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
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones?
By Chris Landry
A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is "How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?"
First of all, Bandwidth is defined as the ability to transfer data (such as a VoIP telephone call) from one point to another in a fixed amount of time. The higher the bandwidth speed you have, the more data you can send over your Broadband Internet connection.
There are two types of bandwidth at your location: upload bandwidth and download bandwidth. The Upload Bandwidth is the amount of data you can send to the Internet and download bandwidth is the amount of data you can receive from the Internet. The more Internet bandwidth you have from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) the better.
In most cases, the normal VoIP telephone call will use up 90 Kbps (kilobits per second). If you have a Broadband Internet service provider that doesn't offer much bandwidth then most VoIP providers give you the option to lower the VoIP voice quality by lowering the bandwidth used for VoIP calls to 60 Kbps or, to really conserve your bandwidth, 30 Kbps. Most people can't tell the difference between the three settings. We suggest you use the high sound quality setting (90 Kpbs in most cases), if bandwidth is not an issue. High VoIP voice quality is generally the default setting but if you are running into a situation where your bandwidth is limited then you can adjust your VoIP bandwidth to one of the lower settings. Some consumers with 128 Kbps upload connections can receive less VoIP service quality due to a poor quality ISP (Internet Service Provider). By selecting a lower quality VoIP bandwidth setting, this problem can be avoided.
If you plan on using a VoIP service provider, should you get a DSL or a Cable Internet access provider? In general, DSL upload bandwidth starts at 128k where as Cable Internet upload bandwidth starts at around 600k. Cable Internet is a little bit more expensive, but it is also about 4-5 times faster than residential DSL and a bit friendlier to a VoIP telephone call. Having said that, both DSL and cable modem high-speed services provide sufficient broadband Internet access bandwidth to support any of the top VoIP service providers. If you are experiencing low Broadband Internet Service provider bandwidth, we suggest you try Packet8 VoIP. Packet8 VoIP boasts an advanced compression technology in which each active voice line uses approximately only 23Kbps of total data throughput, upstream and downstream.
The amount of bandwidth that a VoIP provider requires to make a quality telephone call is only one thing to consider when choosing a VoIP service provider. In fact, there are many things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. An educated consumer generally results in a satisfied consumer.
Please see VoIP things to consider article (http://www.voipchoices.com/voip-considerations.html) to find a list of more things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. You can also compare VoIP providers side-by-side by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com
Chris Landry is the foremost authority on residential and small business VoIP providers. Chris is the founder of http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris has prequalified several high-quality VoIP providers and compares them by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com
Chris can be reach via email at Chris@VoIPChoices.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Landry
A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is "How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?"
First of all, Bandwidth is defined as the ability to transfer data (such as a VoIP telephone call) from one point to another in a fixed amount of time. The higher the bandwidth speed you have, the more data you can send over your Broadband Internet connection.
There are two types of bandwidth at your location: upload bandwidth and download bandwidth. The Upload Bandwidth is the amount of data you can send to the Internet and download bandwidth is the amount of data you can receive from the Internet. The more Internet bandwidth you have from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) the better.
In most cases, the normal VoIP telephone call will use up 90 Kbps (kilobits per second). If you have a Broadband Internet service provider that doesn't offer much bandwidth then most VoIP providers give you the option to lower the VoIP voice quality by lowering the bandwidth used for VoIP calls to 60 Kbps or, to really conserve your bandwidth, 30 Kbps. Most people can't tell the difference between the three settings. We suggest you use the high sound quality setting (90 Kpbs in most cases), if bandwidth is not an issue. High VoIP voice quality is generally the default setting but if you are running into a situation where your bandwidth is limited then you can adjust your VoIP bandwidth to one of the lower settings. Some consumers with 128 Kbps upload connections can receive less VoIP service quality due to a poor quality ISP (Internet Service Provider). By selecting a lower quality VoIP bandwidth setting, this problem can be avoided.
If you plan on using a VoIP service provider, should you get a DSL or a Cable Internet access provider? In general, DSL upload bandwidth starts at 128k where as Cable Internet upload bandwidth starts at around 600k. Cable Internet is a little bit more expensive, but it is also about 4-5 times faster than residential DSL and a bit friendlier to a VoIP telephone call. Having said that, both DSL and cable modem high-speed services provide sufficient broadband Internet access bandwidth to support any of the top VoIP service providers. If you are experiencing low Broadband Internet Service provider bandwidth, we suggest you try Packet8 VoIP. Packet8 VoIP boasts an advanced compression technology in which each active voice line uses approximately only 23Kbps of total data throughput, upstream and downstream.
The amount of bandwidth that a VoIP provider requires to make a quality telephone call is only one thing to consider when choosing a VoIP service provider. In fact, there are many things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. An educated consumer generally results in a satisfied consumer.
Please see VoIP things to consider article (http://www.voipchoices.com/voip-considerations.html) to find a list of more things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. You can also compare VoIP providers side-by-side by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com
Chris Landry is the foremost authority on residential and small business VoIP providers. Chris is the founder of http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris has prequalified several high-quality VoIP providers and compares them by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com
Chris can be reach via email at Chris@VoIPChoices.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Landry
When You Use an Adapter VoIP Calls Are Even Easier
By Dave Nalin
Making calls using a VoIP service is quickly becoming one of the most preferred methods of making and receiving telephone calls. VoIP uses the Internet to make calls rather than a traditional analog telephone line and due to this you either need a VoIP phone or an adapter, VoIP is that straightforward. When you use an adapter VoIP calls can be made from your own phone, meaning that you don't even have to buy a new phone.
