Benefits of DID Telephone Numbers for Companies
By Space Coast Daily // August 23, 2019
Over the past few decades, the ways how we communicate have changed dramatically. Landlines are becoming a relic of the past, and almost everyone on the planet owns a handset.
Internet users can call and see each other for free, and instant messengers offer VoIP calls from any smartphone. Businesses are also redefining their models of communication.
Naturally, physical copper lines still exist. However, companies of all sizes and sectors are recognizing the benefits of VoIP and adopting SIP systems.
Now, customers and partners may get in touch with a company via a DID number the setup of which is quite simple. Here is why it is superior to regular alternatives.
Conventional Numbers
These are traditionally associated with copper wires. A business has a fixed number of lines, and each can only serve for making or receiving one call. Therefore, when a company wants to take ten calls at once, it needs ten phone lines.
A common occurrence is the “hunt” arrangement. In this case, when the second call comes on the first line which is engaged, it gets redirected to the next available line.
DID Numbers
Direct Inward Dial numbers have no dependence on physical lines at all, as they refer to VoIP. They work based on so-called “call paths”. In conventional telephoning, the number of actual physical lines determines how many calls can be handled concurrently. With DIDs, the same is defined by call paths.
This explains the flexible nature of such systems. New numbers are added easily, with no need for wires.
There are several possible number types:
- primary business numbers,
- numbers ringing directly to extensions, and
- virtual numbers fulfilling various functions.
No Geographic Constraints
For example, your company may want to have a local presence in some town or city. For this purpose, you will get a DID number, and whenever it is called by residents, they will be connected to your office in a completely different location.
In the past, this was also possible, but forwarding entailed expensive long-distance and international call charges.
Calls from Any Device
Thanks to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), calls from customers using PSTN (landlines or cellular networks) can be taken via VoIP, and vice versa. SIP origination and termination are two processes responsible for incoming and outgoing calls, respectively.
For instance, with a DID number and a special smartphone app, you may call regular numbers from your Android or iPhone, and talk over VoIP. The system is easy to set up and configure.
Savings
Rates offered by VoIP and SIP providers are very affordable. In the case of long-distance calls, they are dramatically lower than those of conventional systems.
For corporate budget, this translates into immediate savings and ROI. Besides, monthly costs can be accurately predicted.
Overall, DID numbers are clearly superior to the old-school PTSN lines. Virtual by nature, and, therefore, independent of any physical location, they make communication effective, flexible, and affordable.
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