When it comes to VoIP, there are a number of options that you can choose from. The options vary based on the size of your business and what features you’re looking for. Some of the popular options include Skype, Lingo, Nextiva, and Ooma Office.
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WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a new app that adds a lot of powerful functionality to the popular messaging app. It’s ideal for small businesses looking to increase their customer base and improve their communication.
One of the most important benefits of WhatsApp Business is that you can integrate your Facebook page with your business. This means that you can automatically send messages to people who have seen your content. You can also send limited messages to non-WhatsApp users.
The new app allows you to manage your business from anywhere. For instance, you can use it to chat with customers or suppliers. Also, you can set up auto-replies, schedule messages, and even share emojis.
Another impressive feature is that you can send unlimited texts to your customers. Fortunately, these messages are free. Plus, you can get paid with PayPal or VISA/MASTER card.
In addition to texting, you can use WhatsApp Business to chat with your customers and offer them personalized service. The app offers different greetings for different situations.
Some other features you’ll find in WhatsApp Business are:
Input of your business’s website and catalogue are easy. Furthermore, you can also input your frequently asked questions and labels. There are also grouping tools that make it simple to organize your team and your company’s chats.
Finally, you can take advantage of its analytics capabilities. If you’re a sales person, it will help you track and analyze customer interactions.
Skype
Skype is a free, cloud-based service that allows users to make calls, send messages, and chat on a range of connected devices. The app is available in more than 100 languages. Its main feature is video calling.
Other features include voice messaging, text messaging, and photo sharing. Users can also set up group calls, which can be handy when working in teams.
Skype’s pricing plans are based on region. Some of the higher end versions may also come with more advanced tools. However, you’ll have to compare prices to find the best deal.
A Skype alternative that has been around for a while is ooVoo. This VoIP solution targets younger generations. While it offers a good range of features, it’s overrun with advertising.
Another is RingCentral. It’s an excellent cloud-based phone system for businesses. Not only does it support a variety of calls, but it supports live chat, faxes, and training.
If you’re looking for a free video conference tool, consider WebEx. It’s a web-based solution that integrates with Slack and Facebook Live.
Viber is another contender. It allows you to call mobile phones for free, as well as to share photos and maps. You can even opt for a sticker pack.
To make sure you get a solid video conferencing experience, you need a scalable interface. Scalability can be anything from SSL encryption to two-factor authentication.
Microsoft Teams is a more robust version of the Skype for Business tool. Teams offers a host of other perks such as channels to organize information, group chats, and file sharing.
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a VoIP service that offers small businesses a number of features at a relatively low cost. While it’s simple to set up and easy to manage, there are some drawbacks.
The user interface of the web portal is basic and requires little technical expertise. However, the interface makes it easy to buy IP phones, add extensions, and review calls and call history.
Ooma’s Virtual Receptionist is a feature that works well for small businesses. It allows users to greet incoming calls with text-to-speech greetings. Additionally, it helps users manage multiple ring groups, ensuring that calls are answered properly.
A virtual fax feature is also available, which can be a helpful addition to a small business. In addition, Ooma offers 24/7 support by email, live chat, and phone.
If you need more advanced calling features, you may want to consider a more sophisticated VoIP system. Nextiva is a cloud telephony service that offers a variety of options for your needs.
For example, GoToConnect offers a flexible call routing system and customizable integrations with enterprise software. Another VoIP option is Ringblaze, which provides advanced features that help small teams work more effectively.
While Ooma Office is a good solution for small businesses with a small staff, it isn’t for growing enterprises. The service lacks advanced reporting and analytics, and it does not account for call duration.
If you’re unsure about which VoIP service is right for your small business, it’s best to speak with a specialized VoIP provider.
Nextiva
Nextiva is one of the most powerful VoIP solutions available. It offers a range of features, including group chats and desktop apps. This is all in an easily accessible package.
In addition, the company has a robust customer support team. The customer support department is available round-the-clock. If you have a question about a feature, Nextiva will help you find the answer.
Some of Nextiva’s other features include:
They have an app for Windows and Android. The Nextiva app has a number of great features, including call recording, a calendar system, and an integration with Google contact lists.
Nextiva offers excellent VoIP service in the United States and Canada. You can make calls anywhere in the country, and the company’s support team is top-notch.
Nextiva is an industry leader in new technologies. With its NextOS platform, Nextiva allows you to customize your unified communication experience.
Nextiva has some pretty nifty features, but it also has some limitations. For example, it’s not the cheapest VoIP service around, and its low-tier plans don’t offer video conferencing. Plus, the cheapest plan does not include text messaging.
Although they have a longstanding reputation for being one of the best business VoIP providers out there, it’s not suitable for every business. So, consider a few alternatives to Nextiva before making your final decision.
When choosing an alternative, make sure it has all the functions above. Additionally, it should have high-quality customer support, so you can get answers to your questions quickly and efficiently.
3CX
3CX is a great alternative to VoIP because it is both affordable and flexible. This solution can help your company improve its overall communications capabilities. It is also a great choice for large enterprises with remote teams.
With 3CX, you can handle calls from anywhere and anytime, without having to worry about installing expensive VoIP hosted PBX hardware. You can even choose to host the software on your own server, or let it run on a cloud-based service.
If you are unsure whether or not your business needs a phone system, consider how much your staff uses the phone. Some businesses do a lot of business over the phone, while others might not be as active. Regardless, it’s important to find a solution that can meet your needs.
While 3CX isn’t the only option out there, it’s one of the most popular. It provides a wide variety of features and functions, and it’s easy to set up. But, it’s not a perfect replacement for your current VoIP system.
One of the major advantages of 3CX is that it works on Linux and Windows, and it doesn’t require any additional software. However, it doesn’t support Macs, and it doesn’t offer all of the features you’d expect from a VoIP solution. In fact, it lacks many of the advanced telephony options found in other cloud-based solutions.
Another advantage of 3CX is that it offers a free trial. Having a free trial allows you to test out the various features and usability of the software.
Lingo
VoIP services allow you to make voice calls over the internet. You can use VoIP to make international phone calls, and also to communicate with your business contacts. But there are some downsides to using VoIP.
One of these is high network latency. This can cause a poor call quality. It can also be an issue if you need to integrate your PSTN system with your VoIP service.
Another drawback is the cost of a VoIP phone plan. The plans are fairly expensive because of the add-on calling features. They also have regulatory fees. Some people complain about billing and technical support.
Some users have reported that the call quality is unsatisfactory. If your internet is slow, you may notice that the connection is choppy.
There are also some complaints that Lingo has poor customer support. Unless you have a lot of experience with VoIP, you can have trouble contacting the technical support.
For those who need to make international calls regularly, it might be a good idea to invest in a mobile-only plan. However, mobile-only plans are often quite expensive.
Alternatively, you can use a cloud-based phone system. These systems offer a wide range of features, including call conferencing and video chat.
One of the main benefits of VoIP is the ability to route calls to the appropriate department or live operator. Other features can include voicemail delivery to your inbox. Compared to traditional phone service, VoIP is more flexible and affordable.