To successfully use an adapter VoIP have made the entire process so easy. All you have to do is buy an adapter, VoIP ready of course and then plug it into your phone. You also need to plug the adapter into your modem, then you have set up your home phone and run it through the adapter - VoIP calls can then be made and received from your home phone.
When you buy an adapter VoIP can also be used to send and receive faxes, so in effect you can have your own home office set up within minutes just using VoIP, an adapter, VoIP provider and your home Internet connection. If that is so simple and easy to set up it is one of the reasons why so many people are using VoIP as their telephone service provider. With VoIP you can say goodbye to complicated setups and expensive setup costs and say hello to a fantastic way to make and take calls at a greatly reduced monthly cost.
If you're interested in buying an adapter, VoIP hardware can be found on the Internet at very reasonable prices which are highly affordable to everyone. In addition to this there is no one adapter VoIP service providers tend to recommend, as there are so many on the market right now. You can choose one that is the perfect size and perfect colour to match your home phone and decor.
Sometimes you might want to keep a regular telephone line you can even buy an adapter, VoIP compatible which will allow you to switch between VoIP calls and regular phone calls, it really is up to you. Some people choose to do this if they have a business line that they do not wish to disconnect, so by using an adapter, VoIP calls can be made, faxes can be received and a conventional telephone line can still be in use.
So if you are looking for a way to keep your own home phone and still be able to make VoIP calls an adapter, VoIP ready is just what you need. Then in just a few moments you can set up your telephone with the adapter, VoIP account and PC and you are ready to go. Anyone can be using an adapter, VoIP suitable in their own home phone in less time than it would take to call the phone company and ask them to install another phone line. VoIP is the future telephone of calls so make sure you are taking advantage of it.
Looking for best voip providers?
Vbuzzer provides quality voip products and services. The company has special offers for adapter voip, ata voip, voip adapter, voip ata, voip phone adapter and many more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Nalin
Making calls using a VoIP service is quickly becoming one of the most preferred methods of making and receiving telephone calls. VoIP uses the Internet to make calls rather than a traditional analog telephone line and due to this you either need a VoIP phone or an adapter, VoIP is that straightforward. When you use an adapter VoIP calls can be made from your own phone, meaning that you don't even have to buy a new phone.
To successfully use an adapter VoIP have made the entire process so easy. All you have to do is buy an adapter, VoIP ready of course and then plug it into your phone. You also need to plug the adapter into your modem, then you have set up your home phone and run it through the adapter - VoIP calls can then be made and received from your home phone.
When you buy an adapter VoIP can also be used to send and receive faxes, so in effect you can have your own home office set up within minutes just using VoIP, an adapter, VoIP provider and your home Internet connection. If that is so simple and easy to set up it is one of the reasons why so many people are using VoIP as their telephone service provider. With VoIP you can say goodbye to complicated setups and expensive setup costs and say hello to a fantastic way to make and take calls at a greatly reduced monthly cost.
If you're interested in buying an adapter, VoIP hardware can be found on the Internet at very reasonable prices which are highly affordable to everyone. In addition to this there is no one adapter VoIP service providers tend to recommend, as there are so many on the market right now. You can choose one that is the perfect size and perfect colour to match your home phone and decor.
Sometimes you might want to keep a regular telephone line you can even buy an adapter, VoIP compatible which will allow you to switch between VoIP calls and regular phone calls, it really is up to you. Some people choose to do this if they have a business line that they do not wish to disconnect, so by using an adapter, VoIP calls can be made, faxes can be received and a conventional telephone line can still be in use.
So if you are looking for a way to keep your own home phone and still be able to make VoIP calls an adapter, VoIP ready is just what you need. Then in just a few moments you can set up your telephone with the adapter, VoIP account and PC and you are ready to go. Anyone can be using an adapter, VoIP suitable in their own home phone in less time than it would take to call the phone company and ask them to install another phone line. VoIP is the future telephone of calls so make sure you are taking advantage of it.
Looking for best voip providers?
Vbuzzer provides quality voip products and services. The company has special offers for adapter voip, ata voip, voip adapter, voip ata, voip phone adapter and many more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Nalin
VoIP RFP - How to Create and Issue a VoIP Telephony Service Request For Proposals
By Steve D Evans
More and more VoIP RFP dispatches are taking place as business are seeking to enter contracts for their telephony services to be converted to Voice Over Internet Protocol Systems.
Eweek provides a very useful template for all those setting out to write their own VoIP RFP.
Their template suggests the following content for a response to an RFP to start with, which we have amended to comply with the needs for a typical RFP notification letter, as follows:-
1. VoIP RFP Introduction Page.
A. Your Company name.
B. Your Proposal authors.
C. The Date, Co. address and URL as it would appear in print.
D. Primary contact name with phone number plus e-mail address.
2. VoIP RFP Equipment list with version/model numbers and design description.
A. An itemized list of existing installed significant equipment (gateways, systems, cards and components, plus handsets type and number) for each site which be requiring replacement with VoIP equivalent services
B. An itemized VoIP RFP list of the required software for each site.
C. An itemized VoIP RFP ist of the required services for each site.
D. A summary of VoIP RFP ist of the required for your solution plus the specific features you need.
E. Address(es) for installation of you VoIP service.
3. A Request for a priced list of required products plus services.
A. An itemised list of major equipment for every location.
B. An itemised list of software for every site location.
C. An itemised list of services for every site location.
4. Details of the Recurring Costs. It is advised that your requesy a summary of the likely ongoing subscription and service costs which will be charged to maintain the system over a period of (say) three years for retuning with their VoIP RFP.
