by: Dennis Smith
If you have already come across the term VoIP, but you are still not aware what does it mean what it has to offer you. You will be wondering whether it is beneficial to switch over from the old traditional phone to the VoIP phone service. Here are some guidelines, to help you out in taking a wise decision to opt for VoIP services or not.
VoIP phone service or 'voice over internet protocol' is the equipment which allows the user of the service to dial calls with the help of an Internet connection but not with the help of a regular phone line. There are some service providers who offer user(s) to dial calls to the other user who is using the similar service. Yet, there are other service providers who use to allow their users to dial any number including VoIP numbers no matter it is national, international or local number.
The idea or the services of a VoIP phone is not which is something new in the market of communication. The truth is this technology is prevailing in the market from the quite some time now. However it has started gaining its attention in the market only from few years back.
Before opting for any of the IP service it is important to get familiar what are the requirements of this technology. You have to get familiar on what kind of equipment it will require and other supportive systems to successfully run this system. You will be requiring an IP telephonic, high speed internet connection, computer or laptop, and adapter. It is important to note down that some service provider gives the facility to use the service only if you are using the computer or having a special IP telephone, whereas some offer you to use this service with your usual ordinary telephone but connected with the IP adapter.
Once you get familiarized with the requirements of the equipments, the next thing on which you have to get familiarize is the benefits of adopting the VoIP phone service. Voice over internet protocol has much more to offer you and for this reasons it is suggested to own such an outstanding service.
This outstanding service uses the technology of bandwidth which is considerably very less bandwidth when compared with that of the old or traditional phone. As it uses lesser bandwidth it is a money-making tool. Other than being a money-making there are other benefits too to enjoy along with the talking over the phone.
You can now make longer or international calls at costs which are unbelievably very low priced. Thus now you can talk for longer hours with your dear ones with no need of worrying about the high priced telephone bills. It also allows you to save a lot on your operating cost as this technology doesn’t require any separate cabling. This for the reason, the foundation of IP telephone is mainly depended on the software but not in the hardware. Thus allowing you to transfer data or sharing of the information when you are talking.
About The Author
Dennis Smith is an author for business VoIP. He has written various articles on phone service providers. For information visit our site VoIP phone service.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Small Business VOIP Phone Systems in Tampa
by: Chris Lontok
A small business company, whether in Tampa or anywhere else in the United States, will always need a small business VOIP phone system at the core of its operations. This is necessary not only to remain competitive but also to continue to grow and even expand. If the business is in Tampa, it would be best to also find a suitable supplier and service provider in Tampa.
A reputable supplier and service provider should be able to maintain the client’s current phone systems and provide local and long distance phone service; IP/VoIP telecommunications solutions; digital phone systems with IP/VoIP capabilities; SIP trunking; Voice T1; ISDN PRI T1; new and used phone systems with voice mail and warranties; computer networking; internet access; recording of phone calls, emails, screen shots and instant messaging; recorded promotions played while on hold; loudspeaker paging and music for offices or plants; and voice and data cabling.
The best choices in phone systems these days are the NEC phone system, BCM phone system and Vertical phone system. It would be good to find a supplier and service provider that offers these.
Having a VoIP phone system is a basic need of any small business. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. While the old phone system used the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN, the VoIP phone system sends voice communications through the internet and other IP networks. This is why the digital phone system is also called as IP Telephony or the IP Telephone System. It transforms the analog voice signal a digital format which are transmitted online as internet protocol packets.
For the VoIP phone system to be functional, the use of SIP / VOIP phones is required. The three different kinds of SIP / VOIP phones are software based SIP / VOIP phones, USB SIP / VOIP phones and hardware SIP / VOIP phones.
The software based SIP / VOIP phone, also referred to as the soft phone, is not a physical telephone but a computer program or software. When installed in the computer it enables the caller to use the computer’s built in microphone and speakers or an attached headset to make a call through the internet.
The USB SIP / VOIP phone combines the software or computer program of the soft phone with an actual physical telephone. The physical telephone is plugged into a computer through a USB port in order to be able to use the software while functioning as the microphone and speaker or as a headset.
The hardware SIP / VOIP phone is almost exactly like any normal telephone except for the fact that it shares a network connection with a computer by being connected to the same mini hub.
Any small business VOIP phone system requires a wide range of voice and data cabling products and installation services for its full operations. A supplier and service provider should, therefore, be an expert in all these. It is always best to work with a supplier and service provider that has a long established reputation. One such company is Digital South Communications which has been serving over 3,000 clients satisfactorily since 1991. Although based in Tampa, it serves clients throughout the country with its network of affiliated dealers.
About The Author
Email: dave@digitalsouth.com
Website: http://www.digitalsouth.com
A small business company, whether in Tampa or anywhere else in the United States, will always need a small business VOIP phone system at the core of its operations. This is necessary not only to remain competitive but also to continue to grow and even expand. If the business is in Tampa, it would be best to also find a suitable supplier and service provider in Tampa.
