Hosted VoIP phone systems have quickly become some of the most popular business technologies in the world. According to statistics from Gartner, telecom services, like Voice over IP services, are a main driver behind the 3.2% growth IT spending is expected to show this year, with global expenditures expected to eclipse $3.8 trillion by year-end. For those already using hosted VoIP services, this growth is no surprise. After all, as The Houston Chronicle writes, the best VoIP services offer affordable service, increased business mobility, and state-of-the-art communications technologies.

Of course, as in any industry, not every hosted VoIP provider is deserving of the \”best VoIP service\” title. If you’re planning to make the jump to VoIP, you need to find a service that matches your needs without overcharging your business and shorting you on technological power. With these tips, you can find the best VoIP service for your business, without any hassle.

How to Find the Best VoIP Services for Your Business

• Will Their Services Work with Your Existing Internet Connection?

As About.com writes, you need to consider whether or not the VoIP service you’re considering will work on your current internet connection. If you’re still running a 56k line or satellite internet, chances are you don’t have the power to utilize a VoIP service to its fullest potential. That’s not always the case, but you should inform VoIP providers of your internet connection speed ahead of time to avoid a costly waste of time.

• Private or Public Hosted VoIP PBX?

Did you know that there are both public and private VoIP providers? As Inc.com points out, public VoIP services are extremely cheap and require little set up. On the downside, a public option means that your speeds will only ever be as good as your internet connection. Private options are markedly more expensive, with many options reaching up to $800 per extension. That being said, because they are customizable and you maintain the system, many consider private systems to be more affordable and useful in the long run.

• Do They Offer VoIP Adapter Hardware?

Many of the best VoIP services offer their customers adapters to convert their old phones into VoIP compatible phones. As BizBrain.org suggests, this is important because buying new VoIP phones can run you as much as $600 a pop. Save yourself a lot of cash by looking for a service that offers either free adapters or charges only a nominal fee.

Making the switch to a VoIP phone company can save your company money, improve mobility, and give you the communications technology you need to thrive in an ever more connected age, but that’s only if you know how to find a great service. Follow these tips, and you’ll find a provider that fulfills all of your business’s needs.