This server acts as the central hub for all your voice calls, managing the routing and transmission of your voice data. The server is responsible for converting your voice data into digital signals, which are then transmitted over the internet. This process is known as voice over IP, or VoIP. VoIP technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, offering numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased flexibility, and enhanced security.

But if you don’t have an IT expert on your team, don’t have plans to hire one, or aren’t one yourself, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Here’s why. 1. An on-premises VoIP server complicates remote and distributed environments Picture this: You have remote employees and offices in other cities that all need to be on the same phone system. With self-managed servers, that means investing in a lot of hardware and employing IT professionals for each location. Not to mention the difficulties of remote team access. Managing firewalls and dozens of VPN tunnels with security risks and performance drains is a logistical nightmare.

**Managed VoIP services** offer a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes, providing a reliable and secure platform for communication. **Key benefits of managed VoIP services:**

* **Reliability and Security:** Managed VoIP services ensure high uptime and robust security measures, minimizing downtime and protecting sensitive data. * **Cost Savings:** Managed VoIP services often offer significant cost savings compared to traditional phone systems, including hardware, maintenance, and support.

Managing your own VoIP server means: Continuously patching security vulnerabilities. Actively monitoring network activity for suspicious behavior. Reacting quickly to security breaches. Working 24/7 to minimize damage from threats. Encrypting VoIP traffic. Enforcing strong authentication practices. On the other hand, managed VoIP providers invest heavily in robust security measures, including data encryption, intrusion detection, and 24/7 monitoring. They have the expertise and resources to stay ahead of evolving threats so you don’t have to. If you do have an IT team, you can free them up to focus on other activities that move your business forward rather than maintaining a system they know they shouldn’t have to.

3. Costly upkeep and unexpected expenses DIY VoIP server management means you have to actually buy a server. This could be a digital cloud-based server from a hosting company or a physical piece of hardware in your office. Either way, it’s a significant upfront investment with added expenses for installation, a skyrocketing electric bill, ongoing maintenance, and physical security if it’s in your office. As hardware evolves, you may need to replace components over time as well. On top of that, you’ll need to pay for the software itself. This includes a licensing deal for the operating system of your server, the VoIP platform, and security tools if needed.

This is a common practice in software development, where companies often release new versions with improved functionality and security updates. The process of upgrading to a new version of software can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and execution. It’s crucial to back up your data before starting any upgrade process. This is because data loss can occur during the upgrade, and it’s essential to have a backup in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

* **Server Management:** Managing your own server offers benefits like customization and control, but it also comes with challenges. * **Customization and Control:** You have complete control over your server’s software, hardware, and configuration. This allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences.

This is why it’s crucial to have a disaster recovery plan in place. A disaster recovery plan should include steps to restore data and systems after a disaster, such as a fire, flood, or cyberattack. It should also include procedures for communication and coordination with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and vendors.

**Security & Recovery**
– They can easily revert back to an old version if an attack occurs. – They can quarantine issues without taking your system offline.