Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone system for receiving incoming calls and making outgoing calls using the Internet instead of the conventional methods. Today, there are three different types of Business VoIP systems available in the market and they are called - House VoIP, Hosted VoIP and Hybrid VoIP.
House VoIP is more aimed at established and successfully running business whose communication needs will be larger and who can also afford to buy the House system. Hosted VoIP is meant for businesses that are relatively new or businesses that are opening new branches and wish to postpone any long term phone equipment lease. Hybrid VoIP, as the name suggests, is for those businesses that want to continue with their existing non-VoIP phone systems but want to avail the benefits of the VoIP system.
As stated earlier, most well-established businesses would straightaway opt buying House VoIP also known as IP-PBX. It may be stated that House VoIP will basically resemble the conventional phone system and every employee will have a standard telephone instrument on his/her desk and there will be a PBX installed in some corner of their office. As the IP PBX equipment is installed within the premises, business owners can exercise direct control and ownership of the entire system. In other words, once a business invests in a House VoIP by installing an IP-PBX in-house, they will virtually become the phone company for all their remote offices and home offices by being able to provide Hosted VoIP services to all of them.
Hosted VoIP is more popularly known as 'Pay-As-You-Go' as it more hiring the system than owning. It would certainly cost more initially but the distinct advantage is you retain the flexibility if you are uncertain what your phone needs will be in future. With the Hosted VoIP version, your can have the business phones and enjoy all the features of VoIP phone service. But you may have to sacrifice the privileges that come with owning an IP-PBX. In this instance, the IP-PBX is not installed within your premises but you buy all the IP phones you need - one for each employee just as you have to do with House VoIP. You pay a monthly license fee to your Hosted VoIP provider for each and every IP phone that is functional.
The third version is the Hybrid VoIP which is meant for businesses that wish to combine the conventional phone system with VoIP to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. The fact is many businesses are quite satisfied with the functioning of their existing phone systems and are only interested in VoIP for its extra advantages. They wish to opt for Hybrid system if it can bring down their overall phone, data and Internet bills. Because of the huge costs involved in obtaining the old-fashioned non-VoIP dial tone, businesses are interested in the new Hybrid VoIP phone services.
However, the writing on the wall is bold and clear. Inasmuch as digital television has succeeded in replacing analogue television in a phased way, most businesses will soon opt for VoIP dial tone dispensing with the conventional systems. It is expected that companies now selecting the Hybrid system may eventually switch over straightaway to House system and will not favor going in for the intermediate Hosting system.
Friday, October 30, 2009
How to Make Cheap Calls to the UK
How to Make Cheap Calls to the UK
Since 1993, when it was announced that the World Wide Web would be available for everyone to use, the world of communication has significantly changed. Indeed, having started off as a way to exchange information, the internet has rapidly grown to include online businesses, forums and social networking sites.
As a result, there is a huge amount of people across the globe who log onto it every single day - around 1.6 billion - in order to conduct research, shop, work and to connect with others: this number has rapidly grown over the last nine years, from 360 million users.
Arguably, one of the biggest transformations to occur is the way that people speak to one another. Thanks to advancements in technology and web 2.0 applications, there are a number of companies who have harnessed the power of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in order to provide consumers with an effective and low cost way to make phone calls through their broadband connection.
While these services can be of benefit to everyone with the internet, they are particularly good for travellers or those who know people travelling. This is simply because call rates to international destinations are generally a lot cheaper than if you were calling from a traditional landline or with a phone card.
Take the UK as a prime example. Millions of people decide to head there every year, either for work or leisure purposes. And, if one of your friends or family members decides that they want to grab a slice of British culture and end up going there, you're going to want to keep in touch with them. However, speaking to them from a normal phone for any length of time is usually going to hit your pockets hard.
That's where VoIP comes into its own. By providing low call rates, which can start from as little as $0.024 per minute to UK landlines, it is possible to catch up with them properly, safe in the knowledge that you won't be bankrupt by the end of the conversation! Not only that, but due to the range of additional features offered, like free video calling and instant messaging, you can really enhance the way you interact with them.
To use VoIP, it is necessary to find and download a relevant software package - there are numerous available on the internet - and then set up an account. After installation, you then need to decide how you want to pay. Generally speaking, there are two main options: pay-as-you-go and taking out a monthly subscription.
The proliferation of internet services available has caused a huge change in the way people can interact with one another. VoIP services have hugely helped in this transformation and consequently, it is now easy to make cheap calls to the UK, as well as to a whole host of other local, national and international destinations.
Introduction to VoIP
Introduction to VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP or Internet telephony, is the transportation of voice conversations over the internet or through any other IP-based network rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Protocols which are used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or VoIP protocols. Some cost savings are due to utilizing a single network to carry voice and data. Users that have existing underutilized network capacity can use VoIP at no additional cost. VoIP to VoIP phone calls on any provider are typically free, while VoIP to PSTN calls generally costs the VoIP user.
There are two types of PSTN to VoIP services: DID (Direct Inward Dialing) and access numbers. DID connects the caller directly to the VoIP user, while access numbers require the caller to input the extension number of the VoIP user. Access numbers are usually charged as a local call to the caller and free to the VoIP user, while DID usually has a monthly fee. One can also find DID that are free to the VoIP user but charge the caller instead.
Key features of VoIP
VoIP can facilitate tasks that may be more difficult to achieve using traditional networks, such as:
* Routing phone calls over existing data networks to avoid the need for separate voice and data networks.
* Incoming phone calls can be automatically routed to your VoIP phone, regardless of where you are connected to the network. Take your VoIP phone with you on a trip, and receive incoming calls whenever you are connected to the Internet.
* Free phone numbers for use with VoIP are available in the USA, UK and other countries from several organizations.
* Call center agents using VoIP phones can work from anywhere with a sufficiently fast and stable Internet connection.
* Many VoIP packages include PSTN features that most Telcos normally charge extra for, or may be unavailable from your local Telco, such as 3-way calling, call forwarding, automatic redial, and caller ID.
* VoIP allows users to travel anywhere in the world and still make and receive phone calls.
Flexibility
* VoIP service users can make and receive local phone calls regardless of their location. For example, if a user has a US phone number and is traveling in Europe and someone calls the US phone number, it will ring in Europe. Conversely, if a call is made from Europe to US, it will be treated as a local call. Of course, there must be a connection to the internet, for e.g. Wi-Fi, to make all of this possible.
* Users of Instant Messenger based VoIP services can also travel anywhere in the world and make and receive phone calls.
* VoIP phones can integrate with other services available over the Internet, including video conversation, message or data file exchange, in parallel with the conversation, audio conferencing, managing address books and passing information about whether others (e.g. friends or colleagues) are available online to interested parties.
Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP or Internet telephony, is the transportation of voice conversations over the internet or through any other IP-based network rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Protocols which are used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or VoIP protocols. Some cost savings are due to utilizing a single network to carry voice and data. Users that have existing underutilized network capacity can use VoIP at no additional cost. VoIP to VoIP phone calls on any provider are typically free, while VoIP to PSTN calls generally costs the VoIP user.
There are two types of PSTN to VoIP services: DID (Direct Inward Dialing) and access numbers. DID connects the caller directly to the VoIP user, while access numbers require the caller to input the extension number of the VoIP user. Access numbers are usually charged as a local call to the caller and free to the VoIP user, while DID usually has a monthly fee. One can also find DID that are free to the VoIP user but charge the caller instead.
Key features of VoIP
VoIP can facilitate tasks that may be more difficult to achieve using traditional networks, such as:
* Routing phone calls over existing data networks to avoid the need for separate voice and data networks.
* Incoming phone calls can be automatically routed to your VoIP phone, regardless of where you are connected to the network. Take your VoIP phone with you on a trip, and receive incoming calls whenever you are connected to the Internet.
* Free phone numbers for use with VoIP are available in the USA, UK and other countries from several organizations.
* Call center agents using VoIP phones can work from anywhere with a sufficiently fast and stable Internet connection.
* Many VoIP packages include PSTN features that most Telcos normally charge extra for, or may be unavailable from your local Telco, such as 3-way calling, call forwarding, automatic redial, and caller ID.
* VoIP allows users to travel anywhere in the world and still make and receive phone calls.
Flexibility
* VoIP service users can make and receive local phone calls regardless of their location. For example, if a user has a US phone number and is traveling in Europe and someone calls the US phone number, it will ring in Europe. Conversely, if a call is made from Europe to US, it will be treated as a local call. Of course, there must be a connection to the internet, for e.g. Wi-Fi, to make all of this possible.
* Users of Instant Messenger based VoIP services can also travel anywhere in the world and make and receive phone calls.
* VoIP phones can integrate with other services available over the Internet, including video conversation, message or data file exchange, in parallel with the conversation, audio conferencing, managing address books and passing information about whether others (e.g. friends or colleagues) are available online to interested parties.
VoIP at a Glance
VoIP at a Glance
VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, is a new age makeover to an age-old communication tool that uses the Broadband internet connection for operating phones. VoIP's competitive advantage over other systems' lies in its ability to cut costs for the consumers. It is a user friendly system that offers collaborative space for all types of communication. In the current economic environment, VoIP phone systems act not only as cost-saving tools, but as investments towards a more connected workforce in a globalized economy. Small and medium-sized businesses are bound to reap the rewards of this trend as knowledge and communication play a leading role in their overall strategy and technology is collapsing the boundaries that keep these internal systems from becoming more dominant processes.
Why Switch to VoIP?
There are many advantages to utilizing business grade, VOIP enabled broadband for your small, medium or large business. VOIP is the cost effective solution to getting a handle on rising communications costs and increased demand to have sophisticated phones systems in place. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) in conjunction with an IP PBX system provides enterprise-class phone capabilities easily connecting satellite offices together at drastic savings compared with traditional phone systems. VOIP for your business brings a simplified infrastructure, advanced features and cost savings for all of your communications needs. Research and compare business VOIP providers to find the right VOIP solutions for your business.
Business VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) involves using your Internet connection to place and receive calls. A business VoIP phone solution like Rapid Response is the same as residential VoIP except that business VoIP includes a PBX and offers many more advanced features like desk to desk calling, automated attendant, managing extensions, music on hold, find me - follow me, conference calling and much more. Business VoIP also often includes an Internet connection that routes calls over a private network which guarantees quality phone calls.
VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, is a new age makeover to an age-old communication tool that uses the Broadband internet connection for operating phones. VoIP's competitive advantage over other systems' lies in its ability to cut costs for the consumers. It is a user friendly system that offers collaborative space for all types of communication. In the current economic environment, VoIP phone systems act not only as cost-saving tools, but as investments towards a more connected workforce in a globalized economy. Small and medium-sized businesses are bound to reap the rewards of this trend as knowledge and communication play a leading role in their overall strategy and technology is collapsing the boundaries that keep these internal systems from becoming more dominant processes.
Why Switch to VoIP?
There are many advantages to utilizing business grade, VOIP enabled broadband for your small, medium or large business. VOIP is the cost effective solution to getting a handle on rising communications costs and increased demand to have sophisticated phones systems in place. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) in conjunction with an IP PBX system provides enterprise-class phone capabilities easily connecting satellite offices together at drastic savings compared with traditional phone systems. VOIP for your business brings a simplified infrastructure, advanced features and cost savings for all of your communications needs. Research and compare business VOIP providers to find the right VOIP solutions for your business.
Business VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) involves using your Internet connection to place and receive calls. A business VoIP phone solution like Rapid Response is the same as residential VoIP except that business VoIP includes a PBX and offers many more advanced features like desk to desk calling, automated attendant, managing extensions, music on hold, find me - follow me, conference calling and much more. Business VoIP also often includes an Internet connection that routes calls over a private network which guarantees quality phone calls.
VoIP Security Considerations
VoIP Security Considerations
For a successful VoIP rollout across an organization, several factors should be considered. The following precautions will help eliminate the most common VoIP security threats such as the distributed denial of service (DoS) attack, spams and frauds.
During VoIP configuration/installation, it is important to establish security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, etc., to be capable of supporting the advanced security requirements for VoIP and be voice optimized at the same time. The VoIP security protocols dynamically allocate ports during call setup, requiring opening and closing of ports at the security gateway on demand. The protocol required the voice traffic inspection at the network and application level to address the challenges of VoIP protocols in Network Address Translation (NAT) environments.
Similar to other services using network, there are critical security vulnerabilities being identified for VoIP. It is important to have the IP-PBX and IP Phone firmwares always updated and patched for the latest security vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of your VoIP infrastructure provide identification and remediation of such security flaws to avoid attacks and prevent outages. Your IP-PBX is the heart of your VoIP infrastructure and it must be updated and patched as necessary.
Since the VoIP gateways, servers and phone can be configured remotely, backdoor and front door access is sometimes enabled for ease of configuration. It is recommended to properly secure any remote access and configuration capabilities to individual VoIP devices to eliminate any security breaches. It is important to note that the endpoint credentials and administrator passwords on such devices are a very common avenue for attacks. In general, disable any insecure remote access features, such as FTP and Telnet, and disable local administration and management features.
If your VoIP traffic goes over the Internet, use encryption technologies like IPsec tunnels to secure the VoIP traffic. While many of the VoIP protocols include capabilities for encryption and authentication, most of them are optional. It is essential to establish secure tunnels for carrying the VoIP information streams (call signaling, call control and media) between sites.
Wherever possible, leverage VLANs to separate voice and data devices and traffic. This may have limited impact on security, however deploying VoIP devices on separate VLANs isolates data traffic from voice and signaling traffic and permits utilization of Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities.
When creating passwords for accounts, follow secure password guidelines such as making password long, using a combination of numbers and alphabets, not using common names, or same as the account numbers.
For a successful VoIP rollout across an organization, several factors should be considered. The following precautions will help eliminate the most common VoIP security threats such as the distributed denial of service (DoS) attack, spams and frauds.
During VoIP configuration/installation, it is important to establish security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, etc., to be capable of supporting the advanced security requirements for VoIP and be voice optimized at the same time. The VoIP security protocols dynamically allocate ports during call setup, requiring opening and closing of ports at the security gateway on demand. The protocol required the voice traffic inspection at the network and application level to address the challenges of VoIP protocols in Network Address Translation (NAT) environments.
Similar to other services using network, there are critical security vulnerabilities being identified for VoIP. It is important to have the IP-PBX and IP Phone firmwares always updated and patched for the latest security vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of your VoIP infrastructure provide identification and remediation of such security flaws to avoid attacks and prevent outages. Your IP-PBX is the heart of your VoIP infrastructure and it must be updated and patched as necessary.
Since the VoIP gateways, servers and phone can be configured remotely, backdoor and front door access is sometimes enabled for ease of configuration. It is recommended to properly secure any remote access and configuration capabilities to individual VoIP devices to eliminate any security breaches. It is important to note that the endpoint credentials and administrator passwords on such devices are a very common avenue for attacks. In general, disable any insecure remote access features, such as FTP and Telnet, and disable local administration and management features.
If your VoIP traffic goes over the Internet, use encryption technologies like IPsec tunnels to secure the VoIP traffic. While many of the VoIP protocols include capabilities for encryption and authentication, most of them are optional. It is essential to establish secure tunnels for carrying the VoIP information streams (call signaling, call control and media) between sites.
Wherever possible, leverage VLANs to separate voice and data devices and traffic. This may have limited impact on security, however deploying VoIP devices on separate VLANs isolates data traffic from voice and signaling traffic and permits utilization of Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities.
When creating passwords for accounts, follow secure password guidelines such as making password long, using a combination of numbers and alphabets, not using common names, or same as the account numbers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Top 5 VoIP problems and solving methods
Top 5 VoIP problems and solving methods
As is known to many, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone system for both incoming and outgoing phone calls using the broadband Internet - dispensing with the traditional method. Today, VoIP phone system is favored by many self-employed professionals and business houses for its several key features including voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID.
It needs to be mentioned that VoIP phone system for business that regularly communicates with overseas clients as the savings can be enormous. Switching over to VoIP is not only cost-effective, but also relatively easy if you already have broadband Internet - the basic pre-requisite for using VoIP system. This is not to say that VoIP phone systems will never give the user any problems.
VoIP suppliers believe, and rightly too, that a well-informed user can be a greater beneficiary in using all the extraordinary features VoIP offers at minimal cost. One of the chief attractions of VoIP is sending faxes and the fact remains that many business houses do a lot of faxing.
It has to be conceded that faxing over VoIP is only an incidental benefit and can achieved only with moderate success and that too, after a few settings have been made on the fax machine. The settings include lowering the Baud rate to 9600 and disabling the error correction mode. You must also ascertain from your VoIP provider what codecs they offer, as in most cases a G711 codec would be required for using faxes.
Apart from faxing the most likely common problems that may occur and their likely solutions are:
Not receiving all incoming calls: If the IAD is unable to register with your VoIP provider, then there will be loss of incoming calls. If you have voicemail facility on your VoIP account, then your provider will route the call to your voicemail. You may ask your VoIP provider for providing voicemail, so that calls can be redirected. Another option is a feature called "Call Forwarding upon the Loss of Registration". If this feature is enabled, then during loss of your Internet connection, the call will automatically get forwarded to a preset number.
