Categories: VoIP Commentary

Are SMB's Ready For Software Only VoIP?

On paper, software only VoIP solutions seem like a perfect fit for small medium businesses (SMB’s).

These services can take many forms, such as a hosted VoIP offering or a Voice 2.0 call aggregation service. These deployments typically cost less (since there is no or little physical equipment), are delivered by a service provider who typically handles the service, support and on-going maintenance and in general seem a lot more simple for the SMB. For those who sell these types of solutions, they often refer to their offering as a, “no brainer.”

Within this simplicity, however, lies a fair amount of confusion – created by the fact that software only VoIP solutions, for most non-technical SMB’s, are a far cry from the user experience they have become accustom to. A funny thing happens when one tries to change the user experience – they revolt. People do not inherently accept change and with something as long standing (and in many ways as stagnant as telecommunications) it is difficult to not believe that software only VoIP solutions are getting a fair amount of push-back from SMB’s.

This isn’t written to discredit them (software only VoIP solutions); in fact, software only VoIP solutions is truly the future, but that future is many, many years ahead of us. For now, I see those offering software only VoIP solutions to the SMB continuing to struggle – selling the invisible is tough, especially in a sector that has been hardware-centric for such a long time.

What do you think?

Garrett Smith

Garrett is the former VoIP Supply CMO.

Share
Published by
Garrett Smith

Recent Posts

Viking VoIP Emergency Phone E-1600-IP-EWP: Product Feature and How to Register with Sangoma PBXact

https://youtu.be/FE2kcF7KjgQ?si=inw4thEr2thxgGeL When it comes to security, you should never cut corners. Having something that you…

3 days ago

Watch Now: 2025 March VoIP News Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2_HXAv73FI Your March VoIP News Update is out now! This month we showcase an awesome…

7 days ago

Did You Know:  New MS Teams-Certified Services, Products & Devices!

It is certainly no secret that leading platforms such as Microsoft Teams have grown in…

1 week ago

Snom M56 DECT Phone & M500 Base Station: Product Feature and How to Pair Devices

https://youtu.be/7_EIZKXqG3w?si=nvWqq8EAe58AJ6Dp Over the years, we have seen several advancements in DECT technology, and with that,…

2 weeks ago

How To: Prepare Your Business for Upcoming Tariffs in the VoIP Industry

With all of this talk about tariffs, we wanted to provide you with some information…

2 weeks ago

Fanvil i62 Outdoor Audio & Video Door Phone: How to SIP Register and Program RFID Card

https://youtu.be/y3X1PcrK6i8?si=qWPgzDNhhngcsk_a In today's world, security is one of the most important things to have for…

1 month ago