VOIP Services

Why Should You Switch To Voip

2009-03-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Keith Gilbert

By now, you've probably heard about the new technology called VoIP, or Voice Over IP. VoIP is a replacement for a standard telephone and phone line. It uses your high-speed internet connection instead of regular phone lines. Millions of people all over the world are embracing this new technology. Should you?

Let's take a look at the benefits and features. After all, you should make an educated decision and not just an instant decision. So why is VoIP so great?

- Price. VoIP's price, most of the time, will beat standard phone rates. Companies usually offer free long distance and foreign calling so you could call someone on the other side of the world for the same price as a friend down the street. On the other hand, price would not be a huge advantage if you pay per minute with a standard phone and make only 2 short calls a month!

- Computer compatibility. You can use your computer as your phone instead of using a regular-style phone. Why would you do this? Well, with some computer software, you can share documents, messages, and videos (think webcam plus audio) with friends that also have VoIP.

- More features. VoIP isn't just a normal phone technology. It usually comes with many different features that you would have to pay for or couldn't even get with a regular phone service, like free caller-ID, conference calls, on-hold music, free voicemail, and more.

These are just some of the basic new VoIP features. Some companies even offer unique services and bonuses, so be sure to examine what you get so that you can fully compare between companies.

If, right now, you are thinking that VoIP is right for you, why not try it? After all, many companies offer a 30-day (or longer) money-back guarantee, so if you decide you're not happy with it, just ask for your money back!

Free VoIP Articles on VoIP Services & Solutions

Keith Gilbert is the author and webmaster of http://www.freevoiptips.com.

5 Voip Tutorial Steps On How To Make The Switch

2009-03-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Juzaily Ramli

Unless you have been living on Mars lately, you might have known about VoIP. VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is a revolutionary technology that transmits voice or audio files over the Internet. As it uses the means of the Internet to get connected, many people have seized this opportunity to enjoy unlimited long distance calls and also lower monthly phone bills.

To many who have heard of VoIP, they might not know how to get started and how much they can benefit from it. Well, in order to help you get started or make the switch, below is an easy step by step VoIP tutorial that will help you get started in choosing the best plan that is right for you or your business.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

First step before switching to VoIP is in making the decision as to whether you or your business really needs VoIP service. Being human, we tend to get scared of a new technology. If you think that VoIP can be really beneficial, then switching to VoIP is something that you should strongly consider. If, however, for any reason at all you think that VoIP will not benefit you, then you are missing on the greatest invention of all since sliced bread. Ask yourself this, 'Do I really want to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy unlimited long distance calls to anywhere in the world at a lower monthly rate?' If your answer is 'No', move on to the next step.

Choosing the Right Plan

The next step is to decide which plan is the best for you, your family or your business needs. Like most things new and unsure to you, it is always wise to research for the different VoIP providers on the Internet. Get active in VoIP forums and ask questions regarding anything related to VoIP.

Chances are you will get lots of different opinions as to which VoIP provider is the best. However, bear this in mind; even though different providers offer different plans, you will soon discover that it all comes down to being the same but differently packaged plan, in order to differentiate themselves from the pack. So, how does one choose?

You might want to consider your needs, wants and features by making yourself a written list for comparison. This will help you compare the different plans provided by different service providers. In a nutshell, there are a few things you might want to consider:

1. If you want to use VoIP for personal use, such as to call your family members, you might want to consider choosing a Residential Plan. It comes in two forms which are basic (a certain amount of minutes of talk time) and unlimited (for unlimited period of talk time).

2. If you own a small business, choosing a Business Plan will provide you with amenities such as fax, voicemail, multiple phones, unlimited calling plans, and so on.

With that being said, do not forget to check out with the company to find the plan that meets your requirements, as some features included in the business plans are also included in the residential plans for other providers. So, it really depends on the different service providers and how they want to package their offer. If you have questions, write them an email or call them for further information.

Setting up the System

First of all, you have to make sure that your computer system is compatible with VoIP service. If you are using broadband Internet connection you should not worry. If you are using dial-up connection you might want to switch to broadband first. Although, there are some providers that offer dial-up VoIP nowadays.

If you choose a business plan to use for your business or a call center, the best piece of advice is to leave the installation and set up to a professional who knows what he is doing. If you choose a residential plan the setting up is simple enough for most residents to do themselves. However, it is always best to leave it to a professional.

Choosing Your Own Phone Number

First, you have to decide whether you want to keep your old phone number or pick a new one. One of the best features that VoIP offers is the ability to keep your old phone number by transferring your old phone number to your new VoIP system.

Then you can select a different area code. The advantage of this is that, if you live in another state, by choosing the same area code as that of your family members and friends who do not have unlimited long distance callings, their calls will be charged as if it were a local call. This saves them money whenever they contact you.

If you are using VoIP for your business, you can benefit a lot from this too. Let's say that your company is in New York and you have customers all over the country, by selecting your customer's area code, you can increase your sales, as well as your productivity by having a local number for your customers to call. Nobody wants to call New York if they live somewhere in Texas. They might as well call a local company in Texas.

Installing the Features and Accessories

As mentioned before, different VoIP providers offer different plans. Therefore, it is important that you always check with the service provider of your choice for a detailed listing of all the features provided by them. For residential customers these include Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Block, Do Not Disturb and Voicemail. For small businesses these include free fax lines, multiphone users and web integration. So, choose your VoIP provider wisely by taking into consideration the features and services that best fit your needs.

As VoIP technology advances, many other features will be introduced on the market, not to mention accessories that you can incorporate with your VoIP service such as VoIP phones, headsets and videophones.

Choosing the right VoIP plan is not that hard. All that is required is a little bit of research yourself and choosing the one that fits your requirements. You can always upgrade it later once your requirements change. One thing for sure is that VoIP technology is continuing to advance and revolutionize the way people communicate. It is such a shame if no one is taking the advantage of this great service. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and jump on board the VoIP wave.

Juzaily Ramli started writing about VoIP upon discovering that a lot of people have no idea of how to switch to VoIP.

His site on VoIP tutorial is dedicated to exposing to the world about the wonders of VoIP technology and how to join in the VoIP revolution.

Find out more about free VoIP, business VoIP and the benefits of VoIP at his website http://www.voip-revolution-info-site.com

How Safe Is Your Voip Service

2009-03-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Ugur Akinci

The day begins and ends. Do you know where your unused VoIP (Voice-Over-IP) minutes are?

That's a fair and urgent question we all must ask ourselves after a Florida businessman down in Miami is accused of stealing the unused minutes of unsuspecting VoIP customers and reselling them to pocket a cool profit of $1 million dollars.

VoIP technology allows people to carry phone conversations over the Internet, and usually at rates much cheaper than the regular phone companies. The VoIP company that I use, for example, allows me to talk within the United States for 1.8 cents a minute. A lot of overseas destinations, including China, cost between 2 to 5 cents a minute.

The alleged crime in question involves hacking into a company's network and using its IP connection to route the stolen VoIP calls without paying any network fees.

The Florida man is accused of selling 10 million phone minutes and is facing 20 years in jail and a fine of $250,000 if the charges are proven to be true.

Seems like after the ubiquitous e-mail viruses, IM spam and denial-of-service attacks, now it's VoIP's turn to bear the brunt of these criminal attacks to scam the consumers and held businesses hostage.

Seshu Madhavapeddy is the chief executive of Sipera Systems of Richardson, Texas, which markets security applications to protect against similar VoIP attacks. Quoted by eWeek.com, Madhavapeddy said the threat is very real and the people "need to know that older data-oriented security systems will not adequately protect their VoIP infrastructure."

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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation.

He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials.

While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited:http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

Select The Best Voip Provider

2009-02-28T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Alen Wilson

Consider the following points before selecting the best VOIP provider:

Comparison of call charges of various VOIP providers:

The most important benefit of VOIP usage is cost savings, which motivates you to use VOIP. So, you should analyse the VOIP call rate list to ensure maximum cost advantage. Some VOIP companies offer plans with minute-rate charges while some offer plans for unlimited usage.

Another factor that you need to consider is the amount of time for which you may use the service in a month. If you do a lot of calling, you need a package from a provider with cheaper rates for heavy usage but if you are a light user, then the provider who offers a smaller package at lower cost will suit you better.

List the value added calling features offered by different providers Look at the value added features offered by various VoIP providers. Some additional features offered are caller ID, call waiting, call transfer, repeat dial, return call, 3-way calling, etc. There are some advanced call-filtering options that allow you to make a choice about how calls from a particular number are handled. You can forward a call to a particular number, send the call directly to voicemail, give the caller a busy signal, play a message, etc using this feature. But not all VOIP providers have this offer. So, select the one that offers the features that you need the most.

Check the availability of Local Area Codes in Your Region

Consider the states where the VoIP provider is providing local area codes, while choosing the service. The provider may claim to provide you with a number that you can use from anywhere but if the number isn't local, then most of your calls will be long distance. In that case, people in your local area will have to make long distance calls to talk to you. So you need to check the availability of area code in your region. Also, some providers offer access only to a limited number of country codes.

Confirm call coverage to other providers

Some VOIP providers offer services where calls can be made only to other VoIP users while others offer the facility for both VoIP users and those with regular phones. Many offer free calls to those who use the same service provider. So check these offers with respect to the associated costs.

Check the Availability of Access to Emergency Services

Confirm whether VOIP providers offer access to emergency services like 911. These emergency services should be able to trace your call to your physical location so that they can be of use. Confirm which providers are offering this facility before making a choice.

Determine the Quality of Service

Before selecting a VoIP provider, confirm which service provider has good quality of sound and interface. Take a look at published reviews for various VoIP services or talk to other users of the same service.

Find out the ease and cost of installation

Lastly, find out what are the needs for setting up and installing the service. See if there are any additional costs or hidden costs. After you have worked on these points, go ahead and start using the service and enjoy the benefits of VOIP.

Alen
xpert4u.co.uk
UK mobile phone directory

Voip Problems

2009-02-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Weaver

Well of course there's VoIP problems, although I think problems is too strong of a word. Instead I would call this VoIP issues. (Just semantics? maybe, read on!)

Some may be old enough to remember making long distance calls where there was static or crackling on the phone line connection. Maybe you remember having to speak LOUDER in order to be heard on the line. Was that a problem? Maybe to you it was but to the companies providing the service, it was a merely a technical issue that needed to be addressed. The issue was addressed and resolved. Now you expect this high quality service right?

Ok, what about cellular phones? Maybe you're old enough to remember when calls were dropped or barely audible. Maybe you remember lugging around those heavy phones. This was a time when a cellular phone was just that, a phone! Was this a problem? Maybe to you it was but to the companies providing the service, it was merely a technical issue that needed to be addressed. The issue was addressed and resolved. Now? Well, there's not too many cellular phones that are 'just' phones. You can surf the internet with them, take pictures, record short video clips, change the ringers, store your address and phone numbers, etc.

For both these 'problems' above, it was a relatively short time frame between 'issue' and resolution. We can draw comparison after comparison between technology and technology issues. I could start talking about echo cancellers, VoIP gateways, multiplexors, etc. and the current circuitry vs. the research and new circuitry on it's way, but that's not the point of this article. The point is simply that 'yes' there are issues with VoIP but also, 'yes' issues are to be expected and 'yes' issues will be resolved.

Some of the most common quality issues are echo and delay. I myself use VoIP over my residential broadband connection and frankly I think it's just fine. I like the service and quality of calls, but yes, at times, the echo and delay can be annoying. This is usually infrequent and not worth me canceling my service. The point I'm trying to make here is that, for me, it's acceptable. Why? Because I understand that this is 'relatively' new. I understand that equipment manufactures are building better technology to address these issues. I understand that the popularity of VoIP will expedite the issue resolution. I've worked in information technology for over 20 years now and certainly understand this progression in technology.

Other issues are in the E911 service and of course there's issues with most residential DSL subscribers. Both these issues are directly with the existing phone companies. The FCC is already involved in both these cases and I believe it will be sooner rather than later for these to be resolved as well.

I for one do have E911 service and I am not a DSL subscriber. So E911 for me is a non-issue and using cable access eliminates having to keep my local telephone company for my primary phone service.

The bottom line, for me, is the cost savings. The cost savings over shadows the occasional echo and delay. E911 has already made its way into my area and using cable internet access removes my dependency on the local telephone company.

VoIP can be a great way for you to save money on your phone service, but don't go into this blindly. Most consumers are intelligent enough to understand the progression that occurs with any technology. It's pretty good as it is and yes I would agree it needs to be better. I also know, heck I'm confident that the quality of service will continue to improve.

So what's the bottom line? Go for it. Find a service that will provide you with a free trial period. Take it for a test drive, kick the tires, etc. The higher your existing monthly phone bill is, the sooner you should try out this service.

It's ok to demand perfection, but perfection takes time. Change is hard and change takes time. Change is upon us and VoIP, in my humble opinion is here to stay. Give it a try, be realistic. Get the information, get your quote, get your free trial period, you really have nothing to loose and quite possibly money to save!

Provided by the http://www.FullService Broadband provider. Our free service is possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. We provide unbiased and informative information on broadband and communication products and services.

Voip Basic Assumptions

2009-02-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Weaver

I thought I'd outline some of the basics of VoIP. I use this service myself and have sold VoIP services to my customers. What I didn't understand until last night is how much I assume. You see my business is mostly web based so my customers read up on VoIP and have a general understanding of the technology before making a purchase.

