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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

IP PBX VoIP - Ideal Business Communication

IP PBX VoIP - Ideal Business Communication

by Ed Elliot


Effective communication is essential for the smooth functioning of any business. Any business which deals with systems for producing products and performing services has also got the responsibility of maintaining a customer friendly call center to meet their needs and answer their queries patiently. Years before, phone lines were the most commonly used medium of such business communication. With rapid growth in technology, these telephone lines have been replaced by better options. Nowadays the maintenance of call centers has become less expensive and easier with the help of one of the greatest advancements known as the IP PBX VOIP. An internet connection meets the requirement of the VOIP phone system and thus a different type of connection is established between businesses.

The IP PBX VOIP connection provides the application for this. The expansion of the term IP is Internet Protocol and this refers to the sending of systems in the business through the internet before the ringing of phone. The term PBX refers to the Private branch exchange, which enables the connection of business to a private network with the purpose of taking and receiving calls. This feature is known to create enhanced features for many call centers. The establishment of a private exchange can ensure that the calls can be protected to be confidential. Also they provide an easier way for making a connection. There are solutions for IP PBX VOIP and specific ways to send them into a company. There is a central system with an internet connection. This particular system has connections to the phone systems and many individual computers. The incoming and outgoing calls are moved into a direct transfer with the provision of headsets connected to the computer. A network, consolidated in nature is established. This allows receiving and making of specific calls as if the individual lines are in place.

New products which are connected in this fashion can also support the enhanced features of the call center. Options of different ways of speaking to customers form the main feature of this. There are also applications which enable the making of more number of connections. A few of the applications are transfers, conference calls extension numbers and dialing other employees. It is a fact that the VoIP provides all the features as that provided by a traditional phone, the only difference being the way of connection. The way of receiving and sending calls is changed. Also options for the flexible work areas are open, for example, creation of an option of a home based business within the business. Employees are gifted with mobility as a result of VOIP PBX systems and they considerably cut down telephony administration costs.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

VoIP: The Choice of Practical Entrepreneurs

VoIP: The Choice of Practical Entrepreneurs

by Randi Reese


Communication is key to running a successful business venture. An organization which has an effective communication channel in place runs like a well-oiled machine - efficiently meeting clients' needs as well as the challenges that will crop up along the way. This it accomplishes by ensuring that right information cascades to the appropriate employees.

Open communication lines between you and your customers, suppliers and business partners are likewise important. Listening and talking to the people who help drive your company to success with their patronage and services are facets of your enterprise that should never be ignored. These individuals will provide you with feedback necessary for your company to continuously grow as well as respond to the market's ever changing needs.

Now that you know the importance of communication in an enterprise, you wonder how you can create such an enviable system. The answer lies in choosing the right platform for your telecommunication needs. Telephones, mobile phones, fax machines, the Internet are systems and machines ever-present in offices across the globe.

A few years ago, a new phone system has been gaining the attention of entrepreneurs everywhere. The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a sophisticated, highly efficient and cost effective tool of phone communications is now the current rage among business people who are looking to streamline their expenses without compromising quality.

Just like your regular telephone, but...

VoIP works like your regular phone and mobile phone units, only it relies on high-speed broadband Internet connection in transmitting and receiving data (voice, in this case). The wider coverage of Internet nowadays as well as the reliability of the system in terms of transmitting data makes VoIP a practical choice for entrepreneurs.

What seals the deal for business people is the fact that VoIP is probably one of the most cost-effective business communication solutions available today. Most VoIP service providers charge voice call rates at costs 40 to 60 percent lower than the traditional voice calls.

This means that if you are maintaining five different telephone lines and your average bill for each line is about $300, you save as much as $180 for each VoIP connection. Some service providers do not even charge you anything.

Other benefits of VoIP system:

It contains built-in functions useful for your communication needs, such as voice mail, call routing, and call waiting. Most of these call features are also available in regular telephone lines but with additional cost. With the VoIP package, these are offered for free.

VoIP is flexible, giving you the power to adjust the system as the need arises. For instance, if you need more VoIP lines, you do not have to reapply for another line (which is the case with telephone and mobile phone lines). Instead, you only need to upgrade your existing VoIP subscription for a minimal cost.

Lastly, VoIP is easy to use.

As many businessmen have come to realize, VoIP is an effective communication solution that will help you maintain a harmonious relationship within and outside your corporate organization.

