additional charges, based on the provider and plan. Most come with additional features for no extra costs. Caller ID, call-blocking, three-way calling, and voicemail boxes that send e-mail alerts when you have a message waiting are just some of the included features.

Stay Connected While Traveling

With internet lines, traveling employees and managers can stay connected to the office by using the soft telephone on their laptop. Compare business phone systems to find that this feature is not available with land lines. The ability to be located anywhere in the world and receive calls just like you're in the office is a big plus. A regular office telephone can even be added to the suitcase and set up on the traveler's internet connection. This arrangement allows all of the employee's settings and preset numbers to still be intact while on the other side of the world.