What I came across in my conversations last night was that some people attracted purely by the cost really don't understand what the trade off's are, what is required and their level of expectation is, in my humble opinion, to high. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of VoIP. However, I understand what's involved, how to hook it up as well as the pros and cons of using such a service. For me the cost factor did weigh in when comparing the pros and cons to the cost savings. My level of expectation was brought inline with what VoIP can offer me.

Here are some basic assumptions I was guilty of:

When using your broadband internet connection for your computer and VoIP a router is necessary.
During a power loss the phone doesn't work unless there is a UPS system in place.
ISP goes down, your phone line goes down.
Those phone jacks in the house don't work with VoIP.
The phone base plugs into the VoIP converter/adapter box which then plugs into your router. If you want multiple phones in multiple rooms, you will need a cordless phone or cordless phone system. (Multiple handsets)
E911 is not automatic. You need to check availability
Fax machines may not work
There can be call interference (echo). Voice quality is good, but not yet as reliable as POTS lines.

Naked DSL or DSL without phone service is not widely available. As such, if your broadband connection is via DSL you may not be able to use VoIP as your primary phone service. Simply put, if your goal is to switch to VoIP and then cancel your existing phone service, you may loose your broadband connection as well.

During my conversation last night their assumptions were much different than mine. Their assumptions were

Existing phone jacks will still work with VoIP
My corded phone will still work during a power outage just like they do now.
I can send/receive faxes without any issue
I can plug my VoIP into any room I want
911 service is automatic. Everyone has this.
The quality of calls is as good if not better than POTS lines because after all it's coming through the internet right?
I don't need any extra equipment - it's just a phone.

After our discussion they were more educated in what VoIP can and cannot provide for them. In the end they choose not to get VoIP service and that's OK. A bundled POTS package was more to their liking and frankly fit them much better than VoIP would have.

Yes, I am a fan of VoIP and yes I believe this technology is here to stay. Having said that, I do not think VoIP is for everyone. Some consider routers, cordless phone(s), checking 911 availability, etc. to be a hassle. They just want to use their existing phone and achieve the 'exact' same results. Well, VoIP is almost there, but still has a way to go. If the cost savings can outweigh your own pros and cons by all means go for it. If not, wait, watch and read up some more.

Ready to give it a go? Good for you, (hope to see you at our web site). Not yet ready? That's OK too. (Still hope to see you at our web site for possible cost savings on your traditional POTS line or cellular plan)

Ok, perhaps a shameless plug in that last part. Use our web site, use someone else's, use a library, do whatever is necessary to educate yourself to make more informed purchasing decisions. It's better to be a little prepared than completely disappointed especially with something you'll use everyday such as your phone service.

Provided by the FullService Broadband Provider - http://www.fullservice-broadband-provider We provide unbiased and informative information on broadband and communication products and services. Our free service is possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. http://www.trighttech.com

Ways To Use Voip Technology

2009-02-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Bell

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, uses your broadband internet connection to place phone calls. By converting your voice (or analog) signal into a digital signal, this makes for a more efficient way to talk on the phone and can save you money.

There are three ways you can use VoIP. You can either connect using your regular phone and an adapter, a special internet phone, or download software and use your computer. Here are the methods, in greater detail:

Using your home phone. If you would like to switch from your regular phone line to VoIP, many people opt to continue using their home phone. To do this, you must use an analog telephone adapter, or ATA. This device converts the analog signal (your voice) to a digital signal. Once the signal is converted, it goes through the internet connection. When shopping for a service provider, ask them if they include this adapter with their packages. Most do.

Connect using an IP phone. When using a special IP phone, you don't need a separate ATA. Everything you need to use your broadband internet connection as your telephone service is included with the hardware. Instead of using a regular phone jack and connector, it uses an Ethernet connection to plug into your router.

Connect using your computer. If your computer has speakers, microphone, a sound card, and a high speed internet connection you can use your computer for VoIP. Companies offer free or low cost software downloads which allows you to use your computer to make phone calls. Using this method is either free, costing only the price of your internet connection, or nearly free. Earthlink's Vling software is both free to download and free to use. The only hitch is that you can only talk with other Vling users.

Mike Bell is the webmaster of http://www.VoIP-Journal.com, a site devoted to providing users with VoIP news and information.

Discover Why You Should Switch To Voip

2009-02-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Juzaily Ramli

We have heard of VoIP. We know what it is. But why should we switch from our Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to VoIP? Why should we join the many major corporations clamouring to transform their business needs to VoIP? Why should we jump on the bandwagon of the many households who are confidently switching to VoIP?

The answers all come down to the many benefits that VoIP offers. The advantages of VoIP have been proven time and time again. The most appealing of all the benefits is that it is cost efficient. VoIP transfers voice into digital data over the Internet. As the data is smaller compared to a standard electric unit, users save on valuable bandwidth. Ever wondered how you could be hooked up to a computer sending messages all across the globe, but yet not having to pay long distance charges? That's how VoIP works. Just think, you will never have to pay for long distance calls ever again!

It does not matter if you plan to use VoIP for your business or for your personal use at home, it is just plain cheaper. Costs for both local and long distance calls can be minimised through VoIP. Many VoIP service providers offer plans that enable you to make unlimited local as well as long distance calls. Check with your provider to ascertain the extent of the coverage of calling areas. With VoIP in your homes, there will be no need for additional phone jacks and wires, just add on to your system, thus saving you money.

Not only will VoIP save you telephone costs, it also integrates all your telephone needs with your computer applications like e-mail, fax, video-phone, and web conferencing. By combining all these into one basic application, you will save on energy and money. Not only that, allowing you to access all the other programs at the same time will provide for greater freedom. This way, even a homeowner will find it simple to utilise all these different products.

Imagine being able to use your own telephone number anywhere that you can access an Internet connection, even overseas. Yes, with VoIP that is now possible. A perfect solution for those always on the move and for those who travel frequently. With VoIP you can cut down on your cell phone expenses. All you need to do is to take your telephone adapter with you anywhere you go. As long as there is a high Internet speed, you can take phone calls on your regular telephone number. This means that you can even take calls while staying overseas or even while going camping. Talk about tremendous flexibility!

Another benefit that comes from using VoIP is the option that allows you to pick your own area code. This is especially good news for those who have family and friends living in a particular area out of state. If you choose your friends' area code, you are giving them the fantastic opportunity of being able to call you whenever they want to without having to pay for long distance charges. All their calls will be charged as local calls. Again, check with your VoIP providers. Some might even extend this service to other countries. Now wouldn't this be a blessing if you have friends and family all around the globe?

Remember all the extra features that you have to pay for with PSTN phone services? Voice Mail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Return, Call Block, Do Not Disturb all these features now come under one package with VoIP. As all the features between VoIP and the Internet are incorporated, you have greater access and control over all your VoIP phone features through the Internet. No more paying for extras.

VoIP is the answer to all our telecommunication needs. The world is making the switch to VoIP. The question is, when will you join this revolution?

About the Author

Juzaily Ramli is the co-owner of http://www.voip-revolution-info-site.com site, a site dedicated to everything regarding VoIP. Find out how VoIP has represented the most significant paradigm shift since the invention of the telephone in the whole history of modern communications.

Broadband Phone Technology Top 5 Reasons You Should Take Notice

2009-02-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Sabrina Hinds

For the uninitiated, the term broadband phone is loosely used to describe the technology currently available where one can make telephone calls from a telephone system that sends the voice signal over your internet connection. The call may terminate at a regular phone line or another broadband phone.

Until recently, the technology was not being used widely because of its perceived limitations, including lack of features available. The primary issue however has been that of poor call quality.

Now, continuing improvements in the industry and increased competition pushing the development of the technology have resulted in significant progress, to the extent that some analysts now predict that broadband phones (really Voice over Internet Protocol technologies) will dominate the long distance calling market by 2010 - maybe sooner.

Here are some specific reasons why you may find broadband phones a good fit at this stage.

Reason #5: Portability and Ease of Use

The equipment provided by the broadband phone companies can be used wherever you have access to a high speed connection. Most broadband service companies do not restrict you from traveling with your phone. As long as the network that you are plugging into will "automagically" assign your broadband device an internet address (IP address) - and most will - you are up and running.

This means that you can be in a hotel in Japan and still be accessible at the same phone number - your kids or staff don't need to know the hotel's number.

Reason #4: Long Distance Savings

Broadband services typically come with lower long distance rates than you can get from most traditional carriers. This calculates into immediate cost savings. Some services allow you to add one or more virtual numbers to your main phone number. This means that your phone may be able to receive calls from 2 or more different area codes. This virtually eliminates long-distance phoning charges for anyone calling within those numbers' area codes.

Reason #3: Freedom from Tariffs

For the time being, calls made over the internet are not subject to a lot of the tariffs that afflict your regular phone bill. How long will this persist? There are different opinions on this in the industry, but right now it's a nice advantage that makes for an even lower phone bill.

Reason #2: Availability of High Speed Internet

All the cost saving and convenience reasons already mentioned would not do much to propel the growth of the broadband phone market if consumers did not have access to high speed connections at their homes. Broadband phones perform the best when using cable or DSL highspeed internet connections.

Reason #1: Clarity of Sound

The top reason why broadband phone services are currently making swift inroads is that the call quality has significantly improved. All of the major players now offer services that work satisfactorily for residential use and some can consistently meet the most stringent business requirements for clarity.

Finally, considering the initial small investment that may be required to get a broadband phone account up and running, the volume of savings you are likely to experience within a short period is very significant. The flexibility, ease of use (technical know-how not needed) combined with improvement in quality definitely makes this bandwagon a good ride.

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About the Author
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Sabrina Hinds uses experience gained through implementing and supporting technology in corporate environments to help you implement telecommunications and technology that works for you - whether in residential or business environments. Visit http://broadband-phone.connection-store.com/ for more information about broadband phone services.

[You are free to use this article as long as you include the section "About the Author", including live hyperlink where at all possible.]

To Voip Or Not Voip Have Voip Will Travel

2009-02-22T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Bruce Kaskey

VoIP is an interesting concept. Lets see - we can make calls pc to pc or phone to pc for free or at a minimal cost. Vontage, Skype, and a host of other carriers are making it simplier and cheaper to impliment with less pain and more gain. So lets make the move, why wait?

1. What about our phone system that we have already purchased and invested money in?

2. How do we integrate exsisting software and technolgy with VoIP?

3. Security issues? Network bandwidth? etc. etc.

There are so many questions, but the risk is minimal.

Why?

Since VoIP transfers information over the network it is easier to integrate with other applications that are based on the network. Plus its cheaper to make phone calls.

How?

Cisco and Avaya have installed hundreds if not thousands of systems in 2005 and industry experts expect huge growth over the next 6 years. So there are many experts on VoIP already, consulting firms, individuals etc, whom can be hired to help you implement VoIP. It is no longer a mystery, the man behind the curtain has been exposed.

The greatest advantage to a small business when converting to VoIP may not be just the price but all the applications that they can pile onto their network for 1/4 of the price: voice recording, crm, even your phone applications can be easily integrated with your voice stream that is produced by incoming calls.

Bruce Kaskey is a founder of OrecX, has 20 years experience in the software and technology sectors. http://www.orecx.com

Overview On Voip Services

2009-02-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Claudia Walters

Recently, Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) pops up as one of the hottest technologies in the world. VoIP is a method for taking analog voice signal, turning it into digital signal, and transmitting it over the Internet connections. This in turn enables users to make Internet phone calls without going thru the phone company service.

As the technology is now getting more reliable and offers much lower rates, it has gained huge popularity for long distance voice transfers over traditional analog long distance services. Some even see VoIP as the revolutionary technology that will replace the conventional phone systems entirely.

How VoIP works?

VoIP phone calls is done in three stages: Encrypting the analog voice signal (the caller's voice) into digital signal; transmitting the digital signal (data packet) thru Internet to the person answering the call; and decrypting the digital signal into analog voice signal again on the receiver's side.

VoIP calls are done thru several methods: ATA, IP phones, or PC-to-PC. Basically each of these methods performs the same function: To enable voice communications. However their service fees varies in a wide range. Careful review is definitely needed to select the service that best suits you.

VoIP calls through ATA

ATA, (Analog Telephone Adaptor) is an analog-to-digital converter used on regular phone to enable VoIP calls. What ATA does is to capture the analog voice signal and converts it into digital signal for the Internet transmission.

If you had been looking for suitable for ATA service for some time, I am sure that Vonage and AT&T are no strangers to you. These two are the big names in VoIP business. Often ATAs are given free along with their paid-VoIP services.

Setting up and using ATA is very simple compare to other VoIP call methods. All you need to do is to take out the ATA out of the box, connect your phone with your ATA with the cable provided, and you're ready to make VoIP calls. Some ATAs may ship with additional software that is loaded onto the host computer to configure it; but in any case, it is still a very easy setup.

IP Phones (also known as SIP phones)

IP Phones are special phones specifically designed for VoIP function. IP phone can be considered as a network endpoint routing voice via its IP address. These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones use an Ethernet connector to connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call.

With IP phones, you can get additional advanced features such as e-voice mail, mobile screening and direct call transfers. Recently, CallWave Mobile offers something similar but the service is set up on the cell phones. What CallWave provides is an application service provider that host voice-over-IP applications for carriers and users from a server located in northern Nevada. The host is then connected to the rest of the world via IP transport. In brief, the service enable VoIP calls to be done on cellphoneto lower the user's cellphone calling cost.

PC-to-PC

PC-to-PC is certainly the easiest way to make VoIP calls. Ever heard of Skype? Skype is the best example for this type of VoIP service. For PC-to-PC calls, all you need to do is to download the PC-to-PC VoIP software and you can then start making long-distance calls via Internet for free. For PC-to-PC VoIP calls, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and fast Internet connection are required. Besides your regular Internet service provider fees, there's no other extra charges.