5. Request VoIP RFP Product literature and plenty of documentation. Ask them to include product literature that describes the features and benefits of their equipment, software and services. Also include technical documentation for major components.
All this and much detailed information can be found by searching for a Sample VOIP RFP in your favorite search engine.
Plus and all the requirements listed below in the Eweek's Details section.
So, now you have prepared your VoIP RFP, who would you send it out to?
Well, there are suggestions around and for large corporates for example. Organizers of the VoiceCon conference issued a request for proposals for a hypothetical VOIP installation and obtained bids from five vendors:
- Aastra Intecom,
- Cisco
- Avaya,
- Alcatel, and
- 3Com.
These are big players in VoIP and would be a good choice for inclusion for most organizations we conside in order to get their proposals.
The technologies offered by the vendors varied greatly, and so did their prices. Organizations across the globe have employed a wide variety of VoIP solutions, and the digital nature of the service allows many ways to improve customer service operations, delight callers, reduce expenses and create new revenue opportunities.
If you have not already considered setting out to install a VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol system within your business, we suggest that you do consider at least putting out a VoIP RFP. You will not thereafter be forced to award a VoIP contract, but you will certainly learn a lot about the technology and the savings it can provide your company.
VoIP is an emerging technology being implemented in industry generally. Traditionally, skills in data and voice have been separate, but the evolving information age increasingly requires people with skills in both to implement and administer converged systems for the VoIP RFP submission.
Voice over Internet protocol VoIP is fast becoming an extremely popular technology by small and large businesses alike. Procuring this technology can quickly become a substantial, resource-intensive project but when implemented this company development cost need never be spent again.
When issuing the RFP we suggest that it is good practise to include a statement that your company reserves the right, with sole discretion, to refuse to appoint a VoIP supplier.
The party issuing the VoIP RFP will also usually require that the successful tenderer and his representatives shall at all times follow all applicable Company regulations while on Company property, including all company rules and procedures, including observation of the no smoking, no weapons and drug-free policies of the Company.
Some organizations will issue a pre-RFP notice to notify vendors early on that an RFP is forthcoming, while others simply send their requests out to suitable service providers once they have created the RFP.
Steve Evans is one of those technologically literate guys, who is also an early adopter of Cell Phone internet access VoIP . Visit his web site for the best analyses of VOIP fact magazines, and make up your own VoIP requirements list.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_D_Evans
More and more VoIP RFP dispatches are taking place as business are seeking to enter contracts for their telephony services to be converted to Voice Over Internet Protocol Systems.
Eweek provides a very useful template for all those setting out to write their own VoIP RFP.
Their template suggests the following content for a response to an RFP to start with, which we have amended to comply with the needs for a typical RFP notification letter, as follows:-
1. VoIP RFP Introduction Page.
A. Your Company name.
B. Your Proposal authors.
C. The Date, Co. address and URL as it would appear in print.
D. Primary contact name with phone number plus e-mail address.
2. VoIP RFP Equipment list with version/model numbers and design description.
A. An itemized list of existing installed significant equipment (gateways, systems, cards and components, plus handsets type and number) for each site which be requiring replacement with VoIP equivalent services
B. An itemized VoIP RFP list of the required software for each site.
C. An itemized VoIP RFP ist of the required services for each site.
D. A summary of VoIP RFP ist of the required for your solution plus the specific features you need.
E. Address(es) for installation of you VoIP service.
3. A Request for a priced list of required products plus services.
A. An itemised list of major equipment for every location.
B. An itemised list of software for every site location.
C. An itemised list of services for every site location.
4. Details of the Recurring Costs. It is advised that your requesy a summary of the likely ongoing subscription and service costs which will be charged to maintain the system over a period of (say) three years for retuning with their VoIP RFP.
5. Request VoIP RFP Product literature and plenty of documentation. Ask them to include product literature that describes the features and benefits of their equipment, software and services. Also include technical documentation for major components.
All this and much detailed information can be found by searching for a Sample VOIP RFP in your favorite search engine.
Plus and all the requirements listed below in the Eweek's Details section.
So, now you have prepared your VoIP RFP, who would you send it out to?
Well, there are suggestions around and for large corporates for example. Organizers of the VoiceCon conference issued a request for proposals for a hypothetical VOIP installation and obtained bids from five vendors:
- Aastra Intecom,
- Cisco
- Avaya,
- Alcatel, and
- 3Com.
These are big players in VoIP and would be a good choice for inclusion for most organizations we conside in order to get their proposals.
The technologies offered by the vendors varied greatly, and so did their prices. Organizations across the globe have employed a wide variety of VoIP solutions, and the digital nature of the service allows many ways to improve customer service operations, delight callers, reduce expenses and create new revenue opportunities.
If you have not already considered setting out to install a VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol system within your business, we suggest that you do consider at least putting out a VoIP RFP. You will not thereafter be forced to award a VoIP contract, but you will certainly learn a lot about the technology and the savings it can provide your company.
VoIP is an emerging technology being implemented in industry generally. Traditionally, skills in data and voice have been separate, but the evolving information age increasingly requires people with skills in both to implement and administer converged systems for the VoIP RFP submission.
Voice over Internet protocol VoIP is fast becoming an extremely popular technology by small and large businesses alike. Procuring this technology can quickly become a substantial, resource-intensive project but when implemented this company development cost need never be spent again.
