However, like all technologies voicemail's utility has diminished over the years. Now there are far more efficient messaging services available. Text messages, instant messages via social media, and emails are all a more robust and effective way to deliver a message.
For small businesses, there are a variety of voicemail service providers you can use that offer different features. From transcription and voice to text to more convenient features of handling multiple phones through one number, availability varies by service. Shared voicemail and call routing is intended for multiple access and directing calls to one or multiple phones. Mobile apps are also available that allow you to check your messages from your phone. The below infographic outlines the current state and trends of voicemails.

For a VoIP system to work, it needs a means of routing calls between users or to the outside world. In a cloud-based system, this gets handled by a virtual PBX. In the cloud, this routing is managed by your VoIP provider, which is part of why you're paying them. Whatever vendor is supplying that is also running a large PBX operation in a data center somewhere, and slicing off a little of it to dedicate to your organization in exchange for your subscription fees.
You can use this system to gain the trust of international customers by letting them contact you via local number. Another great feature of virtual phone numbers is the possibility of recording the conversations your staff has with customers or prospects. The list goes on and on.