Google Voice

Benefits:

Google Voice provides the perfect option for having an alternate phone number for separating calls. The voicemail transcription option is wonderful, and I love being able to send text messages from the Google Voice number.

Drawbacks:

There is often a delay in connection when answering from the smartphone app, and I wish you didn't have to have a Google Voice internet tab open on your computer to answer. Please add a Mac app!

In sum:

Overall, Google Voice functions very well as an alternate phone, with a unique phone number, and all the expected features like texting, voicemail, and clear connection.

Benefits:

Google Voice has provided a wonderful way to keep my business and personal life separate all on my same smartphone! I have a mobile phone number that I can use for my business that I have a separate voicemail recording for, can turn on special rules for, and can access from both my phone and my computer in order to keep better records and communicate more efficiently with clients and business partners. It works over the internet, but also piggybacks on my regular cellphone number when I'm offline. That means I can keep my preferred provider and beloved personal phone number while also creating a new avenue for business calls! It's also free to use!

Drawbacks:

Google Voice does not always keep itself continuously updated, so I occasionally miss calls or text messages because I didn't get a notification. Also, I cannot tell when a call is incoming if it is coming in on my regular cell phone number or if it is on my Google Voice phone number.

In sum:

When moving to a new city and setting up a very mobile business, my old, out-of-state cellphone number scared people off, so having a dedicated, local number that I only use for business garners more trust and better comfort levels with clients. It is perfect for keeping state-required records with clients since I can access everything from my computer and just print off communications as necessary.

Benefits:

Accessible on all devises, unlike the competitors product which can only be accessed on one specific device, Its provide security features which helps the user to protect the authenticity of a document. The auto save feature of the product helps users to safe guard against unexpected malfunctions of their devise.

Drawbacks:

advanced features of the product are hard to use, and sometimes cause unwanted changes to a documents which also change the contents structure of a document. Users may may frequent internet downtimes and so will not have access to created documents as the product has an internet cloud based system.

Benefits:

Both the web version and app are accessible for our visually impaired users. The integration with our Google Contacts and Google Workspace directory is convenient.

Drawbacks:

Not having access to 3 way calling is inconvenient as sometimes as an IT support person I need to get the support reps from other companies on a call with our end users.

In sum:

Google has been pushing out new features and making their product competitive with other products already on the market. The integration with all other Google Workspace products makes this even better as there is less setup/configuration required when rolling out these products.

Benefits:

Google voice is a great voicemail alternative. I use it over my mobile phone based voicemail service and I've done so for years. I like that you can address it from any device, computer, and even through your email. It also does a decent job of transcribing your voicemail messages, which is great when you can't play and listen to a message.

Drawbacks:

It is sometimes tricky to setup for first time use.

Benefits:

I can have a separate line on my phone and can use it for business without needing to purchase another phone plan. You can also text with this number as well.

Drawbacks:

It is hard to separate your personal calls from your google voice calls. I wish there was a google voice alert with the incoming call.

In sum:

For the most part good. Like that I can receive business calls and text to a separate number and do not have to give away my personal number. I do not like that it does not separate the incoming alerts to your phone so you can tell it is google voice.

Benefits:

Google Voice offers users a free number on sign-up, meaning there is no initial cost whatsoever. You can also setup forwarding on this free number, which has been so useful for us here. Though there are some features behind a pay-wall, the basic and fundamental functionality is totally free. The costs for calling international numbers is also reasonable, particularly useful for us when contacting applicants currently abroad. Like every other Google produce, the user interface is simply excellent. Looking crisp and clean on both mobile and desktop devices.

Drawbacks:

I'm really struggling to think of a negative point about Google Voice, there are just so many things it does right! The only real negative is that the initial setup was more time-consuming than other similar products, and required a slight bit more education of our users on how to use it.

Benefits:

1. This is not only limited to talking but can also be used for texting and you can get a free virtual number 2. It's easy to use because you can switch through devices while on a call 3. Able to record and and save information for review on a later date

Drawbacks:

This offers a limited amount of local numbers. It heavily depends on the Wifi without it might get a bit sloppy. One thing I would like to improve is the call menus therefore there can be a structured call flow menu for my clients.

In sum:

I am able to solve all business problems because this also helps with managing high volume calls, especially for upcoming business that dont have a lot of staff therefore aim can handle all customer queries and issues.

Benefits:

It seems like at one point Google Voice was going to be an "important" part of Google's offerings, but it never really took off. Still, it is really handy. It's a great way to have a "second number" for when you don't want to give out your direct cell number. It also has some nice features that my main provider lacks (like call screening).

Drawbacks:

It seems like Google has not prioritized work on this product in a long time. It seems like they could eventually just drop support for it entirely, but until then it's great!

Benefits:

I love that I can text and call from both my computer and my phone app. I am on the computer a lot so it makes it easier to just chat with everyone.

Drawbacks:

I want to be able to select what my name is that pulls up for people I call. Some have told me it was an insurance name

In sum:

Overall I can't live with out it. With the ability to connect multiple phones for it to ring to I can have my assistant pick up when I cant. I also like the multiple voicemails I can create and switch at my leisure. I have utilized the hangouts feature but it seems like it would be really easy to use and man people have a google account.