Conclusion

Wrapping things up, we can see that by marrying this voice traffic with data traffic (IP Telephony), VoIP becomes a very powerful communication method that you can't ignore. To replace the traditional telephone system or not, VoIP service is here to stay. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative on your long distance calls, VoIP definitely is your ultimate choice.

We strongly suggest that one should review VoIP technology seriously and should learn utilizing it into your personal life (Skype, CallWave Mobile) as well as your own business (Enhance customer call supports, eVoice mail, ATA services).

Benefits of VoIP calls

Great savings on phone call rates

The impact of VoIP technology is huge. With VoIP, you can simply enjoy a much cheaper phone calls by utilizing your existing PC set up and data networks. Most VoIP companies are offering minute-rate plans structured as little as $30 per month; for mobile VoIP like CallWave Mobile, the minimum payment is less than $10 per month and you can get free 30 days trial for the service. With the elimination of unregulated charges and additional features given; it can be quite a bargain!

Flexibility

With VoIP services, business travelers or home workers can work as in the office. You can call freely from anywhere you have the Internet connectivity. Further more, you get another alternative with VoIP-- the soft-phone. A softphone is a application software that loads VoIP functions into your computer. With soft-phone, you can make VoIP calls thru your laptop/desktop from anywhere that has the Internet access

Enhanced Customer Service

Often the telephone customer supports will consume a big part of a business budget. With the availability of VoIP calls, business owners can utilize the "Click to Talk" web services set up a customer service application like call centres with enhanced features and low maintenance cost. Additional advance features

VoIP always come along with various additional advance features. These extra features in fact provide a better communication services to the users. Common seen additional features for VoIP services are:

Forward calls to a particular number

Send calls directly to voicemail

Block the callers number or play a "not-in-service" message

E-voice mail, where voicemail is sent to your email inbox in the form of email attachment

Disadvantages of VoIP calls

Power problem

Unlike traditional phone system, VoIP is dependant on wall power- meaning that you cannot use your VoIP service when there's electricity black out. A stable power source is needed to solve this problem.

Security

Voice and data transmit through VoIP calls have the higher risk on being expose. Further more, VoIP is susceptible to worms, viruses and hacking, thus the safety of the data transmitted had been always a major concerns for VoIP users.

Quality of service

The quality of VoIP service depends on different party. Problems in electricity power supply, Internet connections, and VoIP providers will direct affect on the service quality. The reliability of VoIP is a huge disadvantage when compare to conventional telephone services.

Compatible-ability with other systems

Nowadays there are many other systems in your home that may be integrated into the phone line. DVR system, digital subscription TV services, and home security systems are all depending a standard phone line to function. The related industries must think of a way to integrate all these system with VoIP if we want to replace current phone system with VoIP system. New standards on data transmission method are necessary to enable all systems compatible to VoIP system.

The author, Claudia Walters, is an expert writer in office tools and VOIP technologies. View her latest writing assignments on Internet answering services at http://www.MyCallWave.com Learn how you can avoid missing calls while online with Call Wave services and save up the cost for an extra phone line.

An Indepth Qualitative Analysis And Comparison Of Five Telephony Systems Models

2009-02-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Cameron George Elliott

An in-depth, qualitative analysis and comparison of five telephony systems models.

After exhaustive research on the five main telephony systems models, the following illustrates main points of each model and delves deep into each model's positive and negative attributes.

The five telephony systems are explored in order of least advanced to most.

Plain Old Telephone System: POTS is the original telephony system, a throwback to days when you would share a malt with your best gal and dance to Sinatra on your victrola.

POTS work thusly: telephone wires link a carrier to a business, allowing telephony services to take place. All phones inside the building are connected to this central wire.

Positive attributes:
- Little about POTS has changed since its first incarnation as two tin cans connected by string, but if it ain't broke, why fix it? All non- VoIP telephony systems are based on POTS.

Negative attributes:
-Features are limited by telephone wires; POTS cannot offer the advanced features found in VoIP telephony systems.
-Offers little flexibility, something dynamic businesses need from a telephony system: POTS is entirely dependent on the carrier.
-More expensive than other models, as businesses are charged monthly for each call feature they use.

Key Telephone System: KTS is an updated version of POTS; telephone wires stop at a business's KTS switch instead of going directly to a phone, as is the custom with POTS.

Positive attributes:
-Less expensive than POTS, including more features for less money.
-Expandable, a definite plus in today's fast- passed world.

Negative attributes:
-Akin to POTS, features are limited by transmission over telephone wires.

Central Exchange: CENTREX is similar to PBX, but CENTREX is not privately owned. Instead, CENTREX is owned by a telephone company, who then sells lines and features to a business.

CENTREX is often used by business or companies looking for a temporary solution who plan on later switching to PBX or VoIP.

Positive attributes:
-Carrier is responsible for line maintained, making CENTREX less expensive than other models.
-Provides drastically more features than POTS.
-Good solution for companies that need several extentions with many features, but a PBX is too expensive.

Negative attributes:
-Each line is more expensive than using POTS.

Private Branch Exchange: PBX does away with telephone carriers; a PBX is owned by an individual business, providing telephony service to that business exclusively.

Positive attributes:
-Provides dedicated service unencumbered by telephone carriers.
-Offers many more features than POTS.
-Businesses can easily make the transition to VoIP.

Negative attributes:
-High maintenance cost.

Voice Over Internet Protocol: VoIP is the most advanced telephony systems available, offering advanced features and powerful applications not found in other systems. This is possible because data and voice are transmitted on the same cable.

Positive attributes:
-Eliminates the toll and monthly fees found in other systems.
-Offers advanced features than can help improve efficiency and productivity.
-Increased reliability of the network.
-One line for both data and voice greatly reduces maintenance.

Negative attributes:
-Equipment costs are higher than other models

Cameron Elliott is an network specialist at http://www.phone-systems.biz/voip where he extols the benefits of having the right telephony system.

Voip Getting Started With Voice Over Ip

2009-02-19T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Frank Owen

Finding Free VoIP On The Web

If you are interested in trying out Voice Over Internet Protocol the good news is you can upload some free software to try before you by. Many Internet sites offer free software that takes a matter of minutes to upload and start using. Even better, have a family member do the same and start calling one another using VoIP. This way you and your friend will start understanding how to use VoIP and the many advantages VoIP has to offer.

Just Google VoIP for a list of qualified providers. Most people are already making calls using VoIP without even realizing it. Phone companies have used VoIP technology for some time to route phone calls from one place to another. Many phone company's route calls through an IP Gateway. This reduces the amount of bandwidth they have to use when transferring calls to local switches.

VoIP Advantages

While IP phone use is just now making headlines, phone companies have known for some time that using VoIP is the most practical way to conduct business. Commercially VoIP has been doing well, now consumers just need to jump on the bandwagon and start learning how VoIP can benefit them when placing calls. Roughly 10 percent of the population is currently using VoIP technology. This is likely to change rapidly as consumers start realizing how beneficial digital data packets of information are when communicating. You can not only communicate over the net but store information, search, copy and combine converted data to use in any way you see fit. Corporations are slowly realizing that VoIP may offer competitive advantages. Consumers are starting to take advantage of the cost savings.

Article by Frank Owen, visit his web site on voip for more information on voice over ip http://www.voipresourcehub.com

Switch To Broadb And Phone Providers And Save Hundreds Of Dollars Per Year

2009-02-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Paul W Wilson

Broadband or Internet phones function like real phones but convert voice into digital signals that are then conveyed over the Internet. The technology used is termed as, VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol. Less expensive than regular phone services broadband phone services offer caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, call filters, hunt facilities, as well as conferencing.

Broadband phone services need a high-speed Internet connection and do work with wireless ISPs. However, there are still concerns over voice quality, reliability, and security. The advantages are:

Great savings in phone bills especially in long distance calling.

Choice of area code and addition of other inbound numbers for a small fee. This means you can have local numbers in multiple area codes around the country.

The option of a second full service line at low cost with unlimited long distance service. Can be used as a voice or fax line.

Availability of comprehensive on-line control over call forwarding, time of forwarding or number forwarded to. E-mail notifications, voice mail messages or e-mail or voice mail, can all be arranged.

One can access voice mail by taking along the phone adapter from hotels, offices, internet cafes, and so on. The VoiP service can travel with you.

VoIP can work with:

A home office PC in which the software is loaded along with a headset or specialized broadband phone connected to the PC. Advantages of software based VoIP are that it allows integration with other software, offers lowest calling rates, uses existing hardware, utilizes few power connection, and needs little space. Disadvantages are that the system needs the computer on at all times, cannot use existing telephone equipment, and blocks valuable computer resources.

With an adapter box that links the high speed net modem and the home office network or PC. Advantages of this are that it functions independently of the computer, uses landline equipment, allows vendor control of adaptor support and programming. Disadvantages are that it is not compatible with computer software, needs space and power outlets, and lends limited control. The new technology is provided by many companies like AT&T CallVantage, Broad Voice, BroadVox, Lingo, PacketB, and Vonage. The approximate costs are from US$ 14.95 to US$ 19.99 per month for residences and US$ 29.99 to US$49.95 per month for small businesses. There is a start up fee of US$ 39.94 to US$ 138.00 charged by some companies. More information on the options as well as services can be gleaned from:

What Broadband? at http://www.broadband-service-uk.com/why.html covers different broadband suppliers, has in depth articles as well as FAQs.

The Connection Store at http://broadband-phone.connection-store.com/ features broadband phone vendors, a service provider comparison, as well as articles and quick links.

Database Systems Corp at http://www.databasesystemscorp.com/psphoneservice_directory_broadband.htm has detailed information directory on broadband service providers.

Broadband Phone at http://www.broadbandtry.com/broadbandphone/ --has information about broad band phones, providers, news, as well as blogs. There are links as well as articles and resources.

Using broadband phone services can save you considerable amounts in phone bills. Make an in depth study of options in your area. Weigh the pros and cons and reap the many benefits. Technology can really work for you.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/voip/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for VOIP Forum including topics on online voip, voip phone, voip service providers, voip solutions, business voip, internet telephony voip and more. His article profile can be found at the premier VOIP site http://www.1866Voip.com

Voip Telephony Is That Right For Home Use

2009-02-17T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Alen Wilson

VOIP has created so much hype that by now, everyone is aware about the fact that VOIP is a computer phone that allows you to make phone calls from your computer to anyone in the world. Over the next couple of years phone over Internet will be the norm for most homes and businesses. A VOIP provider can save you upto 75% on your telephone/long distance expenses.

Even now, not everyone is sure how to go about this technology for home use and does it have any benefit for your family. So lets clear our doubts regarding this technology.

First of all, you must have a high-speed Internet connection, which can be, satellite, or DSL Internet. The high-speed connection is required for VOIP to function properly and dial up connection doesn't have the capacity to transfer voice without compromising on quality. Secondly, you need a gateway that is connected between your computer and Ethernet modem. The VOIP gateway is where your phone line will be plugged into. With gateways, you can be sure of getting improved voice quality.

VOIP is easy to use, and depending on the service and method you choose, installation can be as easy as downloading software or attaching an adaptor to your computer.

With the elimination of long-distances charges, unregulated charges, and all the freebies that come standard with VOIP service, it can actually amount to a significant saving for you. For example, you may be paying extra for features like: Call waiting, three way calling, Call forwarding, Caller I.D, Repeat dial. If you don't want to leave out of the exciting face-to-face conversations with friends and relatives, get your videophone. One important thing to remember is that your gateway is reliant on electricity to function, which means power outages, will put your phone line out of service.

So, if you want to save money on your telephone service using the Internet, you will need to sign up with a VOIP service provider. Most providers allow you to call any phone number in the world for a moderately low fee. They also provide voicemail, call forwarding and conference calls, at no extra charge. Decision to choose VoIP depends on your needs. If you make a large number of long distance calls, it may be well worth looking into. VoIP services are often much less expensive than traditional providers.

Alen
xpert4u.co.uk
UK mobile phone directory

What The Company Conference Call Is

2009-02-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Cornelius Callan

Many businesses have long used the services of a conference call company to spread their message to the investment community, where investment professionals could hear many firms in several days. To accomodate those who couldn't travel, the conference call allowed hundreds of analysts to hear a presentation and ask questions in real time.

But access was usually restricted and often involved long-distance toll charges. Occasionally a friendly broker would loan you his access codes, some of which found their way to the Internet. As a result, conferences could be swamped. The Internet now provides a much more practical venue for the conference call. With its low cost and ability to accomodate many listeners it is now practical to open a conference call to almost anyone (at least to listen). And an increasing number of firms now do.

For example, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal related how companies do this as an efficient way to control the irresponsible babble on the Internet. People posting idle chatter now attract accurate responces from others who have heard the actual story on a conference call. As a result, the irresponsible postings are controlled.

Companies like the ability to make one public statement, and then be free from goverment limitations on how investment information must be released. And individual investors like it too, as access to this information gets them access to information that once only slowly reached the average investor. Using the Internet has many advantages besides the instantaneous international release that results. It is possible to save the audio files so that the conference call can be accessed later at a more convenient time. Plus it's possible to edit out meaningless portions of each conference. Naturally, there are some limitations.

If everyone could ask a question, real brawls could result as the conferences became uncontrolled. So most Internet systems limit who can ask a question. An outstanding advantage for the average investor is to witness directly a firm's management in action. While the information might be the same, an investor gains confidence in management that presents a virtuoso performane over one that is defensive, hesitant, and obfuscative. The details aside, the speed of responce and other items that don't get incorporated in an analyst's report can add a lot to one's understanding.