When issuing the RFP we suggest that it is good practise to include a statement that your company reserves the right, with sole discretion, to refuse to appoint a VoIP supplier.
The party issuing the VoIP RFP will also usually require that the successful tenderer and his representatives shall at all times follow all applicable Company regulations while on Company property, including all company rules and procedures, including observation of the no smoking, no weapons and drug-free policies of the Company.
Some organizations will issue a pre-RFP notice to notify vendors early on that an RFP is forthcoming, while others simply send their requests out to suitable service providers once they have created the RFP.
Steve Evans is one of those technologically literate guys, who is also an early adopter of Cell Phone internet access VoIP . Visit his web site for the best analyses of VOIP fact magazines, and make up your own VoIP requirements list.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_D_Evans
Monday, February 8, 2010
Cellular VOIP
By Raichel Ronayne
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service offers two types of telephone communication over the Internet: computer to computer and telephone to telephone. The most popular VOIP services are telephone to telephone communication. A telephone adapter is plugged into a DSL or cable modem and then into an analog telephone.
Recent developments in VOIP service are the wireless fidelity (WiFi) phones. WiFi phones send out signals like cell phones but on a different frequency (Wilson); the signals are intercepted and routed to the Internet.
WiFi phones were first developed for limited network communication. For example, employees within a large office building could communicate with each other over their own network without being tied to their desk phones. More recently, WiFi phones have expanded beyond the boundaries of a limited network to include the largest network in the world: the Internet.
Cellular phone manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon to develop phones that will work both as a WiFi and cellular phone—called dual mode hybrids. A hybrid user traveling outside their cellular service can switch to VOIP.
Early versions were fraught with problems such as hybrid users having to manually switch from cell phone service to VOIP service. In addition, there has been limited wireless service areas—called hot spots. However, access to hotspots is on the increase and some manufacturers have already released improved versions of dual mode hybrids that will automatically switch from cellular mode to VOIP mode when a hybrid user has traveled out of cellular range without disrupting a call.
Cellular companies are also looking to cash in by making their systems compatible with VOIP service and possibly offering both cellular and VOIP service in one package.
WiFi phones for VOIP are a relatively new development. As with all new advancements in technology, the bugs will have to be worked out but progress in WiFi technology is being made at a fast pace. Soon VOIP may not just take over the market from phone company giants but from cellular phone companies as well.
References:
Wilson, Tracy V. How WiFi Phones Work. How Stuff Works, Retrieved 06/19/06, from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/wifi-phone.htm
Simon, Ellen (May 14, 2004). WiFi Phones Wave of The Future. CBS News SCI-TECH, Retrieved June 22, 2006, from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/13/tech/main617354.shtml
Charny, Ben (August 5, 2004). WiFi Phones Make a Splash. CNET News.com, Retrieved June 22, 2006, from [http://news.com.com/Wi-Fi+phones+make+a+splash/2100-7351_3-5296745.html]
RaiChel Ronayne is a writer/reviewer for http://toptenreviews.com/. TopTenREVIEWS features expert reviews for technology and entertainment products and services. The company has served over 60 million Internet visitors, has over 400,000 pages of original content and provides users with free access to in-depth product and service reviews with side-by-side comparisons and industry related news and articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raichel_Ronayne
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service offers two types of telephone communication over the Internet: computer to computer and telephone to telephone. The most popular VOIP services are telephone to telephone communication. A telephone adapter is plugged into a DSL or cable modem and then into an analog telephone.
Recent developments in VOIP service are the wireless fidelity (WiFi) phones. WiFi phones send out signals like cell phones but on a different frequency (Wilson); the signals are intercepted and routed to the Internet.
WiFi phones were first developed for limited network communication. For example, employees within a large office building could communicate with each other over their own network without being tied to their desk phones. More recently, WiFi phones have expanded beyond the boundaries of a limited network to include the largest network in the world: the Internet.
Cellular phone manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon to develop phones that will work both as a WiFi and cellular phone—called dual mode hybrids. A hybrid user traveling outside their cellular service can switch to VOIP.
Early versions were fraught with problems such as hybrid users having to manually switch from cell phone service to VOIP service. In addition, there has been limited wireless service areas—called hot spots. However, access to hotspots is on the increase and some manufacturers have already released improved versions of dual mode hybrids that will automatically switch from cellular mode to VOIP mode when a hybrid user has traveled out of cellular range without disrupting a call.
Cellular companies are also looking to cash in by making their systems compatible with VOIP service and possibly offering both cellular and VOIP service in one package.
WiFi phones for VOIP are a relatively new development. As with all new advancements in technology, the bugs will have to be worked out but progress in WiFi technology is being made at a fast pace. Soon VOIP may not just take over the market from phone company giants but from cellular phone companies as well.
References:
Wilson, Tracy V. How WiFi Phones Work. How Stuff Works, Retrieved 06/19/06, from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/wifi-phone.htm
Simon, Ellen (May 14, 2004). WiFi Phones Wave of The Future. CBS News SCI-TECH, Retrieved June 22, 2006, from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/13/tech/main617354.shtml
Charny, Ben (August 5, 2004). WiFi Phones Make a Splash. CNET News.com, Retrieved June 22, 2006, from [http://news.com.com/Wi-Fi+phones+make+a+splash/2100-7351_3-5296745.html]
RaiChel Ronayne is a writer/reviewer for http://toptenreviews.com/. TopTenREVIEWS features expert reviews for technology and entertainment products and services. The company has served over 60 million Internet visitors, has over 400,000 pages of original content and provides users with free access to in-depth product and service reviews with side-by-side comparisons and industry related news and articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raichel_Ronayne
VoIP Vulnerabilities Still Apparent
By Tim ONeill
With the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) by all reports rapidly expanding, several recent cases have exposed serious vulnerabilities with the service. However fraud is an everyday occurrence so I for one wouldn’t base my decision solely on these events.
