It’s that time of year when we’re all planning for a bit of a break, but the best way to ensure you get the relaxation you need is not to have next year’s stress hanging over you. This means incorporating the most effective technology that will boost your business and productivity with less hassle. For telecommunications, this means a VoIP system, particularly when you consider the business-boosting trends coming in 2024.
What is VoIP?
VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol – is a cost-effective communication tool that provides you with great features to enhance your business. At its most basic, VoIP technology allows you to make voice calls using the internet rather than traditional (or analogue) phone lines.
What trends can we expect for VoIP in 2024?
If you already have a VoIP system installed, then you will be glad to know it’s only going to get better in 2024. If you haven’t already installed the system, then here are a few trends that might make you reconsider.
1. VoIP and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Like it or not, AI is coming into every aspect of our lives and it’s here to stay. When used correctly, AI is an incredible tool for enhancing business by taking on mundane, repetitive tasks and reducing errors. It’s being incorporated into VoIP and bringing you incredible benefits such as analysing your call data for better decision-making, as well as assisting in real-time transcription and translation. AI is also bringing with it more innovative features such as better call routing and intelligent call routing.
2. 5G Connectivity
You will be happy to know that VoIP connectivity will be enhanced by even more adoption of 5G internet connectivity. 5G networks bring with them better bandwidth and lower latency which results in better-quality calls even during peak hours. Faster internet speeds mean more reliable connections and better business engagement, anytime and anywhere.
3. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
As with AI, IoT is another trend that is becoming all the more prevalent and, when leveraged right, can really enhance your business operations. IoT is effectively the interconnecting of digital devices to adopt routine tasks that previously had to be done manually. VoIP will be integrated with IoT, giving it the capacity to share information from one point to another reliably. This synergy can improve office performance by redirecting calls to your house, or even adjusting lighting during a video conference.
4. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
Another trend that will dominate in 2024 is UCaaS whereby VoIP is integrated with even more communication channels. These can include video conferencing, instant messaging, social media, and email. Through UCaaS, you’re not having several different conversations on a variety of platforms, but rather a more refined communication experience on one integrated platform.
5. Better Security
Another trend across the digital world is enhanced cybersecurity. To better protect your VoIP system, you can expect end-to-end encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication to prevent and protect against data breaches and unauthorised access.
6. Mobile VoIP
The remote working and mobile working trend are going nowhere, and in 2024 we’re likely to see more mobile VoIP (mVoIP) solutions to meet this need. These allow for file-sharing, mobile compatibility, and virtual meeting rooms for more seamless collaboration with your colleagues and clients. Mobile VoIP allows for smart device adoption so that you’re able to use smartphones and tablets for business communication.
7. Cloud-Based VoIP Solutions
Finally, you’re going to see much more cloud-based VoIP as this eliminates the need for expensive and bulky on-site hardware. Cloud-based VoIP allows for scalability, flexibility, and cost savings – plus it’s ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Get on top of the 2024 trends by connecting with ECN, the leading, next-generation communications provider in South Africa. The team can talk you through your VoIP options and partner with you for a hassle-free telecommunications experience.