Hotels across the globe, from Europe to the Caribbean, are increasingly switching from older, restrictive business VoIP systems to more modern, flexible business VoIP networks, according to a report in online publication TMCnet.com.
The report claims that many of the hotels in question have had negative experiences using costly business phone systems which are based on inappropriate proprietary business VoIP technology.
The hotels, it is claimed, are now installing VoIP systems based on Asterisk open source software which can be customised to better meet each individual hotel’s needs. The running costs of the new systems are also said to be cheaper than the previously installed proprietary business phone systems.
Among the communications and information services and activities believed to be covered by the new business VoIP systems are: registration of hotel guests on arrival; room and maid service; and the billing of phone calls made from guests’ rooms.
Particular features of the hotels’ new business VoIP systems are said to include: auto attendant (whereby callers are greeted automatically and offered a number of transfer options); a voicemail facility; and the conversion of faxes and voicemails to emails.
The hotels using the new business VoIP systems are believed to include those in locations as far apart as the UK; the USA; the Netherlands; Mexico; Canada; South Africa; and The Dominican Republic.
Hotels have always presented particular types of challenges for business VoIP (voice over internet protocol) systems, given the range and complexity of their communication needs, both in regard to internal and external contacts.
Modern business VoIP and internet protocol (IP) telephony systems which allow for flexibility and customisation are known to offer an ideal solution for such complex and sophisticated communication and information requirements.
In the meantime, a hosted version of this kind of business VoIP service is known to be able to help overcome concerns involving the necessary capital expenditure.
