Voice over IP is an integral part throughout government agencies today. This service, part of a unified communications solutions, can trace its roots to 1973, when the Network Voice Protocol was developed. This breakthrough allowed a team of researchers to transmit real-time voice over Arpanet, the early precursor to the Internet.
Today, the technology has evolved to where users can make phone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a phone line. According to the FCC, some VoIP services only allow calls to be made to other VoIP services, but others may let calls be made to any telephone number. Using a VoIP service can help government agencies improve communications and productivity while also bringing benefits in other areas. Of course, a strong Internet connection is necessary for agencies to benefit most from VoIP.
Cost effective
Telephones connected to phone lines are rapidly becoming outdated. VoIP allows for calls to be made from the computer, or any capable device. Federal IT services have the necessary experience to turn smartphones into VoIP compatible devices. This flexibility equates to agencies shedding costs because no phones have to be purchased. Also, because VoIP falls under a unified communication solution, agencies will not have to pick and choose a service. Everything is under one package.
Productivity
Workers are more connected than ever because of technology, even away from their workstation. VoIP ensures important calls and voicemails are never missed, as long as employees have a smartphone or tablet nearby. The service also comes with a useful transcription tool, allowing voicemails to be transcribed and sent to a specified email. This useful feature saves employees the hassle and time of writing down messages, contacts and storing them for future use.
Video conferencing is another added benefit. An employee, no matter his or her location, can easily join in on a conference call. This simplicity saves money on potential travel expenses and time because video calls do not need to be planned weeks in advance.
For government agencies that must deal in a rapidly paced environment, VoIP services are an essential. VoIP services are only one part in a larger unified communications solutions. Government agencies looking to streamline communications and increase productivity should look to federal IT services to develop a personalized a unified communications plan, of which VoIP is an integral part.