Previously, a small investor's only such access might have been at a company's annual meeting. Several firms have opened to provide investment-related conference-call services in one form or another over the Internet. Some require membership and user fees, but the trend seems to be toward company funding of the low cost service, and free or very low cost access by the public.

Expect that more and more firms will use the services of a conference call company to dissiminate their information to a wider section of the population including investors and employees. You should encourage firms that you are interested in to do so. This form of communication is yet another form of ultimate corporate democracy.

Cornelius Callan is a veteran of the conference call industry. He managed sales and production at a leading conference call company for many years and just recently decided that the internet would be a good place to share his vast pool of knowledge of the business. If you have a question, he usually has the answer. You can visit his website at:http://www.conference-call-network.info

Gateway And Integrator The Essential Catalysts For The Voip Evolution

2009-02-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Helen Upsher

Compelling businesses cases are hard to come by. Quality and security is the subject of FUD. Perhaps most importantly, those enterprises that are forward thinking enough to appreciate the operational benefits of IP, have quite recently implemented advanced TDM solutions that are bridged with their contact management systems. These investments still have a distance to travel before they can be written off.

Nevertheless, the perceived industry wisdom supported by analyst predictions and all the research data recently collected points toward the day when all enterprises will implement a VoIP solution. The argument for a single network infrastructure to carry all company data voice, data and video - is logical and compelling. The savings available from bypassing the line rental and call costs of PSTN can run into millions per annum in certain circumstances. The technology is proven to work out of the box and daily we read about (and implement) innovations that raise the bar of the quality and certainty of VoIP to the point where it is indiscernible from that provided by the PSTN.

The reality is that no transport technology ever replaced another over night be that technology to carry people, goods or electrically generated signals. (Stevenson's Rocket first carried rail passengers in the UK 1829. The last operational stagecoach in the UK - Minehead to Lynton - plied its trade in 1926.) Transport technologies evolve and have always relied on a handover point, or a gateway, to provide the user with the benefits of both old and new at the most appropriate point. That point is determined by cost, as are most evolutions in human endeavour. By the same argument, the VoIP gateway is an essential element of the evolution from traditional TDM voice systems to VoIP solutions.

Hardware manufactures, the PBX companies' notable among them, depend on new product lines to guarantee their futures. In line with industry wisdom and predictions, the next range of PBX product is a VoIP solution with the essential PSTN gateway that beg the customers to make the big leap to VoIP. Yet as we have seen, there are some significant barriers to this leap. Therefore, the reseller channel has to look at ways to enable the leap and to sustain revenue streams while their customers sum up the courage to make it.

This is the role of the independent VoIP gateway. It enables a blend of VoIP and traditional telephony on a single implementation and with VegaStream's advanced dial planner capability; the user experience will not change at all. The gateway enables enterprises to leverage their investment in inter-site private IP networks to carry voice without changing their current phone systems. The gateway enables remote workers to directly connect over the ubiquitous broadband IP network to the company PBX system. And with the co-deployment of Proxy servers, the gateway enables road warriors to be "in the office" wherever they can connect their SIP devices to the Internet.

Earlier in this piece it was mentioned that VoIP technology is proven to work "out of the box". This is the case in the show room; on the exhibition floor and in the controlled environment of the enterprise WAN. However real world implementations involve third party PBXs and desk top devices (and the myriad of TDM signalling protocols deployed), the specific technologies of wide area bearer circuits, SIP or H323 IP protocols, interface and access to PSTN for emergency service calls (as a minimum) and a real understanding of the needs and business drivers of the customer. This is the domain of the specialist communications systems integrator.

VegaStream has spent the last eight years perfecting VoIP gateway technology in the lab and with enterprise and carrier customers. While we continue to evolve new solutions to tackle issues such as security and audio quality and to build the stack of signalling protocol interfaces, the company is now focussing its energy on transferring skills to specialist communications systems integrators. These skills will enable identification, proposal and successful implementation of blended TDM and VoIP solutions the essential catalyst for the evolution to the next generation of converged communications.

For more information please visit www.vegastream.com

Formed in 1998, VegaStream is one of the most experienced players in the industrial VoIP market. The company supplies gateway CPE to both traditional telecommunications carriers and the new generation of Internet telephony service providers. VegaStream also serves the enterprise market through a global network of distributors and resellers supported by regional offices in the UK, USA and Australia. VegaStream is a non-listed UK company. Investors include the management team, Pace Micro Technology PLC and MTI Partners. http://www.vegastream.com

Voip Phone Reviews

2009-02-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Bob Hett

VoIP is the fastest growing internet communication service. With features and services not normally found in traditional landlines, it is fast becoming the number one choice of people.

At first, people have been skeptical to use VoIP but soon found out the effectiveness and convenience of VoIP.

VoIP phones are now changing people's perspective on the use of telephone. If you want a phone, it can be a good choice.

VoIP offers standard features that regular landline phones often charges extra. For instance, free or low cost long distance calls are often not available in regular landlines. This is because VoIP uses the internet to make a call. Since the internet offers free information, and fast communication, VoIP phones take advantage of this feature to transmit the calls free.

With a VoIP phone, you can take your personal number wherever you are. You can make and receive phone calls from your number even if you are traveling as long as there is an active internet connection to where you are going.

There are many VoIP broadband phone provider in the market today, choosing the right one would be very beneficial for your business or personal for your use.

Here are some of the things you should look for when choosing VoIP service providers:

Audio Quality

Recent advancement in technology allows better sound quality with reduced noise. This means that a VoIP service provider should have excellent audio quality when making calls. If you experience lags or delays in your phone calls, you should think twice before subscribing to the company another time.

Little or no delay transmission is needed for your voice to reach the person you are calling. A one-second delay can mean the difference of making a simple answer of "yes" or "no". Remember that voice delays can mean misunderstanding, and precise answers are extremely important in businesses.

Reliability

Imagine making an important business deal or talking to your family and friends and your call is suddenly cut off. This is a bad sign that your service provider is not making sure that you get your money's worth.

Get a VoIP service provider that offers maximum reliability and free try out periods to ensure you that they give the best service to their subscribers. Although cheap rates are attractive, try their services first before committing.

Customer Service

VoIP service providers should offer customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can help you if you ever have problems using VoIP.

The customer assistance service should be quick and take care of their subscribers immediately after making the call. Know if the VoIP service providers you are planning on subscribing have customer assistance. Customer service can be found in the VoIP service providers or by calling them.

Features

VoIP service providers should offer standard features like; free long distance calls, emails, fax, web conferencing, and videophone and others for no extra fee at all. Still quite a few VoIP service providers out there charge for these extra features. Get a VoIP service provider that offers maximum standard features free.

Price

VoIP is supposed to be free or cheap. Get a VoIP service provider that offer free long distance and low monthly payments. Make sure that not only it should be cheap but also offers quality service. Most providers offer trial periods, use this to determine if it is worth spending you hard earned cash.

However convenient it might be to own a VoIP phone, there are still drawbacks for it. For example, you should have a high-speed internet connected.

Since VoIP phones depends on your internet connection, this means that disconnected internet, no VoIP service. Slow internet connection is also a factor. With slow internet connection, expect audio delays.

It is wise that before getting a VoIP phone, you should determine that the internet connection in your area is broadband and reliable.

Here are some of the top VoIP service providers:

Vonage
Sunrocket
VoIP.net
Time Warner Cable
Packet8

If the following companies do not cover your area, you can always find VoIP providers in your area. Just make sure they offer quality services and choose one used by your family and friends so you can call them free, wherever they are.

Bob Hett has extensively covered the VoIP Service Provider industry as an analyst and has researched the various companies for factors based on price, reliability, support and overall quality. Learn more at VoIP Phones.

Try Voip For Free No Commitment No Hardware

2009-02-13T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Nathan Smith

Try VoIP Before Buying

So you like the concept of 'cutting' your phone service in favour of VoIP but are hesitant to take the plunge and abandon your 'Landline' without trying it out for yourself first. Perhaps the advertised features and rates all sound a little 'too-good-to-be-true'. The terrific news is that you can make VoIP calls using your computer to virtually any telephone or computer in the world with little more than an Internet connection and a headset.

'Free VoIP' Using a Softphone

Firstly, let's look at the 'Free' way of taking VoIP for a test drive. So what's a 'Softphone' I hear you ask? A 'Softphone' is merely a 'Software' 'Phone' that enables you to use your computer like you would a telephone. Softphones are programs that generally resemble the keypad on a telephone and function in much the same way.

Softphones enable you to call other 'Internet-connected' devices or softphones for free (Free PC to PC VoIP), or conventional telephones for a small fee (PC to Phone VoIP). The reason that 'PC to Phone VoIP' calls (i.e., to conventional phones) are not free is that in order to call normal telephones, your call needs to route partially through the heavily regulated, heavily taxed Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). As long as the person you're calling is also connected to the Internet, you can talk for as long as you like across the neighborhood or on the other side of the world for free. Furthermore with PC to PC VoIP, there aren't any contracts to sign or commitments to make. Just download the softphone, and start talking.

PC to Phone VoIP

If you'd like to try VoIP by calling conventional telephones, consider PC to Phone VoIP. Depending on the Service Provider you choose and the destination country you're calling, the cost could be as little as just a few cents per minute. As long as you purchase 'pre-paid' calling credit, you won't need to enter into a contract of any kind and can use that credit to call any telephone around the world. The smallest denomination of prepaid calling credit usually begins at $10 USD. However, at just a few pennies per minute this easily equates to over 5 hours of talk time. As an added bonus, some PC to Phone service providers also enable free PC to PC VoIP calls using the same softphone as that used for their PC to Phone VoIP calls. That way, you can call a conventional phone using PC to Phone, then arrange to meet the person you're calling online (PC to PC VoIP) to continue talking for as long as you like, free of charge.

So try VoIP for yourself before you buy. You'll get an idea of the exceptional call quality and fantastic call rates available before entering into a contract that replaces your landline.

Nathan is the owner of http://www.netphonedirectory.com and http://www.bluetoothpcheadsets.com. Netphonedirectory contains information about 'PC to Phone VoIP' and 'Free PC to PC VoIP'. The site includes a comprehensive directory of Service Providers as well as general information relating to Internet Telephony.

Bluetoothpcheadsets.com contains information regarding the use of Bluetooth (Wireless) Headsets with PCs for VoIP (Internet Telephony).

10 Reasons To Switch To Vonage And Drop Your Phone Company

2009-02-12T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Andrew Bermam

VoIP has gained popularity world over as an easy affordable way to communicate. And, Vonage alone has 1.6 million subscribers as of April 1, 2006. According to company sources they have tripled the number of subscriber lines since 2005. A leader in internet telephony, Vonage offers a great bouquet of services at low costfacility to call from anywhere in the world, call waiting and forwarding, area code selection, web and e-mail based voice mail, as well as an account management web site which customers can use to change features.

VoIp is advantageous is many ways, all you need is a computer with a reliable internet connection. Among the many companies offering VoIP , Vonage is an acknowledged leader as it is innovative and keeps abreast with technology.

Toying with the idea of changing from a landline to VoIP? Here are a few unbeatable reasons why Vonage should be your preferred choice:

1. The saving on your phone bill can be as much as 50% -- for $24.99 a month you can avail of great services including call long distance for no extra cost. Comparison shopping reveals that AT&T will cost $69.95 a month and Bell South $ 58.94.

2. A Vonage connection will get you unlimited local and long distance calls.

3. At least 14 features like voice mail, caller ID with name, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, in-network calls, call transfer, click-2-call, call return, caller ID block, and repeat dialing.

4. You can access calls from anywherehome, office, car, airport, train and so on. Where you go your phone goes with you so you never miss an important call.

5. The latest offer includes free calls to Europe Italy, France, Spain, UK, and Ireland.

6. Vonage offers freedom from bill worries if family members stay all over the world. Now you can stay in touch with freedom of mind.

7. It is a complete system and offers great facilities to small businesses your office can communicate internally through phone and fax, conference call, and collate all mails and other document. Vonage functions like a mini call center and your business will benefit from an efficient phone system that costs next to nothing.

8. Vonage gives freedom of choice you can choose any area code even if you live in Atlanta you can choose a New York Code.

9. The dedicated fax line comes free with a Vonage connection.

10. Vonage is completeyou get low monthly bills, free in network calls, high quality rendition, 24/7 customer and technical support, low international calling costs, connectivity through PC as well as handheld devices,

Vonage is a leader of industry as it understands there are imperfections and constantly strives to overcome them in order to provide a premium customer friendly service.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1866voip.com , the premier website to find help on Voip including topics on online voip, voip phone, voip service providers, voip solutions, business voip, internet telephony voip and more. He also freelances for the premier Web Portal site http://www.Fafoo.com

Is Your Voip Hosted Pbx Provider Blind To Your Troubles

2009-02-11T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Bill Casey

A recent survey conducted by Emprix revealed that more than one third of all VoIP service providers, which includes Hosted PBX service, are unable to recognize they have a service quality problem until a customer complaint is received.

In a world where mission critical business applications routinely flow through data networks, it is distressing that no monitoring capability exists for many service providers of our newest and best technology. In the enterprise market, the financial viability of a business can very well depend on a vendor's technical strength and on their capability to proactively monitor and fix problems before the end user is affected.

Before selecting a vendor for your VoIP Hosted PBX service make sure they are equipped with the proper Network Management System (NMS) for their VoIP deployments, one that allows their Network Operations and Field Technicians to identify and troubleshoot VoIP problems without relying upon a complaint from you to trigger an action on their part.

