When we talk about VoIP, we are talking about the whole phone system that a business uses for communication. This includes the hardware and software that links the telephones and the Internet in order to streamline online communication. However, not all companies are ready to make the transition to full-on VoIP. This doesn't mean that they should miss out on the benefits that are provided by this type of online streamlined communication.

One of the greatest things that VoIP can do is allow for real-time voice and video conferencing through the Internet. This allows businesses to hold virtual conferences which bring together clients, on-site and remote employees to create an interactive platform for exchanging ideas and furthering business. Although VoIP is one of the best tools for this, there are VoIP-related tools that can specifically provide these functions to a business in order to allow non-VoIP companies to take advantage of the opportunities that are available in online communication today.

For example, there is a company called Envivo which makes web conferencing tools that require no software or hardware to implement. They provide many of the same functions that a VoIP / video conferencing system would provide without the commitment that needs to be invested when deciding to transition over to VoIP.

"The Envivo LIVE Communicator Suite includes applications that will download quickly and easily to customer personal computers, seamlessly docking into the system tray. These applications provide the ability to reach out to your customers and pull them in using custom alerts and enhanced communication opportunities."

In other words, these tools give you the same type of efficiency that you would have in group communication using VoIP without actually requiring you to invest in VoIP communications technology. For businesses that aren't yet sure that they're in a position to make the transition but which want to leverage the opportunities that are increasingly available in online communication, a system like Envivo's could be a good option.

Of course, Envivo isn't the only name out there making these types of products. But their website provides the most clear-cut and informative look at the types of simple applications that are available to businesses interested in this type of service.