VoIP has been gaining traction over the last decade and it doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon, especially with all of the new features and integrations sprouting up. If you're currently using Amazon Web Services and you want to integrate with your current cloud-based provider, an AWS VoIP gateway could be just what you're looking for. But what exactly is an AWS VoIP gateway and how can it help you simplify business operations? Let's take a look. But first, let's talk about what VoIP, AWS and an AWS VoIP gateway are.

What Is VoIP?

VoIP stands for voice over Internet protocol and it's a business phone solution that's essentially Internet calling. That means your VoIP service provider uses your company's existing Internet connection to convert and transmit voice as data, according to Fit Small Business. VoIP phone systems can give your growing company the flexibility it needs to scale and grow. VoIP has become popular because it can save you up to 50 percent on your phone bill by eliminating costly equipment and operating expenses. And you won't have to hire an expensive IT team to manage your equipment. Your VoIP service provider does all of that for you.

What Is a VoIP Gateway?

A VoIP gateway is a network node that combines different protocols to connect two networks. Unlike a bridge (which is used to join two similar kinds of networks), a gateway joins two different kinds of networks. A common gateway is a router that's used to connect a business network to the Internet, but other types of gateways include:

  • IoT gateway
  • API, SOA or XML gateway
  • Media gateway
  • Email security gateway
  • Amazon API gateway
  • VoIP trunk gateway
  • Cloud storage gateway
  • Web application firewall
  • AWS VoIP gateway

A VoIP gateway is essentially a device that converts analog telephony signals to digital signals. Once the signal is converted, the VoIP gateway categorizes it into data packets and then encrypts it so it can be transmitted. VoIP gateways come with some of the following features:

  • External controller interfaces, for instance to a billing system, soft switch, or network management system
  • Voice and fax compression/decompression
  • Call routing, control signal management, and packetization

An AWS VoIP gateway can help significantly enhance business operations. Let's see exactly how. But first, we'll discuss what an AWS VoIP gateway is and how it works.

What Is AWS?

AWS stands for Amazon Web Services and it's a cloud-computing platform offered by Amazon. It provides a mix of platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and packaged software as a service (SaaS), according to Tech Target. Launched in 2006, Amazon Web Services was one of the first companies to introduce the pay-as-you-go cloud-computing model that allows companies to scale as they grow. The same flexibility allows hosts to offer managed AWS VPS hosting, which allows users to focus on building their businesses, leaving the complex technical tasks to the experts.

A VoIP gateway allows you to integrate your VoIP phone system with third-party applications, such as those offered by AWS. So if you currently have applications through AWS, you can fully integrate them with a VoIP phone system like 8x8's Virtual Office, a business phone solution and hosted PBX that delivers all of your phone services with one unified solution. An AWS VoIP gateway to a Virtual Office suite could help you cut your phone bill in half. Not to mention, you'd benefit from dozens of features, such as:

  • Conferencing
  • Auto Attendant
  • Corporate Directory
  • Caller ID
  • Directory Assistance
  • Extension Dialing
  • Online Meetings
  • Business SMS
  • Internet Fax
  • Online Administration

Ideally, your provider would offer things like mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices so that employees can make and receive calls on any device, whether it's a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

With an AWS VoIP gateway solution, you'll be able to access all of your features from both your VoIP software and your AWS applications right from your service portal. So if you're ready to benefit from a multitude of collaboration features that make communications a breeze, consider VoIP software from a top cloud-based provider in the industry.

When it comes to VoIP, 8x8 provides a reliable and compliant cloud solution at a demanding level rarely seen by other cloud providers. Don't take your chances with a subpar cloud-based telecom system. Call 1-866-879-8647 or fill out an online form to request a no-obligation quote from an 8x8 product specialist.

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