Your Hosted PBX provider should have the capability to proactively monitor detailed call quality statistics including MOS, jitter, latency, and other measurements. State-of-the-Art network monitoring systems have advanced diagnostics linked to an online knowledgebases that automatically provide network technicians with troubleshooting tips. This capability dramatically reduces the effort and time required to identify the root cause of poor quality calls, and more importantly it reduces the time that your business is affected by the trouble.

Their system should also incorporate trend analysis and pro-active notification of poor VoIP call performance so that the network technician is able to identify and resolve issues that would otherwise impact VoIP service delivery to your business. With the proper network management system, in the event that you do have a problem, it is likely that the trouble can be rectified remotely rather than waiting for a time-consuming truckroll.

When you are in the process of evaluating Hosted PBX service offerings, make sure that your evaluation criteria is heavily weighted to include the vendor's network monitoring capabilities, and that they have the proper tools to effectively measure, monitor and manage all of their VoIP endpoints.

Whatever you do, don't buy VoIP service from a "blind" provider.

Broadband Phone Service Is Not Voip

2009-02-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Daymon Hoag

Ever come across a site that claims broadband phone is also known as VoIP or vise verse? Or a web page that explains PC-to-phone is VoIP? How about Internet phone service? VoIP right? Wrong! VoIP is neither broadband phone, PC-to-phone or Internet phone service. It's time to set the record straight once and for all.

VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a technology that makes such things as broadband phone service, PC-to-phone, and Internet phone service possible by using the Internet to send and receive phone calls. The technology is VoIP while the means are broadband phone or PC-to-phone and the like.

So now we know what broadband phone isn't, I suppose this would be a good place to explain what it is, exactly. Broadband phone service as discussed before, uses VoIP technology to send and receive phone calls using your regular everyday household touch tone corded or wireless telephone.

Technically broadband phone service doesn't even need your computer to work, you just need a broadband Internet connection, and both DSL or cable broadband will work. You'll also need a broadband telephone adaptor to plug your phone line into instead of the usual wall jack. Pretty simple huh?

What broadband phone service allows you to do is bypass your telephone company, and connect your call directly to the same grid your phone company uses. Can you guess what that is? Right, the Internet. All this time your phone company has charged you just to connect your call to the Internet! What a rip off, right?

Now just wait, it gets better. So far Uncle Sam and the telcos have not been able to tax or collect on sir charges as had been the case for many years with your landline phone company. Right now additional charges are very minimal. Did you know that taxes and hidden fee's can make up as much as 20% of your landline phone bill?

Now on to PC-to-phone service. PC-to-phone works in much the same way broadband phone works, but without an adapter. Instead you just need a headset or speakers and microphone and PC-to-phone software installed on your computer. You can use PC-to-phone to call someones phone from your computer, and sometimes people can even call your computer.

Now before you get excited, PC-to-phone is not free. The cent per minute rates are low for long distance, but you normally get charged the same amount for a local call. Whats worse, PC-to-phone services actually do no service for you at all. It uses the software that you downloaded and host on your computer to track your calls, and doesn't cost them a penny when you make a call. You're just paying for the software over, and over, and over again.

Internet phone service is just a vague term for broadband and PC-to-phone type services. So now that you know what VoIP is not, and what broadband phone service and PC-to-phone is, why are you still using that landline phone? Broadband phone service is without any doubt the cheapest phone service on the planet and is the best way to take advantage of VoIP technology. Not to mention, it finally gives you a way to "stick it" to your phone company.

Daymon Hoag is founder of Cheapest Service and provisioner of quality Broadband Phone Service

Voip Security Amp Emergency Services Issues An Australian View

2009-02-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Tim ONeill

You only need to view a few forums or grab a few news articles to see that debates regarding encryption and other security aspects of VoIP are rife and ongoing. Whilst Skype currently receives much mention in Blogs regarding encryption, I believe this is narrow minded and an industry view approach needs to be adopted.

Security aspects
The Australian Communications Industry Forum (acif) suggest that world research into security issues relating to Voice Over Internet Protocol produces a very similar list including eavesdropping, denial of service, identity related attacks, spam over internet telephony and viruses.

Acif wisely advise VoIP providers that "As VoIP becomes more widely deployed in Australian business and the community the threat level will inevitably increase accordingly". They further suggest " that security issues have the potential to cause serious harm to the acceptance of VoIP as a viable alternative to traditional phone services" and therefore it is in their interest "to act now and address these issues".

Emergency Services Aspects
If the service provider is providing a standard telephone service as defined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, it is mandatory that they provide emergency service access to 000 and 106 services.

As many familiar with VoIP would know, the issue is not only with access to emergency service number(s) ie 000 and 106 services for Australia, 911 in the United States, 999 and 112 in the United Kingdom, but in Australia the location of the caller is critical as this dictates which state and area the emergency services call centre transfers the caller to.

Significant advice is provided by acif to service providers attempting to ensure that Standardised Mobile Service Area (SMSA) codes is attached when a customer makes an emergency services call. Additionally they direct that information such as Carriage Service Provider Code and Alternate Address Flag must be provided to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) to flag with emergency services " that the calling address may not reflect the physical location of the caller".

Rightly so, acif are blunt in the fact sheet message to service providers which warns: "The lives of your customers may be at stake. So it is absolutely critical that you allocate the correct CLI and SMSA codes as well as ensure that you provide the necessary information to the Integrated Public Number Database".

Source: http://www.acif.org.au/__data/page/13230/VoiceOverIP_Emergency_Services.pdf

But is one point still missing here. The assertion is that these processes will allow emergency services to be warned that the caller may not be in the physical location of the calling address and that confirmation will be necessary. But what happens in those cases where someone is able to dial the emergency services number but then collapses or is incoherent, or a young child dials the number but cannot give further details or the well trained superdog dials the number you get the point.

So whilst Australia is a minnow in the global VoIP developments, it is useful to note the industry forum noting the warning signs that these issues pose to the industry.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit http://www.voipworking4you.info

Security Checklist For Voip Service Providers

2009-02-08T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Dave Gladwin

It is often said that understanding the problem is 90% of the solution, and VoIP security is no exception. It is fear of the unknown which is likely to elicit a knee-jerk reaction of panic, so the first step is to understand the threats and then classify them. We also have to ask the question: what does security mean to me and what does it mean to my customers?

Security to the customer means protecting their device and identity and the continuity of their service. Security to the service provider means protecting their network their revenue and their customers. In this feature we will look at service disruption and service theft.

Disruption

A service can be disrupted by breaking the user's device, flooding the IP network with traffic or breaking the service provider's infrastructure. Disruption is usually achieved through either Logic Attacks or Flood Attacks or Application Layer Attacks.

Logic attacks exploit vulnerabilities in protocols or their implementations, e.g. Ping of death, Teardrop, Land etc.

Flood attacks disable targets through traffic volume; a flood attack can originate from a single platform or from multiple platforms.

Application Layer Attacks include: SIP-SPAM, and identity forging.

We can also divide the attacks into IP layer and SIP layer thus:

IP Logic Attack / IP Flood Attack
SIP Logic Attack / SIP Flood Attack
Application Layer attack

IP Logic Attacks

IP Logic attacks on SIP devices are no different to any other IP device; these include well known exploits such as: Ping of death, Teardrop, Land, Chargen and Out of sequence packets. All of these can disable a device which has not been fully tested to protect itself against these exploits.

IP Flood Attacks

IP Flood attacks include: SYN flood attack (TCP SYN Floods are one of the oldest DoS attacks in existence), Smurf Attack, Fraggle attack and the list goes on... These attacks are designed either to overcome the device by tying up resources or to simply overwhelm the network through shear weight of traffic.

SIP Logic Attacks

SIP logic attacks exploit weaknesses in SIP signalling implementations. Incomplete or incorrect fields, invalid message types can disable not only client devices but also core network devices. This type of attack can be countered by thorough testing of any devices against suites such at the IETF SIP Torture test developed through the SIPiT Events or the PROTOS Test-Suite, developed by the University of Oulu.

A more sophisticated attack can be to inject messages into a call to terminate it prematurely. This type of attack can be largely avoided by the use of strong authentication techniques, thus, the injected packet would not be authenticated and therefore would be rejected.

SIP Flood Attacks

SIP flood attacks exploit weaknesses higher up the communications stack that require more processing resources. As a consequence, it takes a much smaller flood to cause disruption. For example, one or more devices may send multiple registrations or call requests to a server.

Countering this type of disruption requires network based devices like Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to police the signalling stream and rate limit registrations and calls to Softswitches to predetermined limits. Acting as a proxy in the signalling stream the SBC can also filter inappropriate protocols, IP DoS attacks and invalid SIP messages. This helps compartmentalise the network and restricts any disruption to just one network segment.

Protect the User Device

These devices will typically be incapable of rate limiting and may be overrun by flood attacks. This means they are subject to both logic and flood attacks. Again the user device will benefit from the protection afforded by network based SBCs blocking DoS attacks and invalid SIP messages.

Service Theft

A simple example of service theft is to signal that a voice call it being made but exchange video data. This hits the service provider on two fronts: a) loss of revenue by billing for only a voice call and b) potential degradation in service quality for other users resulting in dissatisfaction.

The structure of a VoIP call with separate media and signalling streams has lead to some innovative ploys. For example, a rogue PC client which transports media in the RTCP quality monitoring stream, this is not policed in most networks. Another ploy is to transport media in the call signalling then failing the call before billing commences. Not only does this mean a free call but repeated call set can cause huge signalling rates which are a DoS attack in themselves.

The solution is to police all components of the call. SBCs police the signalling and the media to ensure that the call is executed as requested and that RTCP traffic is within expected bounds.

Conclusion

Security is a vast subject and needs to be ubiquitous in its implementation. Take care of the fundamentals first:

Test, authenticate, protect, block, limit and police.

Test network elements against standard IP and SIP test suites to ensure they can survive IP and SIP logic attacks

Implement strong authentication, identifying your users protects their identity, protect their service and combats disruption.

Protect the Network by compartmentalizing it to restrict the range of any disruption.

Block malicious or inappropriate traffic do not propagate the problem.

Limit the rate of traffic to core elements to ensure the survivability of the service.

Police all aspects of the traffic flowing across the network to prevent fraudulent or inappropriate use.

A secure and dependable service brings with it benefits to users and provider alike. It will build user confidence which in turn creates dependable revenue for the service provider and by addressing the basics from day one, need not be complex or expensive.

For more information on a range of VoIP topics: multimedia networks, security and IMS there is a number of free White Papers available from Newport Networks.

Dave Gladwin works for Newport Networks and has worked in the telecoms sector for 25 years and VoIP for the last 10 years.

What Is A Voip Router

2009-02-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Rupert Laura

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP - http://www.tech-faq.com/voip.shtml) is a new way to talk on your phone through your broadband internet connection. A VoIP router is needed to help you use the same phone you have been using before your VoIP connection. If you have voice over internet protocol available to you, you'll need a router to sort of make it all happen. It's a small device that will take a little time to get used to, but once you've used it just a couple times you'll be able to use the whole system without a second thought.

Without a VoIP router your phone will not be able to figure out where datagrams should go from source to destination, so information will be lost. Routers will help control phone traffic, controls and maintains bandwidth, and ensures a good voice quality for each and every phone call. Basically, router is responsible for routing all the information in and out of your home so that you can get the services you are supposed to get.

It's said that because of ever expanding technology that VoIP routers won't be needed for much longer. With the invention of digital telephones the need for a separate router won't be necessary. But, until this newer technology becomes more widespread and cost efficient, the majority of VoIP users will need a router to use the voice over internet protocol features. Because of this newer technology, having VoIP service will become easier and more accessible to everyone in the very near future. But, don't let the idea of a routing device scare you off, as VoIP is very easy to use!

Laura Rupert is a freelance writer who contributes to The Tech FAQ.

Voip A Wise Investment For Small Business

2009-02-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Brito

Small businesses are always looking for ways to increase their competitiveness by cutting costs, improving their value proposition and requiring their staff to work more efficiently.

Today, in the telecommunications industry, a new technology called VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet-based phone service) has emerged and is making all of the above and more, possible for SMBs (small and medium-size businesses). VoIP technology compresses voice (audio) data into packets that can be transmitted over data networks and the public Internet, and converted back into voice at the receiving end. This is the basis for some of the significant cost savings as voice now becomes just another form of data, allowing for integration with web based applications and the development of new features that would be impossible using traditional networks.

SMBs Demand Higher Functionality at a Lower Cost

Traditional telephone networks were designed solely to carry low-fidelity audio signals with a high level of reliability. Although these networks are very reliable for voice communication, they are not well suited to service today's explosive growth of digital communication applications, because they: are expensive to build; must have the capacity from day one to address potential growth, increasing initial costs and creating an underutilized investment; transmit data at very low rates and resolutions, making them poorly suited for delivering high-fidelity audio, entertainment-quality video, or other rich multimedia content; use dedicated circuits for each call, which allot fixed bandwidth throughout the call's duration, whether or not voice is actually being transmitted; cannot be leveraged to provide new or differentiated services or functions, such as video communication, that the network was not originally designed to accommodate.

Advantages of VoIP Technology

VoIP uses packet-switched networks to carry non-real-time data using much less bandwidth. The advantages of such networks are flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. Flexibility: networks can be built in a variety of configurations to suit the number of users, client/server application requirements, and desired bandwidth availability. Efficiency: bandwidth is consumed only when needed; service providers can converge their traditionally separate voice and data networks, and carry voice, video, fax, and data traffic over the same network; many terminals can share the same connection to the network and as a result, significantly more traffic can be transmitted over a packet-switched network than over a circuit-switched telephony network. Scalability: Extensions can be easily added to the network as growth demands.