As per previous articles I have written and various on my “About VoIP Information” website, security vulnerabilities for VoIP do exist and have been and continue to be seriously examined and worked through by industry. However two recent cases act as a reminder that all holes have not been closed.
In Australia it has been reported that a very public VoIP provider Engin had it’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software cracked by a hacker who publicly exposed how to obtain details of other customer’s orders in a post on the broadband site Whirlpool. Engin reportedly resolved the problem the next morning before any advantage was gained.
Engin appeared very honest and forthright admitting the problem and fixes that would be put in place with blame attributed to a third party programming consultancy responsible for programming of the CRM. Despite credit card details apparently not recorded in the area that became accessible, it does highlight the ease at which confidential personal information can be accessed, not something that is usually considered a security problem related to VoIP.
In the very public case two arrests have been made in early June for breaking into a New York companies network and spoofing VoIP traffic to its service provider. Wholesale phone connections were then offered at discount rates in a pseudo-service provider manner with a resultant 100% profit margin for the fraudsters.
TMCnet Executive Editor Robert Lui reported that one security expert advised the problem could have been easily adverted. It is suggested that multiple security products are required for securing VoIP networks which to some degree is in line with the layered or defence in depth security principle ie more layers of security making it more difficult to get through.
Despite these two reported cases and significant discussion and reporting about a diverse range of security considerations and concerns, it must be remembered that fraud is part of everyday life and regardless of how many checks and balances are put in place, a determined criminal will eventually be successful. Such is the case with credit cards for example, passports and other identification documents. The message in my view to take away is review the service providers performance and virtually by the numbers game, assuming all advisable security precautions are adhered to, it would be unlucky to be a victim of hacking.
The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol [http://www.voipworking4you.info].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_ONeill
With the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) by all reports rapidly expanding, several recent cases have exposed serious vulnerabilities with the service. However fraud is an everyday occurrence so I for one wouldn’t base my decision solely on these events.
As per previous articles I have written and various on my “About VoIP Information” website, security vulnerabilities for VoIP do exist and have been and continue to be seriously examined and worked through by industry. However two recent cases act as a reminder that all holes have not been closed.
In Australia it has been reported that a very public VoIP provider Engin had it’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software cracked by a hacker who publicly exposed how to obtain details of other customer’s orders in a post on the broadband site Whirlpool. Engin reportedly resolved the problem the next morning before any advantage was gained.
Engin appeared very honest and forthright admitting the problem and fixes that would be put in place with blame attributed to a third party programming consultancy responsible for programming of the CRM. Despite credit card details apparently not recorded in the area that became accessible, it does highlight the ease at which confidential personal information can be accessed, not something that is usually considered a security problem related to VoIP.
In the very public case two arrests have been made in early June for breaking into a New York companies network and spoofing VoIP traffic to its service provider. Wholesale phone connections were then offered at discount rates in a pseudo-service provider manner with a resultant 100% profit margin for the fraudsters.
TMCnet Executive Editor Robert Lui reported that one security expert advised the problem could have been easily adverted. It is suggested that multiple security products are required for securing VoIP networks which to some degree is in line with the layered or defence in depth security principle ie more layers of security making it more difficult to get through.
Despite these two reported cases and significant discussion and reporting about a diverse range of security considerations and concerns, it must be remembered that fraud is part of everyday life and regardless of how many checks and balances are put in place, a determined criminal will eventually be successful. Such is the case with credit cards for example, passports and other identification documents. The message in my view to take away is review the service providers performance and virtually by the numbers game, assuming all advisable security precautions are adhered to, it would be unlucky to be a victim of hacking.
The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol [http://www.voipworking4you.info].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_ONeill
The VoIP Insurgency
By Michael Brito
There was a dreadful time in history when the telecom regime (local phone companies) held consumers captive by charging high prices for phone service. To make matters worse, this regime would nickel and dime consumers to death for additional features like voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. Not to mention their customer service or lack thereof, was and still is a horrifying experience. This long history of monopolizing the telecommunication industry has finally come to an end. It’s time for a regime change. Consumers now have an alternative – introducing VoIP.
VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Some services that use VoIP only allow you to call other people using the same service, usually done when making PC to PC phone calls. Other services allow you to call anyone, anywhere (as long as they have a telephone number) including: local & long distance, mobile, and international numbers. This type of VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone that plugs directly into a phone adapter.
The great thing about VoIP is that all the additional features are included in the monthly fee. These features include: unlimited local & long distance calls into the US & Canada, voicemail, call waiting, caller id, three-way, just to name a few. Most VoIP service providers typically charge between $20 and $25 dollars a month.
VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely redesign the entire world’s communication infrastructure. VoIP providers have already been around for several years and growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there are over 6 million users of VoIP worldwide and that numbers is growing exponentially.
FAQ about VoIP
Can you provide me with a brief explanation of VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your phone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.
How do I make a VoIP phone call?
The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial the number.
What kind of equipment do I need to use VoIP?
You need three things in order to use VoIP: 1) A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL); A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and 3) any standard (analog or digital) phone.
Is there a difference when placing a local or long distance call when using VoIP?
