VoIP Providers

VoIP is short for “voice over Internet Protocol.” In general, if you count on a reasonably decent internet connection you can get phone service via your connection (as opposed to a local phone company). However, some folks use VoIP in addition to their local phone service as VoIP will offer lower rates for the most part. In a nutshell, with VoIP you are converting your voice into a digital signal which allows you to call someone directly from your computer, a similar data-driven device or a VoIP phone.

The value-added with VoIP, as you have likely keyed in on, is unlike traditional long-distance calls, a call made through a VoIP service provider is free. In fact, there are no fees added beyond the regular cost of your internet. Now, to do all this one needs a provider and the variety is thankfully ample.

RingCentral Office

An excellent option for individuals and small businesses, RingCentral counts on an extensive network with installed infrastructure in the U.S., Europe and Asia. There are new AI (Artificial Intelligence) integrations and via a cloud solution, additional capabilities like video conferencing and even faxing (if that’s still your thing) can be accomplished. Some of the downsides mentioned with RingCentral is there have been reported integration issues during testing and competing solutions do feature some items that are noticeably absent with RingCentral.

8x8 Virtual Office Pro

Coming it at a very affordable $25 per month (per user), 8x8 is perfect as well for individuals and small businesses as well as midsize operations. A cool, X Series cloud appliance takes 8x8 to another level which like RingCentral also features fax and video conferencing abilities. The pricing structure as one moves forward with 8x8 is very flexible with solid mobile and desktop capabilities. There is no open API with which to integrate one’s own app applications, but that’s about the only negative thing one can say about 8x8.

Intermedia

Intermedia made a big splash into the VoIP world by offering “99.999 percent uptime with a financially backed service-level agreement (SLA).” Couple this with the management of Microsoft Office 365 plus hosted mail through a fantastic admin console and it’s no wonder Intermedia has been gaining market share in recent years. There is a heavy focus on ancillary services through Microsoft with Intermedia, so if that is something that you’re not comfortable with or would rather not be so overly reliant on Microsoft, then Intermedia is not a great choice. But this service was selected by PCMag as an Editor’s Pick mainly because the platform is so powerful and reliable.

While there are plenty more these three are the leaders in this sphere. All great choices to jumpstart your VoIP adventure.