Despite having broadband Internet, unable to make outgoing calls due to absence of dial tone: Check for a corresponding light on phone no: 1 provided you have a Linksys router/IAD. If there is no light, reboot the IAD. If the light on phone 1is present, then try connecting a phone directly to the IAD without any devices or splitters between the IAD and the phone. If need be, change phone cords and/or the phone.
My calls sound unclear and quite often choppy: Disturbed audio is usually caused either due to inadequate bandwidth or from Internet congestion. Contact your ISP for a higher level of service with more bandwidth. If you find the problem occurring far too often, let the ISP check your connection. VoIP providers sometimes offer a more compressed codec or bandwidth saver setting. Changing the codec is known to solve the problem in many cases.
There is an echo sound that is annoying: Decrease the volume of the phones to prevent feedback. Take out any separate caller ID's or splitters.
Static or buzzing noise: Buzzing noise or static is most likely the result of analog or electrical interference into the phone lines or phone. Make sure the cordless phones are charged and do not have weak batteries in the handset. Change channels on the phone to see which one is best. Try connecting a phone directly to the IAD to see if the buzzing ceases.
As is known to many, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone system for both incoming and outgoing phone calls using the broadband Internet - dispensing with the traditional method. Today, VoIP phone system is favored by many self-employed professionals and business houses for its several key features including voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID.
It needs to be mentioned that VoIP phone system for business that regularly communicates with overseas clients as the savings can be enormous. Switching over to VoIP is not only cost-effective, but also relatively easy if you already have broadband Internet - the basic pre-requisite for using VoIP system. This is not to say that VoIP phone systems will never give the user any problems.
VoIP suppliers believe, and rightly too, that a well-informed user can be a greater beneficiary in using all the extraordinary features VoIP offers at minimal cost. One of the chief attractions of VoIP is sending faxes and the fact remains that many business houses do a lot of faxing.
It has to be conceded that faxing over VoIP is only an incidental benefit and can achieved only with moderate success and that too, after a few settings have been made on the fax machine. The settings include lowering the Baud rate to 9600 and disabling the error correction mode. You must also ascertain from your VoIP provider what codecs they offer, as in most cases a G711 codec would be required for using faxes.
Apart from faxing the most likely common problems that may occur and their likely solutions are:
Not receiving all incoming calls: If the IAD is unable to register with your VoIP provider, then there will be loss of incoming calls. If you have voicemail facility on your VoIP account, then your provider will route the call to your voicemail. You may ask your VoIP provider for providing voicemail, so that calls can be redirected. Another option is a feature called "Call Forwarding upon the Loss of Registration". If this feature is enabled, then during loss of your Internet connection, the call will automatically get forwarded to a preset number.
Despite having broadband Internet, unable to make outgoing calls due to absence of dial tone: Check for a corresponding light on phone no: 1 provided you have a Linksys router/IAD. If there is no light, reboot the IAD. If the light on phone 1is present, then try connecting a phone directly to the IAD without any devices or splitters between the IAD and the phone. If need be, change phone cords and/or the phone.
My calls sound unclear and quite often choppy: Disturbed audio is usually caused either due to inadequate bandwidth or from Internet congestion. Contact your ISP for a higher level of service with more bandwidth. If you find the problem occurring far too often, let the ISP check your connection. VoIP providers sometimes offer a more compressed codec or bandwidth saver setting. Changing the codec is known to solve the problem in many cases.
There is an echo sound that is annoying: Decrease the volume of the phones to prevent feedback. Take out any separate caller ID's or splitters.
Static or buzzing noise: Buzzing noise or static is most likely the result of analog or electrical interference into the phone lines or phone. Make sure the cordless phones are charged and do not have weak batteries in the handset. Change channels on the phone to see which one is best. Try connecting a phone directly to the IAD to see if the buzzing ceases.
VoIP Provider Services Power Up Cost-Effective Technology Integration Expect Easy and Adaptable
VoIP Provider Services Power Up Cost-Effective Technology Integration Expect Easy and Adaptable
VoIP provider services do more than save you money. A VoIP provider has the power to integrate technology to increase business performance. Make sure you select a VoIP service provider that can be easily implemented with your selected technology to create your high-performance operations center.
VoIP integrates telecommunication and technology into a highly cost-effective mobile business operations center that can communicate instantaneously and internationally 24/7. "Voice over Internet Protocol" is more than just cost-savings when compared to traditional line-burdened business phone providers. VoIP provider services follow the technologies of today - they don't stand alone on a tarnished office desk at the mercy of 9-5 office hours. VoIP systems follow employees, executives, clients and customers anywhere and at any time through multiple modern-day devices. VoIP widens the range of communication beyond the landline and beyond the cell phone. VoIP can go where your traditional business phone can't - anywhere there is an Internet-enabled device.
Mobility is the competitive edge now and certainly in the future. There is no doubt that the Internet has proved itself to be wirelessly mobile. Technology and telecommunication services show no signs of impending stagnancy as engineers continue to develop innovative voice-enabled applications - the global Internet powering its reach. With VoIP services, your business will easily conquer the limitations of traditional phones, and your business operations will flourish from the increased speed, quantity, flexibility and adaptability of a high-performance VoIP provider.
Not all VoIP service providers seek the status of being a high-performance business application, many are not afraid to compete on price alone. However, if your business demands productivity and smooth operations, you should demand a high-performance VoIP provider that does more than save you a few cents on long-distance calls.
Every business depends on voice communication, both in the office and in the outside world. Communication can make or break a business. Your VoIP service provider must ensure that your communication will be available, reliable and flexible. VoIP providers must not only be able to provide their service over a broadband connection, but also over a Wi-Fi network. Your VoIP service should be accessible over smartphones, PBX and other networked IP enabled telephony systems. The more powerful and flexible your VoIP provider is, the more powerful and flexible your business can be.
Integrating an Internet Protocol voice communication system within your enterprise requires taking a look at your ideal unified communication system. Mobility and communication demands are unique to each company. A small manufacturing or construction company will have communication demands that starkly contrast with an international sales firm - yet VoIP enables each to significantly improve their business performance. Determine your ideal communication system for your business operations - then determine the hardware and VoIP connectivity that can make it happen. Look at the hardware and the tools you need to create your desired business productivity goals.
There are obvious performance objectives a VoIP service provider must meet. Cost-effectiveness has been the fire under world-wide movement towards VoIP acceptance, and VoIP's low cost will be reflected in business expenditure reports. Clarity, dependability and reliability is a must. A satisfactory VoIP provider should provide help support as well as software and hardware guarantees. There should be room and flexibility for upgrades and changes. The software and hardware should be user-friendly and serve the needs of the corporation. But before a corporation or other business can determine if a VoIP provider can meet performance objectives, they must first determine the needs of the business enterprise.
For VoIP provider performance to support your business growth, communication avenues must be thoroughly analyzed as they currently run in business operations, and how they will run with future business growth and increased technological capabilities. At the very least, these communication avenues include employer-employee communication, employee-employee communication, new client/customer communication, current client/customer communication, prospective client/customer communication, manufacturer/supplier communication, on-site management communication, data gathering and sharing, and scheduling.
VoIP provider services do more than save you money. A VoIP provider has the power to integrate technology to increase business performance. Make sure you select a VoIP service provider that can be easily implemented with your selected technology to create your high-performance operations center.
VoIP integrates telecommunication and technology into a highly cost-effective mobile business operations center that can communicate instantaneously and internationally 24/7. "Voice over Internet Protocol" is more than just cost-savings when compared to traditional line-burdened business phone providers. VoIP provider services follow the technologies of today - they don't stand alone on a tarnished office desk at the mercy of 9-5 office hours. VoIP systems follow employees, executives, clients and customers anywhere and at any time through multiple modern-day devices. VoIP widens the range of communication beyond the landline and beyond the cell phone. VoIP can go where your traditional business phone can't - anywhere there is an Internet-enabled device.
Mobility is the competitive edge now and certainly in the future. There is no doubt that the Internet has proved itself to be wirelessly mobile. Technology and telecommunication services show no signs of impending stagnancy as engineers continue to develop innovative voice-enabled applications - the global Internet powering its reach. With VoIP services, your business will easily conquer the limitations of traditional phones, and your business operations will flourish from the increased speed, quantity, flexibility and adaptability of a high-performance VoIP provider.
Not all VoIP service providers seek the status of being a high-performance business application, many are not afraid to compete on price alone. However, if your business demands productivity and smooth operations, you should demand a high-performance VoIP provider that does more than save you a few cents on long-distance calls.
Every business depends on voice communication, both in the office and in the outside world. Communication can make or break a business. Your VoIP service provider must ensure that your communication will be available, reliable and flexible. VoIP providers must not only be able to provide their service over a broadband connection, but also over a Wi-Fi network. Your VoIP service should be accessible over smartphones, PBX and other networked IP enabled telephony systems. The more powerful and flexible your VoIP provider is, the more powerful and flexible your business can be.
Integrating an Internet Protocol voice communication system within your enterprise requires taking a look at your ideal unified communication system. Mobility and communication demands are unique to each company. A small manufacturing or construction company will have communication demands that starkly contrast with an international sales firm - yet VoIP enables each to significantly improve their business performance. Determine your ideal communication system for your business operations - then determine the hardware and VoIP connectivity that can make it happen. Look at the hardware and the tools you need to create your desired business productivity goals.
There are obvious performance objectives a VoIP service provider must meet. Cost-effectiveness has been the fire under world-wide movement towards VoIP acceptance, and VoIP's low cost will be reflected in business expenditure reports. Clarity, dependability and reliability is a must. A satisfactory VoIP provider should provide help support as well as software and hardware guarantees. There should be room and flexibility for upgrades and changes. The software and hardware should be user-friendly and serve the needs of the corporation. But before a corporation or other business can determine if a VoIP provider can meet performance objectives, they must first determine the needs of the business enterprise.
For VoIP provider performance to support your business growth, communication avenues must be thoroughly analyzed as they currently run in business operations, and how they will run with future business growth and increased technological capabilities. At the very least, these communication avenues include employer-employee communication, employee-employee communication, new client/customer communication, current client/customer communication, prospective client/customer communication, manufacturer/supplier communication, on-site management communication, data gathering and sharing, and scheduling.
Crisis Management with Advanced Business Phone Systems
Crisis Management with Advanced Business Phone Systems
Crisis management and organisational agility can improve with the deployment of advanced business phone systems that are networked to provide flexibility, speed and accuracy. Businesses continuity in the face of change is the armor that can protect a business from impending disaster and unavoidable failure.
Advanced business phone systems integrate a collection of voice, data and multimedia technologies into business operations that reach the executive desk, the home-based employee and the traveling business representative. This collection of technology optimises business operations for increased business performance by providing the ways and means for communication and information to transfer anywhere and at any time. With advanced business phone systems, businesses are immediately protected from potential financial endangerment since advanced business phone systems can transfer decision-making information at real-time speeds over a global network area between multiple employees using a variety of platforms.
Crisis management requires organisational agility. A competitor's unexpected dynamic product roll-out requires all departments to shift gears to counteract the impact of the product's introduction into the market. R&D, sales and marketing, engineering, public relations, administrative and executive departments must communicate fast and furiously to ensure that their business is not pummeled out of the market. Businesses that are equipped with business phone systems that provide mobile communications with advanced data-sharing functions will be prepared to face a competitor's unexpected product roll-outs, enticing marketing messages and strategic business acquisitions.
Business phone systems that are networked and enabled for crisis management and organisational agility are also able to manage changes in market conditions and unexpected events such as product recalls, food recalls, defective parts and merchandise, harmful medical reactions, political and regulation changes, and shocking stock market indicators.
The threat of losing a top revenue contributor is a crisis that demands the instant communication and data-sharing capabilities of advanced business phone systems. CRM databases, sales histories, business forecasts, appointments, real-time virtual meetings, three-way calling and competitor research can all be accessed within minutes over standard phones, mobile phones, laptops or PCs with VoIP and Internet enabled business phone systems. The organisation must be prepared to immediately accommodate the client, and be prepared to adapt to the loss of revenue while developing strategies to create replacement revenue and cut expenses. Similarly, the threat of losing an executive or long-term employee requires a shift in procedure and organisational agility.
Expenses and business outlays are reduced with advanced business phone systems. VoIP reduces the cost of business calls, phone systems are easily upgraded without burdening hardware changes and interruptive rewiring, and business costs can be reduced by accommodating at-home workers with mobile and Internet-based technologies.
Business phone systems networked for business operations and crisis management with advanced telecommunication and Internet technologies will supply your organisation with the tools needed for flexibility, speed and accuracy. Business stability, performance and success depends on the deployment of an advanced business phone system. Protect your business with an advanced business phone system, and watch your business survive through the most daunting business challenges that even your competitors can't withstand.
Crisis management and organisational agility can improve with the deployment of advanced business phone systems that are networked to provide flexibility, speed and accuracy. Businesses continuity in the face of change is the armor that can protect a business from impending disaster and unavoidable failure.
Advanced business phone systems integrate a collection of voice, data and multimedia technologies into business operations that reach the executive desk, the home-based employee and the traveling business representative. This collection of technology optimises business operations for increased business performance by providing the ways and means for communication and information to transfer anywhere and at any time. With advanced business phone systems, businesses are immediately protected from potential financial endangerment since advanced business phone systems can transfer decision-making information at real-time speeds over a global network area between multiple employees using a variety of platforms.
Crisis management requires organisational agility. A competitor's unexpected dynamic product roll-out requires all departments to shift gears to counteract the impact of the product's introduction into the market. R&D, sales and marketing, engineering, public relations, administrative and executive departments must communicate fast and furiously to ensure that their business is not pummeled out of the market. Businesses that are equipped with business phone systems that provide mobile communications with advanced data-sharing functions will be prepared to face a competitor's unexpected product roll-outs, enticing marketing messages and strategic business acquisitions.
Business phone systems that are networked and enabled for crisis management and organisational agility are also able to manage changes in market conditions and unexpected events such as product recalls, food recalls, defective parts and merchandise, harmful medical reactions, political and regulation changes, and shocking stock market indicators.
The threat of losing a top revenue contributor is a crisis that demands the instant communication and data-sharing capabilities of advanced business phone systems. CRM databases, sales histories, business forecasts, appointments, real-time virtual meetings, three-way calling and competitor research can all be accessed within minutes over standard phones, mobile phones, laptops or PCs with VoIP and Internet enabled business phone systems. The organisation must be prepared to immediately accommodate the client, and be prepared to adapt to the loss of revenue while developing strategies to create replacement revenue and cut expenses. Similarly, the threat of losing an executive or long-term employee requires a shift in procedure and organisational agility.
Expenses and business outlays are reduced with advanced business phone systems. VoIP reduces the cost of business calls, phone systems are easily upgraded without burdening hardware changes and interruptive rewiring, and business costs can be reduced by accommodating at-home workers with mobile and Internet-based technologies.
Business phone systems networked for business operations and crisis management with advanced telecommunication and Internet technologies will supply your organisation with the tools needed for flexibility, speed and accuracy. Business stability, performance and success depends on the deployment of an advanced business phone system. Protect your business with an advanced business phone system, and watch your business survive through the most daunting business challenges that even your competitors can't withstand.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Skyping with yourself: - the new VoIP phenomenon
Skyping with yourself: - the new VoIP phenomenon
With the vocal complaints of a large number of Skype users now reaching fever pitch, Danny Wirken summarises the latest offering from problem-ridden Skype - talking to you.
Not so long ago I could rely on Skype giving me a great connection. I used her for all my internet calling needs even when I discovered you could get far cheaper calls from other VoIP providers. All right I'll admit it - I just plain liked Skype.
Yet despite my affection for this upstart company who blasted onto the internet scene late 2003 with their beta offering, I find myself slowly agreeing with those who are packing up their Skype lives and moving to a different internet telephony service. But what is forcing them to change?
"When I use Skype to call my friend I can't hear anything they say - even though they can hear me! It's just like talking to yourself.."
Aside from having to wait several days to get your account credited - even when they already took the money off your card - the major gripe echoing forth from the internet communities once so devoted and loyal to the Skype and SkypeOut life is one of fundamental importance. The Skype connections just don't work well.
Some analysts say that Skype has moved too quickly and is simply the victim of its own success. Others still claim that desires to keep costs down have forced them into a tight corner with regards to customer service and technology.
Customers are now complaining that Skype calls frequently experience a two-second-time delay between people speaking and listening. This can result in confused and frustrating conversations in which one must wait seconds before speaking to ensure the other person has finished what they are saying. Not being able to hear in 'real time' somewhat obviates the entire service.
Others still complain that the Skype calls just aren't going through at all:
"My Skype calls don't go through often, and if they do then you just don't hear the other person even though they can hear me just fine. I don't get it and I've had enough."
Fears over the recent downturn in service from Skype were confirmed recently by yet another week of disruptions to calls to USA based numbers. For many customers this was a final straw, as being able to get cheaper calls to US phones was their main reason for investing in the service to begin with.
Skype replied with an attempt to reassure their growing customer base. They claim to make regular checks on all call performance-related technologies across their global network and continually seek to enhance the performance of their connections. A spokeswoman for Skype commented that: "As our growth does indicate, we have a larger number of satisfied customers." Yet this is perhaps optimistic, for it is not the gaining of new customers that Skype needs to concern itself with - there is no doubt that the grassroots marketing they have employed is doing a fantastic job. Customer retention, however, may yet be a bigger
With the vocal complaints of a large number of Skype users now reaching fever pitch, Danny Wirken summarises the latest offering from problem-ridden Skype - talking to you.