Not really. VoIP phone calls are made just the same way as traditional calls are made. When dialing local calls, all you have to do is dial 7 digits (555-1212) and when dialing long distance, all you have to do is dial 11 digits (1-408-555-1212).
Can I call anyone using VoIP?
Yes. You can call anyone, anywhere as long as they have a valid phone number. It can be a local call, long distance call, international call, cell phone, toll free, 911 (assuming they have E911 capability)and 411 directory assistance. Most VoIP providers will not allow calls to 900 or 976 phone numbers, nor will they accept collect calls.
What are some advantages of using VoIP?
1. Cost - Most VoIP providers charge between $20 and $25 a month.
2. Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.
3. All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)
4. VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls if you were at home.
5. The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California phone number.
Are there any disadvantages of using VoIP?
Yes.
1. If the power goes out in your home you will also lose your Internet connection, which means that your phone service will also be down. Some VoIP service providers offer a feature that allows customers to designate a forwarding number if their Internet connection goes down for any reason.
2. Not all VoIP Providers offer E911. This means that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, it may not go to the local public dispatcher. Rather, it will get routed to an answering service first.
3. Call Quality. At certain times of the day, the call quality of phone conversations will suffer. This could be due to bandwidth sharing, or slow Internet connection.
Do I need a computer to use VoIP?
No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.
Can I use VoIP when I travel?
Yes. You can use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available and you bring your broadband phone adapter and phone with you.
How will I know if someone is calling me from a VoIP phone?
You won’t. The VoIP phone works just like a traditional phone. The quality and experience is that good.
Join the rebellion aimed at overthrowing the telecommunications industry by force. Switch to VoIP today and start saving tomorrow.
Click here for more in-depth information about voip products and services.
Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Brito
There was a dreadful time in history when the telecom regime (local phone companies) held consumers captive by charging high prices for phone service. To make matters worse, this regime would nickel and dime consumers to death for additional features like voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. Not to mention their customer service or lack thereof, was and still is a horrifying experience. This long history of monopolizing the telecommunication industry has finally come to an end. It’s time for a regime change. Consumers now have an alternative – introducing VoIP.
VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Some services that use VoIP only allow you to call other people using the same service, usually done when making PC to PC phone calls. Other services allow you to call anyone, anywhere (as long as they have a telephone number) including: local & long distance, mobile, and international numbers. This type of VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone that plugs directly into a phone adapter.
The great thing about VoIP is that all the additional features are included in the monthly fee. These features include: unlimited local & long distance calls into the US & Canada, voicemail, call waiting, caller id, three-way, just to name a few. Most VoIP service providers typically charge between $20 and $25 dollars a month.
VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely redesign the entire world’s communication infrastructure. VoIP providers have already been around for several years and growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there are over 6 million users of VoIP worldwide and that numbers is growing exponentially.
FAQ about VoIP
Can you provide me with a brief explanation of VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your phone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.
How do I make a VoIP phone call?
The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial the number.
What kind of equipment do I need to use VoIP?
You need three things in order to use VoIP: 1) A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL); A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and 3) any standard (analog or digital) phone.
Is there a difference when placing a local or long distance call when using VoIP?
Not really. VoIP phone calls are made just the same way as traditional calls are made. When dialing local calls, all you have to do is dial 7 digits (555-1212) and when dialing long distance, all you have to do is dial 11 digits (1-408-555-1212).
Can I call anyone using VoIP?
Yes. You can call anyone, anywhere as long as they have a valid phone number. It can be a local call, long distance call, international call, cell phone, toll free, 911 (assuming they have E911 capability)and 411 directory assistance. Most VoIP providers will not allow calls to 900 or 976 phone numbers, nor will they accept collect calls.
What are some advantages of using VoIP?
1. Cost - Most VoIP providers charge between $20 and $25 a month.
2. Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.
3. All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)
4. VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls if you were at home.
5. The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California phone number.
Are there any disadvantages of using VoIP?
Yes.
1. If the power goes out in your home you will also lose your Internet connection, which means that your phone service will also be down. Some VoIP service providers offer a feature that allows customers to designate a forwarding number if their Internet connection goes down for any reason.
2. Not all VoIP Providers offer E911. This means that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, it may not go to the local public dispatcher. Rather, it will get routed to an answering service first.
3. Call Quality. At certain times of the day, the call quality of phone conversations will suffer. This could be due to bandwidth sharing, or slow Internet connection.
Do I need a computer to use VoIP?
No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.
Can I use VoIP when I travel?
Yes. You can use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available and you bring your broadband phone adapter and phone with you.
How will I know if someone is calling me from a VoIP phone?
You won’t. The VoIP phone works just like a traditional phone. The quality and experience is that good.
Join the rebellion aimed at overthrowing the telecommunications industry by force. Switch to VoIP today and start saving tomorrow.
Click here for more in-depth information about voip products and services.
Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Brito
Monday, January 11, 2010
VoIP PBX Solutions For Businesses - What to Look For
By Michael Lemm
Business communications has always been a challenging arena for management....subject to cost, function, reliability, and other pressures and concerns. The emergence of VoIP technology....and specifically application to PBX systems via IP based protocols....has provided an enormous opportunity for companies to reap many benefits.
Many companies today have multiple office locations around the country or around the world. Currently, each office uses its own PBX system and inter-office phone calls are routed through the PSTN and charged long distance and international rates by carriers. Most companies also employ workers on a part time basis who work from their homes. Those workers get reimbursed for telecommunication expenses they incur while performing their duties. It just makes business sense for companies to explore alternatives to consolidate their telecommunication systems and reduce costs.
