What is a Virtual Phone System?

A virtual phone system is the most effective, affordable and professional way for all your business communication. If you need business class phone system sans the hassle of installing phone lines and other expensive phone equipments, then virtual phone system is your perfect solution. 

In reality, a virtual phone system is simply a business phone system that does not physically exist in a closet of your office suite; rather it’s hosted at a service provider’s physical location. Your service provider hosts all the hardware and software from his location; all you need is a web interface to manage your account. You can use your business phone number and even your mobile number to set up the virtual phone system.  But this in no way diminishes its benefits. Rather it helps small and mid-size businesses function like a big one without any extra cost and expenditure.

When a customer dials your business phone number or your toll free number, it is automatically received by your service provider. Your customer is greeted by an auto generated greetings of your choice and is routed according to your system configuration. The electronic receptionist not only replaces the physical receptionist but also helps you save money. The present day phone systems have integrated fax abilities as well. So they can easily identify if the caller is human or a machine and directs the call accordingly.

In a normal phone system, each extension is assigned to a desk phone and you need someone to receive and answer your customers’ and clients’ queries. But now there’s no need to tie your employee to their desk waiting for a call! They can easily work from any other location and the calls with be professionally routed and answered so that no important calls are missed.

The virtual phone system helps you assign an extension to any phone anywhere in the world. You can also assign an extension to a set of numbers that will cascade through until answered and then if answered to a voice mail box. There are systems that convert voice mails to emails so that you can easily manage all your communications from one location.

This adds an extra edge to your business and especially to a small business.  It allows your business to have employees and offices located across geographies and yet easily available for your customers and clients through a single phone system. With the virtual phone system, you can also transfer calls between extensions even when the extensions are half way across the world.

Long distance fees or confusing dialing codes can no longer restrict your customers from connecting you. Just set up a toll free number with your virtual phone system and you will receive queries from across the world. Smart communication is the hallmark of business credibility and foresight and a virtual phone system makes your communication system easy, flexible and robust. It makes your presence felt across the world-virtually.

Let 2013 Be the Year You Get a Virtual Phone System

If you need an affordable phone system that allows you to have multiple extensions that can be forwarded to existing mobile or landline numbers, then a virtual phone system is the perfect solution. It is perfectly mobile and highly affordable, making it a great choice for helping your business realize success in 2013.

Always Available

The primary difference between a virtual phone number and a standard phone number is that virtual numbers are highly mobile and can be forwarded to any terminating number you choose. The best part of this is that the caller will not know their call is being forwarded, so you can maintain a certain level of professionalism at all times. While you are in the office, the number can ring through to you there. If you need to spend a day at home or on the go, however, the number is easily transferred to your mobile phone or landline so that you can stay available to your customers—or even to your employees – all easily configured on the phone or online.

Affordable

Depending upon the number of lines and the features you currently use, you may find that your monthly telephone bill is in excess of $100. Thankfully, this does not have to be the case. A virtual phone system, complete with multiple lines and a toll free number, costs as little as $30 per month and can be used with one or more existing telephone lines. This helps you save money on your communications needs without compromising on the features to which you have access. With the ability to send and receive fax online, you can also save money on things like toner and paper; these can add up over the course of a year.

Better Customer Service

With the use of a feature called an auto attendant that is included in most virtual phone system packages, you can reduce the incidence of disconnected calls and misdirected transfers, ensuring that your customers have a better experience each and every time they call. They will always be greeted by a friendly and courteous voice, and they will never have to be concerned with their calls being inadvertently transferred to the wrong department as a result of human error. Since calls are easily forwarded, they will rest assured in the knowledge that someone will always be available to take their calls.

Scalability

Another great benefit to making a virtual phone system part of your 2013 business plan is the scalability that these systems provide. Should your business grow, your phone system can grow right along with it—without the hassle of adding additional jacks, lines and equipment. If at any time you need additional extensions, you can simply add them to your account. On top of this, each employee is able to customize his or her own voicemail, call forwarding and other settings in order to provide the best experience possible to your customers.

It is evident that a virtual phone system can provide a host of benefits to a business of any size. It promotes better customer service, makes the working environment more productive, and is designed to grow and expand right alongside your business.

A Virtual Phone System Gives a Small Business a Professional Image

The virtual phone system is the smartest way for SME (small to medium) businesses to sound and functions like a large one. It gives your business the edge it needs to compete with other big organizations. In a small enterprise customers’ perception is crucial. If you seem too small, your customer will flock to a larger, more-reliable sounding competitor.
   
From the beginning of telecommunication system, large businesses have enjoyed the benefits of internal switchboards. Receptionists of big businesses direct the calls to the respective departments ensuring that there’s no lost call. Surveys have shown that 75% of new customers do not leave a voicemail. When they call they expect to speak to someone. Big businesses know that answering calls is important for their productive engagement. At the beginning of most business, finding and connecting with customers are easy but as the business grows the call volumes increases and service level tends to fall.

Good news for the big guys but what about the small and middle entrepreneurs? Virtual phone system is the smartest way for the small businesses to use the most advanced state-of-the-art technology and stay ahead in business.  Small businesses are immensely benefitted by the virtual phone system because it allows a flexible work schedule and are far from being expensive.