Not so long ago I could rely on Skype giving me a great connection. I used her for all my internet calling needs even when I discovered you could get far cheaper calls from other VoIP providers. All right I'll admit it - I just plain liked Skype.
Yet despite my affection for this upstart company who blasted onto the internet scene late 2003 with their beta offering, I find myself slowly agreeing with those who are packing up their Skype lives and moving to a different internet telephony service. But what is forcing them to change?
"When I use Skype to call my friend I can't hear anything they say - even though they can hear me! It's just like talking to yourself.."
Aside from having to wait several days to get your account credited - even when they already took the money off your card - the major gripe echoing forth from the internet communities once so devoted and loyal to the Skype and SkypeOut life is one of fundamental importance. The Skype connections just don't work well.
Some analysts say that Skype has moved too quickly and is simply the victim of its own success. Others still claim that desires to keep costs down have forced them into a tight corner with regards to customer service and technology.
Customers are now complaining that Skype calls frequently experience a two-second-time delay between people speaking and listening. This can result in confused and frustrating conversations in which one must wait seconds before speaking to ensure the other person has finished what they are saying. Not being able to hear in 'real time' somewhat obviates the entire service.
Others still complain that the Skype calls just aren't going through at all:
"My Skype calls don't go through often, and if they do then you just don't hear the other person even though they can hear me just fine. I don't get it and I've had enough."
Fears over the recent downturn in service from Skype were confirmed recently by yet another week of disruptions to calls to USA based numbers. For many customers this was a final straw, as being able to get cheaper calls to US phones was their main reason for investing in the service to begin with.
Skype replied with an attempt to reassure their growing customer base. They claim to make regular checks on all call performance-related technologies across their global network and continually seek to enhance the performance of their connections. A spokeswoman for Skype commented that: "As our growth does indicate, we have a larger number of satisfied customers." Yet this is perhaps optimistic, for it is not the gaining of new customers that Skype needs to concern itself with - there is no doubt that the grassroots marketing they have employed is doing a fantastic job. Customer retention, however, may yet be a bigger
What would be consider for VOIP price
What would be consider for VOIP price
The one chief reason why self-employed professionals and business houses should consider using VoIP is its advanced technology and its resultant capability to provide most economically many important service features. Interestingly, call recipients need not have VoIP in order to receive your calls made from a VoIP phone. Thus you will not lose any incoming /outgoing calls because of using VoIP. Businesses already using broadband Internet will find it easy to switch over to VoIP system as broadband Internet is the prime requirement to use VoIP.
If you are convinced that VoIP phone system will help you boost your business prospect - as surely it will - you will have to select a reputed and reliable vendor to provide the type of VoIP service you need. There are some pertinent issues you need to seriously consider while seeking quotes from different potential vendors for VoIP system. Instead of deciding on a vendor who offers the lowest quote, it is safer to select a vendor whose services are reliable and has a sound track record.
The vendor must be willing to train your employees on the correct use of VoIP system and the ability to access all its features. This is necessary to avoid start up delays and making your employees needlessly tamper with the system.
Try to know in clear terms the arrangements for system maintenance - What about system maintenance? Will the vendor maintain the system and rectify problems remotely, or will they visit your office to fix the problems?
Discreetly find out from the existing clients of the vendors how reliable are the services offered. Check also to find out if they have network performance monitoring in place so they can proactively monitor your problem. You can certainly opt for a vendor who provides this type of maintenance services.
What is the vendor's uptime and how do they handle power outages? Choose a vendor who offers automatic data back up.
Ascertain what the standard features are and what the optional features are. From a business point of view, you may certainly find useful features like caller ID, follow-me, multiple four-digit extensions, voice mail forwarding to email, after- office hours forwarding, system administration management, etc.
To meet the security needs of your business, the vendor should suggest suitable software or other solutions to for working with your system.
Insist on the vendor testing your network to be sure that it has the capability to handle and support the telephone traffic that will be produced by adding a VoIP system.
If you receive many favorable reports, then it is likely that the vendor will provide you with good service.
Rest assured there are plenty of vendors out there and you should consider all the factors, weigh the pros and cons before making the final selection. Please bear in mind that communication is of critical importance for successfully running any business and you can ill-afford to experiment with wrong vendors. Besides, installing a VoIP system is a big investment and hence you will want a vendor who will provide all the services your business requires, as well as reliable long-term technical support.
The one chief reason why self-employed professionals and business houses should consider using VoIP is its advanced technology and its resultant capability to provide most economically many important service features. Interestingly, call recipients need not have VoIP in order to receive your calls made from a VoIP phone. Thus you will not lose any incoming /outgoing calls because of using VoIP. Businesses already using broadband Internet will find it easy to switch over to VoIP system as broadband Internet is the prime requirement to use VoIP.
If you are convinced that VoIP phone system will help you boost your business prospect - as surely it will - you will have to select a reputed and reliable vendor to provide the type of VoIP service you need. There are some pertinent issues you need to seriously consider while seeking quotes from different potential vendors for VoIP system. Instead of deciding on a vendor who offers the lowest quote, it is safer to select a vendor whose services are reliable and has a sound track record.
The vendor must be willing to train your employees on the correct use of VoIP system and the ability to access all its features. This is necessary to avoid start up delays and making your employees needlessly tamper with the system.
Try to know in clear terms the arrangements for system maintenance - What about system maintenance? Will the vendor maintain the system and rectify problems remotely, or will they visit your office to fix the problems?
Discreetly find out from the existing clients of the vendors how reliable are the services offered. Check also to find out if they have network performance monitoring in place so they can proactively monitor your problem. You can certainly opt for a vendor who provides this type of maintenance services.
What is the vendor's uptime and how do they handle power outages? Choose a vendor who offers automatic data back up.
Ascertain what the standard features are and what the optional features are. From a business point of view, you may certainly find useful features like caller ID, follow-me, multiple four-digit extensions, voice mail forwarding to email, after- office hours forwarding, system administration management, etc.
To meet the security needs of your business, the vendor should suggest suitable software or other solutions to for working with your system.
Insist on the vendor testing your network to be sure that it has the capability to handle and support the telephone traffic that will be produced by adding a VoIP system.
If you receive many favorable reports, then it is likely that the vendor will provide you with good service.
Rest assured there are plenty of vendors out there and you should consider all the factors, weigh the pros and cons before making the final selection. Please bear in mind that communication is of critical importance for successfully running any business and you can ill-afford to experiment with wrong vendors. Besides, installing a VoIP system is a big investment and hence you will want a vendor who will provide all the services your business requires, as well as reliable long-term technical support.
Calling China Through VoIP At Cheap Rates
Calling China Through VoIP At Cheap Rates
China is the world's largest economy. Technological advancement has made this country very much popular with every passing year. This is one of the developing nations of the world. But it is technically very much sound. Looking at its progress in the field science and technology, other nations are getting involved into business deals with China. That is why, calling China at a cheap and convenient way is an utmost need for many people.
For this purpose, VoIP is the most appropriate technique. It is simple technique. Here one can make calls through Internet. Without any extra set up, just with help of a PC and a speedy broadband connection, one can make cheap calling to China or Call China or any other part of the world. In order to use this service, one needs to get himself registered under the VoIP service provider. Once the registration process is over, you will be entitled to get all the facilities offered by VoIP. Most of time it happens that cost of making calls to global calls is a pain for the people as it costs extremely high. That is why everyone is in a need of cheap calling scheme. VoIP can manage to forward the calls at a reasonable rate. It has many advantages and that is why more and more people are opting for this service.
All the necessary information about VoIP is available on the websites. So, if the user has any doubt, he can clear them from these sites. Also one can directly download the VoIP software from the websites. Users do not have to go through any training to use this technique. It is very simple to use. One more benefit of this system is that, this VoIP number is associated to the person using it not to any place. So, even if the user is out of station, he or she does not have to panic about missing the important calls or receiving the calls from others. No matter where he is, if he has the software and the system, he can easily be in touch with everyone. Alongwith this, it has the capacity to deliver the calls with with a tremendous voice quality. It is an important point as while making distant calls, there is a probability of voice breaking during conversation. So, if the quality of the service is good, then caller can enjoy the talks. This way it has every possible points to attract the customers towards this plan.
China is the world's largest economy. Technological advancement has made this country very much popular with every passing year. This is one of the developing nations of the world. But it is technically very much sound. Looking at its progress in the field science and technology, other nations are getting involved into business deals with China. That is why, calling China at a cheap and convenient way is an utmost need for many people.
For this purpose, VoIP is the most appropriate technique. It is simple technique. Here one can make calls through Internet. Without any extra set up, just with help of a PC and a speedy broadband connection, one can make cheap calling to China or Call China or any other part of the world. In order to use this service, one needs to get himself registered under the VoIP service provider. Once the registration process is over, you will be entitled to get all the facilities offered by VoIP. Most of time it happens that cost of making calls to global calls is a pain for the people as it costs extremely high. That is why everyone is in a need of cheap calling scheme. VoIP can manage to forward the calls at a reasonable rate. It has many advantages and that is why more and more people are opting for this service.
All the necessary information about VoIP is available on the websites. So, if the user has any doubt, he can clear them from these sites. Also one can directly download the VoIP software from the websites. Users do not have to go through any training to use this technique. It is very simple to use. One more benefit of this system is that, this VoIP number is associated to the person using it not to any place. So, even if the user is out of station, he or she does not have to panic about missing the important calls or receiving the calls from others. No matter where he is, if he has the software and the system, he can easily be in touch with everyone. Alongwith this, it has the capacity to deliver the calls with with a tremendous voice quality. It is an important point as while making distant calls, there is a probability of voice breaking during conversation. So, if the quality of the service is good, then caller can enjoy the talks. This way it has every possible points to attract the customers towards this plan.
Call India More Often with VoIP
Call India More Often with VoIP
Do you want to make long distance calls that are cheap? Call India with substantial cost savings by using voice over IP technology. More people than ever are utilizing VOIP because not only is it substantially cheaper but the quality is exceptional, too. Instead of paying a fortune through your local phone company or buying calling cards that don't always work out and don't save you all that much money, consider using VOIP. If you've tried it in the past and weren't impressed, you'll be happy to know that pricing, choices, and technology have all advanced.
Do you call India for business?
More businesses than ever work without borders. This means that communication is important; vital, really. You want and need calling features and great pricing along with great service all rolled together. Finding a cheap call India plan that also provides a service that allows business continuity is important. Ease of doing business is essential when you operate in multiple cities or countries and varied time zones. Phone calls need to be painless to make.
Be sure you find a VOIP supplier that will make international calling easier for you. You might be looking at more than cheap call India plans. You might also be looking at plans for: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and other places. A great calling plan allows you to do business across borders seamlessly and inexpensively.
Do you call India for pleasure?
If you have family and friends in another country, long distance calls may be something you don't make very often. Between the time difference and the cost of making the calls, it's often easier to write letters or send e-mails. But at times there's nothing quite like a person to person phone call. VOIP plans allow you cheap calling rates with high quality. VOIP technology has come a long way in the past few years and sounds great. If you find a great India calling plan, you can call your friends and family just about as often as you would if you were living local to them. Look for a plan that offers billing by the second instead of billing by the minute --- which results in a lot less wasted money!
VOIP technology has revolutionized international calling. There are a lot of providers out there offering great deals on long distance plans. When shopping around, do look at all the features and benefits of a calling plan before making up your mind. You may find a plan that offers contract pricing or you could find a great plan that has great pricing without your having to sign up long term. Whatever you do, and whether you're looking for cheap India calls for business or pleasure (or both), rest assured that you can find a great plan at great pricing.
Do you want to make long distance calls that are cheap? Call India with substantial cost savings by using voice over IP technology. More people than ever are utilizing VOIP because not only is it substantially cheaper but the quality is exceptional, too. Instead of paying a fortune through your local phone company or buying calling cards that don't always work out and don't save you all that much money, consider using VOIP. If you've tried it in the past and weren't impressed, you'll be happy to know that pricing, choices, and technology have all advanced.
Do you call India for business?
More businesses than ever work without borders. This means that communication is important; vital, really. You want and need calling features and great pricing along with great service all rolled together. Finding a cheap call India plan that also provides a service that allows business continuity is important. Ease of doing business is essential when you operate in multiple cities or countries and varied time zones. Phone calls need to be painless to make.
Be sure you find a VOIP supplier that will make international calling easier for you. You might be looking at more than cheap call India plans. You might also be looking at plans for: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and other places. A great calling plan allows you to do business across borders seamlessly and inexpensively.
Do you call India for pleasure?
If you have family and friends in another country, long distance calls may be something you don't make very often. Between the time difference and the cost of making the calls, it's often easier to write letters or send e-mails. But at times there's nothing quite like a person to person phone call. VOIP plans allow you cheap calling rates with high quality. VOIP technology has come a long way in the past few years and sounds great. If you find a great India calling plan, you can call your friends and family just about as often as you would if you were living local to them. Look for a plan that offers billing by the second instead of billing by the minute --- which results in a lot less wasted money!
VOIP technology has revolutionized international calling. There are a lot of providers out there offering great deals on long distance plans. When shopping around, do look at all the features and benefits of a calling plan before making up your mind. You may find a plan that offers contract pricing or you could find a great plan that has great pricing without your having to sign up long term. Whatever you do, and whether you're looking for cheap India calls for business or pleasure (or both), rest assured that you can find a great plan at great pricing.
Monday, October 26, 2009
VoIP Provider Performance Objectives through Communication Analysis
VoIP Provider Performance Objectives through Communication Analysis
Voice over Internet Protocol has gained world-wide acceptance, and competition is raising benchmark standards for VoIP provider services. The improved performance and diversity of VoIP provider services contributes to the development of the unified communication network system that your business needs to excel and survive.
VoIP provider performance and benefits have gone through a surge of improvements with the increasing acceptance of VoIP services from both personal and business users. Millions use VoIP services worldwide. In fact, it's reported that half of the Internet users in France currently use VoIP providers for their voice communications. VoIP services have created a billion dollar industry - and new players are constantly entering the market. To ignore VoIP would be to ignore the potential for business growth and competitive advantages. There are obvious performance objectives a VoIP service provider must meet. Cost-effectiveness has been the fire under world-wide movement towards VoIP acceptance, and VoIP's low cost will be reflected in business expenditure reports. Clarity, dependability and reliability is a must. A satisfactory VoIP provider should provide help support as well as software and hardware guarantees. There should be room and flexibility for upgrades and changes. The software and hardware should be user-friendly and serve the needs of the corporation. But before a corporation or other business can determine if a VoIP provider can meet performance objectives, they must first determine the needs of the business enterprise.
For VoIP provider performance to support your business growth, communication avenues must be thoroughly analyzed as they currently run in business operations, and how they will run with future business growth and increased technological capabilities. At the very least, these communication avenues include employer-employee communication, employee-employee communication, new client/customer communication, current client/customer communication, prospective client/customer communication, manufacturer/supplier communication, on-site management communication, data gathering and sharing, and scheduling.
Once the lines of communication are determined, an analysis of the hardware required to perform these jobs can be determined. Location of the system user will need to be taken into consideration- however, it should be kept in mind that Wi-Fi and other communication lines will steadily increase their coverage areas. With hardware selection, the capabilities of the VoIP provider and the hardware's ability to use the VoIP provider need to be considered before purchasing or leasing your phone system. Although there are plenty of VoIP enabled mobile phones on the market, a purchaser must be aware that select phones do not have the flexibility to use all VoIP providers or they may limit VoIP services.
A VoIP service provider needs to facilitate communication and communicate information. As VoIP grows, so will its ability to combine voice communication with data gathering and information processing. Information is a valuable resource that contributes to business success. But information needs to be communicated and applied before it can become valuable. VoIP enables rapid information exchanges to be communicated for instant decision-making that contributes to increased business productivity.
VoIP provider services must meet the performance objectives of your business in order to support the long-term strategic goals of your organisation. Forward-looking communication and information processing analysis will set the stage to determine your VoIP provider's performance objectives. Once your performance objectives are set, you have set the stage for improving business success.
Voice over Internet Protocol has gained world-wide acceptance, and competition is raising benchmark standards for VoIP provider services. The improved performance and diversity of VoIP provider services contributes to the development of the unified communication network system that your business needs to excel and survive.
VoIP provider performance and benefits have gone through a surge of improvements with the increasing acceptance of VoIP services from both personal and business users. Millions use VoIP services worldwide. In fact, it's reported that half of the Internet users in France currently use VoIP providers for their voice communications. VoIP services have created a billion dollar industry - and new players are constantly entering the market. To ignore VoIP would be to ignore the potential for business growth and competitive advantages. There are obvious performance objectives a VoIP service provider must meet. Cost-effectiveness has been the fire under world-wide movement towards VoIP acceptance, and VoIP's low cost will be reflected in business expenditure reports. Clarity, dependability and reliability is a must. A satisfactory VoIP provider should provide help support as well as software and hardware guarantees. There should be room and flexibility for upgrades and changes. The software and hardware should be user-friendly and serve the needs of the corporation. But before a corporation or other business can determine if a VoIP provider can meet performance objectives, they must first determine the needs of the business enterprise.
