![\"Savi](\"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Savi-730.jpg\")
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Many small businesses have been making the call to Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP). In its 2015 VoIP Software Small Business Buyer Report<\/a>, Software Advice, the resource for software buyers, found that 36 percent of survey respondents use VoIP versus 24 percent that use Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) and 11 percent Rate Interface (PRI) service, which transmits multimedia data in addition to audio data.<\/p>\n Cost savings is one of the main benefits of switching to VoIP, which hooks directly into existing broadband network so there\u2019s no need to install new phone lines. Also with data and phone systems converged into one network, small businesses spend less time on system management. VoIP also makes it easy to add or delete users and efficiently change phone features from the convenience of a central web portal.<\/p>\n Cost isn\u2019t the only factor driving the switch to VoIP among small businesses. In addition to standard features such as voicemail, caller ID and call forwarding, VoIP also offers a host of other functions such as automated attendant and Find me\/Follow me, which routes unanswered calls to a series of phone numbers you choose, including desk, cell and office.<\/p>\n VoIP also enhances productivity and efficiency by integrating applications. For example, a user can be on the phone and check a voicemail received in text via email that may be relevant to the call. \u00a0It\u2019s also possible to switch from an audio call to a web or video conference, aided by a noise canceling headset<\/a> to ensure clear communication.<\/p>\n Phone downtime can seriously affect any business from small to large. It can disrupt operations and pose serious inconvenience to customers, which can lead to a loss in business. \u00a0Since VoIP relies on the Internet, there is a legitimate concern about loss of phone service if the Internet goes down. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to protect against VoIP service going down due to Internet failure.<\/p>\n Secure backup internet connections<\/strong>:\u00a0 Contract with two ISPs, a primary and secondary provider. If the primary Internet service goes down, calls will be handled by the secondary service provider. Another option is to split the business into two separate networks handled by different ISPs. One ISP provides Internet service to VoIP phones; the other supports computers. If the Internet service to VoIP phones goes down, the system can switch to the other provider\u2019s network. Having redundant Internet service can be peace of mind, but it will mean more costs.<\/p>\n Ensure transfer options: <\/strong>Choose providers that offer call continuity or system redundancy features. They will enable you to route the main office number to designated mobile phones. In this way, when a customer calls into the business, the call will ring on the mobile phone. Optionally, calls can be routed to an automated attendant, which provides the caller with a range of options. Among these, a caller could have the choice of connecting with a specific team member so that the call will be routed to that individual\u2019s mobile phone. Calls also can be routed to voicemail to be retrieved by employees wherever they are. Many VoIP systems also enable outbound calls to appear to be coming from the business. In this way, if a small business team member dials out on their mobile phone, the recipient will see your small business name and number on their caller ID.<\/p>\nEnsuring the VoIP connection<\/strong><\/h4>\n