As we've discussed many times before, the implementation of Voice over Internet Protocol into your hotel's communications systems is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether you've been in the business for a while or are a new hotel owner looking for ways to stay on the cutting edge of both technology and guest relations, VoIP can help you get to the top and stay there.
Some hotel owners, and even business owners in general, have expressed concern over the fact that they're somewhat in the dark about what VoIP is really all about, despite the plethora of information available. We've decided that now's a good time to simplify things a bit so that any hotel owners who are listening can make an informed decision.
How Hosted VoIP Works
Despite the belief of some who aren't familiar with the technology, VoIP is actually quite easy to understand. As we all know, hotel communications — and that of the modern world — have utilized standard phone lines for several decades. Voice over Internet Protocol, which the name clearly suggests, uses the internet as its communications vessel. With VoIP, you have two choices — an on-site VoIP system that either your in-house team or contracted technology agent handles whenever the situation arises, or a hosted VoIP solution like the one offered by PhoneSuite, which puts the control of the system into the hands of the experts. Choosing a Hosted VoIP system will free up resources and allow hotel owners to concentrate on other hotel concerns.
What Your Hotel Needs
If you decide to use a Hosted VoIP solution for your hotel, you'll quickly discover that most of the hard work will be done for you. That being said, there are a few things that you'll need to contribute in order for the system to work smoothly. The first thing on this list is a broadband connection with ample bandwidth for your hotel's communications needs. Bandwidth limits will be determined by the number of users that are likely to use the system at the same time. A good strategy is to track the highest use you experience over the year and allow for bandwidth that exceeds that amount. A VoIP provider can assist you with this calculation, as needed. Once you have your broadband and bandwidth requirements locked down, check your network equipment, such as routers and switches, to ensure they can handle the load. This is something that your new VoIP provider can help you with as well.
The True Benefits of VoIP
In the past few years, the primary focus of VoIP's benefits for hotels and other businesses has been a lowering of communications costs. While this can be true in many cases since the operation of a VoIP phone system is significantly lower than a traditional phone system, focusing on only that benefit is a detriment to what VoIP can help your hotel achieve. These benefits include services like Find Me and Follow Me that allow managers and similar employees to stay connected with other employees, in addition to guests. Plus, there are mobile applications that add functionality for the benefit of both employees and guests. A VoIP provider can go over these benefits and find the best solutions for your hotel's specific needs.
Switching to a new communications system can be a difficult decision, but VoIP is one decision that you definitely won't regret. Of course, it can be a little tricky navigating your new system when you're not accustomed to it, so your best bet is find a trustworthy provider that can help you every step of the way. PhoneSuite has been in the technology industry for nearly thirty years and brings a hosted VoIP solution that will help your hotel succeed.