In the past, small businesses who want a professional look had to purchase a small business phone service or ‘PBX’. ‘PBX’ is the acronym for private branch exchange that connects the internal telephones of a private organization with a public switched telephone network. It allows the organization to have extension for their employees, fax machines, etc. But purchasing and installing a PBX was expensive and complicated.

With the advent of the virtual PBX or virtual phone system businesses have become easy and incredibly cost effective. Another important factor that has attributed to the successes of this technology is its simplicity. It gets easily incorporated to the administrative system of your business with minimal investment on installation and maintenance. This is a huge cost cut to the overall running cost of any business establishment.

There is hardly any operational cost for the virtual phone system. It does not require huge expenditure or manpower.  Hence, small businesses can easily benefit from this high end technology while maintaining its strict budget. Moreover, you can add and customize greetings and welcome note for your callers along with other features like call divert and call transfer.

Because customers like to interact with people, virtual phone system allows small businesses to have the same professional set-up that is generally reserved for big businesses. With this technology in place, clients’ calls are answered more quickly without the usual phone tag. This makes the business exchange more effective as it helps to resolve customer queries and issues faster. A virtual phone system is a great asset to businesses of any size.  It can make a big difference to your small business.

A Virtual Phone System Keeps Your Budget Intact

Business owners who are looking for ways to save on their overhead costs may be surprised to learn how little a virtual phone system costs. With no expensive installation fees, no equipment to buy, plenty of features and a low monthly bill, this system can be a great way to meet communications needs on a budget.

No Installation Fees or Equipment to Buy
Businesses that need multiple telephone numbers or extensions will likely find that the installation of multiple lines and telephone jacks can quickly grow to staggering totals. Telephone jacks cost about $100 on average to install, and if additional telephone lines need to be run to other rooms, this cost can grow even more. On the same note, it is very expensive to purchase telephones and equipment that are designed to work with these lines. A virtual system can save money by eliminating the need for any additional phone lines or equipment installation. Similarly, this system will work with any existing telephone landline or cell phone.

Low Monthly Cost
A single standard landline with business features and unlimited long distance can cost between $60 and $80 on average, and while each additional line or extension that is added comes at a reduced cost, these totals can still be huge. A virtual phone system comes with a predetermined number of lines or extensions for a low monthly cost—usually around $30, depending on the features selected. In many cases, this also comes with a toll-free number. Business owners who truly want to save money and experience the best in communications will find a virtual system to be the best option available on the market today.

Auto attendants
Any small business owner knows that missed calls are missed opportunities, and for this reason, many will hire administrative assistants to ensure that each and every call is answered and properly routed. On average, the annual salary for an administrative assistant is between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on the setting and geographic location. An auto attendant is a great piece of technology that can perform the same duties as an administrative assistant, but it is included in the monthly price of most virtual phone systems. Each call will be answered with a professional greeting before being routed to the proper recipient. This has the potential to provide business owners with a huge savings.

Money-Saving Features
There are plenty of other money-saving features that come with a virtual system. Some of these include the ability to forward calls to any number—mobile or hard-wired. Businesses will also have the ability to send and receive faxes via the internet, which not only improves productivity, but also helps business owners save money on fax machines and their supplies. Finally, the ability to choose a vanity number as part of a virtual system will help business owners better market their products and services while making their companies more memorable.

A virtual phone system is a great way for business owners to get all of the products and features they need at a price they can afford. This is one instance in which the less expensive option is also the best and most beneficial option.

Your Guide to Understand the Working of a Virtual Phone System

More and more businesses and individuals are opting to use virtual phone system. But before you go for the big switchover, it is quite pertinent that you understand how it functions and how can it be an improvement to you, your organization and most importantly-your budget. Hence, there are a number of questions that you may have and this article will attempt to answer these questions.

But let’s begin by understanding how a virtual phone system works. The system itself is quite straight forward. You start by choosing your phone number. Some of the service providers may allow you to retain your existing number-but this is something that needs to be checked with your service provider. Depending on the structure of your organization, next you decide to whether to assign extension to employees or to the different departments in your office.

Next you create and record a greeting to your virtual phone system that will answer each of your telephone calls. This will allow the caller to choose the department or the person they are trying to reach, just by pressing certain buttons or speaking to the assigned number. Some of the modern systems are advance enough that you can actually speak to the system.

 The machine then routes the call to the relevant extension. The receiver can then screen the call, which means you will have a choice to decide whether you want to answer the call or send it to the toll free voicemail. Voicemails can be received just by pressing few buttons, and some of the modern virtual phone system is smart enough that they send the voice mail via email. Many of the systems also have SMS function installed.

Though a virtual phone system is the perfect solution for mid size and small businesses, but larger organizations have also started reaping the benefits of this system. One of the main reasons for this is that: it’s affordable and is highly on the go, which is perfect for today’s day and age.

One question that has come back again and again is whether you get a real phone number with the virtual phone system. The answer is: yes, you will. You can select from a variety of phone numbers, including toll free numbers and numbers with geographical and non-geographical denotations. As the system is increasingly becoming popular, telephone numbers from any geography are now available. You may also have an option to continue your existing telephone number.

