If you own a business and are considering installing a VoIP phone system, there are several things you will have to consider to ensure you get the system that works for you. One of the biggest decisions is if you will choose an on-premise or hosted VoIP system.
Each option has unique pros and cons, and there isn’t a “perfect” solution that’s going to work for all businesses. The key is to find the solution that best meets your needs.
One of the main things to keep in mind when making this decision is security. Use the information here to determine if an on-premises or hosted VoIP solution is best for you.
Difference Between Hosted and On Premise VOIP Systems
It’s pretty common knowledge that hosted services are easier to setup and maintain. The service provider you choose will deliver the features you want/need on the cloud. This means you can avoid having to invest a lot of money or having to purchase costly hardware. Also, you can switch between vendors if they are unable to keep up with your needs easily.
With an on-premise system, you will have to make more of an investment – both in regard to financial resources and expertise. For long-term use, an on-premise-based VoIP system provides more “bang for your buck.” However, there aren’t too many businesses or organizations that can afford this type of system to begin with.
What’s Best for Security?
Security is often a factor that’s overlooked when trying to decide between these two options. Organizations are often more worried about costs, maintenance, technical support and other factors. However, the security of the system is equally important.
On-Premise VoIP System Security Implications
An on-premise system will be physically located at your business. This means you will be in control of the setup, configuration, troubleshooting, maintenance and security. If you have compliance requirements or operate in some industries (e.g., insurance or banking) this option is appealing. However, there are some companies that overestimate their ability to secure their network, then hire IT professionals to help. However, this can wind up costing them even more. It’s important to note that, because a VoIP voice call is conducted over the internet, their threat landscape is different than typical landlines. As a result, you’ll need to ensure they are secured properly.
Security Considerations for Hosted VoIP Systems
In many cases, hosted solutions will be the better option – at least from a security standpoint. This is especially the case for small or medium-sized businesses that don’t have any in-house security experts. If you purchase the hosted services from a reputable vendor, you can feel confident they will handle the security aspect of the data center and network.
However, this doesn’t mean you are absolved from all security responsibilities. You will still have to secure facets such as hardware endpoints, user access and your own network. As a result, you need to consider the options carefully to find the one that best suits your needs.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Regardless of which option you choose, you need to secure and protect the voice network. One way to protect your business data is by using proper encryption methods. This will ensure that even if criminals steal confidential information or intercept calls, they won’t have any way to extract any useful data.
Having the help of the professionals, for most companies, will be the best option. Make sure to keep this in mind when deciding between on-premise and hosted VoIP services so that you choose the one that best suits your needs. Additional information about VoIP services and whether or not they are right for your business can be found by contacting our professional staff at Monster VoIP.