A reputable supplier and service provider should be able to maintain the client’s current phone systems and provide local and long distance phone service; IP/VoIP telecommunications solutions; digital phone systems with IP/VoIP capabilities; SIP trunking; Voice T1; ISDN PRI T1; new and used phone systems with voice mail and warranties; computer networking; internet access; recording of phone calls, emails, screen shots and instant messaging; recorded promotions played while on hold; loudspeaker paging and music for offices or plants; and voice and data cabling.
The best choices in phone systems these days are the NEC phone system, BCM phone system and Vertical phone system. It would be good to find a supplier and service provider that offers these.
Having a VoIP phone system is a basic need of any small business. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. While the old phone system used the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN, the VoIP phone system sends voice communications through the internet and other IP networks. This is why the digital phone system is also called as IP Telephony or the IP Telephone System. It transforms the analog voice signal a digital format which are transmitted online as internet protocol packets.
For the VoIP phone system to be functional, the use of SIP / VOIP phones is required. The three different kinds of SIP / VOIP phones are software based SIP / VOIP phones, USB SIP / VOIP phones and hardware SIP / VOIP phones.
The software based SIP / VOIP phone, also referred to as the soft phone, is not a physical telephone but a computer program or software. When installed in the computer it enables the caller to use the computer’s built in microphone and speakers or an attached headset to make a call through the internet.
The USB SIP / VOIP phone combines the software or computer program of the soft phone with an actual physical telephone. The physical telephone is plugged into a computer through a USB port in order to be able to use the software while functioning as the microphone and speaker or as a headset.
The hardware SIP / VOIP phone is almost exactly like any normal telephone except for the fact that it shares a network connection with a computer by being connected to the same mini hub.
Any small business VOIP phone system requires a wide range of voice and data cabling products and installation services for its full operations. A supplier and service provider should, therefore, be an expert in all these. It is always best to work with a supplier and service provider that has a long established reputation. One such company is Digital South Communications which has been serving over 3,000 clients satisfactorily since 1991. Although based in Tampa, it serves clients throughout the country with its network of affiliated dealers.
About The Author
Email: dave@digitalsouth.com
Website: http://www.digitalsouth.com
Monday, June 7, 2010
What is Asterisk VoIP?
By Jason Daniels
Asterisk is the cornerstone of the VoIP world. Asterisk as originally developed by Digium. This company has created such software that allows people to setup a server and make calls. Majority of VoIP services uses Asterisk today because of its easy to use functionality, openness, and savings. If you're good with servers and technology, then Asterisk with a cheap server can help you save money on your phone bill.
Asterisk is easy to use. No doubt probably one of the easiest once going through the documents and understanding what the functions do. Asterisk was created for big time VoIP services providing cheap calls worldwide. Now that almost every person can own a server, it can be used as your home phone service. Wholesale VoIP termination along with Asterisk can give you extremely cheap calls within the US and especially abroad. Because of its easy to use functionally setting it up will only take a few hours. With Asterisk, a server, as DID number and some time, one can save over $1000 per year on their phone bill.
Asterisk gives freedom. If you own a business or you want phone service for your house, it can do anything. Business professionals like Asterisk because of its freedom. Majority of business make many calls daily to their customers. Regular landline services would charge extreme amounts of money to dial these calls. But with Asterisk and an Internet connection, Business can put to use Wholesale termination and save a lot of money monthly. Once Asterisk is setup, it is very easy to maintain. Any technical person can learn how Asterisk is setup in less than few hours!
Asterisk is savings. If you want to save money on your phone bill, then Asterisk is for you. Phone companies charge high prices per month because they know majority of people cannot setup an Asterisk server for themselves. Therefore, if you understand basics of programming, internet, and server management you are in good shape to use this technology. Second, this is completely free. Asterisk is open source VoIP software that is free to the general public. It cannot get better than this!
Summing this all up, Asterisk is the best. If you are looking for business solutions or residential solution or even international calling, Asterisk has a solution. It is open, it is easy, and it is a money saver. Digium has done a wonderful job creating this software and everyone should take advantage of it. Asterisk is the best open source telephone software to this day.
Jason is a telecommunication professional and in this business for over 10 years. He is a Asterisk consultant and runs a blog at VoIP Tutorial. His goal is to teach individuals about VoIP technology and its benefits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Daniels
Asterisk is the cornerstone of the VoIP world. Asterisk as originally developed by Digium. This company has created such software that allows people to setup a server and make calls. Majority of VoIP services uses Asterisk today because of its easy to use functionality, openness, and savings. If you're good with servers and technology, then Asterisk with a cheap server can help you save money on your phone bill.
Asterisk is easy to use. No doubt probably one of the easiest once going through the documents and understanding what the functions do. Asterisk was created for big time VoIP services providing cheap calls worldwide. Now that almost every person can own a server, it can be used as your home phone service. Wholesale VoIP termination along with Asterisk can give you extremely cheap calls within the US and especially abroad. Because of its easy to use functionally setting it up will only take a few hours. With Asterisk, a server, as DID number and some time, one can save over $1000 per year on their phone bill.
Asterisk gives freedom. If you own a business or you want phone service for your house, it can do anything. Business professionals like Asterisk because of its freedom. Majority of business make many calls daily to their customers. Regular landline services would charge extreme amounts of money to dial these calls. But with Asterisk and an Internet connection, Business can put to use Wholesale termination and save a lot of money monthly. Once Asterisk is setup, it is very easy to maintain. Any technical person can learn how Asterisk is setup in less than few hours!