Another question that haunts many of the new users of virtual phone system is how someone will reach their extension. You assign telephone numbers and extensions to different people and departments in your organization and each of these extensions can receive and forward calls. The calls are forwarded to three different telephone numbers: home phone, mobile and office phone. This is particularly helpful for people who are working outside office. You also have an option to customize these extensions.

Get Hassle-Free Service with a Virtual Phone

Everyone has had to deal with the problems of modern telephone companies at some time or another – bills with complicated wording, unhelpful customer assistance and just general poor service. These problems can be reduced or eliminated with virtual calling, along with offering a host of other available options that are helpful to a growing business.

How does it Work?
When a call is made, usually that call is sent through phone lines or cellphone towers, through an exchange, and then through more wires or radio waves, until it reaches you. With a virtual phone, the call is picked up by an internet server rather than an exchange, which can then provide a variety of services before sending the call to the proper line. For business, the services offered with a standard phone don't always cut it. Hiring a separate service to set up a phone system can be costly and confusing. Virtual telecommunications simplify this process, and are much cheaper.

Connect any Existing Phone to the Line
Virtual phones require no special equipment; any phone that is in working order can be linked to a virtual calling system. There's no need to buy a new device and there are no confusing wires and connections to set up. If you have an existing phone, of any kind, you're ready to start. These systems work with landlines, cell phones, smart phones and even computer based telephone numbers like Skype.  It's easy to link any existing phone to a virtual system.

Direct Calls Where They Need to Go
Most virtual phone company’s offer a wide variety of services to make sure that customer can get in contact with you at all times. Many of them also offer an extended version of call forwarding. When you use this service, incoming calls are sent to one number on a list that you provide, for instance, your business number. If you don't answer there, the service then rings your other provided contacts until it gets an answer. If there is a high volume of incoming calls to deal with, an automated service which directs the calls to the proper extension can be created easily.

Much, Much More
While specific service offers vary, there are many possibilities that make using these types of phones convenient and easy. The system can function as an inter-office exchange, be used for toll free voicemail, faxes, caller ID, or recording calls, allowing you to access all these functions from a centralized location. Many services also offer a wide choice of numbers, and allow you to base the number out of a variety of cities, even if the physical phone is not located in that particular city. This eliminates long distance charges for those who travel often.

Virtual Phones have so many time saving and useful tools available, with so much less hassle than setting up these services through conventional phone companies that they are the clear choice for many businesses. If your business's phone service isn't working out for you, consider going virtual for flexibility and ease of use.

Companies with Remote Workers Need a Virtual Phone System with Hosted PBX Extensions

Depending on a business’s type and industry, it may be more cost-effective and economical to allow some employees to work remotely. In this case, a virtual phone system with hosted PBX extensions can make communications simpler, easier and more cost effective overall.

Understanding Hosted PBX Extensions
In the same way that a virtual phone system provides businesses with a main telephone number, it can also provide businesses with multiple extensions that do not exist on-site, but are simply hosted on the service provider’s server. Essentially, these are virtual extensions that provide businesses with multiple ‘lines’ so that each department or employee can answer calls that are designated for them. This allows for better customer service in general, ensuring that callers are able to reach the person or department who can best handle their call with fewer transfers and lesser wait times.

Remote Workers and Extensions
Remote workers are the employees of a company who do not actually work within the physical confines of the business and typically work from home instead. While these workers may have landline telephone service or mobile phones, they will likely still need access to their direct extension in order to handle customer questions, participate in conference calls, and handle other business communications without providing their own personal telephone numbers. Since hosted PBX extensions only exist on the server of the provider, they can easily be forwarded to any telephone in the country—whether it is a landline, a mobile phone, or even a number hosted by VoIP service.

How it Works
When a business purchases a virtual phone system that is complete with hosted PBX extensions, each employee or department is assigned a ‘branch’ of the service that acts as their own. Thus, when a call comes through, the auto attendant who answers the call can forward it to the right location in order to provide the best customer service experience possible. If an employee is working remotely, the business owner can simply use the back office web interface to forward all of the calls going to that extension to the employee’s home telephone or mobile device. This way, although the employee may be across the country, they can communicate as if they are physically present.

The Benefits
There is a multitude of benefits associated with providing hosted PBX extensions to remote workers. First and foremost, they are able to communicate as a functioning part of the business without the need to provide their home or mobile telephone numbers—this protects their privacy. Second, it is much more cost effective to use these virtual extensions than to actually forward landline calls; many landline service providers charge by the minute for this service, and it can certainly add up quickly. Finally, remote workers who are connected to the business via their extensions are more readily available for conference calls and other business communications than those who use their private numbers.

It is easy to see why a virtual phone system and hosted PBX extensions can make a huge difference in the productivity of remote workers. They remain available to the business and its customers, and the cost effective nature of the service certainly speaks for itself.

A Virtual Phone System Eliminates the Need for an On-Site Phone System

With all of the new technologies that are being introduced these days, it comes as no surprise that many business owners are moving away from traditional on-site phone systems in favor of a virtual phone system. The entire system is hosted on the provider’s servers and eliminates the need for expensive installations and equipment purchases.

