VoIP Phone Service vs. Skype: Which Is Better for Your Busines
by Amanda DiSilvestro
The low cost of new VoIP phone systems is making many budget-conscious business owners consider making the switch from traditional landlines.
And for businesses that make a lot of long-distance or international calls, switching to an IP phone service might be a no-brainer.
VoIP Options
There are plenty of options for those shopping around for a VoIP provider. Perhaps the most well known provider on the market is Skype, which offers super-fast setup and the ability to communicate with other users for free. No special equipment is needed.
As tempting as it is to be lured in by the words “free service” though, be sure to consider the needs of your business. While Skype is a great supplement to a traditional landline, most experts would advise businesses not to make it their sole means of communication.
VoIP vs. Skype
Below we compare some of the basic services and capabilities of Skype versus other VoIP providers. Keep in mind that every provider offers different features — the table below is meant to be a broad overview of major differences between the two.
by Amanda DiSilvestro
The low cost of new VoIP phone systems is making many budget-conscious business owners consider making the switch from traditional landlines.
And for businesses that make a lot of long-distance or international calls, switching to an IP phone service might be a no-brainer.
VoIP Options
There are plenty of options for those shopping around for a VoIP provider. Perhaps the most well known provider on the market is Skype, which offers super-fast setup and the ability to communicate with other users for free. No special equipment is needed.
As tempting as it is to be lured in by the words “free service” though, be sure to consider the needs of your business. While Skype is a great supplement to a traditional landline, most experts would advise businesses not to make it their sole means of communication.
VoIP vs. Skype
Below we compare some of the basic services and capabilities of Skype versus other VoIP providers. Keep in mind that every provider offers different features — the table below is meant to be a broad overview of major differences between the two.
| VoIP | Skype | |
| Quick setup | X | |
| Requires special equipment | X | |
| Flat monthly fee for unlimited incoming and outgoing conventional calls | X | |
| Annual fee to receive conventional calls | X | |
| Monthly or per-minute fee to call conventional phone numbers | X | |
| Free basic service (unlimited web and video calls to other users) | X | |
| Ability to use existing phone number | X | |
| Ability to use regular phone to make calls | X | |
| Requires Wi-Fi enabled or dual-mode phone to make conventional call | X | |
| Call quality and reliability dependent on Internet connection | X | X |
| Ability to call 911 (for most providers) | X | |
| Conference calling, voicemail, call forwarding, video calls, etc. | X | X |
Other Factors to Consider
Additional things to keep in mind when deciding which service to use are:
- Your ability to manage the system. Skype is more one-size-fits all, whereas most other VoIP providers will work with business owners on their specific needs.
- The amount of customer support provided. Again, business owners do not get preferential treatment on Skype, whereas other providers do provide more hands-on technical assistance.
The bottom line is this: while Skype might offer dirt-cheap service
and simple setup, other providers offer more specialized systems and
superior technical support.
Do Your Homework
If you’re considering switching to a VoIP service, start your research by visiting our ResourceNation.com Business VoIP Providers page, where you can compare prices and available features for various VoIP service providers.
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Sources: HowStuffWorks.com, wi-fiplanet.com, voip-news.com