Asterisk is savings. If you want to save money on your phone bill, then Asterisk is for you. Phone companies charge high prices per month because they know majority of people cannot setup an Asterisk server for themselves. Therefore, if you understand basics of programming, internet, and server management you are in good shape to use this technology. Second, this is completely free. Asterisk is open source VoIP software that is free to the general public. It cannot get better than this!
Summing this all up, Asterisk is the best. If you are looking for business solutions or residential solution or even international calling, Asterisk has a solution. It is open, it is easy, and it is a money saver. Digium has done a wonderful job creating this software and everyone should take advantage of it. Asterisk is the best open source telephone software to this day.
Jason is a telecommunication professional and in this business for over 10 years. He is a Asterisk consultant and runs a blog at VoIP Tutorial. His goal is to teach individuals about VoIP technology and its benefits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Daniels
A Basic Insight Into The Technology Behind VoIP Phones
By Dennis Jaylon
A VoIP phone can be defined as an entity that is used to make telephone calls over the internet. A VoIP phone utilises the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology wherein our voice is converted into digital signal that is transmitted over the Internet. VoIP phones enable you to enjoy the benefits of VoIP technology.
The VoIP technology is based on protocols, such as SIP, H.323 or proprietary ones like Skype.
How is voice transmitted using the VoIP technology?
VoIP phone--->broadband router---> Internet---> voip service provider
Well, if you do not wish to spend on purchasing a new VoIP phone, just connect your existing analogue telephone to a VoIP phone adaptor and enjoy the benefits of VoIP. There are many VoIP service providers who allow you to use the service on your analogue telephones. With the VoIP phone adaptor, you do not need a VoIP phone or a computer to avail the VoIP service. The analogue telephone connects to the broadband router through the adaptor. The router connects to the Internet.
standard analogue telephone--->voip adaptor--->broadband router---> Internet---> voip service provider
The UK phone users may need an RJ11 adaptor to convert their standard BT Connector to an International Connector. RJ11 adaptor may be bought with a VoIP Phone Adaptor.
Broadband routers have built-in VoIP and can also be used as VoIP Phone Adaptors. You can buy these routers online.
What are the things required to avail the benefits of VoIP service?
* VoIP hardware:
* voip phones can be plugged it straight into a network or a broadband router voip adaptors
* used when you need to avail voip service through an analogue telephone voip-compatible router provide access to the Internet for multiple devices (can be wired or wireless)
* softphone
a software-based phone that operates from a PC uses Internet connection to make VoIP calls can be used with a USB Phone or PC Headset
* Internet connection
* subscription to a VoIP service
VoIP is indeed a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionised the telephony system to a great extent.
Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos... the Voip
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Jaylon
A VoIP phone can be defined as an entity that is used to make telephone calls over the internet. A VoIP phone utilises the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology wherein our voice is converted into digital signal that is transmitted over the Internet. VoIP phones enable you to enjoy the benefits of VoIP technology.
The VoIP technology is based on protocols, such as SIP, H.323 or proprietary ones like Skype.
How is voice transmitted using the VoIP technology?
VoIP phone--->broadband router---> Internet---> voip service provider
Well, if you do not wish to spend on purchasing a new VoIP phone, just connect your existing analogue telephone to a VoIP phone adaptor and enjoy the benefits of VoIP. There are many VoIP service providers who allow you to use the service on your analogue telephones. With the VoIP phone adaptor, you do not need a VoIP phone or a computer to avail the VoIP service. The analogue telephone connects to the broadband router through the adaptor. The router connects to the Internet.
standard analogue telephone--->voip adaptor--->broadband router---> Internet---> voip service provider
The UK phone users may need an RJ11 adaptor to convert their standard BT Connector to an International Connector. RJ11 adaptor may be bought with a VoIP Phone Adaptor.
Broadband routers have built-in VoIP and can also be used as VoIP Phone Adaptors. You can buy these routers online.
What are the things required to avail the benefits of VoIP service?
* VoIP hardware:
* voip phones can be plugged it straight into a network or a broadband router voip adaptors
* used when you need to avail voip service through an analogue telephone voip-compatible router provide access to the Internet for multiple devices (can be wired or wireless)
* softphone
a software-based phone that operates from a PC uses Internet connection to make VoIP calls can be used with a USB Phone or PC Headset
* Internet connection
* subscription to a VoIP service
VoIP is indeed a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionised the telephony system to a great extent.
Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos... the Voip
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Jaylon
Evaluation Criteria for Selecting Your Business VOIP Solution
By Neil Abramson
Introduction to VoIP Business Communications
Migrating your business communications to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) from the legacy Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) or PBX is a sound business decision, now that VoIP has achieved acceptance as a mainstream communications service. However, business VoIP solutions come in many varieties, from VoIP call termination service to IP Centrex service. The primary motivation for businesses to migrate their communications network infrastructure to VoIP services comes from the ability to make much less expensive voice calls and faxes. Deployed properly, business VoIP, whether implemented in small, medium, or large organizations, can lead to improved productivity and increases in profitability.