For VoIP provider performance to support your business growth, communication avenues must be thoroughly analyzed as they currently run in business operations, and how they will run with future business growth and increased technological capabilities. At the very least, these communication avenues include employer-employee communication, employee-employee communication, new client/customer communication, current client/customer communication, prospective client/customer communication, manufacturer/supplier communication, on-site management communication, data gathering and sharing, and scheduling.
Once the lines of communication are determined, an analysis of the hardware required to perform these jobs can be determined. Location of the system user will need to be taken into consideration- however, it should be kept in mind that Wi-Fi and other communication lines will steadily increase their coverage areas. With hardware selection, the capabilities of the VoIP provider and the hardware's ability to use the VoIP provider need to be considered before purchasing or leasing your phone system. Although there are plenty of VoIP enabled mobile phones on the market, a purchaser must be aware that select phones do not have the flexibility to use all VoIP providers or they may limit VoIP services.
A VoIP service provider needs to facilitate communication and communicate information. As VoIP grows, so will its ability to combine voice communication with data gathering and information processing. Information is a valuable resource that contributes to business success. But information needs to be communicated and applied before it can become valuable. VoIP enables rapid information exchanges to be communicated for instant decision-making that contributes to increased business productivity.
VoIP provider services must meet the performance objectives of your business in order to support the long-term strategic goals of your organisation. Forward-looking communication and information processing analysis will set the stage to determine your VoIP provider's performance objectives. Once your performance objectives are set, you have set the stage for improving business success.
VoIP Phone Systems that Create Dynamic Communication Centers Break the Limitations of Traditional Phones with VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP Phone Systems that Create Dynamic Communication Centers Break the Limitations of Traditional Phones with VoIP Phone Systems
Landline to landline business communication through a traditional phone is an archaic, stifling tradition. VoIP phone systems will give your business the feel of tradition and familiarity while simultaneously upgrading your phone to become a dynamic communication center.
Traditional phone systems cannot compete with VoIP phone systems. The differences may not be obvious to the guest approaching the receptionist desk - but the added value to business operations is staggering when one evaluates the business improvement potential that lurks within the potential of VoIP phone systems.
A traditional phone is limited to communication with another phone. VoIP phone systems not only communicate phone to phone, but the system user can communicate from phone to pc, pc to phone, or pc to pc, as well as with a number of mobile devices that now provide VoIP services. And although the cordless phone loosened the cords that tied employees to their desks, wireless and Bluetooth accessories enable an employee to walk wirelessly and hands free while still communicating over VoIP phone systems. Paper work and computer work can be attacked while communicating over the VoIP phone system. A smile and a firm handshake can be given to a client entering the room. Computer data can be generated during a conversation, and employees can walk to the file cabinet or another office to find information needed to expedite a client's request - without putting the client on hold.
VoIP phone systems multiply opportunities for communication exchanges. The increase in communication facilitates more frequent and accurate information exchanges that contribute to faster executions of operational tasks. If all other business metrics are set comfortably into place, the increase in the speed of operational activities will result in increased productivity. An increase in communication exchanges also increases customer/client satisfaction - the driver for business growth. Sales opportunities grow when the doors of communication are open. With the capacity of VoIP phone systems, avenues are put into place to use communication for feedback useful for business self-evaluation, as well as the resources needed for help lines to be available to employees or customers.
Phone systems with VoIP capabilities not only increase voice communication, they have the capability to run multimedia services. Since VoIP uses the same line to transfer data and voice, the correct bandwidth speeds over a VoIP phone system will allow your system users to take advantage of video and voice technology for web conferencing, presentations, whiteboard technology, meetings and data sharing. VoIP phone systems can grow with technology's spectacular advances. Because a VoIP telephone system and new VoIP technology are both Internet based, there will be no need for expensive system overhauls or major hardware replacements to keep up with the fast-evolving applications of Internet technology. Software and accessories upgrades the VoIP system quickly and inexpensively. VoIP networking provides an advanced, convenient conferencing system at a cost-effective price.
VoIP phone systems are more than a dynamic communication center and conferencing system. VoIP phone systems are a driver to business success.
Landline to landline business communication through a traditional phone is an archaic, stifling tradition. VoIP phone systems will give your business the feel of tradition and familiarity while simultaneously upgrading your phone to become a dynamic communication center.
Traditional phone systems cannot compete with VoIP phone systems. The differences may not be obvious to the guest approaching the receptionist desk - but the added value to business operations is staggering when one evaluates the business improvement potential that lurks within the potential of VoIP phone systems.
A traditional phone is limited to communication with another phone. VoIP phone systems not only communicate phone to phone, but the system user can communicate from phone to pc, pc to phone, or pc to pc, as well as with a number of mobile devices that now provide VoIP services. And although the cordless phone loosened the cords that tied employees to their desks, wireless and Bluetooth accessories enable an employee to walk wirelessly and hands free while still communicating over VoIP phone systems. Paper work and computer work can be attacked while communicating over the VoIP phone system. A smile and a firm handshake can be given to a client entering the room. Computer data can be generated during a conversation, and employees can walk to the file cabinet or another office to find information needed to expedite a client's request - without putting the client on hold.
VoIP phone systems multiply opportunities for communication exchanges. The increase in communication facilitates more frequent and accurate information exchanges that contribute to faster executions of operational tasks. If all other business metrics are set comfortably into place, the increase in the speed of operational activities will result in increased productivity. An increase in communication exchanges also increases customer/client satisfaction - the driver for business growth. Sales opportunities grow when the doors of communication are open. With the capacity of VoIP phone systems, avenues are put into place to use communication for feedback useful for business self-evaluation, as well as the resources needed for help lines to be available to employees or customers.
Phone systems with VoIP capabilities not only increase voice communication, they have the capability to run multimedia services. Since VoIP uses the same line to transfer data and voice, the correct bandwidth speeds over a VoIP phone system will allow your system users to take advantage of video and voice technology for web conferencing, presentations, whiteboard technology, meetings and data sharing. VoIP phone systems can grow with technology's spectacular advances. Because a VoIP telephone system and new VoIP technology are both Internet based, there will be no need for expensive system overhauls or major hardware replacements to keep up with the fast-evolving applications of Internet technology. Software and accessories upgrades the VoIP system quickly and inexpensively. VoIP networking provides an advanced, convenient conferencing system at a cost-effective price.
VoIP phone systems are more than a dynamic communication center and conferencing system. VoIP phone systems are a driver to business success.
Business VoIP Phone Systems in the Retail Environment Expedite Purchasing, Sales and Customer Satisfaction with VoIP Phone
Business VoIP Phone Systems in the Retail Environment Expedite Purchasing, Sales and Customer Satisfaction with VoIP Phone
VoIP phone systems provides the voice and data convergence that the retail business needs for time-sensitive purchasing, sales development and customer satisfaction. Competition is stiff in the retail world and margins are low. VoIP phone systems give retailers higher profit margins and a competitive edge.
Using VoIP phone systems in a retail business is a cost-effective way to increase net profit. With VoIP, communications and opportunities increase while the cost of using a business phone system decreases. Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP phone systems are positioned to grow with technology. Upgrades can be made without sacrificing inventory purchases, staffing or display costs. VoIP is sourced from the Internet, and as long as Internet applications and programming feats continue to emerge, so too will the capabilities of VoIP phone systems.
Online retail stores, small businesses and large retail outlets can benefit from VoIP phone systems. VoIP communication opportunities combined with data integration improve inventory management. Inventory is the fulcrum of all retail operations. Inventory management operations define profit and loss. In the highly competitive retail environment, retail inventory management demands a communication system that can combines voice and accurate data. Traditional telephones contribute necessarily to inventory management and retail operations, but they cannot enhance retail business operations enough to match the rising capabilities of VoIP phone systems.
VoIP can be used for low-cost voice communication over traditional and mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, VoIP-enabled bar scanners, and any other VoIP enabled device. VoIP telephones can be Bluetooth enabled to allow for wireless connectivity so necessary hands-on tasks remain productive without interruption. The increased means of communication also supports an array of methods to increase customer satisfaction while increasing business organizational processes. Something as simple as VoIP's ability to transfer a voicemail to email can make a difference between a lifetime customer or a lost customer. Software applications can integrate customer relationship management software with your networked VoIP system. With wireless capabilities and customer information at your fingertips, VoIP can heighten customer retail store excursions into high-impact personal shopping experiences.
In-store experience improvement, customer management, improved task management and communication efficiency is just the beginning of VoIP advantages. The increase in communication capabilities from VoIP phones also increases the opportunity for purchasers to react quickly to a favorable purchasing opportunity before the competition. Not only do VoIP phone systems provide real-time international purchasing opportunities at low cost, but the multimedia functions of VoIP phones are an investment in purchasing security. Pictures and videos of individual units or entire lots can be sent over VoIP phone systems. With a networked VoIP phone system, purchases are not made blindly, they are made confidently. At the high end of retail management, VoIP bar scanners can be integrated with your VoIP phone system for exceptionally accurate and easy inventory management.
VoIP phone systems vastly improve customer experience and inventory management . VoIP is not merely an inexpensive way to make phone calls over the Internet, it is access to opportunities that can create retail excellence. It won't take long for VoIP opportunities to show themselves in a display of retail profit.
VoIP phone systems provides the voice and data convergence that the retail business needs for time-sensitive purchasing, sales development and customer satisfaction. Competition is stiff in the retail world and margins are low. VoIP phone systems give retailers higher profit margins and a competitive edge.
Using VoIP phone systems in a retail business is a cost-effective way to increase net profit. With VoIP, communications and opportunities increase while the cost of using a business phone system decreases. Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP phone systems are positioned to grow with technology. Upgrades can be made without sacrificing inventory purchases, staffing or display costs. VoIP is sourced from the Internet, and as long as Internet applications and programming feats continue to emerge, so too will the capabilities of VoIP phone systems.
Online retail stores, small businesses and large retail outlets can benefit from VoIP phone systems. VoIP communication opportunities combined with data integration improve inventory management. Inventory is the fulcrum of all retail operations. Inventory management operations define profit and loss. In the highly competitive retail environment, retail inventory management demands a communication system that can combines voice and accurate data. Traditional telephones contribute necessarily to inventory management and retail operations, but they cannot enhance retail business operations enough to match the rising capabilities of VoIP phone systems.
VoIP can be used for low-cost voice communication over traditional and mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, VoIP-enabled bar scanners, and any other VoIP enabled device. VoIP telephones can be Bluetooth enabled to allow for wireless connectivity so necessary hands-on tasks remain productive without interruption. The increased means of communication also supports an array of methods to increase customer satisfaction while increasing business organizational processes. Something as simple as VoIP's ability to transfer a voicemail to email can make a difference between a lifetime customer or a lost customer. Software applications can integrate customer relationship management software with your networked VoIP system. With wireless capabilities and customer information at your fingertips, VoIP can heighten customer retail store excursions into high-impact personal shopping experiences.
In-store experience improvement, customer management, improved task management and communication efficiency is just the beginning of VoIP advantages. The increase in communication capabilities from VoIP phones also increases the opportunity for purchasers to react quickly to a favorable purchasing opportunity before the competition. Not only do VoIP phone systems provide real-time international purchasing opportunities at low cost, but the multimedia functions of VoIP phones are an investment in purchasing security. Pictures and videos of individual units or entire lots can be sent over VoIP phone systems. With a networked VoIP phone system, purchases are not made blindly, they are made confidently. At the high end of retail management, VoIP bar scanners can be integrated with your VoIP phone system for exceptionally accurate and easy inventory management.
VoIP phone systems vastly improve customer experience and inventory management . VoIP is not merely an inexpensive way to make phone calls over the Internet, it is access to opportunities that can create retail excellence. It won't take long for VoIP opportunities to show themselves in a display of retail profit.
How Do Businesses Benefit From Having a VOIP System?
How Do Businesses Benefit From Having a VOIP System?
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP technology is capable of cutting costs in telecommunications as well as improving the productivity of a business. Is it right for your business? Here is a look at what kinds of benefits VoIP can bring to business.
1 - VoIP service technology quality has really come a long way since its original inception. VoIP may have been extremely limited in the past, but this no longer the case. Today's Voice over IP services have evolved significantly, allowing for you to make calls and receive calls using not only standard phones but also IP phones, which are rich in unique features. The sound quality has also vastly improved to the point where many companies have abandoned their traditional telephone systems in favor of the VoIP service.
2 - Using VoIP technology is capable of significantly reducing the costs you pay for telecommunications. The operating costs associated with VoIP services are generally quite significantly lower than when you are dealing with a traditional phone company, because the existing phone infrastructure is expensive to maintain and so are the industry regulations. VoIP providers have lower expenses and so they can charge a lot less for the services that they offer.
3 - VoIP services make your entire phone system a lot more flexible. They make it possible for you to do things which simply cannot be possible using traditional telephone technology. For example, they allow you to bring your phone system along with you since you can plug in anywhere where there is a broadband connection such as at someone's home or in a hotel room. They also allow you to talk using your laptop, and to get your voice mail and your faxes through your e-mail. With this increase in usability, VoIP services make it possible for you to increase the productivity of your business significantly.
One thing is for sure: VoIP technology is continuing to evolve, and there are a number of compelling new features and benefits that are being developed in order to cater to small business. As an example, dramatic increases in mobility are being provided by combining VoIP services with wireless phone and PDA combinations to decrease cell phone charges while boosting functionality and productivity by a great deal. This is just one example of the exciting things that are happening in terms of VoIP service and technology advancements.
It does not matter what size your business is, VoIP technology happens to be a flexible as well as affordable technology that is capable of offering the same level of sophistication in communication tools that enterprise-size companies are using, meaning that VoIP will allow you to stand up against your competitors in terms of communications technology no matter how large or how small your own company happens to be.
Use VoIP about long distance phone calls. Voice over Internet Protocol, is a interesting method for taking analog signals. VoIP can turn a Internet connection into a way to place some phone calls. The kind you hear when you talk on the phone into digital data that is transmitted over the Internet.
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP technology is capable of cutting costs in telecommunications as well as improving the productivity of a business. Is it right for your business? Here is a look at what kinds of benefits VoIP can bring to business.
1 - VoIP service technology quality has really come a long way since its original inception. VoIP may have been extremely limited in the past, but this no longer the case. Today's Voice over IP services have evolved significantly, allowing for you to make calls and receive calls using not only standard phones but also IP phones, which are rich in unique features. The sound quality has also vastly improved to the point where many companies have abandoned their traditional telephone systems in favor of the VoIP service.
2 - Using VoIP technology is capable of significantly reducing the costs you pay for telecommunications. The operating costs associated with VoIP services are generally quite significantly lower than when you are dealing with a traditional phone company, because the existing phone infrastructure is expensive to maintain and so are the industry regulations. VoIP providers have lower expenses and so they can charge a lot less for the services that they offer.
3 - VoIP services make your entire phone system a lot more flexible. They make it possible for you to do things which simply cannot be possible using traditional telephone technology. For example, they allow you to bring your phone system along with you since you can plug in anywhere where there is a broadband connection such as at someone's home or in a hotel room. They also allow you to talk using your laptop, and to get your voice mail and your faxes through your e-mail. With this increase in usability, VoIP services make it possible for you to increase the productivity of your business significantly.
One thing is for sure: VoIP technology is continuing to evolve, and there are a number of compelling new features and benefits that are being developed in order to cater to small business. As an example, dramatic increases in mobility are being provided by combining VoIP services with wireless phone and PDA combinations to decrease cell phone charges while boosting functionality and productivity by a great deal. This is just one example of the exciting things that are happening in terms of VoIP service and technology advancements.
It does not matter what size your business is, VoIP technology happens to be a flexible as well as affordable technology that is capable of offering the same level of sophistication in communication tools that enterprise-size companies are using, meaning that VoIP will allow you to stand up against your competitors in terms of communications technology no matter how large or how small your own company happens to be.
Use VoIP about long distance phone calls. Voice over Internet Protocol, is a interesting method for taking analog signals. VoIP can turn a Internet connection into a way to place some phone calls. The kind you hear when you talk on the phone into digital data that is transmitted over the Internet.
iPhone VOIP Capabilities Could Nullify Network Operators
iPhone VOIP Capabilities Could Nullify Network Operators
We are at the dawn of a new revolution in mobile communications, the new 3G iPhone is tantalisingly close to being released into the wild. Mobiles phones these days are not simply just a phone anymore, in fact Nokia now claim to make portable computers rather than portable phones. However the new, all singing, all dancing iPhone is just a little bit more special, so much so, that paradoxically it could even spell disaster for the very network operators that supply it.
The iPhone, despite not being the most technologically advanced handset on the market, still has a variety of significant strengths which puts it in a league of its own. Most significantly is the unique tariff bundled with the iPhone deal, which unlike most other tariffs offers unlimited data usage and free wifi access to 9500 hotspots in the UK. This deal is nothing new with the second generation iPhone, however the fact that the new handset incorporates high speed 3g data transfers, means the already freely available data will now always be high speed!
The fact that an iPhone is always online immediately springs to mind the application of voice over IP. As we all know thanks to Skype etc. making VOIP calls, no matter where you are in the world, is free. Combining the nature of a mobile phone which encompasses a microphone and speaker, with the excellent connectivity of the iPhone, not to mention the huge storage capacity, makes the iPhone the perfect VOIP client.
