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The resourcefulness and ease of accessibility for VoIP phone systems has led to an increased worldwide demand, changing the way businesses communicate for good. As we step into 2024, the VoIP industry is now all set to boom and reshape communication for companies, especially small businesses across the globe. Let’s delve into the top 8 VoIP trends that are set to redefine the way small businesses engage and thrive in the upcoming year.
Top 8 VoIP Trends for Small Businesses in 2024
Unified Communications
The Unified communication market has been growing for over a decade now and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2023 to 2030. The increase in business communication and the need to simplify communication channels and complexity has resulted in the adoption of more UC solutions in the form of UCaaS models.
UCaaS is all about integrating various communication channels seamlessly. We can expect a surge in unified communications where VoIP hosted phone systems will combine voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a unified platform. This convergence fosters streamlined communication, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT is a network of connected devices communication over the internet, or among themselves. Devices like computers, smartphones, IP phones, tablets, etc. IoT is revolutionizing the way devices interact and communicate.
The integration of VoIP hosted phone systems with IoT devices is tremendously beneficial for small businesses, helping enhance their customer experiences. Benefits like automated actions, enhanced mobility, secure communication, smart call routing based on data from connected devices.
Mobile Compatibility
With the introduction of 5G network in the global market, VoIP solutions can now operate on smart devices not just in populated areas, but also in those with weak network connectivity. Smartphones are the modern world’s primary communication for almost everyone.
Leading VoIP hosted phone system providers continue to prioritize mobile compatibility, offering seamless experiences across various devices and platforms. This added functionality allows businesses to stay connected with their customers regardless of their location.
Gradual Rise of WebRTC for VoIP based solutions
WebRTC makes voice and video communication across web applications seamless for its users. WebRTC, or Web Real-Time Communication, allows web browsers to communicate directly with each other in real time, without adding any plugins. It enables you to hop onto virtual meetings and skip downloading the application altogether and connect through the browser itself.
Not to forget, WebRTC is free and is platform independent. This means faster client engagement and ease of accessibility for agents working from home. WebRTC also makes communication secure with the help of its encryption features
Enhanced Security
Cyber threats remain a persistent challenge for all businesses across the globe. More and more business owners recognize the threat cybercrime poses and are switching over to more secure communication technology. Amid this growing concern, VoIP continues to gain popularity.
VoIP phone systems offer features such as multi-factor authentication, network firewall, and end-to-end encryption. These features make VoIP a suitable communication partner for growing businesses who wish to protect their organizations from cybercrime. While there is no absolute method to safeguard your business once attacked, VoIP surely does reduce the chances of having to go through one.
Landline to VoIP Migration
Businesses have begun to migrate from traditional landline systems to VoIP, drawn by cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and advanced security protocols. Especially in the United Kingdom, where the BT has discontinued the selling of landline connections. UK businesses must now switch over to VoIP based solutions to maintain customer communication.
Similarly, small businesses around the world are following suit as VoIP is not only an economical option, but also a convenient one. Given its easy scalability, it becomes easier for growing businesses to set up business VoIP solutions and upgrade them as per their need.
AI Implementation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming VoIP day-by-day. AI-driven features like intelligent call routing, virtual assistants, chatbots, fraud detection and deep call analytics are becoming integral to VoIP phone systems, enhancing customer interactions and optimizing workflows.
The way AI is gradually improving VoIP’s customer service capabilities is through IVR systems, call analytics and chatbots. Once set up, the IVR can handle tasks from simple call routing all the way to customer inquiries for faster engagement and prompt resolution delivery.
For sales, AI integrates into auto dialers in the form of call filters, helping agents avoid junk calls and unanswered calls. As a result, the agents spend time engaging in more promising leads and increasing revenue.
Remote & Hybrid Working Support
The shift towards remote and hybrid work settings is here to stay. VoIP hosted phone systems will continue to follow this trend by offering enhanced remote collaboration tools. Tools that ensure seamless communication and productivity irrespective of the employees’ locations.
VoIP hosted phone systems offer features like mobile integration, call conferencing, CRM integrations, that are already making headway among small businesses. They allow remote or hybrid teams to easily work from different locations without losing connection with customers.
Get a VoIP Hosted Phone System for Your Growing Business
A VoIP hosted phone system is like upgrading from a basic tool to a supercharged one for growing business. It’s a scalable, cost-effective solution that aligns with the evolving trends, ensuring seamless collaboration, enhanced security, and improved efficiency. Consider upgrading your communication infrastructure to a VoIP hosted phone system for a competitive edge.
Bottom Line
Embracing these trends will not only empower small businesses to adapt, but also thrive in an increasingly interconnected digital industry. Stay ahead of the curve by leveraging these VoIP trends to transform the way your business communicates and collaborates in 2024 and beyond.
