VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, and it is one of the most recent developments in office communication. While it is still going through improvements, it is one of the most efficient ways to connect with other employees, whether they are from your own company or another’s.

So, what exactly is VOIP? Quite simply, it is phone service over the Internet. Instead of having phone service delivered from your local phone company, you can have it delivered through your Internet connection. Essentially, it turns analog phone signals into digital signals, then sends them over the Internet.

There are two ways to utilize a VOIP service. The first is to use an Analogue Terminal Adapter (ATA), which usually comes with an Ethernet and phone jack. These are locked into a particular provider. The second is an IP phone, and does not require an actual computer or software.

There are many reasons for your company to switch from traditional phone service to VOIP, or at least add it to your communication methods. We’ve put together a succinct list of pros for you to consider.

It’s cheaper. Purchasing a VOIP service will potentially save you up to or over 30 percent of what you spend on your phone bill. This is largely because VOIP services have not been monopolized and are not government entities, and therefore charge less. VOIP service can even be free. While you do have to pay for Internet service, VOIP service may not involve any additional cost.

It has more features. You could save your company money while still getting the same great features as a conventional phone. With traditional phone providers, you get charged for every little additional feature. VOIP includes a wide variety of features for much less. These include caller ID, call forwarding and waiting, and three-way calling. You also get additional features, sometimes for free. International calling is included. Bring your VOIP phone with you on a trip, and you can receive calls as long as there is an Internet connection. Your range is virtually limitless.

It uses things you already pay for. As state above, a VOIP phone utilizes any broadband Internet connection. You can consolidate costs and use more of the services you already pay for, and feel better about all the downtime that occurs when your Internet is not in use.

It’s low maintenance. Traditional phones need repairing and replacing constantly. Should you have a problem, you have to wait for the phone company to come out and service the lines and check the connection. VOIP is much simpler, and should your Internet connection go down, you simply reboot the ATA device. That’s it.

It includes number portability. So, you have a phone number you love. You may have gotten lucky with it, picked it out especially, or just hate memorizing new phone numbers, but you like the number you have now. You can transfer this number to your VOIP phone by filling out a simple form.

It comes with online features. Most VOIP providers include services like voicemail by email, automatic bill pay, full calling records available online, and much more. They usually offer online support to help you with any questions, and you can manage your own account online.

VOIP service is a great alternative to conventional phone service. Converting your business or home phone system is a fantastic way to save money while getting better service at the sa

Sara Stricker is part of a team of dedicated writers who contribute hundreds of articles to blogs and sites. Follow her @StrickerSara for more articles.