One potential pitfall, which explains why this idea has not been exploited previously, is the ability to make iPhone applications. Only recently has Apple decided to make public the software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone, which will open the flood gate for third party applications to be developed. For a small fee you can download the standard or enterprise edition of the SDK, both allowing developers to make free and commercial applications for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple have most likely realised the immense competition of the open source mobile platform Android, which Google hopes to release before the end of the year.
The iPhone v2, also debuts as a pay as you go handset in the UK too. Despite the new iPhone being marketed as considerably cheaper than the previous model, I am still intrigued just how much pay as you go users will need to fork out for the handset. Additionally how the all important unlimited data will work on PAYG, hopefully o2 will still grant this with a 10GBP top up each month.
The pay as you go alternative will almost certainly be one of the most expensive handset only deals. However, as this article set out to demonstrate, PAYG might ultimately work out cheaper in the long run, compared to expensive high value tariffs, the network operators want to lock you in to. If you fork out the initial hefty sum for the handset on PAYG, you might never have to pay for a phone call again with the opportunity of a VOIP applications. Imagine completely free local, national and international phone calls, internet, email and text all from your new iPhone, it does sound pretty tempting!
We are at the dawn of a new revolution in mobile communications, the new 3G iPhone is tantalisingly close to being released into the wild. Mobiles phones these days are not simply just a phone anymore, in fact Nokia now claim to make portable computers rather than portable phones. However the new, all singing, all dancing iPhone is just a little bit more special, so much so, that paradoxically it could even spell disaster for the very network operators that supply it.
The iPhone, despite not being the most technologically advanced handset on the market, still has a variety of significant strengths which puts it in a league of its own. Most significantly is the unique tariff bundled with the iPhone deal, which unlike most other tariffs offers unlimited data usage and free wifi access to 9500 hotspots in the UK. This deal is nothing new with the second generation iPhone, however the fact that the new handset incorporates high speed 3g data transfers, means the already freely available data will now always be high speed!
The fact that an iPhone is always online immediately springs to mind the application of voice over IP. As we all know thanks to Skype etc. making VOIP calls, no matter where you are in the world, is free. Combining the nature of a mobile phone which encompasses a microphone and speaker, with the excellent connectivity of the iPhone, not to mention the huge storage capacity, makes the iPhone the perfect VOIP client.
One potential pitfall, which explains why this idea has not been exploited previously, is the ability to make iPhone applications. Only recently has Apple decided to make public the software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone, which will open the flood gate for third party applications to be developed. For a small fee you can download the standard or enterprise edition of the SDK, both allowing developers to make free and commercial applications for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple have most likely realised the immense competition of the open source mobile platform Android, which Google hopes to release before the end of the year.
The iPhone v2, also debuts as a pay as you go handset in the UK too. Despite the new iPhone being marketed as considerably cheaper than the previous model, I am still intrigued just how much pay as you go users will need to fork out for the handset. Additionally how the all important unlimited data will work on PAYG, hopefully o2 will still grant this with a 10GBP top up each month.
The pay as you go alternative will almost certainly be one of the most expensive handset only deals. However, as this article set out to demonstrate, PAYG might ultimately work out cheaper in the long run, compared to expensive high value tariffs, the network operators want to lock you in to. If you fork out the initial hefty sum for the handset on PAYG, you might never have to pay for a phone call again with the opportunity of a VOIP applications. Imagine completely free local, national and international phone calls, internet, email and text all from your new iPhone, it does sound pretty tempting!
Friday, October 23, 2009
VoIP: Cable Telephony, WiFi Phone and WiFi Phone Mode Handset
VoIP: Cable Telephony, WiFi Phone and WiFi Phone Mode Handset
In the business world, communication is immensely important. It is a fact that businesses today are now taking advantage of the latest communication technology available, such as the internet to communicate with business associates and also to their clients. In fact, the internet is now used for technical support and customer care services by businesses in order to keep a direct line between their clients and the company.
One such technology is called VoIP or the Voice over Internet Protocol. Many businesses and regular people are now hooking up the VoIP system in their businesses and homes to replace their conventional telephone. You may wonder why.
This is because of the features and benefits that consumers can take advantage of. VoIP provides cheaper and free calls and it provides numerous features that are expensive or in some cases, impossible in a conventional telephone. VoIP is a phone system that takes advantage of the internet to transmit and receive data signals. This means that the data signals are in digital format, which results in clearer and faster transmission and reception of data signals.
VoIP has integrated services that are impossible in a conventional telephone. The standard features include audio conferencing, video conferencing, three-way calling, caller ID, answering machine features and much more. The standard package is free. All you need is to subscribe to a VoIP service provider and a broadband internet connection in order to start taking advantage of this technology. You will also need a computer or an internet phone.
Some VoIP service providers can provide you with the internet phone and some are in software format where you can use your home computer as the telephone.
Another great advantage of VoIP phone system is that it will enable you to place free phone calls to anyone around the world as long as the person you are calling is also subscribed to the same VoIP service provider you are subscribed in. This can be very convenient. Also, since the data is transmitted through the internet, calls to conventional land line phones, mobile phones, and other VoIP service provider subscriber is much cheaper.
There are also wireless VoIP where you will need a WiFi phone system hooked up in your home. What this does is it enables you to call anywhere you are as long as there is a WiFi signal in your area. This means that VoIP can also act as a mobile phone.
WiFi VoIP phones are very much in demand by many people today. This is because you don't have to hook up your VoIP phone system in the internet in order for you to place a call. All you need is to bring your VoIP phone anywhere in the world and look for a WiFi signal to place your calls.
If WiFi broadband or high speed internet service in your area is available, you can also get a wireless VoIP phone system. Imagine, with this phone, not only will you be able to call someone for free or at a very low cost, but you can also call wherever you are as long as there is a WiFi signal.
WiFi is one of the most popular technologies available today. VoIP is now taking advantage of this technology for you to be able to have much more convenience when placing a call.
In order to maximize its features, you have to look for a WiFi VoIP service provider that many of your acquaintances are also subscribed in. By subscribing in this kind of VoIP service provider, you will be able to place free calls to your family and friends. You will also be sure of the quality of its services because more people are subscribed in this VoIP service provider.
So, if you want free phone features that conventional phone lines charges extra from, you should consider getting a VoIP phone system. This will enable you to take advantage of the extra features for free.
You will also be able to save a lot of money from placing long distance calls. With VoIP, you will never have to count the number of minutes again, knowing that long distance calls are so affordable. Talk as long as you like with a VoIP phone system.
In the business world, communication is immensely important. It is a fact that businesses today are now taking advantage of the latest communication technology available, such as the internet to communicate with business associates and also to their clients. In fact, the internet is now used for technical support and customer care services by businesses in order to keep a direct line between their clients and the company.
One such technology is called VoIP or the Voice over Internet Protocol. Many businesses and regular people are now hooking up the VoIP system in their businesses and homes to replace their conventional telephone. You may wonder why.
This is because of the features and benefits that consumers can take advantage of. VoIP provides cheaper and free calls and it provides numerous features that are expensive or in some cases, impossible in a conventional telephone. VoIP is a phone system that takes advantage of the internet to transmit and receive data signals. This means that the data signals are in digital format, which results in clearer and faster transmission and reception of data signals.
VoIP has integrated services that are impossible in a conventional telephone. The standard features include audio conferencing, video conferencing, three-way calling, caller ID, answering machine features and much more. The standard package is free. All you need is to subscribe to a VoIP service provider and a broadband internet connection in order to start taking advantage of this technology. You will also need a computer or an internet phone.
Some VoIP service providers can provide you with the internet phone and some are in software format where you can use your home computer as the telephone.
Another great advantage of VoIP phone system is that it will enable you to place free phone calls to anyone around the world as long as the person you are calling is also subscribed to the same VoIP service provider you are subscribed in. This can be very convenient. Also, since the data is transmitted through the internet, calls to conventional land line phones, mobile phones, and other VoIP service provider subscriber is much cheaper.
There are also wireless VoIP where you will need a WiFi phone system hooked up in your home. What this does is it enables you to call anywhere you are as long as there is a WiFi signal in your area. This means that VoIP can also act as a mobile phone.
WiFi VoIP phones are very much in demand by many people today. This is because you don't have to hook up your VoIP phone system in the internet in order for you to place a call. All you need is to bring your VoIP phone anywhere in the world and look for a WiFi signal to place your calls.
If WiFi broadband or high speed internet service in your area is available, you can also get a wireless VoIP phone system. Imagine, with this phone, not only will you be able to call someone for free or at a very low cost, but you can also call wherever you are as long as there is a WiFi signal.
WiFi is one of the most popular technologies available today. VoIP is now taking advantage of this technology for you to be able to have much more convenience when placing a call.
In order to maximize its features, you have to look for a WiFi VoIP service provider that many of your acquaintances are also subscribed in. By subscribing in this kind of VoIP service provider, you will be able to place free calls to your family and friends. You will also be sure of the quality of its services because more people are subscribed in this VoIP service provider.
So, if you want free phone features that conventional phone lines charges extra from, you should consider getting a VoIP phone system. This will enable you to take advantage of the extra features for free.
You will also be able to save a lot of money from placing long distance calls. With VoIP, you will never have to count the number of minutes again, knowing that long distance calls are so affordable. Talk as long as you like with a VoIP phone system.
Benefits of VoIP in Data Networking
Benefits of VoIP in Data Networking
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a relatively new technology in the consumer market. However, because of the benefits it offers its consumers, more and more people are now taking advantage of this technology and more businesses are also using VoIP as their main tool for communication to get ahead of their competitors and cut down operational costs.
If you have a business, you will need to win over clients through data networking. This means that you have to communicate with your clients in order to assure them that you will be providing them quality services and of the new services or products you are offering. One way to do this is through a customer service hotline or a help desk.
With a help desk, you will be able to open a direct line of communication between your company and your clients. To do this, you will need a tool for communicating with them. The Internet is one of the best tools to do the job for you. For example, it is one great way to email their concerns to your company. However, email is not really enough to handle all your client's needs and to answer their every question.
One data networking solution that may come in handy for your business is VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. This particular tool uses the internet to transmit and receive data signals. For starters, VoIP acts like your regular phone line. However, instead of using analog signals and cables, VoIP uses digital signals to transmit data. Although digital signals have existed before in phone lines by using fiber optic cables, VoIP uses a far more efficient way to transmit signals. VoIP uses the internet to get the job done.
There are also great benefits that you can take advantage of with VoIP. Because it uses the internet to transmit digital signals, it is far cheaper to operate than your standard landline phone. You will just need an active high-speed Internet connection and an IP phone or a computer for you to be able to get all the different benefits that VoIP offers.
It also has different features that you can take advantage of for free. For example, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling and other features are offered for an extra fee over the internet. Through VoIP, these features all come in a standard package. Some VoIP service providers also offer free video conferencing features that will enable you to see the person you are talking to and vice versa.
With all these features, VoIP is definitely a very attractive tool that you can integrate in your business. Data networking through VoIP is an efficient and a cheaper way to keep in touch with your clients. It is also possible for you to use a particular number of a state. This means that you can be in one state but your VoIP number is entirely using the number on the state you prefer. This means that no long distance fees will be charged to local callers in your state when they are calling you.
VoIP data networking is now the choice of businesses today. With VoIP, you will not only save a lot of money, but you can also take advantage of the different features that it can offer, such as email, voice mail, customer service and video conferencing all in the same network.
So, if you are running a small business, you can take advantage of data networking by using VoIP. This will enable you to save a lot of money and take advantage of the free features that it offers. You will also be able to keep in touch with your clients and business associates through VoIP.
Everything about a business and data networking can be joined together by just using VoIP. Accounting programs, customer service programs, filing systems and other essentials in data networking can be integrated in a single solution, which people call VoIP.
Get ahead with your competitors and at the same time, save a lot of money on operations expenses through VoIP data networking. Get the best VoIP service provider available in order to let you maximize the benefits that VoIP offers. With VoIP, you can never go wrong.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a relatively new technology in the consumer market. However, because of the benefits it offers its consumers, more and more people are now taking advantage of this technology and more businesses are also using VoIP as their main tool for communication to get ahead of their competitors and cut down operational costs.
If you have a business, you will need to win over clients through data networking. This means that you have to communicate with your clients in order to assure them that you will be providing them quality services and of the new services or products you are offering. One way to do this is through a customer service hotline or a help desk.
With a help desk, you will be able to open a direct line of communication between your company and your clients. To do this, you will need a tool for communicating with them. The Internet is one of the best tools to do the job for you. For example, it is one great way to email their concerns to your company. However, email is not really enough to handle all your client's needs and to answer their every question.
One data networking solution that may come in handy for your business is VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. This particular tool uses the internet to transmit and receive data signals. For starters, VoIP acts like your regular phone line. However, instead of using analog signals and cables, VoIP uses digital signals to transmit data. Although digital signals have existed before in phone lines by using fiber optic cables, VoIP uses a far more efficient way to transmit signals. VoIP uses the internet to get the job done.
There are also great benefits that you can take advantage of with VoIP. Because it uses the internet to transmit digital signals, it is far cheaper to operate than your standard landline phone. You will just need an active high-speed Internet connection and an IP phone or a computer for you to be able to get all the different benefits that VoIP offers.
It also has different features that you can take advantage of for free. For example, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling and other features are offered for an extra fee over the internet. Through VoIP, these features all come in a standard package. Some VoIP service providers also offer free video conferencing features that will enable you to see the person you are talking to and vice versa.
With all these features, VoIP is definitely a very attractive tool that you can integrate in your business. Data networking through VoIP is an efficient and a cheaper way to keep in touch with your clients. It is also possible for you to use a particular number of a state. This means that you can be in one state but your VoIP number is entirely using the number on the state you prefer. This means that no long distance fees will be charged to local callers in your state when they are calling you.
VoIP data networking is now the choice of businesses today. With VoIP, you will not only save a lot of money, but you can also take advantage of the different features that it can offer, such as email, voice mail, customer service and video conferencing all in the same network.
So, if you are running a small business, you can take advantage of data networking by using VoIP. This will enable you to save a lot of money and take advantage of the free features that it offers. You will also be able to keep in touch with your clients and business associates through VoIP.
Everything about a business and data networking can be joined together by just using VoIP. Accounting programs, customer service programs, filing systems and other essentials in data networking can be integrated in a single solution, which people call VoIP.
Get ahead with your competitors and at the same time, save a lot of money on operations expenses through VoIP data networking. Get the best VoIP service provider available in order to let you maximize the benefits that VoIP offers. With VoIP, you can never go wrong.
What is the VoIP Reseller Program?
What is the VoIP Reseller Program?
The internet is not solely used for research, instant messaging, emails, or in broadcasting yourself to the whole world; it's more than that. It is a good avenue to earn extra money without leaving the comforts of your home.
If you're a home-buddy, you can earn extra income after coming home from work. Many people today are not contented in having an office job. They are still looking for other ventures which can help them in earning extra money. Life today is rather hard and so people need to be hard working. And if you have no job at all, you don't have to worry about your daily expenses because you now have the solution. And the solution is 'reseller programs'. Reseller programs are for every one, whether you have a career or not; as long as you know how to go about the business.
A reseller program is simple to understand. Basically, you will act as a retailer for a certain company. There are reseller programs on the net that you can choose from and all you have to do is to find the right company. One of the products of advanced technology is voice over IP or VoIP. Perhaps you already know what it is all about because it's not new in the market.
With voice over IP, you can make unlimited calls at low cost with the aid of a fast internet connection. There are many VoIP providers in the market. Find a VoIP provider that offers reseller programs. It would be better to choose a VoIP provider having a positive record. Well established VoIP providers prefer outsourcing because they can cut down on equipments and staffing costs. A minimal amount is paid for your services, so make sure that you're really into voice over IP; and you know how it works.
Reseller programs require you to have your own website; but there are companies which provide for it. All you have to do is to improve and build it up accordingly. Through the website, you will resell the service. When prospects come across your website and is interested in VoIP service, get their personal information and put it in your control panel. The hosting VoIP provider will be the one to set up a program for the customer.
Some hosting VoIP providers require membership fees while others offer free programs. So be careful in choosing one, and always ask if there are certain things that you want to know.
Having a home-based business has never been so easy until now. The internet is your key to earning money. Having a broadband connection (cable or DSL) is a great advantage. In fact, this is the type of connection required for VoIP services. If you want to sell your service effectively, it's best to try it out yourself.
Being a retailer for a VoIP provider does not necessarily mean that you're an employee. You will act independently, in your most ideal time. Your income will be based on the sign ups made by prospects, so the better website you have, the more customers it will attract.
Affiliate marketing is more popular than reseller programs. In fact, more people venture into it. Affiliate marketing is different from reseller programs. But in both cases, you will earn money.
Why not divert your attention and concentrate in reseller programs; contrary to what many people say reseller programs can make big money especially if you have an excellent hosting VoIP provider/company, an established website, and you have a good grip on the service that you're trying to offer.
The key to successful reseller programs are combinations of these things. Even your hosting company can help you a lot in marketing their service. If you don't act now and venture into the real world of reseller programs, you can't earn the money that you need for your expenses.
Start now and do some research. First is to know what a reseller program is and how it works. The next thing is to find a hosting company; and creating your website. And after that, you should make a plan to attract more traffic into your website, and the rest is history. Who says you can't make money at home?
