Hosted Voice Over IP FAQ

What is Voice Over IP (VoIP)?

VoIP is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using your existing Internet connection.

What is hosted VoIP PBX?

Hosted VoIP PBX is a phone system which is located at a secured off-site location and maintained by the service provider. The only equipment you have at your location are the phones. All phone functions are handled by the hosted VoIP system. There is no hardware to be purchased or installed; hence, no maintenance of the hardware.

How does hosted VoIP System save money?

With traditional premise based PBX, you need to purchase a PBX which is very expensive depending on the features you want. Since it is a complicated piece of hardware, you need someone to do the initial programming and on-going maintenance. Also you need to go to your local phone company for the monthly line cost. With hosted VoIP system, there is no PBX or hardware to be purchased other than the physical phones. Therefore it not only saves a big upfront cost but also saves the maintenance cost and system upgrade cost in the long run. The monthly cost is also typically lower than your local phone company.

Calling between our IP phones are always free regardless of their physical location. If you have one phone on Oahu, calling another phone in Maui, Japan or the mainland is free. You can have an hour long conference call and discussion without incurring any long distance cost.

What are the differences between hosted VoIP and premise based PBX?

  1. Low costs: Because there is no need to purchase a PBX or a separate voicemail system, the upfront cost is much lower. Plus, the monthly cost is lower due to no maintenance contract. Move/Add/Change is done free of charge without dispatching a technician. 7x24x365 local tech support is free!
  2. Feature rich: The hosted VoIP is a feature rich system which allows small businesses to enjoy features previously only affordable to large companies. For example you can get your voicemail through your email, auto attendant and around the clock support FREE.
  3. Flexibility: With hosted VoIP system, it is very easy to update any system settings. You can have the call ring multiple phones, follow to your cell, ring your desk phone and cell phone at the same time. Also you can use different settings based on day and time.
  4. Mobility: The phones are tied to your location. Take the phone anywhere with Internet access, you can make and receive calls. Also complimentary softphones can be installed on a computer or laptop which allows you to make and receive calls.

What are some benefits for small businesses (5 to 100 users)?

  1. Capital expenditures are kept to a minimum; there is no need to purchase an expensive phone system and voicemail server. Handsets can be purchased or leased for a low monthly fee.
  2. With hosted VoIP system a small business has features that are usually reserved for large businesses:
    1. Direct numbers - Every phone will have a direct number instead of having one main number and having to transfer the call to the appropriate party
    2. Caller Name and Number - Every phone will be able to view the caller name and number of incoming calls before answering the call
    3. Unified Messaging - When a user receives a voicemail they will receive an email with the voicemail attached. This way users may sort and save voicemails just like they do email.
    4. Graphical based administration - Administrators can add, delete, and modify user information from any browser; this saves time and money.
  3. Mobility - Users are able to move and use their phones at any location where there is broadband.
  4. Softphone - When out of the office, users can run a program on their laptop that allows them to make and receive calls on their direct number. The laptop only needs to access the internet - DSL, cable, or wireless - any broadband connection

How to take advantage of the benefits for a multi-site company?

  1. Single operator for all sites - Customers can save money by only having one operator for multiple sites instead of needing one operator per site.
  2. Mobility of phones - Phones can move from site to site with no reprogramming or need to pay someone to make the change.
  3. No charges between sites - When calling another site, there are no long distance charges, even if the other site is on another island, on the mainland, or in another country.
  4. Seamless transfers - Any user can transfer a call to any other user, regardless of site.
  5. Centralized administration - All administration can be centralized and done by internal employees saving expenses.