How a Virtual System Works
While on-site phone systems typically use copper wires and the like to transmit a telephone signal, a virtual phone system uses the internet to provide telephone numbers. Service providers will also give their clients access to a back office web interface that allows them to access and control all of the different professional features provided by the system, including call forwarding, multiple extensions, virtual voicemail, address books and the different options available for placing callers on hold. These systems are very popular among businesses because they are easy to use and incredibly cost-effective.

Cost Effectiveness
There are many reasons why a virtual phone system is a very cost-effective alternative to on-site phone systems. First, the systems are owned and maintained by the provider, so the overhead costs incurred are lower; these savings are passed to business owners. Next, business owners do not have to pay for as many telephone lines with a virtual system because extensions are readily available, and there are also plenty of features in place to handle call backlogging. These include voicemail, call waiting and auto attendants. Finally, there are no telephone jacks to worry about and no software to purchase, download or install. Everything is incredibly simple and as inexpensive as possible.

Features
One of the features that is available with a virtual phone system and may not be part of most on-site systems is the auto attendant, and this allows multiple callers to be greeted simultaneously before being routed to the proper person or department. The auto attendant can successfully answer calls and transfer callers, but it can also place callers on hold if the party they request is busy. These systems also provide the ability to send and receive faxes online, which not only saves money in the long run, but also boosts productivity in the workplace by providing employees with a more effective way to send and receive their documents.

Call Forwarding
A virtual system is used in conjunction with one or more landlines or mobile phones. The assigned virtual telephone number and its extensions can all be forwarded to landlines and mobile phones as the business needs demand it, making it easier for employees to take their calls whether they are in the office, out in the field or even working from home. The back office web interface makes it easy for business owners, managers and employees to schedule the forwarding of their extensions without any fuss or hassle.

A virtual phone system is a great alternative to—and can even certainly replace—on-site phone systems in businesses of any size. It is a cost-effective, feature-packed solution for business owners who are looking to streamline their communications and provide better customer service overall.

Get a Virtual Phone System for Your Home Business

If you are considering an effective communications system for your home business, you can never go wrong with a virtual phone system. Not only is it the most affordable solution available, but it will provide you with all of the features you will need in order to ensure that your business endeavor is a success.

Affordability
New home business owners are concerned with their expenditures—and for good reason. Getting started can certainly be expensive, and without an effective means of money management, it is highly unlikely that a business will succeed. A virtual phone system is truly inexpensive when compared with the alternatives, and not just on a monthly basis. There are no jacks to install and no expensive software to purchase, making the start-up costs practically non-existent. To compare monthly costs, a landline with all of the features and unlimited long distance can cost between $75 and $100 per month while a virtual system that is loaded with features aimed toward home businesses may cost as little as $20 per month.

Landline vs. Virtual System
While landlines are still considered the most traditional form of telecommunications for homes and businesses, they are certainly not the most effective. Most landline companies do not offer discounts to homeowners who choose to install second lines, and they do not offer all of the features that a virtual phone system can provide. The virtual system will allow you to separate your telephone numbers so that one is dedicated to personal use while the other is strictly for the business—without all of the added costs associated with multiple lines of service. On the same note, most of the features you need to be successful are included in the price associated with a virtual system; you may be asked to pay extra for certain features with a landline company.

Features
One of the most prominent features associated with a virtual phone system is the ability to set up an information hotline on an extension. If you are running a home business, this can save you precious time. An information hotline is available 24 hours a day, and is essentially a recorded message for your callers who are interested in learning more about the products or services you offer.  It can also be used to record directions and hours of operation for your customers to hear.

Mobility
Almost all phone service providers will give you the ability to take your telephone number with you through the use of the call forwarding feature, but landline and mobile phone providers often charge for you to forward your calls. With a virtual phone system, you can easily forward your business telephone number to your mobile phone, or home or office landline if the situation calls for it. This makes you available to your clients and customers all the time, regardless of where you need to travel for personal or professional reasons.

A virtual phone system is a great way for you to ensure that your home business is successful because it saves you money, provides you with features that will lend to your productivity, and allows you to be available to your customers 24 hours a day with call forwarding and information hotlines.

iTeleCenter Lends a Helping Hand by Offering 90 Day Free Virtual Phone System Accounts to Businesses Affected by Hurricane Sandy

iTeleCenter, with its corporate offices located in the heart of the tri-state area, was affected by last week’s hurricane like much of the northeast was. With operations fully recovered and 100% operational, it is reaching out to businesses in the community affected by the storm and offering a helping hand by providing its state-of-the-art virtual phone system account to businesses whose communications systems are affected by Hurricane Sandy with free service for 90 days.

iTeleCenter can enable companies to easily stay connected with their customers and clients during recovery efforts by allowing them to forward calls through a new toll free or local number directly to their workers’ mobile phones or landlines. Businesses should post their new iTeleCenter number in email signatures, websites, blogs, tweets, as well as company Facebook or LinkedIn page to let customers know how to reach them during this time.

There is no software to download or hardware setup involved. The new iTeleCenter business number is instantly available, and can be set up to start receiving calls within minutes. Companies can record a greeting to keep callers apprised of any ongoing recovery efforts or any general information they need to disseminate.

