Part 1 of our VoIP Myths and Facts asks the questions: is Skype the daddy of VoIP and can VoIP increase productivity?

Myth: VoIP is Skype

VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, which basically means using your data network to route voice calls. There are several different ways to communicate between two end points, and manufacturers often have their own propriety protocols for their systems. E.g. Skype uses its own encryption and communication protocols while Cisco uses SCCP for their telephone systems. There is also an open protocol, called SIP. It’s called open because the protocol is free for anyone to use and customize to integrate with their equipment. SIP is often seen as the de facto standard for VoIP protocols. This is important to know, because if you want to future proof your VoIP infrastructure, you need to ensure that it will be able to talk SIP. Some manufacturers (e.g. Cisco) support both their own propriety protocols and SIP, which means that the majority of VoIP handsets will work with a Cisco IP PBX.

When proposing VoIP as a telephony solution, many of our clients respond by saying, "We already use Skype", or something similar. Few understand that Skype is an implementation of VoIP and it is certainly not the alpha and omega of VoIP.  Many businesses already implement VoIP or IP Telephony in some form so don’t believe the myth that VoIP is Skype.

Fact: VoIP Improves Productivity

Sage Research conducted a study which revealed that the average business saves 32 minutes per day per employee by using Cisco's Unified Communications software. Here are some of the reasons why VoIP can increase productivity:

Unified Presence allows staff to see whether the person they are intending to call is available, and what is the best method to communicate. It can, for instance, show whether a user is away for a meeting, on the phone, or prefers not to be disturbed, all with a quick glance. Being able to get hold of the person you want or knowing the best way to communicate with them can save a lot of time, especially now that we are in an age where we are presented with so many options.

Extension Roaming allows you to have your calls ring on any handset you may be at. E.g. if you travel a lot between different branch offices, you simply use any available handset, enter your pin number, and your extension number will be transferred to that phone. So when a colleague needs to get a hold of you, they simply phone your extension number and it will ring wherever you are.

In business, it’s a fact that being able to reach someone the first time, increases productivity. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about how Cisco Unified Communications can benefit your business. Or click here to view the Sage Research report.