Types of Business VoIP Solutions
One solution for businesses looking to reduce their communications costs is known as Voice over IP Call Termination through which a business could potentially save up to 50% on calls as compared to the PSTN. This service uses the public Internet or privately managed IP network to terminate your business calls instead of the PSTN, thereby realizing substantial savings for you. Another business communications replacement service is known as IP Centrex, or Hosted Centrex service. This can be thought of as a virtual PBX replacement service. The Service Provider you choose provides PBX-like features from their "host" softswitch at their POP over your business' existing broadband connection. You should determine which type of service best suits your business needs as part of your business VoIP solution evaluation.
Evaluation Guidelines
Because of the increasing popularity of VoIP to reduce business communications costs, there have been many recent Service Provider entries into the marketplace. With the current proliferation of new providers, they are often newly minted wholesale carrier Service Providers and individual resellers who make very attractive price and quality claims that they cannot meet. This of course will lead to your dissatisfaction with VoIP business service and a negative outcome to your decision to switch. For these reasons, it is best to create a "short list" of well-known, established and reliable VoIP Service Providers. A reliable VoIP Service Provider would be any communications provider who has a solid customer base, seasoned telecom management and engineers, with 2 or more years of reputable service experience.
Evaluation Criteria to Select Your Premier Business VoIP Service Provider
All well-established VoIP carriers in the market will claim to offer the best VoIP business solution. So how do you choose who should be on your "short list" and final choice to implement your VoIP solution? The following criteria should all be considered when selecting the best business VoIP provider:
1. Voice Quality: A premier Service Provider will have multiple POPs (Point of Presence) and softswitches, resulting in minimum latency (aka delay) and allowing for faster connections. Minimizing delay and jitter (the short term instability in the quality of a call) are 2 crucial parameters of providing high quality VoIP voice and fax calls. Another critical parameter that should be used to gauge voice quality is the Service Provider's MOS (Mean Opinion Score) number. MOS Scoring is a subjective test of a call's quality originally designed by the Bell Companies to quantify the quality of a voice call, with 1 being unacceptable and 5 being superlative. A typical range for Voice over IP would be from 3.5 to 4.2 using a G.711 Codec. In contrast, a score of 2.8 to 3.2 is typically seen for cell phone calls. For your business VoIP service, you should specify a minimum 4.0 MOS score from your potential provider, with a goal of getting as close to 4.4 (which equates to PSTN "toll quality" network service) as possible. Good voice quality is one crucial factor in your evaluation that separates the average provider from the best.
2. Pricing: One of the most critical areas that probably attracted your business to moving to VoIP service in the first place was to reduce its telecommunications costs. Make sure to thoroughly understand the rate structure of the various providers you have chosen to evaluate. Due to increasing competition in the business VoIP space recently, rate can vary widely. All VoIP networks are not created equally, and a provider's internal cost structure and profit margin requirements can create a wide range of pricing structures. Also be sure to negotiate discounts based on volume of calling, generally expressed as MOU (Minutes of Use) that you plan to send to the Service Provider.
3. Network Integration: All businesses in operation today have an existing telecom network to meet their various telecommunications needs. Migrating to VoIP service should be a seamless and relatively painless transition for your business. The VoIP Service Provider of your choice should be able to easily integrate your existing service with VoIP so that your network operations are minimally affected during the migration process.
4. Feature Richness: A wonderful aspect of both Voice over IP termination and hosted IP services is the wide variety of value-added features they allow to be offered. Call waiting, call forwarding, 3 way calling, speed calling, pre-established teleconferencing, even video- conferencing (and many others) are are available, usually at little or no cost, which will help achieve your goal of increasing productivity. Choose the provider who offers you the features & services that meet your business needs and will add value to your particular organization.
5. Billing: All premier VoIP Service Providers should offer a real-time billing capability with demonstrable expertise to exert proper control over the VoIP minutes used by their large number of individual customers. CDRs (Call Detail Records) should be available on every single call billed, allowing them to optimize their network and you to ensure the rate structure you signed up for is being charged accurately and consistently.
6. Trial Results: To verify the claims regarding the quality of the network, your service, and user friendliness of features that will ultimately determine your overall service satisfaction, you should always sign up for a live test trial from the VoIP provider being evaluated. The trial should be no less than 48 hours, preferably longer. This will give you a good representation of the services and features being offered. During the trial, be sure to get measures of the ACD (Average Call Duration), ASR (Average Success Ratio), and PDD (Post-Dial Delay) which also can be used to compare different providers' QoS (Quality of Service).
Ultimately, you should choose the best business VoIP service for you and your organization, based on the evaluation criteria, to attain a high level of satisfaction with your new VoIP business service. In this way, you will achieve the original goals for moving your business communications to VoIP of cost reduction and productivity improvement.
