VoIP Systems As An Alternative To Skype For Business

Why VoIP numbers are the perfect alternative to Skype

Microsoft recently announced that Skype will officially be retired in May 2025. If your business relies on Skype for its business number and communication with colleagues and customers, fear not! Now is the perfect time to explore reliable, scalable Skype alternatives that ensure continuity and high quality calls to maintain a professional brand image. If this sounds like what you're looking for, a business VoIP phone system with VoIP numbers could be the perfect solution.

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems are ideal alternatives if your business is currently using Skype phone numbers for communication. Unlike Skype, originally designed for personal communication (for example, connecting with family members abroad) VoIP systems like Yay.com are designed for businesses, providing advanced call features for optimal customer service, cost-effective call minutes, and flexibility that allows your company to grow and evolve.

Let's take a look at why VoIP and virtual numbers are a perfectly tailored Skype alternative for your business. Preparing early will ensure that you experience no down time when Skype is retired.

What does Skype's End-of-Life mean for your business?

If you've been using Skype as your main source of business communication, as well as maintaining a business number through the platform, Microsoft's end-of-life announcement can seem daunting. It's time to transition to a new phone system that can support your needs, and make the migration process as smooth as possible to avoid disruption. While Microsoft have offered the option of transferring to Microsoft Teams, you may be finding that you would be better placed seeking a more cost-effective and feature-packed phone number solution.

Why is VoIP a great alternative to Skype for business?

Similar to Skype, the Yay.com VoIP phone system allows you to make phone calls using the Internet rather than traditional copper lines. VoIP systems boast superior call quality and functionality, at affordable prices, often structured as subscription models that can be scaled up and down as your business evolves. Here are some key benefits to consider:

Seamless number porting

If your business has an established phone number through the Skype platform that you don't want to change, VoIP providers like Yay.com offer a seamless online number porting process,  No downtime for your Skype number  ensures you are still contactable during the transition. This is key if your existing Skype number is familiar to your customers, so as not to cause confusion.

Broad options for new phone numbers

Perhaps you'd actually like to choose a new number for your business. Transitioning to a new phone system presents the perfect opportunity for this. With Yay.com, you can browse hundreds of available phone numbers and choose one perfect for your business - perhaps this is a memorable or ‘gold' number, a regional number or even an international one. Whatever suits you best, you can be sure to find a virtual number that suits.

Low-cost calling

One of the biggest advantages of VoIP is its affordability. If you currently use Skype for international calls, VoIP will offer a quality alternative. Often, calls are offered at significantly lower rates for both international and local calls, and plans often include a certain amount of minutes to suit your needs. This is an excellent option if your business has global customers or perhaps works with suppliers overseas.

Flexibility and scalability

VoIP systems deployed as a scalable solution allow room for flexibility if your business is expanding. VoIP phone systems can scale effortlessly, whether you need additional lines or numbers. These VoIP services can also be accessed from virtually anywhere with an Internet connection, allowing you to stay connected no matter where you are, which makes them the perfect replacement for Skype for business.

Business-ready features

Switching to a VoIP phone system offers the chance to not just replace Skype, but actually upgrade your business tools. Business grade VoIP solutions will offer professional advanced features such as:

• Multi-level auto-attendants
• Call recording
• Smart out-of-hours call handling
• Voicemail transcription
• Call forwarding and queueing

Now is the time to switch number providers

With Skype set to shut down in May 2025, it is crucial that you act quickly to ensure a smooth transition. You do not want to wait until the last minute and risk downtime and lose business. By switching to a Skype for business alternative now rather than later, you can avoid these last minute disruptions and get settled in with your new phone system to ensure you get the most out of it.

Yay.com specialises in providing quality VoIP phone systems and virtual landlines tailored to every business. If you're looking to switch from Skype, we offer affordable call rates, an easy transfer process, a suite of advanced call features and an incredibly friendly team ready to answer any questions you may have! We also offer a free, no obligation VoIP trial if you want to try out our features in advance too.

Don't wait until it's too late! Browse our plans, buy a new number or begin the number porting process today.