These advantages help create cost savings that can be passed on to consumers in the form of lower telephone bills. Around the world, more than 25 million SMBs could realize significant benefits by employing VoIP as their phone service.

A Hosted PBX

A Hosted IP PBX system is built using a VoIP infastructure specifically for small business. This system offers many advantages to SMBs compared to traditional telcom offerings. Businesses that opt for non-hosted VoIP phone systems, must first invest in a scalable and very expensive platform; as well as devote resources to set up, configure, and maintain them a significant overhead cost.

In a hosted PBX service, configuration and maintenance are handled by the service provider and included in the monthly service price. In any price comparison, an SMB must look at all these costs and consider the entire total cost of ownership associated with on on-premise based system versus a hosted solution.

In a hosted IP PBX environment, a subscriber uses their broadband IP network for a small business phone system as well as data service. Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) for VoIP service requires only IP phones, or analog-to-digital converters for analog phones. This dramatically reduces start-up costs. Typically, all applications are also hosted, eliminating multiple vendors and points of contact.

Hosted PBXs Reduce Costs from 50 to 90 Percent

With traditional business phone systems, each company must pay for expensive equipment, phones, applications, installation, and maintenance, as well as bring in trunk lines. On top of this, a business will need to add in expensive monthly fees for local and long distance calling, a maintenance contract and annual upgrade costs.

Payback periods for a PBX phone system may never occur, preventing smaller companies from considering a traditional business phone system and forcing them to rely on basic, multi-line service and phones, which can be really expensive. Even after the upfront and quite substantial investment, customers could hear a busy signal if traffic exceeds the number of available lines.

For small businesses, the only alternative has been to use regular, basic phone service, which requires that all users must be in the same physical location, have a limited features and pay a large up front cost. Hosted PBX services nearly eliminate the upfront investment and cover the local and long distance calling costs for a low monthly fee, and include all the features.

For a monthly subscription fee, a business enjoys unlimited long distance and local calls in the U.S. and Canada, and can use all the advanced applications including auto-attendant, ring groups, and extensions. These features would cost much more if provided with traditional solutions. Also, since each user can have two non-blocking lines, up to 20 calls can be handled by a single extension, reducing busy signals and customer abandon rates.

Hosted PBX Features

Most hosted PBX include unlimited calling to the US and Canada; E911 emergency calling; a business class telephone with one-touch controls, DND, park, conference and much more; auto attendant that will route your calls to the appropriate extensions; full featured conference bridge and much more!

For SMBs that demand more features at a lower cost, VoIP is an alternative with great results!

Click here for more in-depth information about business voip products and services.

Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Pbx Vs Voip

2009-02-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by David A. Williams

Many of those out there are considering the best way to go, PBX versus VoIP. While there are some similarities between the two, the differences are large as well. As a business owner, you need to consider more than just which one looks like it's the right choice. You will need to cover:

Ease of use of the system with your employees.

The costs of use of the system compared to that which you are using now.

The installation cost of the system.

The quality of the system and whether or not it will be reliable for your company's needs.

Looking at this, there are many reasons to do a PBX versus VoIP analysis. Yet, this is also quite difficult to do. Supposed you looked throughout the internet for options. The bottom line is that whichever service the company you find is selling is going to tell you that their product is better. That doesn't seem to help your needs for answers about PBX versus VoIP. So, now what?

Understanding Your Options

In your search for answers about which is the right choice for you, PBX versus VoIP, you will want to consider both choices. Here are some things to help you do just that:

The largest benefit of VoIP is the way in which you are charged for calling out of state/country. Because the rates are just so much lower, many businesses see the extreme value in the money aspects. Simply, in PBX versus VoIP when it comes to cost, VoIP wins hands down. The more you can save on phone calls, the more business you can get and the more profit doesn't get flushed.

Also, VoIP allows for businesses to have a lesser expensive installation process. In most cases, you are already fairly established in what installation needs done. Most of the VoIP services simply connect through an Ethernet. Most computers, phone systems and fax machines already have this feature. It's a matter of plugging them in.

But, in the battle of PBX versus VoIP, when it comes to wanting to be able to have extensions and other PBX related applications, you may not be able to find this through the VoIP service providers. Instead, you will need to stick with your PBX or look at other options.

Understanding The Services

It is also important to understand the services that each of these has to offer. While PBX is a system that allows you to have several connected lines through one actual public phone line, VoIP takes it through the internet. This allows for a completely different ability and product.

It is also important to note that services tend to change all the time as well. For example, through the development of new technologies, it is becoming much cheaper to install the PBX systems. While in the past, the cost of installation was so high as it allowed many small business and even some larger ones to simply look elsewhere for their needs, now they are able to fill those needs much better. PBX is becoming more affordable for these companies due to improved technology.

You can expect the battle of PBX versus VoIP to go on for a long time. There are many reasons for wanting to choose one product over the other. The best suggestion that you should take, though, is the simple one that you are able to research each company and offer thoroughly on the web to see just how well it does fit your needs. PBX versus VoIP is a question only you can ultimately answer.

David A. Williams writes for the Business Catalyst, where you can find information on Small Business Startups. You can find more articles by David on Voip at http://www.voip-pbx-service.info.

How Voip Works Busting Out Of Long Distance Rates

2009-02-04T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Lucy P. Roberts

VoIP is the newest advancement in audio communications technology, and has a variety of different applications that make it useful. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and how VoIP works is actually quite revolutionary because it streamlines the process of sending analog audio signals by converting them to a much easier to send digital form for transmission.

To understand how VoIP works, you'll need to understand the basic concept behind regular analog audio communication as well, since this is the precursor for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made via fiber optic networks by digitizing your voice communications for sending the signal across thousands of miles, but once it gets to the final destination (a home or office phone, for instance), the signal is once again converted to analog.

During these calls, the switches remain open even while there is dead air and no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions even when only one party is talking and the other is listening. This isn't terribly efficient, and slows down the communication of information considerably.

Packet switching streamlines VoIP

VoIP works on a different premise -- rather than circuit switching, data packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of in a constant stream. It also sends the information packets along whatever open channels are available rather than a dedicated line, which is much more efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.

The payload of each packet has a destination coded into it determining the ultimate destination. When the computer at the other end receives all of these packets, it will reassemble the information into useable form. This form of sending audio data is extremely efficient because it always takes the cheapest route that is also the least congested.

The compression of information and use of multiple routes in order to send that information over the most efficient route makes sending audio over packet switching quicker, much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was with the more traditional analog circuit switching systems.

For companies, the savings in long distance charges can be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. If companies also make extensive conference calls, VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options such as document sharing in systems offered by companies like Voxwire and iVocalize.

Different types of VoIP calling are available

The most commonly used VoIP system is from one computer to another. To set up this type of service, you will need to have a sound card installed in both computers along with microphones and Internet connections. For practical purposes, you'll want a broadband connection or DSL -- a dial-up modem will be so slow the sound quality just won't be that good. Aside from that, all you need is a software package that can set you up with everything you need to use VoIP to make phone calls to whomever is also set up with the same system.
You can also invest in IP phones if you want something that looks just like your standard analog telephones but with VoIP connectability. These simply replace the old-style RJ-11 connectors with Ethernet connectors (RJ-45). Hardware such as routers and the needed software are built right in.
Analog telephone adaptors (ATA) enable you to connect a standard telephone to your computer Internet connection in order to take advantage of VoIP options. ATA converts analog signals to digital so that it can be transmitted properly via the Internet.
The newest option on the market is the Wi-Fi phone, which uses short-distance Internet transmission of VoIP to replace cell phones calls. Wi-Fi broadcasts over the radio spectrum to cover short range areas for users in certain areas, and these "hot spots" have popped up across the U.S.

The upshot of VoIP is that standard long-distance charges may soon become a thing of the past. As more and more consumers turn on to VoIP and broadband connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make phone calls over the Internet, fewer individuals will be willing to pay high rates to make a telephone call they can make for free or next to nothing via their computer.

VoIP saves you money on long distance

There's no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no "time of day" or overages. That's the great thing about VoIP plans. You just pay a monthly fee and get to make all the calls you want over your computer for one monthly fee. It's so simple and elegant, and it's the solution that everyone's been wanting and waiting for far too long.

You don't have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to make telephone calls with VoIP. There's also the advantage of being able to use your VoIP connection from anywhere -- remember, you're not tied to a phone jack to use your number, but an Internet connection, so you can call from anywhere with many calling plans.

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling are listed below with their most popular options:

Vonage currently offers a $24.95 per month unlimited VoIP package to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. It includes voicemail, call forwarding, three way calling, call waiting and caller ID.
Packet 8 can provide unlimited VoIP for $19.95 a month in the U.S. and Canada with a variety of features like call waiting and three-way calling, and can also give you video phone service for about $29.95 per month.
AT&T's CallVantage provides the usual U.S. and Canada broadband calling with voicemail, call waiting, etc. along with email, a call log and a 'do not disturb' option, all for $29.99 a month. You also get to keep your phone number for life, no matter where you go -- a great feature for some who move around a lot.

VoIP in web conferencing packages

VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to standard conference calls, and looking into these packages will give you an idea of some ways to combine VoIP with extras such as white boards, document sharing and video. For less expensive options, many companies can provide strictly audio VoIP conference calls combined with text messaging and document sharing without video.

Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from video conferencing are:

Voxwire offers voice communication with features like auto-queue, mute options, individual speaker adjustments and moderator controls along with a "follow me" browser system so that all participants can view a shared desktop. Two persons can use VoIP for $9.95 a month, or up to ten in a conference environment for $29.95 per month.
VoiceCafé provides similar services with a wide range of options that vary from packages with VoIP capability for five people at a time on a conference call to up to 500 in one conference call, all for a flat monthly fee. The prices vary depending upon what package you choose, and there are several.
iVocalize offers VoIP along with Internet conferencing options like PowerPoint presentation capabilities and presentation recording for future playback. They also provide optional Unicode translation in thirteen languages. The most basic VoIP package begins at $10.00 a month with a prices going up incrementally depending upon your needs and how many will be involved in your conference calls.

It is obvious that conference calling as well as standard long distance calling will be changing greatly in the near future as VoIP changes the landscape of telephone service. "Land lines" for long distance calling will eventually become obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes VoIP just as commonplace as any other type of telephone call.

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather than later.

This article on the "How VoIP Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

About the Author
Lucy P. Roberts is a successful freelance writer providing practical information and advice for consumers and businesses about everything related to audio conferencing services and VoIP providers. Her numerous articles include tips for saving both time and money; product reviews and reports; and other valuable insights for persons searching the Internet for information about the history of the telephone and related topics.

A Dummies Guide To Broadband Phone Service

2009-02-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Brito

Did you know that the Internet can totally replace your existing phone line? With broadband phone service, you can make and receive telephone calls using a regular phone without the assistance of your local phone company. Instead, the phone plugs directly into a broadband internet connection, either cable or DSL.

You need two things to turn your internet connection into a personal phone line: a subscription to broadband phone service and any traditional phone (analog or digital). Most service providers charge between $20 and $30 a month.

Once connected and installed, broadband phone service works just like a regular phone: Pick up the phone and you will hear a dial tone dial a phone number wait for the person to answer and start talking. In most cases the person on the other line won't even know that you are using broadband phone service; the quality is that good.

Some of the benefits of using broadband phone service include: unlimited calling to the U.S and Canada, free features like call waiting, caller id, call forwarding, voicemail and the ability to choose your area code. This means that you can live in New York and have a California phone number. Most broadband phone service providers also offer a trial period or a 30-day money back guarantee.

Some additional features of broadband phone service are virtual numbers (a number in a different area code, that when dialed rings directly to your main number). Virtual numbers eliminate long-distance phone charges for anyone calling within that numbers' area code. Most broadband phone service providers also offer toll-free numbers and 411 directory assistance for a low monthly fee.

Due to the recent FCC regulations, all broadband phone service providers must have E911. What this means for you is that you if you subscribe to broadband phone service and dial 911, the call will be routed to the local public safety dispatcher with your address information pre-populating on their screen. When searching for a broadband phone service provider, ensure that they offer E911.

Click here for more in-depth information about broadand phone service. Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Broadband Phones

2009-02-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Peter Emerson

A broadband phone is a phone that uses the Internet to make calls over Internet Protocol (IP). You can use your old telephone for calling, but your calls are routed through IP using broadband Internet access. This is done by using a device called a digital adapter, which connects the broadband modem with your telephone. This connection gives access to the broadband phone line. The primary function of the digital adapter is to unravel and rearrange the digital voice data that it obtains through the Internet and convert it into intelligible messages like the ones you receive through your ordinary non-digital telephone. The international call costs are much cheaper than those made over the conventional telephones or cell phones. The process of transmission of messages is quite efficient.

The transmission of voice over IP, or "VoIP" for short, has a bright future in making long distance calls. The main plus point is that the transmission of voice messages does not require any new platform or infrastructure. It uses the already existing Internet communication system, which is being used with great success. Great advances are being made in the improvement of the Internet communication systems as new technologies are being introduced. In view of this it can be safely assumed that the new broadband telephone technology, which rides piggyback on the Internet, will advance accordingly and provide improved and cheaper services to individual and corporate business users. Quite possibly the interconnecting digital adapter would altogether be eliminated. You may get digital telephones that can be plugged directly into the USB ports on PCs and can send and receive calls digitally.

