Inside the VoIP, from pre-historic to up to date.

The history of business communication technology holds the answers we seek to where the future of VoIP is heading.

Although the centuries do not divulge details, they do share the reasons why technology continues to grow in this area.

To recognize why VoIP is the future of business communication, we must take a look back at the growth of telecommunication.

Pre-Electrical Telecommunication Systems

Let’s dive into pre-electrical era of telecommunication. In ancient times humans used to communicate or it’s better to say sending messages according these ancient ways.

Smoke signals
Drums
Handkerchiefs
Flags
Firing cannons
Pigeons
Telegraphs
Morse code

Thanks to the minds of three essential inventors, who started it all, Claude Chappe, Joseph Henry, and Samuel Morse.

However, the weather was limiting these methods, interrupting the sending of signals.

A change needed to happen, and in 1876, a significant piece of history came to be. It is the year electrical telecommunication systems was born.

Electrical Telecommunication Systems

From pre electrical lets jump to electrical telecommunication systems. Let’s travel into 1900s, and refresh our memory:

Some notable changes to the telecommunication systems, include,

Electric Telegraph
Cable
Telephone
Broadcasting
Satellites
Electronic Ink and Paper
Computer
Cellphones
Ethernet
Internet

During the 97 years after the introduction of the telephone, many electrical developments appeared on the scene. Including VoIP.

It was in 1973 when the transmission of the first voice data packet occurred.

Fast forward to sixteen years later. In 1989, one of the most significant game-changers to telecommunication happens.

The era of Internet Phones

Tim Berners-Lee introduces his invention, the World Wide Web (WWW). Which opened many new doors, literally and virtually.

As the world was creeping closer to the end of an era, we were embarking on a brand new World (Wide Web) of communication.

That very same year (1989), Alon Cohen and Lior Haramaty, founded the telecom company, VocalTel Communications, Inc.

Four years pass and the first “Smartphone” enters the world, in 1992. Although it was not actually called that until 1995.

Created by IBM, the first “Smartphone” had a different name, the “Simon Personal Communicator,” and it was ahead of its time.

IBM releases this futuristic “Smartphone” more than 15 years before Apple introduced its first iPhone.

The first VoIP application is also introduced in 1995, called, “VocalTec Internet Phone,” or simply, “Internet Phone.” Its creators are none other than Alon Cohen and Lior Haramaty of VocalTec Communications Inc.

There is no doubt, more is yet to come

From the invention of landline phones, cellphones, the Internet, World Wide Web, and Smartphones — every single one of these discoveries has played a significant part in the creation and history of VoIP.

The Growth Curve of VoIP

Like all inventions, popularity does not happen overnight.

Introduced in 1996, VoIP’s early adopters were mostly individuals. It took some time for businesses to entirely put their trust in its technology.

With its introduction came promises. As VoIP assured users it will reduce the price of long distance calls and make local calls free. It sounded too good to be true.

In the early stages, VoIP had limited bandwidth, and its quality was poor, giving doubters the confirmation they were looking for, it is too good to be true.

VoIP Technology Improvements

As time passed, more inventions and improvements to VoIP technology came to be. These advancements are what encouraged businesses to start using it.

Its inexpensive yet high-quality voice calling, which at one point seem too good to be true (and it was) now exists.

VoIP Growth and Features

In 2004, the number of VoIP users dramatically increases from 150,000 in 2003 to 1.2 million.

VoIP was responsible for more than 200 billion call minutes in 2005.

Seven years later and VoIP goes mainstream. The global VoIP market totaling $63 billion in 2012.

There are numerous features VoIP systems offer to expand the company’s presence and footprint, quickly.

It now goes far beyond only offering a phone system. VoIP has evolved into a complete advanced business phone service.

Some of the features VoIP offers:

VoIP Numbers
Call Recording, Queues, and Routing
Analytics and Reporting
Voicemail to Text
Audio or Video Conferencing
Cloud Services
CRM Call Center Software
VoIP Apps

With the workforce transforming into a mobile/remote one, more landline phones disappear.

Customers expectations from businesses have shifted.

As a result, creating a gap between the customer and companies, which only VoIP can fill. Many businesses are becoming more aware of this void.

Some are already filling it in, by choosing to use VoIP. As they want their company to improve its customer service and thus, customer experience.

Companies Already Using VoIP

Companies of all shapes and sizes, all over the world, are enjoying it.

VoIP is not only changing the way we do business but the costs associated with it. Switching to VoIP can save small businesses as much as 45 percent each month over traditional phone service.

Well known companies are using VoIP technology.