Businesses that wish to take advantage of this offer should contact iTeleCenter’s Customer Care department at 1-800-454-5930 and ask about the Hurricane Sandy 90-day Offer.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, 800 numbers or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.

A Virtual Phone System Saved My Dog Grooming Business

As a single mother of two small children, I knew that working from home was something I wanted to do. After taking some classes, I was able to start a dog grooming business. At first, business was extremely slow and I had issues with client communications. When I got my virtual phone system, the business really took off.

Getting Started
With just me and my two young daughters in the house, the only source of communication I had was my mobile phone. After all, landlines are expensive and it is hard to make ends meet with a single income. When I started my business, I thought I would be able to communicate well with my mobile phone. However, I quickly discovered that this was not the case. My voicemail inbox filled too quickly, I missed calls due to a dead battery more times than I can count, and the call quality was just not what I would have liked it to be. While browsing the web one day, I came across an advertisement for a virtual phone system.

The Features
The first thing I realized about the virtual phone system was that it was relatively inexpensive when compared to a landline. Previous users had touted that the call quality was amazing through the broadband connection, as well. Some of the features that really caught my eye included the ability to manage voicemails from my laptop, a feature known as a ‘sizzle line’ with which I could provide information to prospective clients without even picking up the telephone, and another feature that would allow me to forward my calls to my mobile phone if I would be away from home. The ability to add a toll-free number to my service was also a huge selling point.

Setting it Up
When I decided to make the transition to the virtual phone system, I was really happy that I didn’t have to wait for an installer. I simply downloaded the software to my computer and I was ready to go! The support staff was incredibly friendly and they walked me through a few parts of the process. In less than two hours, my new telephone number was ready for use. The desktop interface that allows me to send and receive faxes, check my voicemail messages and even forward calls to other telephone numbers is incredibly easy to use, as well.

My Business Today
After I set up my toll free number and placed it on flyers and business cards, business really took off; the 800 number I selected makes my business appear more professional to clients and customers. During business hours, each caller is greeted with an automated assistant and the clients can choose whether to listen to information, ring through to me directly or even leave me a voicemail. After business hours, all calls ring straight through to voicemail. I never miss calls anymore, I have no trouble affording the service, and I’m really enjoying all of the new business that the virtual phone system helped me gather.

Anyone who is running a small business from home should really consider the type of communications they are using. Speaking with clients and customers is key, and without the ability to do so, a business can never truly succeed.

A Virtual Phone System is an Important Business Tool

Communication is an important aspect of running a business, so if the level of communication that is being provided to clients and customers is sub-par, a business can never realize true success. A virtual phone system can make a huge difference for a business of any size for a number of different reasons.

Better Communications
The first reason why a virtual phone system is so important has to do with the overall better level of communications that the business owners and their employees will have with clients and customers. Features like the automated attendant ensure that each call is properly routed and that accidental disconnects and incorrect transfers are completely eliminated. The call quality is incredibly clear and employees can forward their calls if they will be away from their desks for any period of time. Faxes can be sent and received directly from the computer, and there are no complicated instructions for checking voicemails or returning calls.

Affordable
Another great thing about a virtual phone system is that it is completely affordable, especially when compared to phone systems like landlines. Landline telephones require jacks, splitters and other forms of technology that can be expensive to install and maintain. Also, businesses that need many lines of service may find that their telephone bills are enormous on a monthly basis. This is not the case with a virtual system; for a low monthly rate, business owners can secure a set number of telephone lines and a feature package that is filled with things designed to make a business more efficient and productive.

24-Hour Access
While many businesses have set hours of operation, there are those consumers who like to get information on their own time. With a virtual phone system, businesses can record information on a hotline for consumers to hear 24 hours a day. Afterward, if the listener would like to leave a message, that option is available. Sometimes virtual systems even allow for after-hours answering services, particularly for businesses that specialize in repairs and the like. This way, the business can be closed, but consumers who have emergencies have a direct link to the employee who can help them with the situation.

Toll Free & Vanity Numbers
Although toll free and vanity telephone numbers are certainly available through landline telephone services, they are much more expensive than those associated with a virtual phone system. In fact, the prices for some of these systems include a set number of minutes of incoming toll free calls. This way, consumers can call from anywhere in the country without incurring long distance charges. Aside from this, a toll free number is a great way to boost professionalism, and a vanity number is a phenomenal way to ensure that consumers are able to remember a telephone number when they are in need of a product or service.

Businesses that really want to succeed in this difficult economy must ensure that every aspect—including communications—is on target. A virtual phone system is hands-down the best way to make sure that consumers are able to stay in contact and get the information they need.

iTeleCenter Releases Updated Website for its Virtual Telephone System

iTeleCenter recently launched an updated website for its virtual telephone system. In addition to the revised, crisper home page, it makes phone number selection quicker and easier for customers looking for local numbers. What makes this type of system ‘virtual’ is that calls that come into the subscriber’s number are routed through a hosted system and are forwarded to the subscriber’s landline or mobile phone; there is no physical phone line associated with the toll free or local hosted number.

