Can you make and receive calls from your laptop anywhere?

Technology has changed a lot in recent years – particularly telecommunication technology, alongside the rise of online communication, thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic forcing us to work from home. As a result, more remote working solutions are fast becoming the new norm.

While consumers flocked online to use video platforms to keep in touch with friends and family, businesses too have had to turn to swapping in-office phone lines for online meeting spaces – and it looks like they’re here to stay.

This is, of course, how many businesses are already operating – turning those cameras on and hosting meetings via platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and even Facebook’s new VR Workrooms.

For businesses where customer-facing roles or building client relationships aren’t all that vital, replacing traditional phone calls with online communication methods has been a natural development.

But this isn’t the case for every business. Many organisations rely on a constant and continuous internal communications strategy – not just in and around the business, but with customers and consumers too.

And let’s not even get started on receptionist duties!

So, let’s take a look at the other available comms options…

SIP

SIP swaps traditional physical phone lines, like ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), for virtual phone lines. This option is best for businesses whose phone systems operate from their premises and can manage both video and voice calls. With this option you need a SIP phone that establishes communication over the internet – so you can still use a physical phone, but you also have the option of connecting laptops, tablets, smartphones, and business phones.

Hosted VoIP

Another option is Hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This option relies on internet lines, rather than phone lines, and is ideal for businesses who don’t necessarily operate from the same premises all the time – i.e. if employees work remotely or from home.

Hybrid systems

There is also the option of a hybrid telephone system, which simply combines the benefits of a hosted system with the benefits of a VoIP system! In this case, organisations can benefit from direct dialling, voicemail and conference calls, whilst also allowing them the option of using their current hardware.

So, can you actually make and receive calls from your laptop anywhere?

The simple answer is yes – and it’s a lot easier than you think!

No matter where in the world your business is located, there are various options you can choose. Of course, in the meantime, you can continue to use standard ISDN lines, but it’s recommended to upgrade and invest in more up-to-date software as soon as you can – particularly as these lines will soon be switched off!

Most businesses will find both SIP and Hosted VoIP symptoms suitable – but it all depends on your company’s needs and location. If your business is generally based in one location and likes to maintain control over the cost and quality of your calls (due to making a lot of voice calls) then SIP is ideal.

If your company tends to work remotely or offers hybrid-working with minimal voice calls, Hosted VoIP would be your best bet, as it relies entirely on internet lines and still offers the option of Zoom or Teams meetings. The downside of this, however, is that if you’re based somewhere that doesn’t have reliable WiFi, you may struggle.

But in this day in age, where in the world can you work from that doesn’t have WiFi?

Or you could invest in hybrid systems to get the best of both worlds!

Here at Right Digital Solutions, we can provide the right network, tariff, plan or solution with devices in order for your business to achieve that goal.

Contact us to find out more.