The answer......purchase a Voice-over-IP enabled PBX system and deploy it in a Virtual Office setup.
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is a fairly new technology for transporting voice calls over the Internet which allows users to realize substantial cost savings on long distance and international calls. Besides cost effectiveness, VoIP enabled PBX systems (or IP PBX) offer easy integration with existing telecommunications systems and are characterized with low operating costs as their upgrade is done through software updates rather than more expensive hardware replacement. Additionally, the technology simplifies the communication infrastructure (no need for separate voice and data cables) while offering high scalability.
Virtual Office models are used by companies that want to consolidate their communications, reduce costs and achieve more cohesive corporate images. To implement the model, a company has to install a single IP PBX system in its headquarters and distribute to employees IP phones or regular phones with VoIP adapters. Employees can make intra-office and inter-office phone calls through dialing PBX extensions. Such calls are routed through the Internet and are practically free. Company customers, on the other side, can dial a single inbound number plus extensions in order to reach the company's employees. The latter receive the calls on their IP/Regular Phones at any location in the world with Internet connectivity.
So what kind of a VoIP PBX solution does your business need? - a turnkey Virtual Office solution that could be customized to meet your company specific needs.
My recommendation for this solution is the highly acclaimed package from Packet8. Recently 8X8, Inc's Packet8 Virtual Office Solution for small and medium sized businesses received Network Computing Magazine's Editor's Choice award over competitive offerings from Covad Communications and Velocity Networks. That's some pretty stiff competition....and says a lot about Packet8's performance. The Packet8 Virtual Office solution received the highest overall rating for its rich feature set, call management tools and low subscription price.
The Packet8 Virtual Office is a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to traditional PBX systems that allows users anywhere in the world to be part of a VoIP-hosted virtual phone system that includes auto attendants, conference bridges, extension-to-extension dialing, business class voicemail and ring groups, in addition to a rich variety of other business telephone features normally found on high-end, premise based PBX systems. Their Virtual Office reduces an organization's telecommunications total cost of ownership (TCO) with a minimal initial investment combined with unlimited local and long distance business calling throughout the United States and Canada and Packet8's low international rates.
Now.....here's an overview of what to look for when making the business case for investment in VoIP technology for a VoIP PBX solution:
* Ways to save money for corporations.....
- Eliminate or reduce intra-office toll charges
- Avoiding service and support contracts on existing PBX hardware
- Eliminate the need for on-going Centrex services -- and charges
- Reduce expansion costs via lower costs for adds, moves and changes; lower user hardware costs
- Reduce the on-going costs for separate voice messaging systems
- Provide productivity benefits for remote and traveling workers who can be empowered with the same integrated capabilities as office workers
- Reduce user training and learning on phone and messaging systems
- Cost-effectively implement unified messaging
- Improve security
- Reduce systems downtime and improve performance
Additional benefits for call centers.....
- Virtualize call centers, allowing more flexibility in the center's configuration....either helping consolidation efforts, or providing enterprise capabilities to telecommuting call center workers
- Improve customer support services and reduce abandoned calls and call times
- Improve customer satisfaction and reduce customer turnover via improved call center services
Cost considerations....
- VoIP telecommunication hardware and software
- IP phone sets or soft phones
- Network upgrades for possible quality of service and performance upgrades
- Implementation labor and professional services
- On-going support and administration labor
- Support and maintenance contracts
- Increased support calls and potential user downtime losses on initial deployment
- IT Training
- User Training
- Write-off, write-down and disposal costs for existing telecommunication assets
Potential project risks......
- Quality of service/performance
- User training and adoption
- Administration and support skill levels and resources
- Proprietary vs. open systems interoperability
How Does The Solution Work?
Inter/Intra office calls.......
Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is located in the corporate headquarters or in any of the company's offices worldwide.
Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials Caller B's extension.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.
If the destination number is unreachable, the system forwards the call to Caller B's voicemail.
As soon as Caller B picks up his VoIP device the conversation starts.
During conversation Caller A's VoIP device convert voice to digital packets and send them to Caller B's VoIP device and vice versa.
Both A and B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc. Calls are free
Outbound calls.......
Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call
to Caller B, who is a company customer.
Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials the customer's number.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing
information about the VoIP carrier, who should terminate calls to Caller B's area code.
The call is routed to the VoIP carrier.
The VoIP carrier terminates the call to Caller's B number over the PSTN.
During conversation, Caller A can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.
Calls are charged on time basis at pre-negotiated rates with the VoIP carrier
Inbound calls.....
Caller A, who is a company customer, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is a company employee.
Caller A picks up his phone and dials the company's central access number.
The VoIP PBX server prompts the caller to enter an extension.
Caller A dials Caller B's extension.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B.
The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.
During conversation, Caller B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.
Calls are either free if the company uses a local access number or charged on a time basis if the company uses a toll free one.
Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies carry great promise to reduce telecommunication and networking total cost of ownership while empowering businesses with new capabilities and agility. When making your decision on deploying a Virtual Office VoIP PBX solution consider the strategic and tangible benefits as well as the costs and risks outlined above. If it all seems too overwhelming seek out the assistance of an unbiased independent advisor such as Business VoIP Solution.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including Business VoIP Solution Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
Business communications has always been a challenging arena for management....subject to cost, function, reliability, and other pressures and concerns. The emergence of VoIP technology....and specifically application to PBX systems via IP based protocols....has provided an enormous opportunity for companies to reap many benefits.