Subscribers can select from a list of 800 numbers, other toll free numbers (855, 866, 877, 888), toll free vanity numbers or local numbers from major cities around the US. The updated website simplified the number selection process. Visitors landing on a specific city page for New York or Chicago phone numbers, for example, no longer have to go to an additional page to choose a number in that city – the updates provide number selection on each city landing page. And for those looking for numbers in cities without their own landing page, the site provides a link to ‘Other US City Phone Numbers’. The link takes visitors to a page where they can select a number in a specific city.

The website’s user-friendly update makes it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. More small businesses are realizing that they can increase their reach into local communities by employing local phone numbers with a virtual telephone system. There is no longer a need to have a physical brick-and-mortar presence in order to advertise a local number. A small business in Kentucky can advertise a local number in Los Angeles and have calls seamlessly forwarded to their Kentucky phone.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and toll free voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.

A Virtual Phone System Helped Me Run My Catering Business from Home

As the owner of a home-based catering business, I have always realized the importance of making a good first impression on potential customers. For years, I tried to juggle my time between cooking and serving food at events, and trying to make myself available to answer calls from new clients. Finally, I discovered the perfect solution – a virtual phone system.

The Early Years
When I started my catering business 14 years ago, I did not have a virtual phone system. All I had was my home landline and an answering machine. I tried my hardest to answer calls personally during business hours, and I recorded a greeting on the machine that identified the business. I had problems right from the beginning. I would inevitably miss calls during the day when I left to get supplies. On one occasion a potential customer even left a message asking why I was “closed” in the middle of the day.

Constant Interruptions during the Work Day
As my business grew, I began spending more and more time away from home during the day. I would put on daytime events, shop for new menu items, and meet with clients on location. I decided to purchase a cell phone and use that as my business line. I was so excited – now I could take calls at home or away. But I discovered a new problem. I was not missing calls like before, but I was constantly being interrupted with client calls! My productivity suffered. Worse yet, many of these callers wanted simple information about my services and did not need to speak with me personally.

Researching a Better Option
I considered hiring a receptionist to answer calls. Unfortunately, financial restraints made this impossible. Then my brother-in-law mentioned that his company had recently converted to a virtual phone system with fantastic results. I did some research and it sounded promising. I liked the idea that every caller would hear a greeting and then be asked to select an option to hear more information, leave a message, or to reach me personally. Best of all, I would gain much more control over how many times I would be interrupted during the day.

Achieving Maximum Productivity
Considering that a virtual phone system was affordable and did not require a contract, I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. I am so glad I did. Never again will I need to worry that it will appear my business is closed during the day, just because I am not free at that moment to answer the phone. My phone system sounds professional, which makes a great first impression on potential clients. Also, I have become extremely efficient. I now have the freedom to focus entirely on my work during the day, choosing when and how often I take calls.

My passion is cooking and serving food, not answering the phone. At one time, dealing with the telephone was one of the most difficult aspects of my home catering business. A virtual phone system changed all that, and my business is doing great.

A Virtual Phone System is Affordable And Easy To Use

Although many small business owners have likely heard of a virtual phone system before, they may not fully understand what it is and all of the many options that are available. A virtual phone is affordable and easy to use, and it provides business owners with the technology necessary to realize the success of their companies.

Save Money
Saving money is very important to small business owners, and a virtual phone system is a great first step. Landlines can be incredibly expensive to install and maintain from month to month, and there is even equipment that business owners must replace from time to time. With a virtual system, this is not an issue. There is no special hardware required, and all of the upgrades are handled on the back end—the business owner or IT professionals play little to no part in it. Reducing monthly bills and even negating up-front costs associated with communication is a great way to start a business off on the right foot, but it can also transform the overall operation of an existing business, as well.

Make Working Easier
Employees who do not have access to the best systems while working often become frustrated, and this means that they do not perform at 100% of their potential. By adding a virtual phone system to the office infrastructure, employees will be able to get more done in less time. This not only improves the overall efficiency of the small business, but it also saves business owners money. Employees will feel more satisfied at work, and they will be less likely to become stressed out and seek employment elsewhere.

Improve Customer Satisfaction
One of the most important facets in ensuring that a small business is successful involves providing the best customer service possible. A virtual phone  comes with multiple features that will make customers feel as if their business is appreciated and valued. For instance, the auto attendant feature greets each caller and allows them to direct their own calls. This reduces hold time, improves accidental disconnect rates and ensures that callers reach their intended destinations with ease. Business owners can also make use of information hotlines to provide callers with the details they need instantly.

Excellent Business Support
No communications system would be complete without a wonderful support system, and this is where a virtual phone system can really excel. There are agents standing by 24 hours a day to answer any questions that business owners or IT professionals may have, and they can also work remotely to resolve any issues that occur with software. When there are any issues at all with any part of the communications system, these agents know exactly what to do in order to remedy the situation. Business owners will not have to wait on hold and they will never have to call more than once to get the support they need.

A virtual phone system can do much for any small business for several different reasons. It is the ultimate way to ensure that the business owner, the employees and the customers are all completely satisfied.

