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Virtual Phone System

I've been using this virtual phone system from RingCentral for about a month now. So far, I really like the features for the price. With this system, I get 20 extensions (any extension can receive a fax), you can set up one extension as a dedicated fax number (faxes are received via email and/or their desktop software), you can fax directly from your desktop with their desktop software, you can set up a direct line and receive calls over the computer, click-to-call buttons (like the one on the right side of my blog), etc. A lot of features for about $50/month.

I've used CallWave in the past, which is very inexpensive, but the features are rather limited. You get one virtual extension and a virtual fax delivered via email or desktop software. I don't think you can fax out from this service, but I've never really tried.

I was also invited to beta test GrandCentral, which was recently purchased by Google. I've got a number set up, but I haven't really had a chance to try it out.

I really like that I can hand out one number and the virtual system will forward calls to all my phones. With RingCentral, you can even have it ring multiple phones at the same time.

Anyone else out there using similar systems? Having any success with them?

Posted by John Fariss - Appraiser Bakersfield, CA on 10/27/2007 06:08 PM

Comments (11)

business, marketing

11 Comments on Virtual Phone System

OCT

2007

I'm not using any that you mention, but it sounds like a very interesting concept. Thanks for sharing.

Sounds like a great resource. Using services to serve the consumer and make your life easier is critical! You are well positioned!!!! Thanks for sharing

OCT

2007

The other thing I like about this virtual system is that it will move with me if I buy a new house or open an office. There's no need to set up a new phone system with new numbers.

We used Vocalocity VOIP system for about 5 months but went back to the old ways of Comcast. They offer a large variety of options and features, and that part I liked. However one of the biggest problems, well the biggest really, was that the phones didn't work well (read at all). Most of the time people on the other end could hear us or vice versa. When we had connection it sounded like we were talking from Mars. And with 2 phones w/lots of features and a virtual fax, the monthly charges came to about $89.00. The good thing was that the do not require long term commitments and totally understood that when you can hear the other person it is a problem. the contract was month to month and they cancelled promptly. The customer service was excellent as well. We had heard of others who really like their system and did not have same problems as we did.

NOV

2007

I've had associates who have used VOIP systems as well. One was a company wide system throgh Covad, and they had the same issues. Phones weren't even ringing on occassion. Another associate, who had a one person office, uses Vonage and loves it.

What I like about my system is that the calls are just routed through a virtual switchboard to your home phone, cell phone, business phone, or wherever else you would like. They can had VOIP phones if you want or you can even run a softphone on your laptop when you go out of town to receive voicemails, faxes, or even receive and make calls, but the sound quality still isn't all that great when using it for phone calls.

Hi John - I am a Grand Central user - but find the feature set a bit limited for business use (of course, it is free). Thanks for the info on RingCentral. I am checking their web site info as I type.

John - How has your experience been with ring central as to cost. I have no problem with their plan charges - but there seems to be a per minute usage sensitive charge in addition. How has that gone for you?

It is interesting that the long distance market has been forced by competition to move away from the usage sensitive (pay per minute) business model. Yet it is popping up in other areas of business phone services.

Cool I will have to go and check out this website. Thanks for the tip.

Ted - So far I haven't gone over the alloted minutes. If I remember correctly, I am only charged while the caller is "in the system", so once a call is passed through to my home phone or cell phone, there are no more plan minutes being used. If the caller leaves a voicemail, then plan minutes are used.

It's less expensive than a cell phone for similar plan minutes, but you have many more features.

Hello John,

I use a local phone company that has unlimited time on 3 voice mail mailboxes. I only use it for ads that I run so that I do not have to give the same talk 20 times a day, its good for screening. I am very actively looking at my own system to buy, but I will give yours a look too...Good Post

AUG

2008

I just found this post. John, since this post is a little old, are you still using Ring Central? I think the minutes are charged from the time the customer is connected to you. If you route to a cell phone, you essentially will pay double (depending on your cell plan) with this service. Is it still beneficial to you?

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