Neil Abramson writes on telecommunications and technology related issues. You can learn more by
visiting my blog, Basics of VoIP at http://basics-of-VoIP.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Abramson
Introduction to VoIP Business Communications
Migrating your business communications to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) from the legacy Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) or PBX is a sound business decision, now that VoIP has achieved acceptance as a mainstream communications service. However, business VoIP solutions come in many varieties, from VoIP call termination service to IP Centrex service. The primary motivation for businesses to migrate their communications network infrastructure to VoIP services comes from the ability to make much less expensive voice calls and faxes. Deployed properly, business VoIP, whether implemented in small, medium, or large organizations, can lead to improved productivity and increases in profitability.
Types of Business VoIP Solutions
One solution for businesses looking to reduce their communications costs is known as Voice over IP Call Termination through which a business could potentially save up to 50% on calls as compared to the PSTN. This service uses the public Internet or privately managed IP network to terminate your business calls instead of the PSTN, thereby realizing substantial savings for you. Another business communications replacement service is known as IP Centrex, or Hosted Centrex service. This can be thought of as a virtual PBX replacement service. The Service Provider you choose provides PBX-like features from their "host" softswitch at their POP over your business' existing broadband connection. You should determine which type of service best suits your business needs as part of your business VoIP solution evaluation.
Evaluation Guidelines
Because of the increasing popularity of VoIP to reduce business communications costs, there have been many recent Service Provider entries into the marketplace. With the current proliferation of new providers, they are often newly minted wholesale carrier Service Providers and individual resellers who make very attractive price and quality claims that they cannot meet. This of course will lead to your dissatisfaction with VoIP business service and a negative outcome to your decision to switch. For these reasons, it is best to create a "short list" of well-known, established and reliable VoIP Service Providers. A reliable VoIP Service Provider would be any communications provider who has a solid customer base, seasoned telecom management and engineers, with 2 or more years of reputable service experience.
Evaluation Criteria to Select Your Premier Business VoIP Service Provider
All well-established VoIP carriers in the market will claim to offer the best VoIP business solution. So how do you choose who should be on your "short list" and final choice to implement your VoIP solution? The following criteria should all be considered when selecting the best business VoIP provider:
1. Voice Quality: A premier Service Provider will have multiple POPs (Point of Presence) and softswitches, resulting in minimum latency (aka delay) and allowing for faster connections. Minimizing delay and jitter (the short term instability in the quality of a call) are 2 crucial parameters of providing high quality VoIP voice and fax calls. Another critical parameter that should be used to gauge voice quality is the Service Provider's MOS (Mean Opinion Score) number. MOS Scoring is a subjective test of a call's quality originally designed by the Bell Companies to quantify the quality of a voice call, with 1 being unacceptable and 5 being superlative. A typical range for Voice over IP would be from 3.5 to 4.2 using a G.711 Codec. In contrast, a score of 2.8 to 3.2 is typically seen for cell phone calls. For your business VoIP service, you should specify a minimum 4.0 MOS score from your potential provider, with a goal of getting as close to 4.4 (which equates to PSTN "toll quality" network service) as possible. Good voice quality is one crucial factor in your evaluation that separates the average provider from the best.
2. Pricing: One of the most critical areas that probably attracted your business to moving to VoIP service in the first place was to reduce its telecommunications costs. Make sure to thoroughly understand the rate structure of the various providers you have chosen to evaluate. Due to increasing competition in the business VoIP space recently, rate can vary widely. All VoIP networks are not created equally, and a provider's internal cost structure and profit margin requirements can create a wide range of pricing structures. Also be sure to negotiate discounts based on volume of calling, generally expressed as MOU (Minutes of Use) that you plan to send to the Service Provider.
3. Network Integration: All businesses in operation today have an existing telecom network to meet their various telecommunications needs. Migrating to VoIP service should be a seamless and relatively painless transition for your business. The VoIP Service Provider of your choice should be able to easily integrate your existing service with VoIP so that your network operations are minimally affected during the migration process.
4. Feature Richness: A wonderful aspect of both Voice over IP termination and hosted IP services is the wide variety of value-added features they allow to be offered. Call waiting, call forwarding, 3 way calling, speed calling, pre-established teleconferencing, even video- conferencing (and many others) are are available, usually at little or no cost, which will help achieve your goal of increasing productivity. Choose the provider who offers you the features & services that meet your business needs and will add value to your particular organization.
5. Billing: All premier VoIP Service Providers should offer a real-time billing capability with demonstrable expertise to exert proper control over the VoIP minutes used by their large number of individual customers. CDRs (Call Detail Records) should be available on every single call billed, allowing them to optimize their network and you to ensure the rate structure you signed up for is being charged accurately and consistently.
6. Trial Results: To verify the claims regarding the quality of the network, your service, and user friendliness of features that will ultimately determine your overall service satisfaction, you should always sign up for a live test trial from the VoIP provider being evaluated. The trial should be no less than 48 hours, preferably longer. This will give you a good representation of the services and features being offered. During the trial, be sure to get measures of the ACD (Average Call Duration), ASR (Average Success Ratio), and PDD (Post-Dial Delay) which also can be used to compare different providers' QoS (Quality of Service).
Ultimately, you should choose the best business VoIP service for you and your organization, based on the evaluation criteria, to attain a high level of satisfaction with your new VoIP business service. In this way, you will achieve the original goals for moving your business communications to VoIP of cost reduction and productivity improvement.