VoIP Broadband Phone for Advanced Telecommunication

VoIP Broadband Phone for Advanced Telecommunication

by Ed Elliot


Telecommunication has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years and talking to people across the world has never been clearer or better. Today, the best phone service provided is by VoIP services whereby adding a VoIP broadband phone to your phone service, you can achieve the best clarity in phone calls. Basically, a VoIP broadband phone uses the traditional phones and cell phones modes of communication you already have. The only difference here is instead of maintaining connectivity through lines, it is maintained through high speed internet or a broadband connection.

Your Broadband Connection Determines the Clarity of Your VoIP Broadband Phone

It is this broadband connection that determines the type of reception you can expect from the VoIP broadband phone and the area you can talk. It is through the VoIP broadband phone that you get connected to a much stronger network and technology that makes it easy to maintain communication across the globe. Once you download the software for a VoIP broadband phone, you will be provided with a specific code that programs your internet connection into your phone. Even your service provider may code your router for use with your phone.

It is possible to use your IP address to get a VoIP broadband phone from the VoIP services you choose. Some providers are Cisco, Skype and in some places, even Google.

Make Sure You Find Out As Much As Possible About Different VoIP Providers

If you are considering using a VoIP broadband phone as your main phone line, it is important that you do some research on the different providers to ensure that you get the best available. Make sure the prices, the convenience it offers and the type of connections available are right. You can choose between specialized phones to be connected to your computer and phones which provide adding extra chips for the VoIP software.

So if you want to have one of the best phone services, you should consider getting a VoIP phone service. Once you understand its workings, the options it provides and its technological innovations, you will be able to decide if a VoIP broadband phone is the right phone for you. And with a VoIP broadband phone, you will be able to go forward with the advancements in technology.

Should You Buy VoIP? The Pros and Cons

Should You Buy VoIP? The Pros and Cons

by Chris Smith


VoIP--or "Voice-Over Internet Protocol"--is a program that allows people to rout their phone calls over their Internet connection. This allows people to save a great deal of money on their phone bill--but it also has its drawbacks.

The Pros

Save money. People who use VoIP technology may save varying amounts, depending on the program they use--but they'll all save a lot.

Local calls from anywhere. Many VoIP programs give you local calling no matter where you are--even if you're overseas.

Portability. One of the best things about VoIP is that your phone is portable--you can use it anywhere you have access to an Internet connection.

The Cons

Sound quality isn't always the best. Even with enough bandwidth and high quality equipment, however, sound quality is usually not as good as you'd get with a phone.

Incompatibility. Some VoIP programs will only communicate with other users who have the same program.

Power outages can knock out your service. If your power goes, your phone service goes.

No Internet, no phone connection. If you lose your Internet connection, you lose your phone line.

Emergency calls aren't effective. If you use it to dial 911, you won't always be put through to your local dispatcher.

There are pros and cons to VoIP. It's cheaper than any other phone option out there, and it gives you some amazing benefits. But there are definitely limits to the technology. Because of these limits, VoIP is still not a dominant force in the telecommunications industry--but as the technology improves, it's sure to be a force to be reckoned with.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Business VoIP: Finding Performance-Oriented Ways Gets Easy

Business VoIP: Finding Performance-Oriented Ways Gets Easy

by Kristen Kiya


This is a technology which performs the process of transformation of human voice into digital signals which are sent across the network at very high speeds. The major benefits of using this technology is that there is a striking reduction in the cost associated with making phone calls using this technology. Therefore since the money being spent on a single call is so less, hence more and more human beings have started talking on phones which are made using this technology. The scenario has widened to the extent that not only human beings but also businesses are using the advantages of this technology. 'Business VoIP' is therefore one of the major areas of business for a huge number of VoIP service providers in the world today.

VoIP for business is actually quite a transparent affair with the overall process being extremely smooth and therefore quite fast. Businesses all over the world have started to use the benefits of the business VoIP service and hence are laying their hands to perhaps one of the most advanced and the most effective communication mediums in the world today.

The services that are given to a business when it applies for the application of this technology are immense and the total set ends up in enhancing the overall performance of the business and hence the result is absolute magic. The major feature of the services that are provided by the service providers are VoIP business plans. These plans are actually schemes or offers which impart many extra benefits like personnel training and also add-on features apart from the basic feature of cheap communication medium.

