Why do people need to select the hosted phone service?
Summary: Hosted telephony services, more commonly known as hosted Voice Over VOIP are a relatively new offering as an alternative to the traditional phone lines within a company so that there will be a single cohesive telephone system.
Interoperability is amongst the most crucial features of a carrier-grade Hosted PBX solution. Enterprises and carriers hate surprises, especially when it comes to making Hosted phone service work with devices such as SIP phones and other IP equipment.
Compliance to standards
It is recommended that all Hosted IP PBX solutions be fully compliant with the IETF RFC 3161 specification for the SIP protocol. This is a basic requirement to ensure that the hosted PBX will be able to interoperate with other SIP-based devices. There's nothing worse than having a telephone system that drops calls from certain SIP devices just because it cannot understand one or more headers in the incoming message.
I've seen many Hosted Phone Service drop calls when it comes to advanced features such as SIP Privacy and Anonymous calling. This is primarily because they do not understand certain headers in the incoming call messages and do not know what action should be subsequently taken.
Networks are the future
Large organizations choose different vendors for various network components. As an example, a company may procure the best business communication. In such cases, it is crucial that all network elements are fully interoperable with each other. It is not feasible for an organization to replace any network element simply because it cannot work with products from other vendors. From a financial perspective, a hosted PBX with poor interoperability with other devices is a perfect recipe for disaster.
Correct Configuration
In order to direct calls correctly, many business VoIP providers require correct interoperability configuration. If calls to destinations outside the IP network are failing, it may be because the calls are routed through switches that are connected to the PSTN. Most professional hosted VoIP vendors provide the interoperability configuration information on their websites.
Testing, Testing, and more Testing
The best way to ensure that a service is high on the interoperability scale is to test it rigorously and test it often with an installed base of enterprise communication systems.
Stay Up to date with the latest standards
DFW Business Phone Systems has advanced at an amazing pace over the last few years and it will continue to evolve in the coming years as well. Therefore, it is crucial for hosted business VoIP vendors to stay on top of the latest standards and changes in technology to ensure maximum interoperability in their product offerings.
It is also best to look for a completely standards-based service so as to ensure that everything they are offering is compatible with the largest number of third-party platforms, devices, and solutions. The last thing you want is a walled garden.
Low Upfront Cost
Unlike a legacy network, a hosted network costs nothing upfront. That's because you don't purchase the hardware. Instead, you pay a monthly service fee based on the type of hardware you select and the features of the network. Because hardware depreciates in value, leasing it makes more financial sense than buying it outright.
No Maintenance Fees
Because you don't own the hardware, you won't pay to maintain it. If a telephone must be repaired or replaced, the service provider handles the problem free of charge. Over the course of its lifespan, a legacy network can require thousands of dollars in maintenance fees. That's the money you save when you use a hosted network.
Features and Service
A hosted phone system for business phone numbers offers features that a legacy network often doesn't, such as 24-hour customer service, call waiting, caller ID, and advanced features such as voicemail to email transfer, call tracking, and name directories. Unlike legacy networks, hosted networks receive frequent upgrades that enhance their value to the customer.
Networks Benefits
If your clients like to speak to you on the telephone (many people consider speaking to a live person to be the highest form of customer service), your company should consider investing in a hosted phone system. Unlike a legacy telephone network, which is owned and maintained in-house, a hosted phone system for business phone numbers offers the following perks, among others.
Conclusions
Interoperability issues have presented serious challenges to integrators and service providers since the earliest PBX installations. Therefore, it is smart to choose providers with proven interoperability with all major brands of soft switches that make it easy for carriers and enterprises to deploy future-proof communications solutions quickly and profitably today.
One last benefit of a fully 'interoperable' business phone service is that you will be able to take full advantage of all the features in new user agents. Your hardware choices are not limited and you can review VoIP phones yourself to find the devices that best fit you and your work environment.