Many companies today have multiple office locations around the country or around the world. Currently, each office uses its own PBX system and inter-office phone calls are routed through the PSTN and charged long distance and international rates by carriers. Most companies also employ workers on a part time basis who work from their homes. Those workers get reimbursed for telecommunication expenses they incur while performing their duties. It just makes business sense for companies to explore alternatives to consolidate their telecommunication systems and reduce costs.
The answer......purchase a Voice-over-IP enabled PBX system and deploy it in a Virtual Office setup.
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is a fairly new technology for transporting voice calls over the Internet which allows users to realize substantial cost savings on long distance and international calls. Besides cost effectiveness, VoIP enabled PBX systems (or IP PBX) offer easy integration with existing telecommunications systems and are characterized with low operating costs as their upgrade is done through software updates rather than more expensive hardware replacement. Additionally, the technology simplifies the communication infrastructure (no need for separate voice and data cables) while offering high scalability.
Virtual Office models are used by companies that want to consolidate their communications, reduce costs and achieve more cohesive corporate images. To implement the model, a company has to install a single IP PBX system in its headquarters and distribute to employees IP phones or regular phones with VoIP adapters. Employees can make intra-office and inter-office phone calls through dialing PBX extensions. Such calls are routed through the Internet and are practically free. Company customers, on the other side, can dial a single inbound number plus extensions in order to reach the company's employees. The latter receive the calls on their IP/Regular Phones at any location in the world with Internet connectivity.
So what kind of a VoIP PBX solution does your business need? - a turnkey Virtual Office solution that could be customized to meet your company specific needs.
My recommendation for this solution is the highly acclaimed package from Packet8. Recently 8X8, Inc's Packet8 Virtual Office Solution for small and medium sized businesses received Network Computing Magazine's Editor's Choice award over competitive offerings from Covad Communications and Velocity Networks. That's some pretty stiff competition....and says a lot about Packet8's performance. The Packet8 Virtual Office solution received the highest overall rating for its rich feature set, call management tools and low subscription price.
The Packet8 Virtual Office is a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to traditional PBX systems that allows users anywhere in the world to be part of a VoIP-hosted virtual phone system that includes auto attendants, conference bridges, extension-to-extension dialing, business class voicemail and ring groups, in addition to a rich variety of other business telephone features normally found on high-end, premise based PBX systems. Their Virtual Office reduces an organization's telecommunications total cost of ownership (TCO) with a minimal initial investment combined with unlimited local and long distance business calling throughout the United States and Canada and Packet8's low international rates.
Now.....here's an overview of what to look for when making the business case for investment in VoIP technology for a VoIP PBX solution:
* Ways to save money for corporations.....
- Eliminate or reduce intra-office toll charges
- Avoiding service and support contracts on existing PBX hardware
- Eliminate the need for on-going Centrex services -- and charges
- Reduce expansion costs via lower costs for adds, moves and changes; lower user hardware costs
- Reduce the on-going costs for separate voice messaging systems
- Provide productivity benefits for remote and traveling workers who can be empowered with the same integrated capabilities as office workers
- Reduce user training and learning on phone and messaging systems
- Cost-effectively implement unified messaging
- Improve security
- Reduce systems downtime and improve performance
Additional benefits for call centers.....
- Virtualize call centers, allowing more flexibility in the center's configuration....either helping consolidation efforts, or providing enterprise capabilities to telecommuting call center workers
- Improve customer support services and reduce abandoned calls and call times
- Improve customer satisfaction and reduce customer turnover via improved call center services
Cost considerations....
- VoIP telecommunication hardware and software
- IP phone sets or soft phones
- Network upgrades for possible quality of service and performance upgrades
- Implementation labor and professional services
- On-going support and administration labor
- Support and maintenance contracts
- Increased support calls and potential user downtime losses on initial deployment
- IT Training
- User Training
- Write-off, write-down and disposal costs for existing telecommunication assets
Potential project risks......
- Quality of service/performance
- User training and adoption
- Administration and support skill levels and resources
- Proprietary vs. open systems interoperability
How Does The Solution Work?
Inter/Intra office calls.......
Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is located in the corporate headquarters or in any of the company's offices worldwide.
Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials Caller B's extension.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.
If the destination number is unreachable, the system forwards the call to Caller B's voicemail.
As soon as Caller B picks up his VoIP device the conversation starts.
During conversation Caller A's VoIP device convert voice to digital packets and send them to Caller B's VoIP device and vice versa.
Both A and B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc. Calls are free
Outbound calls.......
Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call
to Caller B, who is a company customer.
Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials the customer's number.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing
information about the VoIP carrier, who should terminate calls to Caller B's area code.
The call is routed to the VoIP carrier.
The VoIP carrier terminates the call to Caller's B number over the PSTN.
During conversation, Caller A can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.
Calls are charged on time basis at pre-negotiated rates with the VoIP carrier
Inbound calls.....
Caller A, who is a company customer, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is a company employee.
Caller A picks up his phone and dials the company's central access number.
The VoIP PBX server prompts the caller to enter an extension.
Caller A dials Caller B's extension.
The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B.
The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.
During conversation, Caller B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.
Calls are either free if the company uses a local access number or charged on a time basis if the company uses a toll free one.
Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies carry great promise to reduce telecommunication and networking total cost of ownership while empowering businesses with new capabilities and agility. When making your decision on deploying a Virtual Office VoIP PBX solution consider the strategic and tangible benefits as well as the costs and risks outlined above. If it all seems too overwhelming seek out the assistance of an unbiased independent advisor such as Business VoIP Solution.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including Business VoIP Solution Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
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