The business domain has changed completely with the entry of new companies in the arena due to the flourishing of the developing countries. The result is the increase in businesses all over the world and a total increase in the number of customers for the VoIP service providers. VoIP business opportunities have therefore increased with the increase in the number of would be customers. The technology is a well known one and hence the chance of the desire of applying it is quite high. The opportunities are hence good and are likely to be better with the increase of newer businesses.

Business VoIP is hence a term which has assumed a new understanding in the sense of the technology being utilised by many businesses all over the world. Therefore the businesses that are booming are using this technology and the developing ones have also started to use this technology as well. Hence business is quite an important aspect for the service providers apart from the normal public for service providers.

Important Enhancement of VoIP Phones

Important Enhancement of VoIP Phones

by Macit Webmaster


VoIP- Voice over Internet Protocol is a communication technique. VoIP offers to revolutionize the telecom technique and resolve communicating problems. All businessmen want to safely store their confidential data and other information, but sometimes they have to suffer great loss due to leakage of their information. To resolve such types of problems small businessmen have to hire highly skilled professional with high emoluments, this increases their budget.

Nowadays, in a high tech society protecting one's business secret or maintaining confidentiality about one's business is no more a herculean task. VoIP technique is one of the most cost-effective and user-friendly device to safeguard small business installations. This makes you free and safe from various types of invaders' nuisances, such as hacking, viruses etc.

VoIP technique is well-equipped with variety of features like extension, dial by name, caller ID, auto assistance, voicemail, fax messages, email etc. VoIP is not only suitable for small business industry, but can also fit large business establishments or even multinational companies.

Users can enjoy the comfort of dialing a group of phone numbers. They can easily transmit their voicemail in case of no response from the caller. The voicemails and fax mails are delivered to the customers as e-mail messages. It furnishes a broad range of services to the industries, big or small. With its auto detect facial appearance one can easily add new phones to the system. The built-in Wi-Fi technique assists us to get connected with anyone who is using wireless VoIP phones.

With the launch of integrated VoIP technique, most companies are reluctant spending large amount of money on various types of isolated communication equipments. This technically advanced VoIP system fulfills all sorts of communication requirements. It has inherent capability to expand its capacity to fulfill the necessity of any small business.

The protection provided by this state-of-the-art technology is stupendous. No business installation would like to keep itself apart. After all, how can one dare to insecure one's confidentiality, be it some important data or other secret information. VoIP is latest technology in fashion; it does not only safeguard your small business, but also helps you to make it successful through impeccable way of communication.

Normal phones do not stand anywhere, if we compare its quality of sound and cheap call rates. Some of its other features, like call waiting, text forwarding etc. are remarkable, one can rarely find such an elaborate function, leave some highly expensive phones. In brief, VoIP is a multi-purpose gadget which no office or business establishment would like to miss. It has brought end to ordinary telecommunication equipments.

Smoother Business With VoIP

Smoother Business With VoIP

by Van Theodorou


This is the age of the daily technological revolution. With the advent of web based facilities communication has become smooth and cheap and the easiest thing in the world. Laptops have helped take work to the convenience of leisure and location of choice. Automated services have helped bridge the little distance that used to separate the consumer and the producer-services.

Companies have only benefited from increased and easy interaction with customers and significant gains have been made in labor efficiency and cost reduction. A Private Branch Exchange or PBX telephone system is the new boon from technology to cheap communication. A VoIP PBX system can greatly enhance the system slashing costs all the way.

Off course with business spreading rapidly all over the world in general, companies have encountered several cases of fluctuating phone bills that are tending towards higher figures. There could be customers in every part of the world and employees equally spread out. Phone charges can in such cases be quite an expense far exceeding all estimates.

One option to handle this could be setting up a local PBSX system in every branch office. Now days though there is a better option available in Virtual Office VoIP PBX systems that can operate as a centrally fixed unit that can ease out expenses immensely. In fact, VoIP for business is here to stay.

What the firm has to do is to procure a single Internet protocol (IP) PBX system at one particular location and fix that as a corporate headquarter like service and install IP adapters everywhere else to make IP calls to any kind of phone service adopted by that particular office. This is all done through a simple software application that thus does not require the company to go through high procurement and installation costs of hardware. Switches become obsolete in the age of Internet and connections are all online. For the cheapest of rates, the employees can call any one in the same office or in any other office in any part of the world.

