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Network Infrastructure Magazine | Thursday, March 20, 2025
Fremont, CA: Voice over Internet Protocol eliminates cumbersome desk phones and tangled connections, but it also brings something you didn't need previously: a VoIP server. It enables all the traditional VoIP services, such as call forwarding, recording, and voicemail, and sophisticated tools like call queues, interactive voice responses, and integrations.
In other words, a VoIP system cannot function without a VoIP server. You can administer the server yourself, which is not advised for most people, or you may let your provider do it. If you don't have an IT specialist on your team, don't plan to employ one, or aren't one yourself, it's better to leave it to the experts. And here's why:
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Costly Upkeep and Unexpected Expenses
DIY VoIP server administration requires the purchase of a server. This might be a hosting company's virtual cloud server or a physical piece of office gear. In any case, it's a substantial upfront expenditure that includes installation costs, a ballooning power bill, regular maintenance, and physical security if it's in your workplace.
Furthermore, you will have to pay for the software. This comprises a license agreement for your server's operating system, the VoIP platform, and any necessary security measures. As your VoIP and security software ages, you may be required to pay to update to the most recent version to access new capabilities.
Not to mention the cost of employing and training a whole workforce to handle all of this. Managed VoIP services alleviate these difficulties because the provider handles all hardware requirements and maintenance. You only have to pay a fixed monthly or yearly charge.
Feature Limitations and Missed Opportunities
VoIP technology continually improves, with new features and functionalities being added regularly. Depending on how the server is configured, managing it yourself may restrict access to certain upgrades. Furthermore, incorporating new features into your system may prove tricky.
When considering the efficiency that a feature-rich phone system is meant to provide, merely a subset of its capabilities could be more helpful. However, upgrading or adding new features might be quite expensive.
Managed VoIP services provide constant access to everything. When new versions are released, you will be immediately upgraded with little downtime. You do not have to wonder what you are missing.
Disaster Recovery and Business Backups
Many individuals need to be aware of how much it takes to operate a server, including physical space, a dependable cooling system, and a consistent power supply in addition to the hardware, software license, and security.
Without a solid backup, your system will fail following a power loss, cyberattack, hardware failure, or natural disaster. Such events can destroy your infrastructure or wipe out your data.
Managed VoIP services include redundant systems, automated failovers, and data centers in several locations to ensure your system is always operational. If your server fails, they will immediately swap to a different one to continue providing your service.
In the case of an attack, they can quickly return you to an older version or isolate the problem without bringing your system down.
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