Consolidating Multiple Telephone Numbers Into One With a Virtual Phone System

If you are still using standard landline service as your small business communications platform, you likely understand the complications that can arise from having multiple phone numbers within the company. A virtual phone system is a great way to consolidate all of these numbers and make things easier for yourself, your employees and your customers.

Single Number Publishing
Publishing a single number is much easier for you and your customers than publishing multiple telephone numbers for multiple purposes. As an example, rather than having separate telephone numbers for your main line, each employee and your fax machine, a virtual phone system will allow you to consolidate all of these numbers into one. This way, when a customer needs to contact your business for any reason, they only need to use a single number for any purpose imaginable. This reduces customer frustration and helps your business remain organized, even on the extremely busy days.

Receiving Faxes
It is possible for individual employees to receive their personal faxes, even when the main fax number is shared. This is because of the unique fax-via-internet service provided by the virtual phone system. Consumers can enter the telephone number into their standard or virtual fax machines as always, and by placing the recipient’s name in the proper field, this will ensure that the intended party receives the fax in his or her inbox. Customers and business associates will not have to remember, look up or ask for a separate fax number whenever they need to send you documents. This is a time-saver that will be well-appreciated by everyone involved.

Placing and Receiving Calls
With a standard landline service and a single telephone number, it is impossible to place or receive calls while a fax is being sent or received. Thanks to the technology provided by a virtual phone system, this is no longer the case. Calls and faxes are handled over the internet and share the same bandwidth, so it is indeed possible for multiple employees to be on voice calls while sending and receiving faxes at the same time. All of the calls are crystal-clear and professionally handled, while faxes come and go without delay—no paper jams, no running out of toner, and no lost documents. Everything is delivered electronically via a single telephone number.

Forwarding Calls
The great thing about consolidating multiple telephone numbers into one with the help of a virtual phone system is that it makes call forwarding much simpler, particularly if you are using an after-hours answering service or an on-call employee. Instead of taking the time to forward each telephone number to the service or the chosen employee, all you have to do is forward a single telephone number to the mobile or landline telephone number of your choice. Since the caller has no way to find out the actual number of the terminating device, personal telephone numbers remain private and all calls are handled efficiently.

There are multiple benefits associated with consolidating multiple telephone numbers into one with the use of a virtual phone system. Being able to make and receive calls while sending faxes and even forwarding calls with ease is certainly worth the small amount of effort it takes to make the switch.

A virtual Phone System is a Most Cost-Effective Communications Option For Any Business

As a business owner, you are likely aware of the huge expense associated with traditional forms of communication. Standard landline service is incredibly expensive to install and maintain, and it often does not include all of the features that can truly benefit your business. Thankfully, a virtual phone system can reduce these costs exponentially.

Landline Services
If you are currently using landline service in your business, you probably understand how expensive it is to maintain, particularly if you need to install jacks and complicated telephones throughout the building. A standard landline—and only a single line—with unlimited long distance calling and a variety of business features can cost upwards of $50.00 per month. A virtual phone system, on the other hand, costs about half this much and still provides the same call clarity that you have come to expect. In fact, you will likely get even more features out of your virtual phone than you would from a landline provider.

Installation
If you have not installed telephone service in your building, it is important to consider the fees associated with setting up the two different types of service. A standard telephone jack installation will cost between $100 and $200 per jack. Therefore, if several jacks must be installed, the cost can truly skyrocket. Next, you must purchase your phones and your fax machine as well as the necessary supplies. With a virtual phone system, there is no equipment to purchase. All you must do is set up your computers and download the software. The telephone system and faxing capabilities are included in the desktop interface.

Maintenance
Maintaining landline service is also expensive, especially when new technologies leave your business behind. Replacing complicated and expensive telephone or fax equipment is a headache and a major expense. With a virtual phone system, everything is handled via a desktop interface. There are no jacks to install and no equipment to buy, and upgrades are handled on the back-end; you are required to do nothing more than restart your computer once they have completed. Imagine the money you could save by ditching your expensive telephones and fax machines—and even the associated paper and toner—in favor of a virtual system that is easier to use and simpler to maintain.

Making the Switch
Now that a virtual phone system sounds like the most cost-effective solution for your business, you likely have questions regarding making the switch. In most cases, it is possible to start your virtual service using the same telephone number; this will negate any concerns about interruptions in business due to changing telephone numbers. Your fax machines and hard telephones will no longer be necessary, and you will no longer need to purchase any additional supplies for them. Getting started with a virtual service takes less than 24 hours, and most providers will offer training courses for employees so that they can get started with ease.

A virtual phone system is without a doubt the most cost-effective communications option for any business. There are plenty of features and options from which to choose, so if you are curious about making the switch, contact your provider today to get pricing and set-up information.

The Importances Of Virtual Phone System

A virtual phone system is the perfect choice for business owners who are interested in providing only the best communications solutions for their employees and customers. The advantages of virtual phones are many, and the low cost associated with these systems make them undeniably important.

Low Cost
The first thing about a virtual phone system that many business owners will find appealing is the shockingly low cost associated with it. Business owners who are used to paying their monthly landline bills will often mistakenly believe that swapping to a virtual phone is more expensive than what they are currently using. To compare, a business with three landlines, unlimited long distance and basic features like caller ID and call waiting will pay roughly $150.00 a month for these services. With a virtual system, it is possible to enjoy all of the same features—plus some that are specifically tailored to businesses—for around $25.00 a month. This is a huge savings, and one that cannot be ignored.