What else can you ask from business VOIP? Actually a lot more. Here's what is on offer:

Great enhancements in productivity rates of off sites workers who can now work anywhere, on the streets, or at home. The office can itself provide access to the services like, music/message on hold, ring groups, and call forwarding, voice mail and caller id and many other services.

Calling inside office can become a lot cheaper and in fact nil sometimes.

PBX hardware is not necessary to buy anymore in an office and thus there are no costs associated thus.

Similarly, hardware costs can be avoided along with additional charges pertaining to the addition, dismissal, and transfers of employees.

This helps the firm raise a common framework to act as a unified corporate cover.

VoIP for business thus becomes a common avenue to facilitate communication in the case of corporate and business long distance interests. The idea is the productivity can be optimized and costs reduced massively to stabilize finances for the firm and doing all of this without compromising on any sort of business turnover or efficiency. So switch to this service now for the greatest benefits you could not have imagined.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Learn the Advantages of Using Business Service VOIP

Learn the Advantages of Using Business Service VOIP

by Van Theodorou


In this article, I will be discussing the advantages of using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology for business transactions in Call Centers as well as in other Voice based services. In the first place, VoIP combines many facilities such as accounting facilities, web based applications, and other internet facilities such as mailing and conferencing with the customers.

VoIP would ensure enhanced customer service relations by connecting the employees to customers all over the world. As the services are operated over the Internet this also guarantees reduction of costs. It also makes sure that the employee is connected to his customer regardless of place and time.

VoIP not only caters to the Voice based services but also helps all business related programs through advanced facilities such as Video/Audio conferencing and online training programs. This technology can be used for business transactions as it ensures enhanced customer care services and minimum costs at the same time.

By using this technology, you can reduce travel costs as well as telephone costs. It enhances a direct relation between the customer and the employee without any delay or loss of money. VoIP is also flexible in terms of time management, diminishing of distance, and the location of the Call Centre.

The company can be located anywhere in the world without causing any difficulty in its relations with the customers, thereby expanding the business as well as the productivity of the services. This also ensures greater profit for the market as the costs are minimized and transactions are multiplied. This technology will also be helpful for the mobile employees who have to phone the customers as part of their job.

By using the VoIP technology, they can directly communicate with the customers without any intervention from the company in terms of directing the calls or approving the deal. This would also help the mobile employees to make any number of transactions to any number of people as the case may be.

These employees can remain in touch with the company as well as the customer at the same time. This also allows the company to hire more employees from different parts of the world and employ them at different branches of the main office. This technology is useful not just for the company and its employees but also for customers all over the world.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

VoIP PBX: Actualising Internet Telephony Services

VoIP PBX: Actualising Internet Telephony Services

by Kristen Kiya


Internet calling is possible because of the emergence of technologies such as VoIP. Though Voice over IP is a digital method but then it also requires a telephone exchange for transference of voice calls. The telephone exchange for VoIP networks is termed as VoIP PBX.

The principle of transference of voice in VoIP network is based on conversion of voice signals to digital formats and then reconversion of the same to the original voice form. In this process the voice has to pass through the PBX in order to get delivered to end users. In fact the PBX serves as a gateway for the digital transference of voice signals.

With VoIP PBX solutions becoming so widely known, it is becoming common for people to use the technology to connect to others. The technology is advanced and with it a user can transfer voice signals in digital form to the end users.

The technology is not just confined to forwarding voice calls. In fact, the users while making a call can also send messages, share files and indulge in other interesting activity such as conferencing. The system allows 3 way calling possible and so people can talk to a number of people simultaneously.

The call cost involved with the service is very low in-comparison to other methods of telephony. So, the users find it increasingly beneficial on their part to make long distance calls at a surprising low call rate. People can actually make use of the technology to send files to others very easily. So, business houses have started to use the technology for expanding their business. Business phone systems are increasing being converted to VoIP networks in big business establishments.

The possibility of sending files to users has become very prominent with this technology. The callers can simultaneously share video, image and other such files while forwarding the calls to the end users. Moreover, the technology being digital does not give rise to any generation loss. So, voice, images and videos transferred remain in their original form after being delivered to the end user. There are changes in quality even after the deliverance of voice. The PBX transfers the signals received in packet forms without making any changes in its format.