Neil Abramson writes on telecommunications and technology related issues. You can learn more by
visiting my blog, Basics of VoIP at http://basics-of-VoIP.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Abramson
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Hosted VoIP Systems - Services and Features of Business Communication
Rosemary Brooks
Hosted VoIP (voice over internet protocol) was developed as a more economical and advanced solution to the traditional PBX systems with switchboards that are generally used in offices and businesses.
Hosted VoIP systems make use of a broadband internet connection which allows voice and data signals to be sent via the internet. Hosted VoIP systems have become a necessary addition to offices and business due to the many benefits and features available to VoIP subscribers.
How Hosted VoIP Works
Hosted VoIP services allow clients to have the same quality calling as traditional PSTN lines (normal land line) but with more advanced telephony functionality than regular telephones.
The hosted VoIP system uses software which enables a server to control a VoIP system over the internet. The hosted VoIP system will turn voice and data into digital data and send the data to the required recipient over the internet through a broadband connection. The broadband connection will have a platform from which the data will be sent to the recipient and so forth. Subscribers to VoIP services can choose to use an analogue or voice over internet protocol service.
The Benefits
The benefits to using a hosted VoIP system instead for a regular PSTN system or PBX phone are highly notable. Firstly, using a hosted VoIP line and services will save money on the costs that would be incurred using regular PTSN lines.
Hosted VoIP users enjoy reduced or free calls between sites, and other calls and line rentals are charged at a reduced rate. Maintenance is relatively simple and free of charge. Clients also have access to detailed online billing reports by their service provider.
Hosted VoIP services allow users greater control over the functionality of their telephone systems. The locations in which the system is installed will generally include extension dialling, with many extensions possible on one system. Hosted VoIP systems are fully scalable, meaning that users can add and subtract extension lines as they please. These extensions can also be controlled by the client via the internet.
Because VoIP works over the internet, users can be more flexible in terms of locations - users can take a VoIP phone with them wherever they go and still be contacted free, with access to all features included in the hosted VoIP system.
Another benefit to hosted VoIP systems is the easy access to software updates available so that subscribers can receive the most up to date services and technology available.
A hosted VoIP system is beneficial especially to businesses. Companies generally spend a large amount of money on telephone costs and services, not to mention maintenance of their lines and services when using regular PSTN lines or a PBX system. Some, but not many VoIP service providers will offer a specialised business package tailored to suit the individual business needs of a company.
Hosted VoIP and Business Users
A hosted VoIP system will benefit any company due to the incredible reliance placed on telephony services by the needs of a successful company. Businesses will save money on their communication costs with a hosted VoIP system. No charges for calls made between sites, reduced line rental, free maintenance, the ability to add and subtract lines without help from the service provider, reduced rates to regular phone lines and other cost reducing features will drastically cut a company's communication costs.
Time is saved when a business uses a hosted VoIP system as online tools included with the system are controllable by the subscriber. Training of IT staff is not required as hosted VoIP systems are user-friendly. Because settings can be controlled by the client, users are able to choose when they receive calls, at what location and from whom. Voicemail is highly accessible to users from any phone or internet connection and can be viewed in a variety of different formats such as email or voice messages. Faxes can also be sent straight to a user's inbox.
Multiple calls are manageable through a hosted VoIP system. An operator console allows receptionists to manage large numbers of calls using just one system interface.
Hosted VoIP services are the way of the future in terms of communication and none more so than business communication. A hosted VoIP system offers lowered costs, higher functionality, higher reliability and easier usability as well as incredible features which far outweigh the capabilities of a traditional PBX phone system.
About the Author:
Inclarity is a UK based telephony provider specialising in hosted VoIP systems and user-friendly, reliable PBX replacement systems for their clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosemary_Grace_Brooks
Hosted VoIP (voice over internet protocol) was developed as a more economical and advanced solution to the traditional PBX systems with switchboards that are generally used in offices and businesses.
Hosted VoIP systems make use of a broadband internet connection which allows voice and data signals to be sent via the internet. Hosted VoIP systems have become a necessary addition to offices and business due to the many benefits and features available to VoIP subscribers.
How Hosted VoIP Works
Hosted VoIP services allow clients to have the same quality calling as traditional PSTN lines (normal land line) but with more advanced telephony functionality than regular telephones.
The hosted VoIP system uses software which enables a server to control a VoIP system over the internet. The hosted VoIP system will turn voice and data into digital data and send the data to the required recipient over the internet through a broadband connection. The broadband connection will have a platform from which the data will be sent to the recipient and so forth. Subscribers to VoIP services can choose to use an analogue or voice over internet protocol service.
The Benefits
The benefits to using a hosted VoIP system instead for a regular PSTN system or PBX phone are highly notable. Firstly, using a hosted VoIP line and services will save money on the costs that would be incurred using regular PTSN lines.
Hosted VoIP users enjoy reduced or free calls between sites, and other calls and line rentals are charged at a reduced rate. Maintenance is relatively simple and free of charge. Clients also have access to detailed online billing reports by their service provider.