The internet is not solely used for research, instant messaging, emails, or in broadcasting yourself to the whole world; it's more than that. It is a good avenue to earn extra money without leaving the comforts of your home.
If you're a home-buddy, you can earn extra income after coming home from work. Many people today are not contented in having an office job. They are still looking for other ventures which can help them in earning extra money. Life today is rather hard and so people need to be hard working. And if you have no job at all, you don't have to worry about your daily expenses because you now have the solution. And the solution is 'reseller programs'. Reseller programs are for every one, whether you have a career or not; as long as you know how to go about the business.
A reseller program is simple to understand. Basically, you will act as a retailer for a certain company. There are reseller programs on the net that you can choose from and all you have to do is to find the right company. One of the products of advanced technology is voice over IP or VoIP. Perhaps you already know what it is all about because it's not new in the market.
With voice over IP, you can make unlimited calls at low cost with the aid of a fast internet connection. There are many VoIP providers in the market. Find a VoIP provider that offers reseller programs. It would be better to choose a VoIP provider having a positive record. Well established VoIP providers prefer outsourcing because they can cut down on equipments and staffing costs. A minimal amount is paid for your services, so make sure that you're really into voice over IP; and you know how it works.
Reseller programs require you to have your own website; but there are companies which provide for it. All you have to do is to improve and build it up accordingly. Through the website, you will resell the service. When prospects come across your website and is interested in VoIP service, get their personal information and put it in your control panel. The hosting VoIP provider will be the one to set up a program for the customer.
Some hosting VoIP providers require membership fees while others offer free programs. So be careful in choosing one, and always ask if there are certain things that you want to know.
Having a home-based business has never been so easy until now. The internet is your key to earning money. Having a broadband connection (cable or DSL) is a great advantage. In fact, this is the type of connection required for VoIP services. If you want to sell your service effectively, it's best to try it out yourself.
Being a retailer for a VoIP provider does not necessarily mean that you're an employee. You will act independently, in your most ideal time. Your income will be based on the sign ups made by prospects, so the better website you have, the more customers it will attract.
Affiliate marketing is more popular than reseller programs. In fact, more people venture into it. Affiliate marketing is different from reseller programs. But in both cases, you will earn money.
Why not divert your attention and concentrate in reseller programs; contrary to what many people say reseller programs can make big money especially if you have an excellent hosting VoIP provider/company, an established website, and you have a good grip on the service that you're trying to offer.
The key to successful reseller programs are combinations of these things. Even your hosting company can help you a lot in marketing their service. If you don't act now and venture into the real world of reseller programs, you can't earn the money that you need for your expenses.
Start now and do some research. First is to know what a reseller program is and how it works. The next thing is to find a hosting company; and creating your website. And after that, you should make a plan to attract more traffic into your website, and the rest is history. Who says you can't make money at home?
What You Should Know Different Ways About VoIP Phones
What You Should Know Different Ways About VoIP Phones
VoIP phones are the phones used with Voice over Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is the technology used to transmit audio as data or Packets over the Internet to either a computer user or to a landline telephone. VoIP is increasing in popularity, as it is highly valued for its great quality, low cost, and incredible features. VoIP is gaining respect, as a viable solution for business needs as well. VoIP will allow long distance calls for either free or for just pennies compared to traditional phone services.
There are many different ways to use VoIP. For some services you will need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, an Instant Messaging program, speakers, a microphone, a phone adapter for converting standard telephones into VoIP phones, or a VoIP phone.
When using VoIP services, you can simply use a microphone and speakers to communicate with your caller. You need a High Speed Internet connection to allow for your calls to be in real time, and you will also need a soundboard and computer that is up to date with VoIP technology.
You can also use VoIP technology by using Instant Messaging services that have voice options enabled. These include Yahoo Messenger with Voice, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, and even Google has started their own VoIP messenger. To use these VoIP messengers you will need a microphone and speakers connected to your computer.
VoIP phone adapters are another means of communicating with VoIP. A VoIP phone adapter will connect between your standard telephones, and your Internet modem. Your phone adapter will come with installation and user instructions. Generally, you will need to power off your computer, then connect the adapter to your Internet modem and then plug your telephone into the adapter's phone jack. Power everything back up and you should be good to use your phone. You will need to make sure that you have VoIP service previously installed.
You can also purchase a VoIP phone, specifically designed for use with your VoIP service. VoIP phones come in both corded and cordless forms. VoIP corded phones come with many features. You can purchase a desktop phone that includes speakerphone, Call Waiting, Hold, Speed Dial, Transfer, and programmable keys such as Menu, Dial, Volume, Transfer, Cancel, and Headset or Speaker mode.
You can also purchase a 2 line VoIP corded telephone. Some of the features that come with a phone like this include Three Way Conferencing, phone to phone, or phone to PC, or phone to gateway direct dial. These phones are perfect for small businesses or for use in the home office.
Another popular choice in VoIP phones is the cordless VoIP phone. These cordless VoIP phones are not the same as VoIP wireless or VoWi FI phones. VoIP phones are similar to cordless standard phones. They will work in your house, but not outside, apart from your basic VoIP service.
There is another option and that is called VoWiFi. VoWiFi stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity. This is the use of VoIP over a wireless connection. A VoWiFi phone operates by using a wireless network's access point. The advantages of using VoWiFi are that you can easily pick up network signals or "hotspots" for free. However, VoWiFi will not work if it is out of a wireless range, and immediately you will be terminated from your call. If you have a wireless network that you are local to, you will find VoWiFi to be a great advantage and extremely cost effective.
Because of issues with network connectivity, there are Hybrid phones available. A hybrid is a cross between a cellular phone and VoWiFi. A Hybrid will place your call when you are in your cellular network range, and then, to prevent roaming charges, can pick up free VoWiFi by entering a hotspot. This is a great combination of two technologies and time will tell where the hybrid phone will evolve in the future.
One thing is certain; VoIP is advancement in telecommunications that is here to stay. Whether you use your computer, and Internet Messaging program, a VoIP phone adapter, VoIP cordless or corded phones, VoWiFi or Hybrids the future points to VoIP as the telecommunication method of choice.
VoIP phones are the phones used with Voice over Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is the technology used to transmit audio as data or Packets over the Internet to either a computer user or to a landline telephone. VoIP is increasing in popularity, as it is highly valued for its great quality, low cost, and incredible features. VoIP is gaining respect, as a viable solution for business needs as well. VoIP will allow long distance calls for either free or for just pennies compared to traditional phone services.
There are many different ways to use VoIP. For some services you will need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, an Instant Messaging program, speakers, a microphone, a phone adapter for converting standard telephones into VoIP phones, or a VoIP phone.
When using VoIP services, you can simply use a microphone and speakers to communicate with your caller. You need a High Speed Internet connection to allow for your calls to be in real time, and you will also need a soundboard and computer that is up to date with VoIP technology.
You can also use VoIP technology by using Instant Messaging services that have voice options enabled. These include Yahoo Messenger with Voice, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, and even Google has started their own VoIP messenger. To use these VoIP messengers you will need a microphone and speakers connected to your computer.
VoIP phone adapters are another means of communicating with VoIP. A VoIP phone adapter will connect between your standard telephones, and your Internet modem. Your phone adapter will come with installation and user instructions. Generally, you will need to power off your computer, then connect the adapter to your Internet modem and then plug your telephone into the adapter's phone jack. Power everything back up and you should be good to use your phone. You will need to make sure that you have VoIP service previously installed.
You can also purchase a VoIP phone, specifically designed for use with your VoIP service. VoIP phones come in both corded and cordless forms. VoIP corded phones come with many features. You can purchase a desktop phone that includes speakerphone, Call Waiting, Hold, Speed Dial, Transfer, and programmable keys such as Menu, Dial, Volume, Transfer, Cancel, and Headset or Speaker mode.
You can also purchase a 2 line VoIP corded telephone. Some of the features that come with a phone like this include Three Way Conferencing, phone to phone, or phone to PC, or phone to gateway direct dial. These phones are perfect for small businesses or for use in the home office.
Another popular choice in VoIP phones is the cordless VoIP phone. These cordless VoIP phones are not the same as VoIP wireless or VoWi FI phones. VoIP phones are similar to cordless standard phones. They will work in your house, but not outside, apart from your basic VoIP service.
There is another option and that is called VoWiFi. VoWiFi stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity. This is the use of VoIP over a wireless connection. A VoWiFi phone operates by using a wireless network's access point. The advantages of using VoWiFi are that you can easily pick up network signals or "hotspots" for free. However, VoWiFi will not work if it is out of a wireless range, and immediately you will be terminated from your call. If you have a wireless network that you are local to, you will find VoWiFi to be a great advantage and extremely cost effective.
Because of issues with network connectivity, there are Hybrid phones available. A hybrid is a cross between a cellular phone and VoWiFi. A Hybrid will place your call when you are in your cellular network range, and then, to prevent roaming charges, can pick up free VoWiFi by entering a hotspot. This is a great combination of two technologies and time will tell where the hybrid phone will evolve in the future.
One thing is certain; VoIP is advancement in telecommunications that is here to stay. Whether you use your computer, and Internet Messaging program, a VoIP phone adapter, VoIP cordless or corded phones, VoWiFi or Hybrids the future points to VoIP as the telecommunication method of choice.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
VoIP Security - Why VoIP Providers Are More Secure
VoIP Security - Why VoIP Providers Are More Secure
Up until recently, the issue of security for VoIP hasn't been one that has received a great deal of attention. However, as the growth of 'verbal emails' continues and VoIP becomes increasingly popular particularly amongst business users, it is an issue that has to be addressed.
Using a VoIP provider gives you more of a measure of security than relying on freeware systems available on the Internet. The primary defence mechanism of any computer is the firewall. Providing a barrier between your computer or network and security threats such as hackers and viruses, a firewall offers a degree of protection that filters data going in and out of your network. As VoIP works by breaking voice messages into digital data, a standard firewall installed in your PC may not be enough to offer you full protection. VoIP providers have much more stringent firewalls installed on their main servers, which protects the entire network and all machines linked into that network. This is one of the primary reasons why, if you're serious about using VoIP on a regular basis, it's best to sign up with a bona fide VoIP provider such as Vonage.
Passwords are an essential part of Internet life, and VoIP should be considered as no different to any other secure operation you carry out on your computer. Authentication is the best way to ensure that those using the system are authorised to do so and that you don't have any unauthorised access to your system. Unfortunately, very few VoIP providers actually have this facility, so it's best to hunt around for providers that do offer you this additional layer of protection.
You should also enquire if your VoIP provider offers an encryption service. If a data packet (the broken down information that flies across the ether) is intercepted by a third party, it is of no use whatsoever to them if they can't read it. An encryption facility secures the data by changing it into an unintelligible form which is translated or decrypted at the receiving end, making sure that your VoIP call is as secure as possible. Again, your VoIP provider should be able to tell you if they offer an encryption service to paying customers.
Without a rethink and some serious security protocol implementations, VoIP will find it difficult to make inroads into the lucrative commercial market. It is this aspect that VoIP providers are now focusing their efforts on, rather than the clarity of calls, for example. VoIP security needs to be addressed as part of the overall context of Internet security. At present, private branch exchanges (PBX) are replaced by server-based IP PBXs running on the ubiquitous Microsoft Windows operating system. This system has shown itself to be vulnerable to attack from hackers and an attack on a VoIP server could result in the loss of potentially sensitive data. Therefore, it is important that equipment is properly protected, and the best way for the individual user to have this assurance is to use a legitimate VoIP provider.
VoIP gateways are potentially one of the weakest links in the chain. When VoIP is used on an external network, gateway technology converts the data package from the IP network into voice before sending them over a public telephone network. The concern is that at this point, VoIP can be hacked by unscrupulous users to gain access to free calls. The trick to prevent this lies, once again, through password protection and making sure that the gateway is configured in such a way as to ensure that only people with the correct access codes are permitted to make and receive VoIP calls.
All of these weaknesses within the system are best addressed by using a dedicated VoIP provider who has the appropriate firewalls, authorisation and encryption facilities to make sure your data is as well protected as possible. There will always be a number of determined hackers who may attempt to access VoIP calls, but minimising the possibility by placing your trust in an experienced and professional provider is the best way to thwart all but the most determined of attacks.
Up until recently, the issue of security for VoIP hasn't been one that has received a great deal of attention. However, as the growth of 'verbal emails' continues and VoIP becomes increasingly popular particularly amongst business users, it is an issue that has to be addressed.
Using a VoIP provider gives you more of a measure of security than relying on freeware systems available on the Internet. The primary defence mechanism of any computer is the firewall. Providing a barrier between your computer or network and security threats such as hackers and viruses, a firewall offers a degree of protection that filters data going in and out of your network. As VoIP works by breaking voice messages into digital data, a standard firewall installed in your PC may not be enough to offer you full protection. VoIP providers have much more stringent firewalls installed on their main servers, which protects the entire network and all machines linked into that network. This is one of the primary reasons why, if you're serious about using VoIP on a regular basis, it's best to sign up with a bona fide VoIP provider such as Vonage.
Passwords are an essential part of Internet life, and VoIP should be considered as no different to any other secure operation you carry out on your computer. Authentication is the best way to ensure that those using the system are authorised to do so and that you don't have any unauthorised access to your system. Unfortunately, very few VoIP providers actually have this facility, so it's best to hunt around for providers that do offer you this additional layer of protection.
You should also enquire if your VoIP provider offers an encryption service. If a data packet (the broken down information that flies across the ether) is intercepted by a third party, it is of no use whatsoever to them if they can't read it. An encryption facility secures the data by changing it into an unintelligible form which is translated or decrypted at the receiving end, making sure that your VoIP call is as secure as possible. Again, your VoIP provider should be able to tell you if they offer an encryption service to paying customers.
Without a rethink and some serious security protocol implementations, VoIP will find it difficult to make inroads into the lucrative commercial market. It is this aspect that VoIP providers are now focusing their efforts on, rather than the clarity of calls, for example. VoIP security needs to be addressed as part of the overall context of Internet security. At present, private branch exchanges (PBX) are replaced by server-based IP PBXs running on the ubiquitous Microsoft Windows operating system. This system has shown itself to be vulnerable to attack from hackers and an attack on a VoIP server could result in the loss of potentially sensitive data. Therefore, it is important that equipment is properly protected, and the best way for the individual user to have this assurance is to use a legitimate VoIP provider.
VoIP gateways are potentially one of the weakest links in the chain. When VoIP is used on an external network, gateway technology converts the data package from the IP network into voice before sending them over a public telephone network. The concern is that at this point, VoIP can be hacked by unscrupulous users to gain access to free calls. The trick to prevent this lies, once again, through password protection and making sure that the gateway is configured in such a way as to ensure that only people with the correct access codes are permitted to make and receive VoIP calls.
All of these weaknesses within the system are best addressed by using a dedicated VoIP provider who has the appropriate firewalls, authorisation and encryption facilities to make sure your data is as well protected as possible. There will always be a number of determined hackers who may attempt to access VoIP calls, but minimising the possibility by placing your trust in an experienced and professional provider is the best way to thwart all but the most determined of attacks.
Why People Are Turning to VoIP During the Recession to Make Cheap Phone Calls
Why People Are Turning to VoIP During the Recession to Make Cheap Phone Calls
Claims appear to be flying around saying that the recession is over, that the banking and housing industries are starting to show the green shoots of recovery and that we can all breathe a little easier. The truth, however, is that the average person in the street is still having to watch every penny and make savings wherever possible. One of the major household expenses is the cost of phone calls, particularly if you have friends and family abroad or, in an increasingly diverse working environment, work from home. Anything that can cut the costs of your monthly bills is to be welcomed, which is why so many people are taking a serious look at VoIP.
VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a generic term used to describe various methods of using the Internet and broadband facilities to make and receive telephone calls. VoIP breaks down a telephone call into data packets transmitted through a broadband network. Because it uses technology that is already in place (namely your computer and broadband connection), there are no extra add-ons to pay for, no additional cabling or sockets required. It is merely a method of adapting a multi-application tool such as a computer to do another job.
And it does that job exceptionally well. One aspect of this new technology that has really revolutionised the way people communicate with each other is the adaptable nature of the beast. Mobile phones changed the way people think about communicating, bringing in the advent of text messaging and, as microchips got smaller and Wi-Fi burst onto the scene, Internet connection on the move. VoIP hasn't been left behind in this technological revolution and isn't just restricted to your home PC or laptop. With bluetooth link-ups and mega-pixel touch screen technology, a VoIP call is just as easily made from a mobile phone as from a PC. There's no need for headphones and a base station link-up - in the modern age communication is done as easily on the hoof as it is sat at a laptop.
The key element in VoIP is the price. With some home phone providers looking at driving people more towards 'packages' rather than basic land line systems by putting the price of a phone call up, VoIP providers are keeping the cost of PC to PC or PC to mobile phone calls down. It isn't free, as the caller is still charged for outgoing calls, but if you hunt down a broadband provider that includes line rental in the cost of their package, the saving can be considerable. VoIP only needs a relatively high speed Internet connection to carry VoIP calls, reasonably up to date hardware and a like-for-like system at the other end. VoIP providers typically offer capped or unlimited call plans, meaning that you can make as many cheap phone calls as you like for a set monthly charge. It's the modern version of the old-fashioned phone card.