Thus the IP PBX VoIP solution is looked upon as a sole means to availing seamless internet phone connection. The users can connect to distant places at very low call cost. The service providers can also find it easy for them to provide the VoIP service with the help of VoIP PBX solutions.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

How To Choose The Right VOIP Service Provider

How To Choose The Right VOIP Service Provider

by Gen Wright


As technology continue to evolve at break neck speed, many online users are turning to VOIP technology for higher cost savings and greater convenience. International phone calls made from traditional phones usually lead to hefty phone bills. With VOIP technology, that is a thing of the past. These days, anyone with a computer, an IP phone, and an internet connection can make an international phone call at highly affordable rates (sometimes even for free).

But in order to take advantage of this wonderful technology, one must first join a VOIP service provider. A VOIP service provider is a supplier of internet phone services. You have to first sign up as a member to use their technology to make international phone calls.

Once you sign up with a service provider, you will be provided with special software that you need to install on your computer. A special piece of hardware such as an IP phone will also be needed. This may or may not be provided by your service provider. If it is not provided, you will have to purchase one on your own.

Using your IP phone, you will then be able to connect to the network using the software that you have just installed into your computer. Your calls will be free if you are calling someone who is also on the same network as you are. You only need to pay when you make calls to someone who is not a member of the network - such as calling someone on his or her personal cell phone. However, these calling rates are often more affordable than traditional international calling rates.

Of course, when choosing the right VOIP service provider, comparing calling rates is a must. After all, you don't want to be stuck with a provider where you can only call members who are on the same network as you are. And you can't call others simply because the rates are too high. It is rare that you find rates that are unreasonable high, but still, it is wise to make the comparison as this will lead to long term cost savings.

In addition to cost, read reviews on the quality of the products and services provided by the supplier. For instance, is the software buggy? Or is the voice quality great? Asking these important questions will help you make better buying decisions.

Also, as a consumer of VOIP services, you should also compare features offered by the many different service providers. Find out the specifications for special features like call forwarding, call waiting, call return, Caller ID and so on. Check if there are any additional fees for the features that you require.

In sum, there are three general areas that you should compare before making your decision - price, quality, and features. Always try to strike a balance between these three, and never decide based solely on price alone. For all you know, there may be some important features that are not available from the supplier, which you may discover that you sorely need later.

Getting Great Support From Your VOIP Service Provider

Getting Great Support From Your VOIP Service Provider

by Gen Wright


Having the use of innovative technology like VOIP is great but if the network you are on doesn't come with great support, you may be in for a few unpleasant surprises. This article will touch briefly on some of the support issues associated with VOIP.

In general, you may run into problems in two areas when using VOIP technology. Either your software gives you problems, or your hardware fails to function as it should. In both cases, you can't make VOIP calls successfully and you are going to need some help. Here is when support really matters. Hopefully, your service provider won't disappoint you in this area.

Support from your VOIP service provider may come from many channels. Some channels are passive (like having a comprehensive knowledge base on their website), while other channels are considered active (like having a human customer support rep to talk to when needed). Your job, is to determine if adequate support is available should the need arises.

So before joining any network, make sure that you check out their website to see what forms of support are available. Is there a support hot line you can call? Can you email them? If so, what is the expected response time? Also, make sure that there are enough self-help support materials on the website. This is very important because self-help materials that are detailed and comprehensive can help save a lot of time for all parties. For example, you may have some billing enquiries. After visiting the website, you find that you can easily check your billing records from their website.

Sometimes, you may face problems that require more technical knowledge. For instance, you may not know what devices are supported. For technical issues, it is always better to speak with someone who can offer expert advice. Otherwise, you may end up buying the wrong equipment.

Also, know that in the current competitive VOIP services climate, it is not uncommon for a supplier to provide a full-fledged online system to cater to the needs of its members. These are usually fully featured online platforms where members will be issued unique user names and password. This account is commonly known as a voice mail account.

Members may then log in to the website to perform a number of activities such as activating or deactivating special features, downgrading or upgrading their current package, or to simply browse for information on compatible hardware. Such a platform provides great convenience to the consumer, and also allows the service provider to scale its business to larger proportions.

After assessing the various support channels provided by your VOIP service provider, you may then decide whether the supplier has everything you need. In the event of problems occurring, you want to be sure that help is readily available. Otherwise, important phone calls may be missed due to technical glitches. So spend some time browsing the service providers' websites, and send them an email (or give them a call) if needed. This will help determine if a service provider is truly efficient when it comes to solving customers' problems.

VoIP