Hosted VoIP services allow users greater control over the functionality of their telephone systems. The locations in which the system is installed will generally include extension dialling, with many extensions possible on one system. Hosted VoIP systems are fully scalable, meaning that users can add and subtract extension lines as they please. These extensions can also be controlled by the client via the internet.
Because VoIP works over the internet, users can be more flexible in terms of locations - users can take a VoIP phone with them wherever they go and still be contacted free, with access to all features included in the hosted VoIP system.
Another benefit to hosted VoIP systems is the easy access to software updates available so that subscribers can receive the most up to date services and technology available.
A hosted VoIP system is beneficial especially to businesses. Companies generally spend a large amount of money on telephone costs and services, not to mention maintenance of their lines and services when using regular PSTN lines or a PBX system. Some, but not many VoIP service providers will offer a specialised business package tailored to suit the individual business needs of a company.
Hosted VoIP and Business Users
A hosted VoIP system will benefit any company due to the incredible reliance placed on telephony services by the needs of a successful company. Businesses will save money on their communication costs with a hosted VoIP system. No charges for calls made between sites, reduced line rental, free maintenance, the ability to add and subtract lines without help from the service provider, reduced rates to regular phone lines and other cost reducing features will drastically cut a company's communication costs.
Time is saved when a business uses a hosted VoIP system as online tools included with the system are controllable by the subscriber. Training of IT staff is not required as hosted VoIP systems are user-friendly. Because settings can be controlled by the client, users are able to choose when they receive calls, at what location and from whom. Voicemail is highly accessible to users from any phone or internet connection and can be viewed in a variety of different formats such as email or voice messages. Faxes can also be sent straight to a user's inbox.
Multiple calls are manageable through a hosted VoIP system. An operator console allows receptionists to manage large numbers of calls using just one system interface.
Hosted VoIP services are the way of the future in terms of communication and none more so than business communication. A hosted VoIP system offers lowered costs, higher functionality, higher reliability and easier usability as well as incredible features which far outweigh the capabilities of a traditional PBX phone system.
About the Author:
Inclarity is a UK based telephony provider specialising in hosted VoIP systems and user-friendly, reliable PBX replacement systems for their clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosemary_Grace_Brooks
Mobile VOIP
David Dj Johnson
Traditionally, VoIP usage has been limited to those users who have a personal computer or any VoIP device, connected to broadband Internet. This has limited the VoIP penetration to users who are restricted to home or office environment. Now users, who own a mobile phone and have access to data using GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), 3G (Third Generation mobile technology) or Wi-Fi connection; can use VoIP to reduce their international call rates, use of VoIP on mobile phone is thus developing its popularity among users and known as 'VoIP'.
How it Works
To use Mobile VoIP services, a user needs to have following:
• To use mobile, you require a GPRS/3G or Wi-Fi enabled handset.
• To use mobile, you need to have a compatible handset, which supports the mobile application. Here the 'mobile application' means the application that makes VoIP calls possible. For example Skype, Google Talk and iTel Mobile Dialer.
• To check the list of mobile handsets compatible with the mobile application to use mobile, users can check the compatibility list here.
• Mobile VoIP can run on GPRS/ 3G/ Wi-Fi enabled mobile handset.
Opportunities in cell VoIP
According to a recent survey conducted for VoIP industry's growth and opportunities- mobile VoIP market will be worth $32.4 billion by 2013 and that by 2019, half of all mobile calls will be made over all-IP networks. This is definitely inspiring news; has opened new avenues for the growth of mobile VoIP. A reason that people getting more attracted to VoIP is because mobile VoIP phone calls are 50 to 75% cheaper than 3G or regular call made from GSM or CDMA mobile phone. More and more users are now switching to mobile VoIP and other ways to internet calling such as Skype, Google Talk etc. because it is cheaper than the regular call rates and calls can be made to any network and any distance, using this technology.
Reasons Behind Increasing Popularity of
• VoIP is cheaper than any other mean of telecommunication like regular PSTN, GSM, CDMA mobile phone etc. Mobile is 10 to 20 times cheaper than all above media of mobile communication. Especially for long distance international calls, mobile is almost free due to its cheapest rate plans, as compared to regular mobile service' rate plan.
• Using mobile VoIP service through internet is better in any mean. The best thing is that you are not forced to change you number to use the service. Most of the service providers allow you to keep your existing phone number to use their services.
• There are dialer applications available in the market, which give you the same functionality like call waiting, call forwarding, call log etc. VoIP provides enhanced voice quality and bad network or frequent call failure is not a problem in mobile because this technology runs over internet.
• Mobile VoIP is relatively new service so most mobile VoIP service providers are offering better services at low rates, which is relatively costly in regular mobile service providers.
• With VoIP PC-to-PC calls are free. cell VoIP rates plan are also amazingly cheaper than regular mobile rate plans.
• Portability is another USP of cell VoIP. You can easily carry and use your mobile anywhere. However, in few countries where use of VoIP or VoIP is restricted due to 'n' number of reasons, mobile VoIP usage is still low.
• In many countries, incoming call over mobile is charged. Use of cell VoIP gives liberty from this restriction allowing free incoming call.