During a recession, every penny counts. Whether you're a high-volume phone user for family reasons or for business, VoIP really does offer an efficient, cheap alternative to the (now somewhat outdated) traditional method of communicating. It was inevitable that the development of a 'verbal email' system would happen, and VoIP is the result of that technological advancement. The recession is probably one of the best things to happen to VoIP - as people take a long, hard look at how they communicate, they are more open to adopting new methods of making calls, especially if that new method means those calls are considerably cheaper than before.
Claims appear to be flying around saying that the recession is over, that the banking and housing industries are starting to show the green shoots of recovery and that we can all breathe a little easier. The truth, however, is that the average person in the street is still having to watch every penny and make savings wherever possible. One of the major household expenses is the cost of phone calls, particularly if you have friends and family abroad or, in an increasingly diverse working environment, work from home. Anything that can cut the costs of your monthly bills is to be welcomed, which is why so many people are taking a serious look at VoIP.
VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a generic term used to describe various methods of using the Internet and broadband facilities to make and receive telephone calls. VoIP breaks down a telephone call into data packets transmitted through a broadband network. Because it uses technology that is already in place (namely your computer and broadband connection), there are no extra add-ons to pay for, no additional cabling or sockets required. It is merely a method of adapting a multi-application tool such as a computer to do another job.
And it does that job exceptionally well. One aspect of this new technology that has really revolutionised the way people communicate with each other is the adaptable nature of the beast. Mobile phones changed the way people think about communicating, bringing in the advent of text messaging and, as microchips got smaller and Wi-Fi burst onto the scene, Internet connection on the move. VoIP hasn't been left behind in this technological revolution and isn't just restricted to your home PC or laptop. With bluetooth link-ups and mega-pixel touch screen technology, a VoIP call is just as easily made from a mobile phone as from a PC. There's no need for headphones and a base station link-up - in the modern age communication is done as easily on the hoof as it is sat at a laptop.
The key element in VoIP is the price. With some home phone providers looking at driving people more towards 'packages' rather than basic land line systems by putting the price of a phone call up, VoIP providers are keeping the cost of PC to PC or PC to mobile phone calls down. It isn't free, as the caller is still charged for outgoing calls, but if you hunt down a broadband provider that includes line rental in the cost of their package, the saving can be considerable. VoIP only needs a relatively high speed Internet connection to carry VoIP calls, reasonably up to date hardware and a like-for-like system at the other end. VoIP providers typically offer capped or unlimited call plans, meaning that you can make as many cheap phone calls as you like for a set monthly charge. It's the modern version of the old-fashioned phone card.
During a recession, every penny counts. Whether you're a high-volume phone user for family reasons or for business, VoIP really does offer an efficient, cheap alternative to the (now somewhat outdated) traditional method of communicating. It was inevitable that the development of a 'verbal email' system would happen, and VoIP is the result of that technological advancement. The recession is probably one of the best things to happen to VoIP - as people take a long, hard look at how they communicate, they are more open to adopting new methods of making calls, especially if that new method means those calls are considerably cheaper than before.
Why Choose VoIP for Business
Why Choose VoIP for Business
VoIP is becoming an increasingly popular choice for communication as an alternative to the telephone. Some however are still reluctant to switch to a VoIP service as they think that the quality is not that of a regular telephone. This isn't necessarily the case though, and there are many advantages. This is even more the case when it comes to Business VoIP, especially for businesses that make a large number of calls.
As many people are aware VoIP offers cost savings when compared with landline telephones, and especially mobile telephones. Businesses can save a very significant amount. This is even more the case for businesses that make many long distance calls - this is where the real savings can be made. The premium put on long distance (especially international); calls by telephone providers are not a reality with VoIP. This is because VoIP works via a broadband connection so it is less expensive for the provider and therefore the customer. Many packages are just a flat monthly free for a set, or even an unlimited, number of hours. Therefore making a high number of calls could mean significant savings in comparison with using a regular telephone.
This is why call centres often choose to use this technology. They can base their call centres in countries where labour is cheap and use VoIP so they can call internationally at a reduced rate. Some would say the quality of these calls is sometime poor, but this is due to the broadband connection and not simply the fact that a VoIP provider is being used. A better quality broadband connection would result in better quality VoIP.
Maintenance costs are also often lower. In is inexpensive to set up, especially if simply installed onto a computer. VoIP phones, which are similar to telephones in terms of the user experience and look, are more complicated by still relatively cheap. If you already have a broadband connection, which the majority of businesses now do, then there is no need for an extra phone line to be installed. If you move premises there are no high costs involved.
The call quality of VoIP is traditionally poor and has this reputation. It is seen by many as the main disadvantage. This, however, is no longer necessarily the case. Contrary to popular belief a VoIP service can be of just as higher quality as a normal phone service. As mentioned above, it is dependant on the broadband connection. Poor broadband will mean poor VoIP, but a good quality broadband service will mean a good quality VoIP service. Unlike landline telephones, VoIP can be portable. With VoIP phones this is not the case, but if installed on a laptop, then as long as you have a broadband connection you will be able to use it. If using wireless the quality will depend on the quality of the internet connection.
All the services that are available with a telephone provider are also available with VoIP. Conference calling is easy to perform and other services such as answer phones and forwarding systems are available. Depending on the VoIP provider and the package you choose, you can get fully integrated business systems and extension for different members of staff.
VoIP is becoming an increasingly popular choice for communication as an alternative to the telephone. Some however are still reluctant to switch to a VoIP service as they think that the quality is not that of a regular telephone. This isn't necessarily the case though, and there are many advantages. This is even more the case when it comes to Business VoIP, especially for businesses that make a large number of calls.
As many people are aware VoIP offers cost savings when compared with landline telephones, and especially mobile telephones. Businesses can save a very significant amount. This is even more the case for businesses that make many long distance calls - this is where the real savings can be made. The premium put on long distance (especially international); calls by telephone providers are not a reality with VoIP. This is because VoIP works via a broadband connection so it is less expensive for the provider and therefore the customer. Many packages are just a flat monthly free for a set, or even an unlimited, number of hours. Therefore making a high number of calls could mean significant savings in comparison with using a regular telephone.
This is why call centres often choose to use this technology. They can base their call centres in countries where labour is cheap and use VoIP so they can call internationally at a reduced rate. Some would say the quality of these calls is sometime poor, but this is due to the broadband connection and not simply the fact that a VoIP provider is being used. A better quality broadband connection would result in better quality VoIP.
Maintenance costs are also often lower. In is inexpensive to set up, especially if simply installed onto a computer. VoIP phones, which are similar to telephones in terms of the user experience and look, are more complicated by still relatively cheap. If you already have a broadband connection, which the majority of businesses now do, then there is no need for an extra phone line to be installed. If you move premises there are no high costs involved.
The call quality of VoIP is traditionally poor and has this reputation. It is seen by many as the main disadvantage. This, however, is no longer necessarily the case. Contrary to popular belief a VoIP service can be of just as higher quality as a normal phone service. As mentioned above, it is dependant on the broadband connection. Poor broadband will mean poor VoIP, but a good quality broadband service will mean a good quality VoIP service. Unlike landline telephones, VoIP can be portable. With VoIP phones this is not the case, but if installed on a laptop, then as long as you have a broadband connection you will be able to use it. If using wireless the quality will depend on the quality of the internet connection.
All the services that are available with a telephone provider are also available with VoIP. Conference calling is easy to perform and other services such as answer phones and forwarding systems are available. Depending on the VoIP provider and the package you choose, you can get fully integrated business systems and extension for different members of staff.
How Switching to VoIP Saves you Money on Your Phone Bill
How Switching to VoIP Saves you Money on Your Phone Bill
Now you have finally made the decision about changing to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone system for your business, the installation is complete and you are up and running. Have you considered how this will change the way that you communicate with your employees and customers? The only change that will be apparent is the reduction in your communication costs.
You have probably already got the IP telephone, which really looks no different to the traditional phone. But instead of being routed through the traditional telephone services you now have a system which routes the telephone calls through your high speed internet broadband connection. You are not required to sit in front of a pc in order to make and receive calls, most VoIP systems will work exactly as your previous telephone system did - the main difference is that your VoIP system will cost much less to run and maintain. Most people are not really interested in the technology that makes the VoIP systems work; they just need to know that it does!
Did you know that you can have two separate phone systems at your business premises or even in your home? Both systems can be used simultaneously if you feel the need to keep a back up until you are comfortable with the fact that a VoIP system can provide all the things that you are used to.
With your new VoIP system you will use a high speed internet broadband connection to make and receive your calls. You will, most probably, still have access to all the features of your traditional telephone system such as call waiting, caller ID, conference calls, automatic redial etc. So, for most users there will be no visible difference to the way they communicate.
One of the great benefits of the VoIP telephone systems is that, wherever you can access a high speed broadband connection, you will be able to use your VoIP service just as if you were in your office.
Will there be a time in the future when everyone will be utilizing the power of the internet and one of the VoIP systems to deal with all communications? It is possible but, as with any new technology, it will take time and education before regular people can become knowledgeable and comfortable enough with the technology involved. Remember the size of the first computer? It filled a whole room, and that was only a few decades ago, people of that era would never have imagined the high percentage of domestic households who have their very own computer today.
So who knows how the VoIP telephone systems will develop in the future. They may just provide the man in the street with an easy and convenient way to communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world and all for next to nothing.
Now you have finally made the decision about changing to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone system for your business, the installation is complete and you are up and running. Have you considered how this will change the way that you communicate with your employees and customers? The only change that will be apparent is the reduction in your communication costs.
You have probably already got the IP telephone, which really looks no different to the traditional phone. But instead of being routed through the traditional telephone services you now have a system which routes the telephone calls through your high speed internet broadband connection. You are not required to sit in front of a pc in order to make and receive calls, most VoIP systems will work exactly as your previous telephone system did - the main difference is that your VoIP system will cost much less to run and maintain. Most people are not really interested in the technology that makes the VoIP systems work; they just need to know that it does!
Did you know that you can have two separate phone systems at your business premises or even in your home? Both systems can be used simultaneously if you feel the need to keep a back up until you are comfortable with the fact that a VoIP system can provide all the things that you are used to.
With your new VoIP system you will use a high speed internet broadband connection to make and receive your calls. You will, most probably, still have access to all the features of your traditional telephone system such as call waiting, caller ID, conference calls, automatic redial etc. So, for most users there will be no visible difference to the way they communicate.
One of the great benefits of the VoIP telephone systems is that, wherever you can access a high speed broadband connection, you will be able to use your VoIP service just as if you were in your office.
Will there be a time in the future when everyone will be utilizing the power of the internet and one of the VoIP systems to deal with all communications? It is possible but, as with any new technology, it will take time and education before regular people can become knowledgeable and comfortable enough with the technology involved. Remember the size of the first computer? It filled a whole room, and that was only a few decades ago, people of that era would never have imagined the high percentage of domestic households who have their very own computer today.
So who knows how the VoIP telephone systems will develop in the future. They may just provide the man in the street with an easy and convenient way to communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world and all for next to nothing.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Choosing a Business Phone System
Choosing a Business Phone System
Picking the right phone system for your company can help to save money, increase efficiency, and help employees communicate better. The right phone system can change how your employees communicate with each other as well as with customers.
Try to think of phone systems as an investment in improving company productivity. The system hardware can last your company for years, and any software can be updated accordingly to any changes made in the future, depending on what type of system you purchase.
Try to do your own research as well as talk to professional experts when your are deciding on the type of system to purchase, since upgrades and training can be costly and time-consuming in the future. Spending more for the right phone system can be an investment with a high payoff later on if you pick the best set-up for your business.
There are many different types of phone systems to choose from, and each system has its own set of features and add-on equipment. Almost all phone systems that have been manufactured in recent years can work with either traditional telephone connections, like PBX systems, or on internet phone providers, like VoIP service.
What makes selecting phone systems a harder process than one would think is the vendors. Vendors can all have different prices for phones, as well as customized pricing plans depending on their services - they can either charge on a per-employee basis or by a fixed rate for both equipment and fees.
Doing your own research on your company's needs as well as market offers can be very beneficial for your business. The more information you have before talking to a vendor can help you better navigate through phone plans, phone systems, and industry standards.
The type of phone system that you choose affects the way that your business is run. As a whole, your company relies on phone communication between office locations, between your employees and their clients, and with your vendors and suppliers to run efficiently.
Your telephone system has become such an important means of communicating that many employees now have their own extensions and cell phones for frequent travelers.
Before you look into telephone systems, think about all the ways that your company connects with each other over the phone - think about how much time employees spend talking to suppliers, vendors, and clients, and think about the overall incoming call volume that your office receives (including calls from within your company).
All of these factors should be considered when your try to narrow down what type of system best suites your industry. Your phone system will come with many options and accessories that you can choose from that will help determine their overall cost, and being able tell a vendor about your specific needs can save both time and energy, and not to mention costs.
As a "high-tech" electronic purchase, a phone system is similar to purchasing a personal cell phone or PDA for everyone in your company. Figuring out what options your employees cannot do without, and which ones they can, will help you pick the right choice from vendors.
Many businesses make the mistake of picking a system with all the newest features even though many of these options will never be used. By talking to employees, consulting different vendors, and doing your own research, your business can have a much better chance of finding the right type of phone system with the right set of features that will benefit your organization the most.
Picking the right phone system for your company can help to save money, increase efficiency, and help employees communicate better. The right phone system can change how your employees communicate with each other as well as with customers.
Try to think of phone systems as an investment in improving company productivity. The system hardware can last your company for years, and any software can be updated accordingly to any changes made in the future, depending on what type of system you purchase.
Try to do your own research as well as talk to professional experts when your are deciding on the type of system to purchase, since upgrades and training can be costly and time-consuming in the future. Spending more for the right phone system can be an investment with a high payoff later on if you pick the best set-up for your business.
There are many different types of phone systems to choose from, and each system has its own set of features and add-on equipment. Almost all phone systems that have been manufactured in recent years can work with either traditional telephone connections, like PBX systems, or on internet phone providers, like VoIP service.
What makes selecting phone systems a harder process than one would think is the vendors. Vendors can all have different prices for phones, as well as customized pricing plans depending on their services - they can either charge on a per-employee basis or by a fixed rate for both equipment and fees.
Doing your own research on your company's needs as well as market offers can be very beneficial for your business. The more information you have before talking to a vendor can help you better navigate through phone plans, phone systems, and industry standards.
The type of phone system that you choose affects the way that your business is run. As a whole, your company relies on phone communication between office locations, between your employees and their clients, and with your vendors and suppliers to run efficiently.
Your telephone system has become such an important means of communicating that many employees now have their own extensions and cell phones for frequent travelers.
Before you look into telephone systems, think about all the ways that your company connects with each other over the phone - think about how much time employees spend talking to suppliers, vendors, and clients, and think about the overall incoming call volume that your office receives (including calls from within your company).
All of these factors should be considered when your try to narrow down what type of system best suites your industry. Your phone system will come with many options and accessories that you can choose from that will help determine their overall cost, and being able tell a vendor about your specific needs can save both time and energy, and not to mention costs.
As a "high-tech" electronic purchase, a phone system is similar to purchasing a personal cell phone or PDA for everyone in your company. Figuring out what options your employees cannot do without, and which ones they can, will help you pick the right choice from vendors.
Many businesses make the mistake of picking a system with all the newest features even though many of these options will never be used. By talking to employees, consulting different vendors, and doing your own research, your business can have a much better chance of finding the right type of phone system with the right set of features that will benefit your organization the most.
How to Make Free or Cheap International Phone Calls
How to Make Free or Cheap International Phone Calls
If you have wondering how to make free or cheap international calls then look no further. This article will give you all the information and instructions you need. There is only one point to note and that is you will need one of the following types of mobile phones: Iphone, Ipod Touch, Nokia, Android or Blackberry.
To get completely free international calls you will need to use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). In simple terms this is using the internet to transmit your international calls. By the way don't assume that this is a low quality method for calling. Nowadays the internet is capable of transmitting huge amounts of data at high speed. If you can watch high resolution movies over the internet then you can certainly make free international calls that are excellent quality.
To use VoIP to make free international calls on your mobile all you need to do is download a free bit of software, details of which are provided below. Once installed you simply use a WiFi connection to make your phone call however the call is only completely free if the person receiving the call is also using the same software. The software is really easy to use and you still dial a number and make the call like any other telephone conversation. This is a great way to stay in regular touch with family and friends as it is easy to get them setup on the system, especially when it is free.
However, most of the time you will find that you do not have a WiFi connection available or the person receiving the phone call does not have the software on their mobile or they are on a land line. In this case you will not be using VoIP and will have to pay money but we are only talking peanuts.
For example, download the cheap international calls software. Once installed you will need to open an account and deposit some money. Now before you start freaking out, the amount of money we are talking about is minuscule. Following are some examples of rates for cheap international calls from the UK: Australia 3 pence per minute, China 3 pence per minute, India 6 pence per minute, Pakistan 9 pence per minute, US 3 pence per minute.
If you are paying anything more than the above rates for your international calls then you really need to consider changing over to the system mentioned above. Some companies even offer a fixed month rate of £10 per month for unlimited calls to both landlines and mobile phones.
