Item: Google Voice
Rating: 7
Author: Joel McAfee

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our team utilizes Google Voice for several key reasons. It helps to address the issue of having out of state phone numbers, allowing for you to pick an area code where we primarily do business as well as keep a layer of separation from private phone numbers for messaging and voice messaging.

Pros and Cons

Google Voice makes it easy to establish a unique phone number without having to purchase a new line.
The transcription feature upon receiving a voicemail allows me to funnel the message through email so I can get a semi-accurate reading of the voice message I received.
I also like how Google Voice lets those who contact me for business send messages that go through Google instead of a private text message to my phone number. I appreciate the privacy that it afforded me and my team.

The voice transcriptions are not always accurate, they could certainly improve in interpreting the voice to text.
I'd like to see an easier user web interface or app for this. Google has so many features, it's a bit challenging to navigate to set up or modify after I've been away from it for a while.
I think it's easy to miss a Google Voice call as it doesn't always seem to ring enough before going to voicemail.

Return on Investment

Google Voice has saved me time while screening calls for business allowing me to prioritize interruptions during the day.
I would guess that if I had set up a business line it would have cost upwards of 50+ per month plus the extra cost per cell phone, and that multiplied by 12 months and the 7+ years I've used it is in the thousands of savings.
One of the main impacts Google Voice has had is a local area code that helps give the impression that we are local, even though I have an area code from a state away.

Alternatives Considered

Skype

Considering that Google Voice integrates well into the other Google services, it has clear benefits when sharing and accessing call information. Skype is always a pain to use for calls b/c, not everyone had it, but Google Voice works with any phone and most people already have a Google account.

Support Rating

I've never had to use support specifically for Google Voice but I think that's a good thing. There's plenty of helpful sites on Google demonstrating how it works.

Key Insights

Do you think Google Voice delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Voice's feature set?

Yes

Did Google Voice live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Voice go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Voice again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Skype, GoToMeeting

Likelihood to Recommend

Though not for every application, Google Voice is a great solution for establishing a business phone number without having to purchase a new phone line, and in a way that affords you some privacy. If you don't want to miss a message, I wouldn't recommend Google Voice as it's easier to neglect. It's a separate service than your personal phone and I often find I forget to reply to Google Voice messages.

Google Voice is a great free alternative to adding a business line!

Overall Satisfaction with Google Voice