Challenges in Mobile VoIP
One of the biggest challenges for the mobile telecommunication Industry or is to deliver the benefits of IP without losing control over the network services. Common users want the Internet to be free, flawless and high speed. For ITSPs, providing such a flawless service at cheaper rates of for free is again a challenge. It challenges the most valuable service in the telecommunication industry 'mobile VoIP' and threatens to change the nature of the global communications industry.
In current scenario, VoIP has limited reach due to factors like:
• Lack of awareness about cell VoIP & VoIP.
• Limited number of broadband internet connections available in limited areas has restricted the use of mobile VoIP.
• Users still not ready to adopt the new technology like VoIP & mobile VoIP and innovations in mobile technology.
• Higher rates of Internet services. No standard rates are regularized by service providers.
• Lack of standard architecture in cell VoIP services.
• Present online security measures can't sufficiently tackle the mobile VoIP processing requirements.
• Change in protocols will take time for a problem free, secured mobile VoIP service.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is influencing the customer behavior and rapidly changing the way we communicate. Portability of cell VoIP makes it different from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). VoIP has always been a very promising technology, lowering the cost of communication between people, with the help of internet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Dj_Johnson
Traditionally, VoIP usage has been limited to those users who have a personal computer or any VoIP device, connected to broadband Internet. This has limited the VoIP penetration to users who are restricted to home or office environment. Now users, who own a mobile phone and have access to data using GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), 3G (Third Generation mobile technology) or Wi-Fi connection; can use VoIP to reduce their international call rates, use of VoIP on mobile phone is thus developing its popularity among users and known as 'VoIP'.
How it Works
To use Mobile VoIP services, a user needs to have following:
• To use mobile, you require a GPRS/3G or Wi-Fi enabled handset.
• To use mobile, you need to have a compatible handset, which supports the mobile application. Here the 'mobile application' means the application that makes VoIP calls possible. For example Skype, Google Talk and iTel Mobile Dialer.
• To check the list of mobile handsets compatible with the mobile application to use mobile, users can check the compatibility list here.
• Mobile VoIP can run on GPRS/ 3G/ Wi-Fi enabled mobile handset.
Opportunities in cell VoIP
According to a recent survey conducted for VoIP industry's growth and opportunities- mobile VoIP market will be worth $32.4 billion by 2013 and that by 2019, half of all mobile calls will be made over all-IP networks. This is definitely inspiring news; has opened new avenues for the growth of mobile VoIP. A reason that people getting more attracted to VoIP is because mobile VoIP phone calls are 50 to 75% cheaper than 3G or regular call made from GSM or CDMA mobile phone. More and more users are now switching to mobile VoIP and other ways to internet calling such as Skype, Google Talk etc. because it is cheaper than the regular call rates and calls can be made to any network and any distance, using this technology.
Reasons Behind Increasing Popularity of
• VoIP is cheaper than any other mean of telecommunication like regular PSTN, GSM, CDMA mobile phone etc. Mobile is 10 to 20 times cheaper than all above media of mobile communication. Especially for long distance international calls, mobile is almost free due to its cheapest rate plans, as compared to regular mobile service' rate plan.
• Using mobile VoIP service through internet is better in any mean. The best thing is that you are not forced to change you number to use the service. Most of the service providers allow you to keep your existing phone number to use their services.
• There are dialer applications available in the market, which give you the same functionality like call waiting, call forwarding, call log etc. VoIP provides enhanced voice quality and bad network or frequent call failure is not a problem in mobile because this technology runs over internet.
• Mobile VoIP is relatively new service so most mobile VoIP service providers are offering better services at low rates, which is relatively costly in regular mobile service providers.
• With VoIP PC-to-PC calls are free. cell VoIP rates plan are also amazingly cheaper than regular mobile rate plans.
• Portability is another USP of cell VoIP. You can easily carry and use your mobile anywhere. However, in few countries where use of VoIP or VoIP is restricted due to 'n' number of reasons, mobile VoIP usage is still low.
• In many countries, incoming call over mobile is charged. Use of cell VoIP gives liberty from this restriction allowing free incoming call.
Challenges in Mobile VoIP
One of the biggest challenges for the mobile telecommunication Industry or is to deliver the benefits of IP without losing control over the network services. Common users want the Internet to be free, flawless and high speed. For ITSPs, providing such a flawless service at cheaper rates of for free is again a challenge. It challenges the most valuable service in the telecommunication industry 'mobile VoIP' and threatens to change the nature of the global communications industry.
In current scenario, VoIP has limited reach due to factors like:
• Lack of awareness about cell VoIP & VoIP.
• Limited number of broadband internet connections available in limited areas has restricted the use of mobile VoIP.
• Users still not ready to adopt the new technology like VoIP & mobile VoIP and innovations in mobile technology.
• Higher rates of Internet services. No standard rates are regularized by service providers.
• Lack of standard architecture in cell VoIP services.
• Present online security measures can't sufficiently tackle the mobile VoIP processing requirements.
• Change in protocols will take time for a problem free, secured mobile VoIP service.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is influencing the customer behavior and rapidly changing the way we communicate. Portability of cell VoIP makes it different from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). VoIP has always been a very promising technology, lowering the cost of communication between people, with the help of internet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Dj_Johnson
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