Easy to Use
Landline services are often difficult to use in business settings. Transferring and returning telephone calls can become complicated with some of the hardware that is used in offices. With a virtual phone system, this is a thing of the past. Everything can be managed with the help of an easy-to-use desktop interface that is accessible by the business owner and the individual employees. From here, employees can set up call forwarding, look at their call logs, review their voicemail messages and even return telephone calls with ease. Thanks to this, there are fewer missed calls and happier consumers all around.

Packed with Features
Some of the features associated with a virtual phone system are simply phenomenal. The call forwarding feature is completely invaluable in many business settings, as it allows employees to get their telephone calls privately, regardless of whether or not they are physically in the office. Voicemail to email and the ability to send faxes online are great production boosters, and the auto attendant feature provides a pleasant greeting to each and every caller, regardless of the time of day.

24-Hour Support
While a few of the major landline companies boast 24-hour support, this is often limited to checking bill balances and inquiring about basic features through automated systems and recordings. With a virtual phone system, business owners can rely on real, live support agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even in the middle of the night or on Christmas Eve, it is possible to reach an agent who can answer questions and resolve issues with ease. All of the updates associated with the system are software-based and almost completely automated, so business owners will not find themselves spending precious time updating their communications systems without assistance from the company.

The advantages of a virtual phone system are many, and with the low cost, it only makes sense that businesses of any size should take advantage of these systems. With ease of use, plenty of features and 24-hour support, they provide everything a company needs to realize success.

A Virtual Phone System Keeps You Connected While Traveling

Regardless of the nature of a business, travel is often inevitable. Conferences, business meetings and even conventions can all help business owners better understand their industries, and they may even help to introduce new products and services to the lineup. A virtual phone system is a great way to stay connected to a business while away from the office.

Call Forwarding
Call forwarding allows business owners to forward the calls that would typically terminate at their office desks to the telephones of their choice. When business owners are on the road or in the air, they can still receive telephone calls on their mobile devices with the use of this feature. Similarly, when they have settled into a hotel room, they can easily forward their calls to that landline. Everything can be handled almost instantaneously, and business owners will never be out of touch with their customers or their employees. This feature also works well for business employees who must travel; they are still available to other employees and customers via their assigned extensions.

Maintain Privacy
One of the best parts about using call forwarding to stay connected while traveling is that it allows everyone to stay in contact while still maintaining privacy. Business owners and employees would never provide their personal telephone numbers to clients and customers for obvious reasons, and depending upon the size of the business, it may even be best for business owners to keep their personal telephone numbers private from their employees. Thanks to call forwarding, everyone can accept their business calls without interruption, and the terminating telephone number is always kept 100% private.

Portable Desktop Interface
The desktop interface that accompanies a virtual phone system is incredibly simple to use. It can be installed on a laptop or even downloaded in the form of a mobile app so that the phone system can be managed from virtually anywhere. Traveling business owners and employees can easily access the interface with their username and password combinations in order to make changes to their call forwarding settings or even check their voicemail messages. This interface is an invaluable resource for managing every aspect of business communications in a single, easy-to-navigate environment. This promotes organization, even when on the road.

Online Fax
When attending conferences or conventions, business owners and employees will often receive documents that will need to be shared with the rest of the company. Thankfully, the ability to send and receive faxes online with the help of a virtual phone system makes this easy and instantaneous. Rather than trying to locate the fax machine in the hotel lobby or local retail store, it is possible to simply scan the document into a computer and fax it as easily as sending an email. The process works in reverse, as well. Traveling employees can open and view documents they receive via fax with complete ease.

Without proper communications, traveling can present a host of problems for business owners and employees. With the help of a virtual phone system, these problems can be easily negated and everyone can stay connected at all times.

iTeleCenter Welcomes New Virtual Phone System Customer Vortech Solutions

iTeleCenter welcomes Vortech Solutions as a new Virtual Phone System customer. Vortech Solutions, a Florida-based sanitization company, started using iTeleCenter’s virtual phone system to fulfill its business communications needs. iTeleCenter has made it easier for the company to reach out to a broader audience and increase their customer base in the West Palm Beach and Clearwater areas.

Implementing iTeleCenter in their business model has enabled Vortech Solutions to advertise a toll free number and forward incoming calls directly to a company representative’s mobile phone. The benefit is two-fold – customers outside their immediate calling area can easily reach them without incurring long distance charges and company reps can keep their personal numbers private and still take calls on the go. The system seamlessly forwards calls to their company representatives in any physical location without having to implement an expensive PBX system or install any additional equipment in their offices.

Vortech Solutions offers a host of Sanitization, Decontamination, Purification and Dehumidification services for yachts, homes, businesses and the marine industry. They provide a full line of unique services and products to help assure the confidence of a clean, pristine and safe home and marine environment.
iTeleCenter looks forward to a long partnership in helping Vortech Solutions achieve continued success.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and toll free voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.