It appears that as broadband grows in popularity, VoIP will revolutionize the telecommunication system as never before, even more than cell phones have done. As a result, most call charges should eventually become dirt-cheap.

Broadband provides detailed information on Broadband, Broadband Phones, Broadband Speeds, Broadband Internet and more. Broadband is affiliated with Broadband Satellite Internet.

What Is Voip And Will It Work With My Pink Princess Rotary Phone

2009-02-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Tony Gattuso

Let's be honest, if you're still using a pink Princess rotary phone, the explosion in communication technology has really passed you by and you've got a major learning curve to overcome. But if your only association with the Princess phone is viewing it in faded pictures from your on-line family photo album, VoIP could have a place in your life.

For those new to this acronym, VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol which means nothing more than sending your call through your Internet connection instead of through telephone lines. What takes place behind the scenes is complicated, but for you the changes are pretty simple: Yank the phone cord from the jack in the wall and plug it into a port on your computer, install some software, and start saving money. That's right SAVE money.

The biggest selling point for VoIP is its lower cost. You save money because your provider is sending your calls over the Internet using software that sends your call along the least congested and least expensive route. They pass these savings along to you. For many, the cost of VoIP for both local and long distance can be less than the cost for local service alone. In addition, you save money directly because calls sent over the Internet are not subject to communication taxes. To see what you can save, check your last telephone bill.

Because your outgoing and incoming calls are now digital, computers can capture, manipulate, and store information about the call. This enables VoIP communication companies to offer more features -- such as voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, and speed dialing at no additional cost.

For more information about how VoIP can save you money and make your life easier, contact your local carriers.

Tony Gattuso is an Authorized Agent for Cavalier Telephone Service. As an agent he provides Cavalier VoIP service throughout the east coast.

The Basics Of Voip

2009-01-31T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Will Thomas

VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a new technology that utilizes the routing of voice conversations over the Internet. Basically, individuals can now use their broadband Internet connections to place phone calls rather than using their traditional phone lines. Ideally, the sound quality is the same as that of a standard telephone line and therefore the people on the other end of the phone call will never know the difference.

The technology, though complex, is quite direct. The VoIP provider takes the regular, analog voice conversations and converts them into data that can then be sent across the Internet using a high-speed broadband connection. At the other end of the call, the data is converted back into an analog signal that the conventional telephone system can deliver to the person whose number was initially dialed. All of this is accomplished seamlessly while using normal telephones at both ends. In other words, you don't have to speak through your computer's microphone in order to get the most out of VoIP services.

There are many advantages to switching over to a VoIP service, but the biggest one is cost. For the most part, long-distance and international calls will be significantly less expensive for individuals using a VoIP service rather than a traditional long-distance or international plan. Most VoIP service providers also offer a number of additional free features already established with traditional phone plans, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voicemail and more.

There are other advantages as well. For example, because of the convergence between your VoIP phone service and the Internet, some providers will even allow you to receive Voicemail messages as email attachments. Also, if you have a cable broadband connection, you may be able to keep your current telephone number as well.

Signing up for a VoIP plan is actually quite simple. Really, all you need is a broadband Ethernet connection such as DSL or cable, any touch-tone phone (corded or cordless) and a credit or debit card with a U.S. billing and shipping address. Your VoIP provider will supply you with the proper phone adapter upon signing up, usually at no additional cost. As for the person on the other end of the call, all they need is a regular phone. They don't need to use a VoIP service or even have an Internet connection for the call to go through.

Lastly, although VoIP calls are placed through your Internet connection, they will not affect your ability to use your computer. Thus, if you wish, you can continue to surf the web and send emails while you're on the phone. Also, because VoIP utilizes your Internet connection and not your computer, your computer does not even need to be turned on in order for you to place a call.

Will Thomas is a staff writer for useVoIP.org which is an online resource providing VoIP Information and Articles

Reduce Operating Costs Gain Efficiency And Compete Effectively With Voip

2009-01-30T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Hadi Shavarini

Imagine phones (that look like regular phones as we-know-it-today) connecting to the Internet via an Ethernet jack (similar to a PC) instead of the phone plug on the wall. These are called IP-based phones. These phones do not use analog phone lines - instead they get connected to the Internet. One would pick up the receiver and make a phone call just as it is done today and VoIP converts the human voice into IP packets (data similar to email data) and pushes it out through the Internet to the phone switch where it is terminated. In a nut shell, VoIP digitalizes voice into data packets, sending them and reconverting them back into voice at destination.

What are the benefits of VoIP and why you should consider it? To compete effectively in the eWorld, a decent businesses infrastructure MUST HAVE two essential components: A High-speed Internet connection and a sophisticated phone system.

Up until now, to build a solid infrastructure, small businesses had to spend lots of money for having multiple phone lines, perhaps an 800 line, fax line, credit card machine, to name a few. These days the ONLY essential component to worry about is having a reliable high-speed Internet connection. Connectivity can be addressed with either cable or DSL service (typically $250 per month) through cable providers such as Comcast, RCN, etc. and DSL can be provided through the Verizons of the world. The good news is that with the arrival of VoIP, there is no need to pay a dime for multiple phone lines, any phone system (PBX), any local/long distance calls, phone maintenance, etc. At 30% to 50% less than the cost of a typical phone system, a VoIP system will provide a more sophisticated system with increased functionality than any analog phone system. It offers an enterprise-level system that was affordable ONLY by fortune 500 companies. Now small businesses can compete like big corporations at a fraction of the cost!

Small businesses are beginning to realize that IP-based phone system streamlines their communications needs and their call flow in ways that was not possible a year ago. As a result they can improve the customer experience and combined with wireless IP communications, employees can become completely mobile. The beauty of it is that IP enables the phone to be anywhere this is a perfect solution for companies with remote/satellite offices who wish to have one uniform phone system for all employees regardless of their location.

There's a whole list of benefits unlocked by VoIP beyond the obvious. One of the most important advantages of using VoIP is reliable continuity. Imagine having a system that can stay operational through the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, or the August blackout and a whole list of building failures by the central phone system. In a typical VoIP system the main elements of the network are offsite, they're automatically protected from these sort of issues. Another benefit is, unlike a traditional phone system [Time-Division Multiplexed TDM], where the environment is a common point of failure, in a VoIP it is very easy to put in redundancy in which all clients connect to the outside world by more than one path. This guarantees phone connectivity and no call is ever lost.

IP telephony lowers the costs of communications system tremendously while increases productivity in more ways than one. Consider a world where ALL communications, including eMail, voice messages, conference calls, and/or even wireless devices can be integrated through a single system where employees, no matter of the location, can be contacted. For companies with multiple locations, VoIP system can eliminate the need for several receptionists which is growing in popularity.

The benefits of VoIP are endless. It eliminates the need for having an expensive PBX system; it saves time and resources associated with the maintenance & supporting such systems; it removes the hassle of dealing with phone companies; on and on while offering a superior phone system at 30 to 50% of the cost.

Hadi Shavarini is the General Manager and co-founder of Blue Robin Inc.- Building eBusiness Infrastructures. Blue Robin offers cost effective enterprise-level VoIP systems. Hadi Shavarini has been involved with VoIP development since 2002. http://www.bluerobininc.com

Voice Over Ip Saving Money

2009-01-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Greg Richburg

I was on a tech support call with a client in Australia for over forty-five minutes. Guess how much that cost me. If I told you less than a dollar, would you believe it? Well it is true indeed.

I called my friend in England just the other day. We talked for about half an hour and it didn't cost either of us a nickel. Free and clear as crystal, I used my computer. Nothing fancy, just a simple sound card, speakers and microphone is all I needed.

If you haven't heard about Voice over IP yet, you most definitely will soon. There are several different methods to the crazed digital telephony protocol that could change the way you make calls and save you a bundle.

What is VOIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the concept for managing the delivery of voice information in digital format through the Internet rather then conventional voice telephone lines. In the simplest form, VoIP turns any computer into a telephone.

Although there are complex and costly ways to do this in the enterprise level, there are also simple, nearly free ways do use VoIP on the personal level. All that's required is a broadband Internet connection of some type. Now I am not here to advertise for any single organization selling VoIP equipment or services, but just to let you know, there are some that offer very nice package deals with equipment, Internet phones, headsets and all the fixings of standard enterprise phone systems. There are also software based systems that operate like your everyday chat systems and require only computer speakers and a microphone.

Why would I want this?

One major advantage of VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone services that use the standard public switched telephone network. Sure Pac Bell and ATT don't like the sounds of that, not unless they figure out how to jump on the bandwagon and capitalize on this somewhat new form of technology.

Actually VoIP has been around for a while, yet it is starting to pick up speed now as an alternative means of communication. And the primary reason is that it will save you money.

Another money saving fact about VoIP is that since VoIP utilizes your broadband Internet connection for its delivery, customers do not pay Federal USF and FCC Line Charges and pay lower Federal Excise Tax.

WI-FI and VoIP

Now we're getting serious! Where is this going? Can it really compete with the cell phone? Well, at this time the wireless technology has some security risks and setup difficulties to overcome before it becomes a significant player in the game. But on a local, enterprise level, we are not far off.

What is the bottom line?

If you are tired of lofty telephone bills, perhaps there is a solution for you that will help with this years budget. You don't need to transform your entire phone system to utilize the benefits of VoIP. Start small and learn its potential.

A Rule for the Road:

Keep up with technology or else technology will pass you by; and the ignorance will cost you more than you will know.

Greg Richburg runs KlickCommerce, a web based marketing system for Women's clothing. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and the owner of Netricks, Inc. a network consulting, web design and hosting company located in Fresno, CA.

View his work at http://www.klickcommerce.com.
Visit Netricks at http://www.netricks.com
559-431-3775

The Skype Approach To Voip A Review Of Skype

2009-01-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Hamesh Brown

With internet usage reaching almost every country, and economic class, and with its permeation throughout the western world, applications designed to harness its potential in ever more practical ways are constantly arising. One such application is Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), which continues to challenge its own limitations. There are a few leading players who are jostling for supremacy, including Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Skype, and Vonage.

Recently, there have been many converts to Skype, including this reviewer. There are several factors that have influenced my own personal move, but my primary motivations were innovation, quality, and marketability. VoIP has always been an application that is easily marketable, and Skype has added innovative features that are quality-rich:

SkypeOut, where you can use your computer to call ordinary phone numbers all over the world. The global SkypeOut rate is currently 1.7 Euro Cent (about 2 US cents or 1.1 pence) per minute to more than 20 countries.

SkypeIn, which is a virtual phone number your friends can call. This is in beta testing at the time of writing this review, but the 12-month subscription is available for 30 and 3 months for 10.

Skype Voicemail, which lets you redirect calls to your voicemail, is available at 5 for 3 months or 15 for the year.

However, the most widespread application of Skype is PC-to-PC calls. Any user can make free calls over the Internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It is a simple wizard-based process to download and use the application, and works via your broadband connection with operating systems based on Microsoft Windows, Mac, Linux, and Pocket PCs. All you need is a PC microphone and speakers or a basic USB headset, and what you get is a real-time, telephone-quality voice conversation with any PC end-user in the world. I found the downloading to be extremely simple and straightforward and imagine that anyone, no matter your computer fluency will find it easy as well.

In addition to its ease of setup, the features of Skype are really impressive. There is a facility to search the Skype database, so that you are able to build a list of contacts. We have used Skype for Windows 1.4 for a PC-to-PC conversation between Los Angeles and Mumbai (India), and there was no recorded break in the half-hour call. The clarity was definitely on par with a normal telephone, perhaps even better, with no noticeable time lag. On subsequent calls between these destinations and other US cities including Chicago, the quality continues to amaze us, and the fact that Skype works in most environments, irrespective of firewalls or NAT, widens its reach.

So, what's the downside? A comparative analysis will help clarify the situation. For a start, Skype does not offer as many calling features as other service providers like Vonage. Then, there have been question marks about the technical/customer support offered by Skype. Another point where Skype loses out is the quality of the SkypeOut package, where the calls made to landlines are of inconsistent quality. One hopes that Skype can add video chat to its repertoire in the near future, which will place Skype on an equal standing with other free VoIP providers like Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger, which already have video capabilities. Skype is undoubtedly ahead of both MSN and Yahoo in terms of voice quality and the real-time conversation experience. On the other side of the spectrum, Vonage offers feature-rich services and better customer service, although all this comes at a price.

My Overall Assessment: Vonage is a better option than Skype for traditional telephone users because Skype is totally computer-dependent and caters to consumers who are "living out of their computers."

The future has a lot to offer, and undoubtedly Skype will move forward in its evolutionary process, and hopefully improve SkypeOut and emerge successfully out of beta testing for SkypeIn. However, for the moment, Skype is arguably the best option for free PC-to-PC calls. Skype says that the "current focus is to make the best voice-application on the planet"judging from user feedback around the world, Skype has already gone a long distance towards that objective.

Hamesh Brown enjoys writing about VoIP. See http://www.voipreviewsonline.com/2005/10/skype_review_1.html for another Skype review.

Voip 3 Ways To Make The Call

2009-01-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Weaver

We're hearing a lot about Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) these days. I for one am a big fan of this technology. Did you know that you could actually use VoIP in 3 different ways? That's right! There are really 3 different ways that you can 'make the call'. Ok, you can actually receive the call 3 different ways as well.

First up is probably the most popular. I use this way myself and most of the residential providers out there today use this as well. What is it?

ATA Analog Telephone Adapter

Your normal phone plugs into an ATA that you received from your VoIP provider. This is the most common way to get hooked into VoIP. This device takes care of all the magic that occurs when you make and receive your calls over your broadband connection. Your analog phone signal must be converted to digital to be routed through your broadband connection and this ATA does the job.

