There are actually plenty of good reasons why you may want to, including improved security, lower costs, and easier access to a whole suite of communications features.

Let’s delve into the advantages of desktop phone calling, what to look out for, and how you can call a number from a computer with Vonage Business Communications (VBC).

Why Making Phone Calls From Computers Could Be Good for Business

Here are just some of the advantages that digital phone services on your PC offer compared to legacy landlines and mobile phone networks.

Convenience

First off, being able to call from a computer is convenient. Whether your team leverages a hybrid or remote work model, convenience is a key factor.

For remote or hybrid workers, it’s far more convenient to use a cloud-based phone solution — and especially one that lets you make calls from your work computer. That way, all voice calls can be done through a single work laptop, rather than buying separate pieces of tech like desk phones or work mobile phones.

Cost-Effectiveness

Setting up a landline for your business requires significant upfront investment and can often be time-consuming, too. You’ll need to install the hardware, wire up your desk phones, set up call forwarding settings, and educate employees on how to use it.

This can be truly cumbersome for small businesses with limited resources. Even for larger organizations, this task can take a larger than ideal chunk out of a budget.

On the other hand, a digital phone service is a more accessible alternative. All you really need is a computer and stable internet connection (and perhaps a headset), and you could be set up to call from PC.

In addition to spending less on infrastructure and equipment, phone services that operate digitally typically offer plans that let you pay for what you need.

A Focus on Better Security

Most cloud-based calling providers factor security into their systems. That means making commitments to providing secure and safe communications and collaboration.

For example, Vonage invests heavily in security and privacy measures and maintains a wide range of compliance certifications across our product lines. They include ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, SOC, HITRUST, and CSA STAR, to name just a few.

Integrations With Your Other Tools

Using a software app to make calls from computers has another distinct advantage: data digitalization. That makes it easier to integrate communications capabilities like voice calling with tools that your team uses every day.

For instance, you could integrate your calling service with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. That, among other things, makes it easier for your colleagues or team members to access relevant customer information while speaking to those customers.

Another example is integrating your voice calling with productivity tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack. This can help employees to collaborate and communicate more effectively, and such improvements in employee experience will also have related benefits for customers.

Ease of Making International Calls

Phone calls from computers use VoIP technology, which means data packets are transferred over the internet rather than via traditional telephony networks. With the right provider, this can make for a more stable connection, with reliable call quality and low latency.

What To Look For In a Platform for Calling via Computers

With dozens of services on the market, it’s hard to know what’s the best option when it comes to platforms to make phone calls from computers. Start by looking for the following:

Ease of Use

Communication tools and business software that is complex and difficult to use can negatively impact employee productivity. Avoid lengthy employee onboarding, retraining sessions, and time spent troubleshooting with a business phone service by finding an option that’s intuitive and easy-to-use.

Support

The migration from a traditional telephony system can be made even easier with accessible customer support resources. When choosing a business communications service, make sure you have plenty of support options. Look for things like:

• A comprehensive knowledge base or other self-help resources

• Instant support options, like live chat or a helpline to call

• Other support channels, such as email

The Right Plan for Now and the Future

When choosing a communications platform for your business, be sure to consider the features you actually need — now and in the future. Then, examine the different plans offered by providers.

Check that they let you easily customize the offering as you start and that they scale capabilities as your business grows. This way, you should be able to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

Features Beyond Calling

Phone calls are a crucial part of business communications, but they’re not the only channel through which customers and employees can connect. Consider a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform that combines all of your communications needs in one place.

Vonage Business Communications (VBC) is an example of a UCaaS platform, which brings together multiple communications channels. In addition to high quality and reliable calling, VBC allows businesses to:

• Send and receive SMS and MMS texts

• Share internal files and videos with colleagues using Team Messaging

• Start or join Vonage Meetings

• Apply settings that determine how calls are directed

• Set up greetings for your Voicemail, Extensions, and Virtual Receptionists

• Listen to voicemail and six months of call recording history

• Block caller ID so that phone calls from computers appear anonymous

• Integrate their communications with their chosen CRM systems

• Integrate their communications with productivity tools to improve employee experience

• And more

How to Make a Phone Call From a Computer Using Vonage Business Communications

So, you’re probably now wondering how to call someone on a computer. With the Vonage Business Communications Desktop App it’s quick and easy. The app is available for Mac or Windows PCs and for use in web browsers.

In the Desktop App, most of your day-to-day activities are done via the sidebar. This is where you can make calls from computer, and access voicemail, messages, meetings, and more.

In fact, you can make phone calls from computer in several ways using the sidebar. The simplest is to click the +New button and then New Call, which allows you to start a new conversation with a contact from your directory.

Alternatively, to call a number from computer, you can directly click on the Keypad section. This will let you type in a number that’s not already in your directory.

After the call has concluded, you can view your call history, re-listen to the conversation, or send a follow-up message to the recipient.

Get Started Making Phone Calls From Computers With VBC

So, there you have it — making a phone call from a computer is easy, and it comes with benefits for cost-savvy businesses of all sizes.

Vonage Business Communications can help you get all those benefits and more. With smart features like a Virtual Receptionist and Call Recording, your teams will be empowered to collaborate and deliver great experiences from virtually anywhere.

Schedule a conversation to speak to an expert about what VBC can do for you.