The Voip Business Phone is the Right Choice
by Jennifer Moore
If you are changing your small business telephone system from a traditional dedicated fixed landline to the newer VoIP technology, there are some things you need to have in place to change successfully. 1. Internet Connection To route your calls over the Internet instead of over the existing telephone fixed landlines, you need to have a powerful Internet connection and equipment to connect and communicate with. If your small business is using a DSL or cable modem for your Internet connectivity, you need to research the bandwidth needed for of VoIP communications (Voice over Internet Protocol). If you are one of 1-2 employees, then DSL or cable should work fine to meet your needs. DSL and cable modems are not ideal for VoIP, but they do work acceptably well for a very small office of just one or two people. If your office grows to more than 2 users, your small business telephone system needs to grow also. It is time to consider a more robust Internet connection. The standard DSL and cable modems offer you a quicker download than upload speed. This generally works fine for general computer usage, but it won't work so well for voice communication. So, you will need to make sure that your Internet connection can support both the upload and download speeds that you need to have clear and consistent voice communication. 2. How Much Bandwidth? The industry standard is enough bandwidth for about 1/3 rd of your employees to be on the telephone at the same time ... so if you have 30 lines, you should then have enough bandwidth for 10 to be used at any one time. With a business of this size, your small business telephone system will usually require a T1 connection to the Internet. One of the best things you can do is to work with a provider who can support both your VoIP and Internet connection needs. This will insure that you have the bandwidth necessary to get both your calls and data needs taken care of. 3. Hub vs. Switch In addition to bandwidth to the Internet, internally you should be using switches on your network rather than hubs. While hubs are fine for electronic data transmission, the transmission of voice over your network necessitates the need for switches to be used. 4. Media Gateways If you already have a small business telephone system in place, such as a small PBX system, you can purchase a device called a "media gateway" to connect your existing phone system to the Internet without having to replace all of your phones and equipment. This will save you money from the equipment that would have to be replaced to upgrade to VoIP services. Moving your small business telephone system over to VoIP requires some pre-planning and consultation with an Internet provider. An experienced provider can offer the equipment and the know-how to make your move to VoIP quickly and without any inconvenience for your employees.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Choosing the Best VoIP Provider
Choosing the Best VoIP Provider
by Torrie Cantor
Are you looking for the best VoIP provider? There are thousands of available providers out there. Choosing just one can be very confusing. There are ways however, for you to spot providers that can really give you greater value for your money.
What to Look For
Your first concern should be to know what to look for in a provider. This is especially if you plan to manually research on VoIP providers yourself. Here are some factors to consider when assessing a provider:
- One of the top considerations is the price. VoIP in general is far cheaper than a regular telephone line. As with everything else however, the rates may differ from one provider to another. This may be because of differences in features offered. Well known communications giants may also charge slightly higher than smaller companies.
- Features should be a major concern in your search for the best VoIP provider. Your preference for certain features however will also depend on what you need VoIP for. You may need it for personal local calls, international calls or corporate communications. Depending on your use in mind, certain features to choose from include video conferencing, call waiting, caller ID, call transfer, vice mail, auto redial and speed dial.
- Voice quality is another important concern. Not all companies provide the same quality when it comes to transmissions. You may have to consider such details as the availability of soft switches.
- The reputation of a provider should be considered. You don't have to go with the biggest name on the list. You just need to make sure that you are with a company that has been around in the communications business for some time. They also need to have some experience in the field of VoIP.
Where to Look for Providers
The internet is a good first stop to look for a provider. In fact, the internet may be all you need to locate a good provider. You may manually search and compare providers yourself. You can however also consult online comparison sites. These sites have lists of providers with their corresponding prices and feature offers. They may also carry consumer reviews of these providers.
Comparison sites can also offer a couple of other services. They may have information pages to help you understand VoIP technology better. Others also provide e-mail and newsletter updates regarding VoIP technology developments. These updates include the current availability of providers in different localities.
Aside from review sites, you can also head off to forums. This will help you get an idea of what actual individual VoIP users have to say about their providers. This is the best first hand information that you will ever get. Forum rules also give you a higher assurance that you are communicating with people who are truthful about their provider experiences.