The software that allows you to make free or cheap international calls is even compatible with MSN Messenger, twitter, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Skype. There is no end to the capabilities available to you to stay in constant touch with loved ones or friends.
If you have wondering how to make free or cheap international calls then look no further. This article will give you all the information and instructions you need. There is only one point to note and that is you will need one of the following types of mobile phones: Iphone, Ipod Touch, Nokia, Android or Blackberry.
To get completely free international calls you will need to use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). In simple terms this is using the internet to transmit your international calls. By the way don't assume that this is a low quality method for calling. Nowadays the internet is capable of transmitting huge amounts of data at high speed. If you can watch high resolution movies over the internet then you can certainly make free international calls that are excellent quality.
To use VoIP to make free international calls on your mobile all you need to do is download a free bit of software, details of which are provided below. Once installed you simply use a WiFi connection to make your phone call however the call is only completely free if the person receiving the call is also using the same software. The software is really easy to use and you still dial a number and make the call like any other telephone conversation. This is a great way to stay in regular touch with family and friends as it is easy to get them setup on the system, especially when it is free.
However, most of the time you will find that you do not have a WiFi connection available or the person receiving the phone call does not have the software on their mobile or they are on a land line. In this case you will not be using VoIP and will have to pay money but we are only talking peanuts.
For example, download the cheap international calls software. Once installed you will need to open an account and deposit some money. Now before you start freaking out, the amount of money we are talking about is minuscule. Following are some examples of rates for cheap international calls from the UK: Australia 3 pence per minute, China 3 pence per minute, India 6 pence per minute, Pakistan 9 pence per minute, US 3 pence per minute.
If you are paying anything more than the above rates for your international calls then you really need to consider changing over to the system mentioned above. Some companies even offer a fixed month rate of £10 per month for unlimited calls to both landlines and mobile phones.
The software that allows you to make free or cheap international calls is even compatible with MSN Messenger, twitter, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Skype. There is no end to the capabilities available to you to stay in constant touch with loved ones or friends.
How to Save on Your Communications Bill with VoIP for Small Business
How to Save on Your Communications Bill with VoIP for Small Business
If you are a small or medium sized business owner, do you know how you can save a significant amount of money on your communication bills?
You could change your telephone systems over to the VoIP system which utilizes the internet and a broadband connection to enable you to communicate with people from all over, and for a lot cheaper than the conventional telephone system. If the person you are calling is also connected to a VoIP system then the calls are usually free.
VoIP which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, has been very slow to 'catch on' with a lot of small to medium sized businesses because of the fear of disruption to their communication with their customers. However, now that the technology has been perfected, it may be just the right time for the small business owner to make the change.
There are lots of advantages when a business changes to a VoIP system rather than sticking with the traditional telephone service. The obvious main advantage is the cost. VoIP services can offer free local calls and a lot of the long distance calls may be free of charge. This largely depends on the supplier that is chosen. VoIP is used over an internet connection and can be used for both voice and data transfers, this negates the need for multiple connections. When the demands of the business increase, all that is necessary is an increase in your internet bandwidth to accommodate the growth. Changes to the phone systems will not be needed.
Another benefit is that the VoIP system will not require equipment upgrades. You can obtain adaptors that will convert all your systems into a form that will enable you to use all the technology that VoIP systems offer.
The VoIP systems can also make audio, data and video integration much simpler. Today's technology will, in the future, offer businesses a solution to all their communication needs. Businesses are able to integrate telephones, faxes, video systems and computers with use of VoIP.
The flexibility that VoIP is able to offer to small and medium sized business will enable the companies the ability to easily relocate the workforce. VoIP has the ability to allow you to use a local number even when you are on the other side of the country, so it would appear that you are answering a call from nearby. The cost of the call, when using a local number, is the same as making a local call.
It is thought that VoIP will eventually replace the traditional telephone systems as the technology advances. The traditional telephone suppliers are frantically trying to market the VoIP technology in the hope of keeping up with progress. They will need to be active in the VoIP market to enable them to stay in business.
So, if your company has not already installed on of the many VoIP systems, maybe now is the time to investigate the possibilities to see how much you can save on your communication costs.
If you are a small or medium sized business owner, do you know how you can save a significant amount of money on your communication bills?
You could change your telephone systems over to the VoIP system which utilizes the internet and a broadband connection to enable you to communicate with people from all over, and for a lot cheaper than the conventional telephone system. If the person you are calling is also connected to a VoIP system then the calls are usually free.
VoIP which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, has been very slow to 'catch on' with a lot of small to medium sized businesses because of the fear of disruption to their communication with their customers. However, now that the technology has been perfected, it may be just the right time for the small business owner to make the change.
There are lots of advantages when a business changes to a VoIP system rather than sticking with the traditional telephone service. The obvious main advantage is the cost. VoIP services can offer free local calls and a lot of the long distance calls may be free of charge. This largely depends on the supplier that is chosen. VoIP is used over an internet connection and can be used for both voice and data transfers, this negates the need for multiple connections. When the demands of the business increase, all that is necessary is an increase in your internet bandwidth to accommodate the growth. Changes to the phone systems will not be needed.
Another benefit is that the VoIP system will not require equipment upgrades. You can obtain adaptors that will convert all your systems into a form that will enable you to use all the technology that VoIP systems offer.
The VoIP systems can also make audio, data and video integration much simpler. Today's technology will, in the future, offer businesses a solution to all their communication needs. Businesses are able to integrate telephones, faxes, video systems and computers with use of VoIP.
The flexibility that VoIP is able to offer to small and medium sized business will enable the companies the ability to easily relocate the workforce. VoIP has the ability to allow you to use a local number even when you are on the other side of the country, so it would appear that you are answering a call from nearby. The cost of the call, when using a local number, is the same as making a local call.
It is thought that VoIP will eventually replace the traditional telephone systems as the technology advances. The traditional telephone suppliers are frantically trying to market the VoIP technology in the hope of keeping up with progress. They will need to be active in the VoIP market to enable them to stay in business.
So, if your company has not already installed on of the many VoIP systems, maybe now is the time to investigate the possibilities to see how much you can save on your communication costs.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Implementing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) into your Office
Implementing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) into your Office
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) the buzz word today in business, using the technology has many benefits; however an improper install can make your days crazy. When you are finished reading this article you will know what you need, why you need it and how it will impact your business.
The Wikipedia definition of Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP (Internet Protocol) Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
First here are the parts needed for a proper install
Data Cables also known as Cat5e cable Quality of Service (QOS) Switch VoIP Capable Phone Systems VoIP Phones
Then we will discuss the services you can use and need
VoIP Trunks Internet Services MPLS Phone Lines
VoIP technology has eliminated the need for you to have a phone network and a computer network. Cat5e, Plenum and computer cable is what your VOIP system should run on. Running your system on the same network will allow you to keep wiring costs down. In addition, as the systems become more elaborate you will already be prepared for changes and updates.
One of the most important if not the most important piece of equipment is the QOS Switch. This single piece of equipment can eliminate many voice quality problems for you and your staff. Not using it can cause your calls to be delayed, echoed, or jumbled. These switches come in many sizes based on the number of potential ports or users in your office. If you are planning on growth you should purchase one to cover that growth. In addition, they can be purchased to power your phones reducing the amount of wires around your desks. The QOS switch will act as a traffic cop for your network ensuring that your phone call traffic takes priority over other traffic.
There are three types of VoIP systems Hosted, Premise, and Hybrids. The hosted solution is provided by your phone company. Basically they own all the equipment and you pay a per seat fee for the system as long as you are on their service you will have their phones, the phone company handles all changes or they will allow you via the web to make changes yourself. A major shortfall of the hosted system is creating a redundant solution. When the phone company goes out you could never use another carrier as a back up plan during an outage. Hosted systems can ONLY use VoIP Providers. A popular hosted solution is Packet8. Premise based equipment is owned by the Agent. Generally they pay a Professional to handle programming. The majority of work being performed can be done remotely reducing your costs to make changes with your phone guy. Using a premise based system allows you to pick and choose your carrier. In addition, allowing you to create a back up solution in case your service has an outage with your primary carrier for Telecommunications. The premise based system will allow you to use VoIP carriers and Traditional phone companies like AT&T. Some premise based systems are Cisco, Inter-Tel, and Avaya The hybrid system combines many features of the two systems and adds to them. For example, some will have a built in Firewall for your computer network. In addition, some will act as a hosted solution for remote offices. The hybrid system will work with VoIP and Traditional Carriers. There are many features in the hybrid system that your agency can use to grow into other markets more rapidly. Some Hybrid systems are Allworx and Fonality.
A list of benefits for Premise and Hybrid systems
* Cleaner and simpler infrastructure. * Lower operating costs. * Simplified equipment and maintenance. * Unified communications. * Improved scalability and growth. * Improved features for business operations. * Improved technological features and capabilities.
Purchasing phones is where the majority of money can go depending on the number of users and their ability to use their computer. In VoIP communications you are not locked into a particular phone you will just have to verify with the equipment if it is compatible. In fact you may not have to purchase a physical phone period. Some systems have the ability to use Software based phones in your computers. For example the XLite phone has a free version with limited functionality; even though it is limited it can use streaming video for Video calls, store contact info for click to dial and Instant Messenger. The physical phones can be used to take remotely anywhere you can connect to a broadband connection. In addition, using presence management can help you keep in contact with potential clients calling your extension while out calling on customers without having to give out your cell phone number.
What to ask before you buy a VoIP system?
* How many employees are in your organization? * How many locations do you have that need VoIP service? * How many remote or mobile users do you have that will not have a local office? * What are your current broadband connection details - bandwidth, type, lines and so on? Make sure to have as much information available as possible, including your supplier and level of service. * What is your current network load and available unused bandwidth? Your provider may want to test your network to determine this information for them, and if you don't have enough you may need a network or broadband upgrade. * What type of servers does your system run on? Your service provider may need manufacturer, model number and, most importantly, operating system details. * What are your existing phone system details - manufacturer, number of lines, connections and so on? * Will you need to or want to keep existing lines? * Will you only be upgrading part of your organization? * What is your budget? What is your total project cost limits and target cost per month per user? * What is your mix of calling - average amount of internal, local, long-distance and international calls per month? If you don't know, have a few months of current phone bills handy. * What is your percentage of inbound versus outbound calls?
VoIP trunks are equal to phone lines. Basically it is the number of concurrent phone calls your service provider will allow you to make at one time. Do not include internal calls if calling your remote office using a like system. When purchasing your Trunks DO NOT include Fax and Modem Lines at this time VoIP carriers are unable to transmit these types of services. This is not a bad thing for your Agency because in times of an internet outage or service outage you can use Fax and Modem lines as back ups to reroute your calls out. One very important thing to verify is that the VoIP carrier has been tested and proven with the manufacturer of your VoIP System. Many carriers and Phone manufacturers will set up test accounts with each other to run testing on their service to ensure interoperability between the two.
Choosing Internet Service should be fairly easy. It is strongly recommended to use at least a T-1 for your VoIP Trunks to travel across. There are many advantages to using a T-1 over DSL and Cable besides speed. For example, Tier 1 providers are required by the FCC to start fixing any service problems in under 4 hours vs. 2 days for DSL and no time frame for cable. In addition, unlike Cable and most DSL you will be able to send and receive information at guaranteed speeds both coming into your office and going out. When determining your bandwidth needs you will need to know from your VoIP Trunk provider how much you will use if all of your trunks are in use then add at least 512 kilobytes to that allowing for other data to transmit.
When you are connecting remote locations that will have heavy voice and data traffic back to the main office connect them using a MPLS with Class of Service capabilities. Basically what this does is ensures your Video and Voice traffic takes priority over the internet. With out this you could experience latency and jitter between your locations. Many companies currently are using MPLS so that all their data is stored at one facility.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) the buzz word today in business, using the technology has many benefits; however an improper install can make your days crazy. When you are finished reading this article you will know what you need, why you need it and how it will impact your business.
The Wikipedia definition of Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP (Internet Protocol) Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
First here are the parts needed for a proper install
Data Cables also known as Cat5e cable Quality of Service (QOS) Switch VoIP Capable Phone Systems VoIP Phones
Then we will discuss the services you can use and need
VoIP Trunks Internet Services MPLS Phone Lines
VoIP technology has eliminated the need for you to have a phone network and a computer network. Cat5e, Plenum and computer cable is what your VOIP system should run on. Running your system on the same network will allow you to keep wiring costs down. In addition, as the systems become more elaborate you will already be prepared for changes and updates.
One of the most important if not the most important piece of equipment is the QOS Switch. This single piece of equipment can eliminate many voice quality problems for you and your staff. Not using it can cause your calls to be delayed, echoed, or jumbled. These switches come in many sizes based on the number of potential ports or users in your office. If you are planning on growth you should purchase one to cover that growth. In addition, they can be purchased to power your phones reducing the amount of wires around your desks. The QOS switch will act as a traffic cop for your network ensuring that your phone call traffic takes priority over other traffic.
There are three types of VoIP systems Hosted, Premise, and Hybrids. The hosted solution is provided by your phone company. Basically they own all the equipment and you pay a per seat fee for the system as long as you are on their service you will have their phones, the phone company handles all changes or they will allow you via the web to make changes yourself. A major shortfall of the hosted system is creating a redundant solution. When the phone company goes out you could never use another carrier as a back up plan during an outage. Hosted systems can ONLY use VoIP Providers. A popular hosted solution is Packet8. Premise based equipment is owned by the Agent. Generally they pay a Professional to handle programming. The majority of work being performed can be done remotely reducing your costs to make changes with your phone guy. Using a premise based system allows you to pick and choose your carrier. In addition, allowing you to create a back up solution in case your service has an outage with your primary carrier for Telecommunications. The premise based system will allow you to use VoIP carriers and Traditional phone companies like AT&T. Some premise based systems are Cisco, Inter-Tel, and Avaya The hybrid system combines many features of the two systems and adds to them. For example, some will have a built in Firewall for your computer network. In addition, some will act as a hosted solution for remote offices. The hybrid system will work with VoIP and Traditional Carriers. There are many features in the hybrid system that your agency can use to grow into other markets more rapidly. Some Hybrid systems are Allworx and Fonality.
A list of benefits for Premise and Hybrid systems
* Cleaner and simpler infrastructure. * Lower operating costs. * Simplified equipment and maintenance. * Unified communications. * Improved scalability and growth. * Improved features for business operations. * Improved technological features and capabilities.
Purchasing phones is where the majority of money can go depending on the number of users and their ability to use their computer. In VoIP communications you are not locked into a particular phone you will just have to verify with the equipment if it is compatible. In fact you may not have to purchase a physical phone period. Some systems have the ability to use Software based phones in your computers. For example the XLite phone has a free version with limited functionality; even though it is limited it can use streaming video for Video calls, store contact info for click to dial and Instant Messenger. The physical phones can be used to take remotely anywhere you can connect to a broadband connection. In addition, using presence management can help you keep in contact with potential clients calling your extension while out calling on customers without having to give out your cell phone number.
What to ask before you buy a VoIP system?
* How many employees are in your organization? * How many locations do you have that need VoIP service? * How many remote or mobile users do you have that will not have a local office? * What are your current broadband connection details - bandwidth, type, lines and so on? Make sure to have as much information available as possible, including your supplier and level of service. * What is your current network load and available unused bandwidth? Your provider may want to test your network to determine this information for them, and if you don't have enough you may need a network or broadband upgrade. * What type of servers does your system run on? Your service provider may need manufacturer, model number and, most importantly, operating system details. * What are your existing phone system details - manufacturer, number of lines, connections and so on? * Will you need to or want to keep existing lines? * Will you only be upgrading part of your organization? * What is your budget? What is your total project cost limits and target cost per month per user? * What is your mix of calling - average amount of internal, local, long-distance and international calls per month? If you don't know, have a few months of current phone bills handy. * What is your percentage of inbound versus outbound calls?
VoIP trunks are equal to phone lines. Basically it is the number of concurrent phone calls your service provider will allow you to make at one time. Do not include internal calls if calling your remote office using a like system. When purchasing your Trunks DO NOT include Fax and Modem Lines at this time VoIP carriers are unable to transmit these types of services. This is not a bad thing for your Agency because in times of an internet outage or service outage you can use Fax and Modem lines as back ups to reroute your calls out. One very important thing to verify is that the VoIP carrier has been tested and proven with the manufacturer of your VoIP System. Many carriers and Phone manufacturers will set up test accounts with each other to run testing on their service to ensure interoperability between the two.
Choosing Internet Service should be fairly easy. It is strongly recommended to use at least a T-1 for your VoIP Trunks to travel across. There are many advantages to using a T-1 over DSL and Cable besides speed. For example, Tier 1 providers are required by the FCC to start fixing any service problems in under 4 hours vs. 2 days for DSL and no time frame for cable. In addition, unlike Cable and most DSL you will be able to send and receive information at guaranteed speeds both coming into your office and going out. When determining your bandwidth needs you will need to know from your VoIP Trunk provider how much you will use if all of your trunks are in use then add at least 512 kilobytes to that allowing for other data to transmit.
When you are connecting remote locations that will have heavy voice and data traffic back to the main office connect them using a MPLS with Class of Service capabilities. Basically what this does is ensures your Video and Voice traffic takes priority over the internet. With out this you could experience latency and jitter between your locations. Many companies currently are using MPLS so that all their data is stored at one facility.
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