Although most people use the phone, not everyone uses the phone in the same manner. The way people use their phones are influenced by several factors, including their occupation and background, among others. Because if these behavioral differences among the different types of users, most VoIP providers create products and subscription packages based on the needs of different target markets, which may be divided as follows.
Consumer Market
The consumer market targets residential households. The use of VoIP not only acts as a home’s land line replacement, but it is also popular as a second phone line for teens, home business, or as a fax line. Almost all features supported by residential providers are similar – what differs is in the prices charged and the packages/promotions available. Also, support and customer service are differentiating factors.
Small to Medium Business Market
VoIP providers revolutionizes small business phone needs by offering these small businesses PBX-like features and phone systems at lower monthly fees than traditional bellcos. For example, small businesses can enjoy three or four digit call extensions, music on-hold, automated call receptionist, and voice mail options for low monthly fees.
Providers offering services to small businesses are dominated by those that those that also sell long distance services. Differentiators in this industry are again service, rather than product.
Enterprise Market
The enterprise market is more mature and familiar with VoIP than small business providers. Most enterprises have already invested in VoIP installations or have plans to do so within the next two years. Instead of virtual PBXs, these businesses may consider IP PBXs or IP Centrexs. IP PBXs/Centrex’s are more sophisticated at managing phone systems with many extensions (that is, over 100 extensions), and allow for more customization in services regarding power, security, and remote management. Vendors differentiate from each other not only on features, but on which other equipment they are compatible with, as well as performance.
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