It may be hard to look for the best VoIP provider at first. Finding one isn't impossible though. You just have to take your time with making your choices. Make sure that you thoroughly compare the different aspects of providers before settling on one.
by Torrie Cantor
Are you looking for the best VoIP provider? There are thousands of available providers out there. Choosing just one can be very confusing. There are ways however, for you to spot providers that can really give you greater value for your money.
What to Look For
Your first concern should be to know what to look for in a provider. This is especially if you plan to manually research on VoIP providers yourself. Here are some factors to consider when assessing a provider:
- One of the top considerations is the price. VoIP in general is far cheaper than a regular telephone line. As with everything else however, the rates may differ from one provider to another. This may be because of differences in features offered. Well known communications giants may also charge slightly higher than smaller companies.
- Features should be a major concern in your search for the best VoIP provider. Your preference for certain features however will also depend on what you need VoIP for. You may need it for personal local calls, international calls or corporate communications. Depending on your use in mind, certain features to choose from include video conferencing, call waiting, caller ID, call transfer, vice mail, auto redial and speed dial.
- Voice quality is another important concern. Not all companies provide the same quality when it comes to transmissions. You may have to consider such details as the availability of soft switches.
- The reputation of a provider should be considered. You don't have to go with the biggest name on the list. You just need to make sure that you are with a company that has been around in the communications business for some time. They also need to have some experience in the field of VoIP.
Where to Look for Providers
The internet is a good first stop to look for a provider. In fact, the internet may be all you need to locate a good provider. You may manually search and compare providers yourself. You can however also consult online comparison sites. These sites have lists of providers with their corresponding prices and feature offers. They may also carry consumer reviews of these providers.
Comparison sites can also offer a couple of other services. They may have information pages to help you understand VoIP technology better. Others also provide e-mail and newsletter updates regarding VoIP technology developments. These updates include the current availability of providers in different localities.
Aside from review sites, you can also head off to forums. This will help you get an idea of what actual individual VoIP users have to say about their providers. This is the best first hand information that you will ever get. Forum rules also give you a higher assurance that you are communicating with people who are truthful about their provider experiences.
It may be hard to look for the best VoIP provider at first. Finding one isn't impossible though. You just have to take your time with making your choices. Make sure that you thoroughly compare the different aspects of providers before settling on one.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Commercialisation of VoIP Minutes
Commercialisation of VoIP Minutes
by Kristen Kiya
VoIP service is on a high priority for both buyers of the service as well as the sellers. This service is induced with a lot of flexibility that keeps the users at a high end of profitable gains. This service thus has made it possible for the users to avail calls at a comparatively lower price rates as compared to the traditional phone lines. The Voice over IP connection is available in terms of VoIP minutes.
The greatest advantage of using an IP connection is its ability for incredible cost savings. In fact, now the concept of VoIP minutes has become the strongest selling point of this network. The cost cutting coupled with excellent calling features of Voice over IP has made consumers reach a situation wherein everything seems to be inclined on their side. The services offering such minutes may be in the form of a monthly minute package. This may extend to providing the customers with 200 minutes per month solution or even more than that.
The VoIP calls are preferred by people as the service includes features such as caller ID, call forwarding, selective call booking, click to call, free SoftPhone, priority alerts, VIP Ringing, voicemail, three way Calling, anonymous call rejection, automatic callback and complete online account control. An internet phone adapter can also be used to make use of the traditional phones in order to be connected via Voice over Internet Protocol.
The Call termination services are also available quite abundantly due to the presence of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 of service providers. The Tier 1 refers to wholesalers that have their individual networks. These providers are in themselves self reliant and a customer seeking connection from such a service provider can remain content with the facility. However, the Tier 2 or Tier 3 providers have to lease out the connection from the higher tiers in order to supply them to their customers. That is to say that a Tier 2 service provider has to lease the service from Tier1 providers and a Tier 3 has to lease services from tier 2 providers.
Buying and selling of VoIP minutes has taken a commercial turn and wholesalers as well as resellers have made it a point to utilise the services for commercial purposes. Their customers can be sure of accruing a high profit margin in comparison to the traditional analog connections. This has led to an increase in the demand of voice over connections. The success of this service is based on the fact that it sees no boundaries. The customer can make calls to a person staying in a different country at the affordable price rates. Moreover, once a connection is acquired from a service provider, the customer can then move to any other country and yet avail the services from the same service provider. Apart from facilities such as three-way calling, the clarity of sound also remains good with such connections. So, every minute that a customer buys can be utilised with the maximum gains and profitable outcome.
by Kristen Kiya
VoIP service is on a high priority for both buyers of the service as well as the sellers. This service is induced with a lot of flexibility that keeps the users at a high end of profitable gains. This service thus has made it possible for the users to avail calls at a comparatively lower price rates as compared to the traditional phone lines. The Voice over IP connection is available in terms of VoIP minutes.
The greatest advantage of using an IP connection is its ability for incredible cost savings. In fact, now the concept of VoIP minutes has become the strongest selling point of this network. The cost cutting coupled with excellent calling features of Voice over IP has made consumers reach a situation wherein everything seems to be inclined on their side. The services offering such minutes may be in the form of a monthly minute package. This may extend to providing the customers with 200 minutes per month solution or even more than that.
The VoIP calls are preferred by people as the service includes features such as caller ID, call forwarding, selective call booking, click to call, free SoftPhone, priority alerts, VIP Ringing, voicemail, three way Calling, anonymous call rejection, automatic callback and complete online account control. An internet phone adapter can also be used to make use of the traditional phones in order to be connected via Voice over Internet Protocol.
The Call termination services are also available quite abundantly due to the presence of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 of service providers. The Tier 1 refers to wholesalers that have their individual networks. These providers are in themselves self reliant and a customer seeking connection from such a service provider can remain content with the facility. However, the Tier 2 or Tier 3 providers have to lease out the connection from the higher tiers in order to supply them to their customers. That is to say that a Tier 2 service provider has to lease the service from Tier1 providers and a Tier 3 has to lease services from tier 2 providers.
Buying and selling of VoIP minutes has taken a commercial turn and wholesalers as well as resellers have made it a point to utilise the services for commercial purposes. Their customers can be sure of accruing a high profit margin in comparison to the traditional analog connections. This has led to an increase in the demand of voice over connections. The success of this service is based on the fact that it sees no boundaries. The customer can make calls to a person staying in a different country at the affordable price rates. Moreover, once a connection is acquired from a service provider, the customer can then move to any other country and yet avail the services from the same service provider. Apart from facilities such as three-way calling, the clarity of sound also remains good with such connections. So, every minute that a customer buys can be utilised with the maximum gains and profitable outcome.
VoIP: A Reasonable Gateway to Effective Calling
VoIP: A Reasonable Gateway to Effective Calling
by Kristen Kiya
VoIP is a technology that masters in converting the voice into digital signals. These signals then are transferred via the internet to the receiver. The Voice over Internet Protocol is a facilitating technology that can be used to make calls directly from a VoIP phone, a computer or even a traditional phone that remains connected to an adaptor. In addition, the facility can also be used wirelessly in locations where there is an availability of the network. So, now airports, parks and farmhouses can be made Voice over IP enabled and internet enabled calls can thus be made.
For a quality VoIP experience, a broadband high speed connection is required. This broadband connection can be acquired with a cable modem, a DSL or even a local area network. Computers and a VoIP phone are required for some special services, while the other services need an adaptor to be connected to a traditional phone. The whole system works with a switch that is a gateway for transmission of signals from one internet server to another. The digital data is perfect for the internet to carry messages and deliver them to the recipient.
The VoIP service is advantageous as it can store incoming calls to a Voice mail account, send/receive a voice mail as an email attachment, enable 3-way calling and gives the provision of talking to the entire family simultaneously. The other advantages of a VoIP call are that it is cheap as compared to the traditional land lines. Moreover, the system is based on non reliance which means that the service can be accessed at the same call cost irrespective of specific geographical distances. The VoIP phone service combines both voice and data communications on a single network and this is the reason why the internet is used to serve both forms of the traffic.
The process of VoIP telephony is based on a simple process. A device needs to get connected to the internet by any means. This device may be a phone or a computer. In case of a computer, a modem can be used along with a microphone for making the calls. But a traditional phone needs an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) that converts the analog voice to digital format by the use of an Analog to digital converter. By the use of the Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), these digital bits are then compressed using codecs that actually segment voice signals and later store them in voice packets. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) then work in compliance with the entire process to send the compressed data over the internet. The message then passes through the designated switches. This message later on is decapsulated so as to retrieve the same voice data. Following this, a decompression is performed that revives the original digital data that is again converted to the analog form after passing through a digital to analog converter.
The VoIP technology is ideal for it offers features that are not available with the traditional phone systems. Also the availability of high speed internet connection that is a pre-requisite for efficient service is easily available everywhere. This is the reason why the market is expanding and people are now opting for this technology to remain connected.
by Kristen Kiya
VoIP is a technology that masters in converting the voice into digital signals. These signals then are transferred via the internet to the receiver. The Voice over Internet Protocol is a facilitating technology that can be used to make calls directly from a VoIP phone, a computer or even a traditional phone that remains connected to an adaptor. In addition, the facility can also be used wirelessly in locations where there is an availability of the network. So, now airports, parks and farmhouses can be made Voice over IP enabled and internet enabled calls can thus be made.
For a quality VoIP experience, a broadband high speed connection is required. This broadband connection can be acquired with a cable modem, a DSL or even a local area network. Computers and a VoIP phone are required for some special services, while the other services need an adaptor to be connected to a traditional phone. The whole system works with a switch that is a gateway for transmission of signals from one internet server to another. The digital data is perfect for the internet to carry messages and deliver them to the recipient.
The VoIP service is advantageous as it can store incoming calls to a Voice mail account, send/receive a voice mail as an email attachment, enable 3-way calling and gives the provision of talking to the entire family simultaneously. The other advantages of a VoIP call are that it is cheap as compared to the traditional land lines. Moreover, the system is based on non reliance which means that the service can be accessed at the same call cost irrespective of specific geographical distances. The VoIP phone service combines both voice and data communications on a single network and this is the reason why the internet is used to serve both forms of the traffic.
The process of VoIP telephony is based on a simple process. A device needs to get connected to the internet by any means. This device may be a phone or a computer. In case of a computer, a modem can be used along with a microphone for making the calls. But a traditional phone needs an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) that converts the analog voice to digital format by the use of an Analog to digital converter. By the use of the Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), these digital bits are then compressed using codecs that actually segment voice signals and later store them in voice packets. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) then work in compliance with the entire process to send the compressed data over the internet. The message then passes through the designated switches. This message later on is decapsulated so as to retrieve the same voice data. Following this, a decompression is performed that revives the original digital data that is again converted to the analog form after passing through a digital to analog converter.
The VoIP technology is ideal for it offers features that are not available with the traditional phone systems. Also the availability of high speed internet connection that is a pre-requisite for efficient service is easily available everywhere. This is the reason why the market is expanding and people are now opting for this technology to remain connected.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Role of VoIP in contact centers
Role of VoIP in contact centers
by Kristen Kiya
The contact centers are one of the biggest beneficiaries to avail the inherent benefits of VoIP services. In addition to well documented cost efficiency and increased productivity, the contact centers also reap more benefits from the IP services such as flexibility, scalability and security as well. As a matter of fact, these services can also be used to monitor and guarantee call quality in a hybrid network environment.
The VoIP based call centers are more cost efficient as long distance or ISD calls can be made at significantly lower rates. Moreover, with the internet telephony services, the users in call centers around the world can enjoy seamless connectivity - that was previously only available to those residing at specific locations. Thereby, with the help of advanced contact centers solutions, the businesses can continue to expand their operations across geographical boundaries.
Earlier the Voice over IP services were used as voice-only solutions for handling customer calls, but now these have evolved to encompass sophisticated skills as well. The newer version of call centers are based on routing and multi-channel contacts that have widened the scope of the contact center solutions in various spheres such as telemarketing, e-mailing, instant messaging and online communication.
Regardless of size, the business VoIP solutions in contact centers integrate IP functionalities such call forwarding, call redialing, text messaging, ID caller and many more under a common platform. It can be said that the role of VoIP in contact centers has improved. Quite a few benefits of internet telephony in the call center environment can be mentioned in this context:
1. Extension of service hours: With the help of internet telephony services & VoIP solutions, the contact centers can expand their employees' shift accordingly i.e. 24 x 7. As a matter of fact, depending upon the time preference, employees of can opt for any shift.
2. Enhancement in organizational productivity:The contact centers can make sure that their employees remain comfortable. As a matter of fact, some employees feel comfortable when they are working from home rather than in a office environment. The IP based centers ensure that their employees can work flexibly, as this will results in better productivity.
3. Less capital investment: The Voice over IP based contact centers require less capital investment on infrastructure compared to PSTN solutions. In the contact centers, one requires specialized products and services that are available at minimal rates.
4. No geographical constraints: The voice over IP services in the newer call centers allow the users to enjoy the feature of scalability. As a matter of fact, employees can work from anywhere across the world. Moreover, employees enjoy the freedom to locate or relocate as they are backed with job security with these innovative services. Not only this, global talent can be used to in the centers to increase the productivity.
To conclude, the VoIP solutions are considered as perfect applications for contact centers or call centers because these enable a seamless connectivity, even in the remote locations. Moreover, the employees feel an essence of ease and comfort while using such solutions.
by Kristen Kiya
The contact centers are one of the biggest beneficiaries to avail the inherent benefits of VoIP services. In addition to well documented cost efficiency and increased productivity, the contact centers also reap more benefits from the IP services such as flexibility, scalability and security as well. As a matter of fact, these services can also be used to monitor and guarantee call quality in a hybrid network environment.
The VoIP based call centers are more cost efficient as long distance or ISD calls can be made at significantly lower rates. Moreover, with the internet telephony services, the users in call centers around the world can enjoy seamless connectivity - that was previously only available to those residing at specific locations. Thereby, with the help of advanced contact centers solutions, the businesses can continue to expand their operations across geographical boundaries.
Earlier the Voice over IP services were used as voice-only solutions for handling customer calls, but now these have evolved to encompass sophisticated skills as well. The newer version of call centers are based on routing and multi-channel contacts that have widened the scope of the contact center solutions in various spheres such as telemarketing, e-mailing, instant messaging and online communication.
Regardless of size, the business VoIP solutions in contact centers integrate IP functionalities such call forwarding, call redialing, text messaging, ID caller and many more under a common platform. It can be said that the role of VoIP in contact centers has improved. Quite a few benefits of internet telephony in the call center environment can be mentioned in this context:
1. Extension of service hours: With the help of internet telephony services & VoIP solutions, the contact centers can expand their employees' shift accordingly i.e. 24 x 7. As a matter of fact, depending upon the time preference, employees of can opt for any shift.
2. Enhancement in organizational productivity:The contact centers can make sure that their employees remain comfortable. As a matter of fact, some employees feel comfortable when they are working from home rather than in a office environment. The IP based centers ensure that their employees can work flexibly, as this will results in better productivity.
3. Less capital investment: The Voice over IP based contact centers require less capital investment on infrastructure compared to PSTN solutions. In the contact centers, one requires specialized products and services that are available at minimal rates.
4. No geographical constraints: The voice over IP services in the newer call centers allow the users to enjoy the feature of scalability. As a matter of fact, employees can work from anywhere across the world. Moreover, employees enjoy the freedom to locate or relocate as they are backed with job security with these innovative services. Not only this, global talent can be used to in the centers to increase the productivity.
To conclude, the VoIP solutions are considered as perfect applications for contact centers or call centers because these enable a seamless connectivity, even in the remote locations. Moreover, the employees feel an essence of ease and comfort while using such solutions.
VoIP Minutes: A Priority for both Resellers and Customers
VoIP Minutes: A Priority for both Resellers and Customers
by Kristen Kiya
The VoIP service providers are trying to bring some change in the means of communication with the introduction of VoIP minutes. The concept is based on the wholesaler's authority to sell out connection in terms of minutes. The resellers on the other hand charge for ever minute of such a service from their customers. Though the charges are low but still they exist.
The service providers usually come out with deals for the marketing of voice over IP minutes. The VoIP minutes can be utilised by corporate users to achieve their business needs. They can buy these minutes either from the resellers or from the wholesalers at affordable costs and utilise the minutes for their business purposes. The same is true in-case of home use. The customers can buy these minutes and also manage their calls by terminating the same after use through a process called the 'call termination'. The termination is done with three types of carries known as Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. Tier 1 carriers have their own physical network for terminating a call. Tier 2 leases services of tier 1 to terminate a call. Tier 3 uses either tier 2 or tier 1 carrier to terminate the calls.
So, with the increasing demand for Voice over IP services, dealing on VoIP minutes is becoming very profitable. In many instances, it facilitates the success of an enterprise. In case of call termination service that is provided by the service providers, certain factors must be taken into account before availing the service. One should compare the rates at which the routes and plans are available. The second primary concern is to check for the clarity and quality of the sound. The competitiveness, steadfastness and other aspects such as technical support and other special services should also be considered before applying for a service provider.
So, buying and selling VoIP minutes is beneficial for both parties be it the customer or the reseller. With VoIP, the customer now has the option to make calls to distant places at the same call rates. Call termination allows the customer to terminate the calls at will without exceeding the minutes. Moreover during some instances, the customer is also entitled to make calls to three or more people at the same time. This saves a lot of VoIP minutes and money. The service provider on the other hand is benefited by reselling the minutes that are brought from the wholesalers. Moreover, with a clientele that encompasses the whole world, the potential for accruing profits are quite unlimited. To simplify things, a person who brought a Voice over IP service from a UK based service provider may then opt to stay even in a third world country but yet access the services provided by the UK based carrier. So the success rate of such services is always high and the demand too is rising everyday.
by Kristen Kiya
The VoIP service providers are trying to bring some change in the means of communication with the introduction of VoIP minutes. The concept is based on the wholesaler's authority to sell out connection in terms of minutes. The resellers on the other hand charge for ever minute of such a service from their customers. Though the charges are low but still they exist.
The service providers usually come out with deals for the marketing of voice over IP minutes. The VoIP minutes can be utilised by corporate users to achieve their business needs. They can buy these minutes either from the resellers or from the wholesalers at affordable costs and utilise the minutes for their business purposes. The same is true in-case of home use. The customers can buy these minutes and also manage their calls by terminating the same after use through a process called the 'call termination'. The termination is done with three types of carries known as Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. Tier 1 carriers have their own physical network for terminating a call. Tier 2 leases services of tier 1 to terminate a call. Tier 3 uses either tier 2 or tier 1 carrier to terminate the calls.
So, with the increasing demand for Voice over IP services, dealing on VoIP minutes is becoming very profitable. In many instances, it facilitates the success of an enterprise. In case of call termination service that is provided by the service providers, certain factors must be taken into account before availing the service. One should compare the rates at which the routes and plans are available. The second primary concern is to check for the clarity and quality of the sound. The competitiveness, steadfastness and other aspects such as technical support and other special services should also be considered before applying for a service provider.
So, buying and selling VoIP minutes is beneficial for both parties be it the customer or the reseller. With VoIP, the customer now has the option to make calls to distant places at the same call rates. Call termination allows the customer to terminate the calls at will without exceeding the minutes. Moreover during some instances, the customer is also entitled to make calls to three or more people at the same time. This saves a lot of VoIP minutes and money. The service provider on the other hand is benefited by reselling the minutes that are brought from the wholesalers. Moreover, with a clientele that encompasses the whole world, the potential for accruing profits are quite unlimited. To simplify things, a person who brought a Voice over IP service from a UK based service provider may then opt to stay even in a third world country but yet access the services provided by the UK based carrier. So the success rate of such services is always high and the demand too is rising everyday.
Is Voice Over IP Right For Me?
Is Voice Over IP Right For Me?
by Dave Markel
For those of you that don't already know, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make telephone calls using your internet connection. VoIP converts your voice to a digital signal which is sent over the internet to where you made your call. The digital signal is converted back to an analog one when it reaches its destination. This allows you to make calls to anyone you want, regardless if they use VoIP.
Setting Up Your VoIP System Setting up your VoIP system is simple. To start you need to have a broad band internet connection. If you choose a company like Vonage for your VoIP service you will need to buy their hardware. It is a rather inexpensive purchase that is installed like a router; between your computer and your internet connection. Plug in a standard phone and you are ready to go. The VoIP phone works the same as your traditional phone system.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP? The big advantage is cost savings. Since your calls are made over the net there really is no long distance. So right away you save on long distance charges. This is the primary reason why VoIP has become so popular.
