Technology has transformed the workplace and the way people work. Telecommuting, teleconferencing, data sharing, working from a remote location, video security and surveillance have all been used to improve productivity and security. The core of these technologies are still the voice and data services, fiber cabling, phone systems, CCTV, and wireless and communications networks that allow people to connect in newer, more innovative and secure ways.
The VoIP industry is set to grow
Because of the many advantages that VoIP services offer to businesses and large organizations, they will continue to grow rapidly. By 2018, mobile VoIP is projected to grow to about one billion users. In fields like the K-12, primary education and higher education sectors, healthcare, hospitality, and retail, data sharing and storage and communications networks are essential to everyday functioning.
Replacing a traditional phone line with VoIP phone system installation can save 20 to 50% on monthly phone bills. Bandwidth efficiency and lower costs make it more affordable, as well as more versatile. VoIP communications networks give your business information sharing and storage capability that cannot be matched by traditional phone services.
How VoIP technology is transforming the workplace
Video conferencing, telecommuting, working at remote, field or branch locations, security systems – these are just some of the possibilities using the network infrastructure.
- Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing is an efficient way of bringing people together, saving both time and money. Out of the 11 million business meetings held every day in the U.S., many use video conferencing and VoIP services. Existing conference facilities can easily be modified for videoconferencing as well. Most computers come equipped with video cameras and can easily join in conferences via the communications networks.
Videoconferencing is also a great brainstorming tool, and can connect people from different locations, branches and sites easily for exchange of ideas and information. - Video surveillance
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employee theft costs business anywhere from $20 billion and $40 billion a year. CCTV and surveillance camera systems with remote access have been found to reduce workplace losses and theft by up to 80%.
They can also improve productivity as employees are less likely to spend their time texting or playing solitaire on their work computers if they know that surveillance cameras are in operation. Basic equipment such as a low cost, cloud-connected security camera with resolutions between 720 or 1080 pixels is easily available from several companies. - Telecommuting
Telecommuting is an increasingly popular option with workers and employers alike. As many as 64 million workers in the U.S. currently have jobs that are at least part-time telework. That’s 50% of the workforce. VoIP phone systems are both flexible and portable, making the workplace mobile and accessible from any location.
Internet telephony, as VoIP is also known, increases workplace productivity. A recent survey by Sage Research found that it added up to 3.9 hours per week, for each employee. This is just one of the many reasons why the versatile and affordable VoIP communications networks are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses.