Features of VOIP

A question that a lot of people ask when they search for a service is “What types of features do I get with the service and are there any additional free services do I get with any type of promotion going on?”  A long question, but a very important question that you need to keep in mind.  Not every provider will give you what they promise.  I myself ask this question all the time when I go for a service that I might be interested in obtaining.  Here are a few things you should know when you go to search for a VOIP service and what the basics of VOIP are, what features are there, etc.

  1. Local and long distance charges with NO extra charge
    1. Remember to keep in mind that if a VOIP service provider is charging you extra, DO NOT go with them.
  2. Voicemail, caller-id, call forwarding, extensions, etc.
    1. These are some of the basics that SHOULD come with your service.
  3. Elimination of any charges on moving numbers and what not.
    1. VOIP providers should move your number and what not for free.
  4. Billing made easy
    1. Easy billing interface
  5. Business call tracking
    1. Letting you know where calls are going, how much total bill, etc.
  6. Voicemail transferring into e-mail notification service
    1. When you get a voicemail, you should get an e-mail telling you that you have received a message and the MP3/MP4 file should be attached to that e-mail for you to listen to the voicemail.
  7. Conference Calling
    1. You should be able to hold on-phone conferences between 2-10 people.
  8. Automated Calling Attendant
    1. System should allow you to customize your auto greeter for your customers.
  9. Automated Calling Attending Call Routing
    1. Pretty self explanatory

10.  Web-based control panel

  1. This is for you to have a control panel to where you can make changes to your account such as extensions, routing, etc.

11.  Unlimited/Free Office-to-Office calling

  1. Wherever your office may be, you should have the options of getting FREE/UNLIMITED office-to-office calls.

12.  Service Provider’s Call Center

  1. You should be able to call your provider’s call center for support if you run into any problems.

13.  Videos/Tutorials/Phone Training Availability

  1. You should have the option of training yourself to the provider’s new system If you are not familiar with it.

There are many more that you should know about, but these are the ones to start with.