Another advantage to VoIP is that it can allow you to disconnect your regular phone line. If you have broadband internet there is no need for you to maintain a telephone line as well. VoIP frees you from having to have this phone line. More money saved.
A secondary phone number from a different area code is also a big advantage. With some voice over IP services you can get a second phone number from an area code where you receive a lot of calls form. For example, if your parents live in Toronto and you live in New York you can get a second number with a Toronto area code. Now your parents can call a local number to reach you in New York. Now they save on long distance as well.
Disadvantages of VoIP. With any new technology there are some down sides as well. Voice over IP is no exception. With some VoIP services 911 calls are not possible. In general this is a small issue, after all how often do you call 911. However, when you need 911 it is really important that the service works.
VoIP is power dependant. If there is a power outage your VoIP phone will likely not work. Although this problem also happens with most regular cordless phones.
If your internet connection has periods of slow service this will have a negative effect on your VoIP phone. The result will be calls where your voice will be broken up and garbled.
It is quite likely that you will not be able to access services you enjoy with your regular phone service. Although features like voice mail, call waiting, call forwarding, can be obtained with your VoIP service directory assistance will likely not work.
You also may not be able to use your current phone number. If you do not live in a major center it is unlikely that you will be able to simply roll your current number over to your VoIP service. This is the problem I currently have and is the last stumbling block before I can go with VoIP. The only number I can get would be for a city 4 hours away. The result would be that anyone calling from where I live would have to call long distance to phone me.
Anytime you have to make a decision to go with new technology you have to way the advantages with the disadvantages. If you can live with the few disadvantages that voice over IP currently has you can save a lot of money on your long distance calls.
by Dave Markel
For those of you that don't already know, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make telephone calls using your internet connection. VoIP converts your voice to a digital signal which is sent over the internet to where you made your call. The digital signal is converted back to an analog one when it reaches its destination. This allows you to make calls to anyone you want, regardless if they use VoIP.
Setting Up Your VoIP System Setting up your VoIP system is simple. To start you need to have a broad band internet connection. If you choose a company like Vonage for your VoIP service you will need to buy their hardware. It is a rather inexpensive purchase that is installed like a router; between your computer and your internet connection. Plug in a standard phone and you are ready to go. The VoIP phone works the same as your traditional phone system.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP? The big advantage is cost savings. Since your calls are made over the net there really is no long distance. So right away you save on long distance charges. This is the primary reason why VoIP has become so popular.
Another advantage to VoIP is that it can allow you to disconnect your regular phone line. If you have broadband internet there is no need for you to maintain a telephone line as well. VoIP frees you from having to have this phone line. More money saved.
A secondary phone number from a different area code is also a big advantage. With some voice over IP services you can get a second phone number from an area code where you receive a lot of calls form. For example, if your parents live in Toronto and you live in New York you can get a second number with a Toronto area code. Now your parents can call a local number to reach you in New York. Now they save on long distance as well.
Disadvantages of VoIP. With any new technology there are some down sides as well. Voice over IP is no exception. With some VoIP services 911 calls are not possible. In general this is a small issue, after all how often do you call 911. However, when you need 911 it is really important that the service works.
VoIP is power dependant. If there is a power outage your VoIP phone will likely not work. Although this problem also happens with most regular cordless phones.
If your internet connection has periods of slow service this will have a negative effect on your VoIP phone. The result will be calls where your voice will be broken up and garbled.
It is quite likely that you will not be able to access services you enjoy with your regular phone service. Although features like voice mail, call waiting, call forwarding, can be obtained with your VoIP service directory assistance will likely not work.
You also may not be able to use your current phone number. If you do not live in a major center it is unlikely that you will be able to simply roll your current number over to your VoIP service. This is the problem I currently have and is the last stumbling block before I can go with VoIP. The only number I can get would be for a city 4 hours away. The result would be that anyone calling from where I live would have to call long distance to phone me.
Anytime you have to make a decision to go with new technology you have to way the advantages with the disadvantages. If you can live with the few disadvantages that voice over IP currently has you can save a lot of money on your long distance calls.
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