IP Phone Internet Protocol Phones

As the name would imply, these are 'special' phones. You wouldn't know it by looking at them. They look like normal phones. What is different about these phones is the electronics inside them and the fact they don't take a 'regular' phone cable (RJ-11). Instead these phones take an Ethernet cable connection (RJ-45) and also come equipped with the necessary electronics to plug directly into your router.

Computer-to-Computer

This is the oldest and possibly the easiest way to get plugged into VoIP. Here instead of using your normal phone or IP phone to make calls through your broadband connection, you use your computer itself! (You could do this over dial-up, but broadband is certainly better) There are a number of services available that offer no cost or low cost service. You'll need the software and a microphone to speak into and speakers to hear from and of course your computer and a high-speed internet connection. Some providers offer this service for free when their software is being used on both ends of the call.

Watch out for Wi-Fi (using IP phones) and other advancements in VoIP technology. We truly are on the verge of a major breakthrough in telecommunications. So, what are you waiting for? Make the call!

Vegastream Connecting Voip To Existing Telephone Systems

2009-01-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Helen Upsher

A misconception because after all, VoIP and Internet Telephony use a completely different signalling system to traditional telephony. Therefore a different device must be required to convert those signals into the sounds that make up a telephone conversation. However, it is now possible to install a device; a VoIP gateway between the IP network and existing phone systems that converts the signalling from one to the other.

The VoIP gateway has two distinct roles. The first is to convert the signal so that a person using an IP device can talk to one on a traditional TDM device and vice versa. The second role is to manage the network signalling and routing.

For example, all IP devices, including phones, have an IP address while traditional telephones, even extensions on a company phone system, have their traditional telephone number. If a company has connected its traditional telephone system to an IP network, then incoming calls from the IP network will be looking for an IP address. The gateway's job is to recognise the traditional telephone to which that IP address has been allocated and route the call accordingly.

This is just one simple example. Professional-class VoIP gateways, will translate all the sophisticated functions that have been developed in the traditional phone systems such as call forwarding and conferencing.

The better VoIP gateways also feature "pass through". This function recognises the fact that for all its functional advantages and ability to save money, IP telephony is susceptible to catastrophic failure. For example, IP telephony requires a discrete power source, unlike the phones that will keep working even when the lights are turned off. For emergencies, therefore, an enterprise will want to keep at least one phone in each premise attached to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). For example with VegaStream's "pass through" this phone is connected the IP network until that network fails at which time it automatically connects to the PSTN.

The Benefits

Cost

With a VoIP gateway, a company can make telephone calls between sites at no cost using the IP data wide area network that it has installed to connects its computer systems. It can also use a gateway to connect its existing telephone systems to an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP). ITSP's use the Internet to radically reduce customers' telephone bills. In both scenarios, employees would use their telephones as normal. There is no training costs, just a significant reduction in the phone bill.

Flexibility

Enterprises are beginning to recognise the advantages of a fully converged communications solution. This is where all electronic communications voice, data, video, instant messaging and email all pass over a single network. This technology allows for highly efficient and content rich collaboration and interaction and is becoming the de facto standard in customer facing contact centres.

However, while there may be a strong business case for converged communications in the contact centre, the same may not be said for the broader organisation where the significant costs of the existing telephone system may yet to be written off. In these scenarios, the VoIP gateway will provide the solution for a company that wants to make a partial, and gradual, commitment to new converged technology, for example the company can mix and match traditional and IP telephone systems yet all use the telephones as usual.

The VoIP gateway is the essential bridge between today's telephone system and the future of converged communications.

http://www.vegastream.com

What If Someone Spits On You

2009-01-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Lance Winslow

It use to be if someone spit on you it was in grade school and some dumb kid spit, but these young and restless tikes have now grown up and they are actively involved in the computer industry. They are SPIT'ing on you still, this time on your new VoIP Telephony Service. What is SPIT, well it is SPAM over IP Telephony. Basically they are sending you unwanted adds. But the Do Not Call Lists do not go there. And the SPAM law is not applicable to VoIP, thus they are in loophole land, just like in the ole'school yard days.

What can you do to reduce SPIT'ing? Well in this country we do not cane people like they do in Singapore and it will probably be nine-months until the Federal Trade Commission has a few committee/party meetings to draft a regulation and come up with a mission statement. Then another 3-months until they define what SPIT is. What does all this mean? Well it means all the people who signed up for Vonage VoIP service will get SPIT. So for those who switched to a new phone system for long distance for $29.95 per month are now going to wonder why. Can you imagine getting 100 Voice Mail SPITs per day and you have to listen to the beginning to delete them just to get your Voice Mail? Likewise the incoming wads of SPIT or batches of SPAM over IP Telephony could disrupt your telephone? Oh great, what will be next? We have SPAM, SPIT and next thing you know all we will have SH_T? SPAM Harassment Internet Troubles. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

The Real Basics Of Voip

2009-01-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Neil Day

If you haven't been on a trip to the moon or have been lost in the deep dark depths of the amazon rain forest, then you MUST have come across the term VoIP? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it is the ability to transmit voice over the Internet to either a receiving computer or telephone.

VoIP uses what is referred to as the Packet Switching Network. Standard landline telephones use the Circuit Switching Network. The entire landline telephone system uses what is known as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

Are you confused? Here is a simple explanation. The main difference between Packet Switching (the system used by VoIP) and Circuit Switching (the standard telephone system), is that Packet Switching makes use of sending (data) or Packets over the Internet while Circuit Switching uses electrical circuits to enable telephones to make a connection. If you can picture the old switchboard operators, wearing headsets frantically trying to connect the right caller with the correct receiver then this is what Circuit Switching is like. Packet Switching is used to transfer data at high speeds all around the Internet.

Packet Switching converts audio formats into small byte sized data packets and transmits them at high speed over the Internet. It then reassembles them on the other person's phone or computer in real time.

A simple form of VoIP is used with many free Instant Messaging programs. Instant Messaging programs have been utilizing the science of VoIP technology for years. A computer user can download an Instant Messaging program, connect their computer speakers and a microphone, and make a free long distance (or international) call to another pc user. Many Instant Messaging programs are incorporating VoIP services. You can use Yahoo Messenger, AOL, Skype, ICQ, MSN, and Google to make pc-to-pc free phone calls.

Believe it or not, VoIP technology is NOT relatively new it has been around for a while now; it is just becoming more and more popular as day to day computer users are discovering how easy it is to use. In the late 1990's, programs were springing up across the Internet offering some form of free VoIP technology. Most of those are either no longer existent or now charge a standard monthly service fee for the use of their product. But one thing remains certain, VoIP is producing higher standards of quality every day, and it has certainly proved that it is a viable force for telecommunication needs for the future.

Many telephone companies are expanding to allow for monthly VoIP services. Companies such as Sprint, Verizon, and AOL are all offering VoIP plans.

VoIP is also prized for its ability to integrate many forms of telecommunication applications into one package. VoIP can handle data, audio, video, E-Mail, and web based applications simultaneously. Just imagine - with your voice enabled Instant Messaging program, you can hook up a web cam and use video, while you are speaking with your buddy on your microphone and listening to them with your speakers, and you can type back and forth with your chat program. You could also write an email while you are doing all of these other tasks at the same time.

This makes VoIP extremely viable to businesses. It is also a cost effective choice of telephone service. The potential for VoIP'S use is nearly limitless.

VoIP telephone service providers are becoming more popular as well. Many people are now starting to realise the benefits available to them by switching to VoIP. First, VoIP costs significantly less than the standard telephone service, and this is a great attraction for bringing in new customers. Many VoIP service plans will let you make unlimited long distance calls or provide you with a plan for very inexpensive rates.

Many of the paid for features that are often included with traditional PSTN land line telephone services are often included free of charge with VoIP services. These include features such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Block, Three-Way- Calling, Voice Mail, and more.

Here is another great benefit to VoIP services which is proving very popular with customers. Many VoIP service providers will let you keep your existing phone number, or at the very least, will allow you to select a new area code. This option has great appeal to many people. Just think, now you can select an area code for the same town where most of your friends or family live. By choosing this area code, not only are you still getting a great deal with your VoIP services, but now your family and friends will save money whenever they call. For them, all calls to you will be billed as a local and not a long distance call.

VoIP has proved that it is a viable force in the field of telecommunications, we can be sure that VoIP is here to stay.

For more information, news and resources about VoIP, Skype and Internet telephones, please visit How VoIP Works.

Do You Have Your Voipbroadband Phone Yet

2009-01-22T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Lemm

Broadband VoIP allows you to add a phone line to your home or office with a local phone number in just about any major U.S. city.... and with some vendors also in several countries such as the UK and Israel.

Here are some ways Businesses and families with geographical distances between them can take advantage of BroadBand Phone/VoIP:

1. Parents can add an additional line with a local number so their college son or daughter can always call home without the expense of long distance rates.

2. A family in Florida can bring up a local number in Minnesota where the rest of the family resides. Family members in Minnesota now dial a local number and reach the relatives in Florida with no long distance charges because the call is local for those in Minnesota, and only the party in Florida needs to have broadband service to receive the calls.

3. This technology can also help military families stay connected. VoIP is not restricted by global boundaries. A U.S. soldier in another country with a broadband connection can set up service with unlimited in bound calls that are local to his family in the U.S. His family then can make unlimited calls to him at no cost and his family in the U.S. doesn't need to have broadband access. Plus any calls they make home are either "local" or are made with an unlimited flat rate plan. That saves a ton of money.

4. Traveling executives can also take advantage of VoIP as a portable phone that can be taken along on any business trip. Many hotels will provide broad band access today. Simply plug the IP phone into the broadband connection in the hotel room. Your family and customers can now call on a local number. In addition you can still take advantage of out bound service and make calls from the room as well.

5. Businesses can drastically reduce costs from traditional calling services.... with flat rate plans which cover all of the US & Canada and often including Europe &/or Asia also.

For an easy way to compare available VoIP phone options in your area (US only) browse through the vendor review info available at Broadband Reports. This info is updated frequently with new input from their Forum members. Be advised that not all providers may be included as only those having received a member review will be listed.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Sip Telephony Another Way To Save Money

2009-01-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Kevin Whales

Just when you thought using your PC couldn't possibly get any more complicated, along comes SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) with VoIP (Voice-Over Internet Protocol) technology.

VoIP is well on its way to becoming the "next big thing" as it allows you to make telephone calls using the Internet for a fraction of the cost of regular phone usage. Don't think that's making the major telephone companies nervous? Read on... because you haven't seen anything yet...

Seemingly overnight, VoIP appeared. And when it did, the whole concept of making a cheap PC to phone call (for pennies) became the big business. Quicker than you can say, "Who needs an e-mail or chat?" the IP phone (IP - Internet Protocol) became a reality. The IP is data-oriented computer technology used for communicating data across a packet-switched inter-network. In other words, think of it as the PC version of the old operator at a switchboard patching phone calls back and forth.

IP technology evolved into VoIP - Voice-Over-Internet Protocol - which allows PC users to make telephone calls using a computer-data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet and later converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. And guess what - VoIP technology costs not pennies, but fractions of pennies to use. The VoIP providers paved the way to this new frontier of making cheap phone calls and many independent telephone companies quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Business VoIP and residential VoIP plans are available to PC users in a number of inexpensive packages but SIP makes this service much more simply and friendly.

Obviously, a lot of telephone empires are sweating bullets over this. Some companies have even claimed that the entire SIP/IP/VoIP concept is akin to patent infringement. That won't hold up in a court of law. You can't patent broadband communication any more than you can patent gasoline. Telephony VoIP is here to stay and evolving faster than PC users can assimilate the information.

VoIP technology is making the term the Internet phone a household word. But for the most part it's still an untapped market. Computers have long since replaced typewriters, but there are still millions of men and women who don't have a clue that their PC can be used for local phone service or even better - to slash the costs of long distance phone service.

Thanks to SIP VoIP providers with BYOD (see below), a prepaid phone card is becoming a thing of the past. PC to phone communication and the concept of the Internet phone service is kicking major phone companies in the pants.

BYOD - short for Bring Your Own Device - is fast becoming the term of choice among phone system VoIP users. BYOD is used to describe a type of VoIP subscription. (Carrier VoIP subscribers who have their own VoIP device can take advantage of a cheaper SIP/VoIP subscription plan). The solution VoIP and carrier VoIP subscriber plans generally cost less than $20.00 a month for unlimited broadband phone use.

SIP telephony is creating the new phone system of choice. It was bound to happen. Computer technology has integrated with every part of our lives and the PC as a way to make a cheap phone call is only the latest step in technology's progression.

IP, VoIP, SIP and other strange words which help us to make phone calls cheaper

Voipnet Phone Revolution

2009-01-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Yolanda McDonald

Have you seen them? The commercials about Net phones and how they can save you a ton of money on long-distance? Okay, so now you want to know how it works, what's in it for you, are there any hidden charges that will have me paying the same if not more per month than my current, reliable land-line phone, Am I going to sound like E.T. attempting to phone home on this thing and what are they not telling me that could nix the whole deal? Well, here you are.

How it works:

VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is just that. Your voice is sent in what are known as packets, accross the internet and re-assembled at the receiving end. Kind of like that machine in the "The Fly", only a lot more stable (no incects messing up your DNA or anything). You plug your internet connection (which must be broadband, DSL or Cable) into your modem (as usual), you then plug the modem into your adapter, and then connect your adapter to your other devices (Phone, Fax, Computer).

Not that difficult, but since configurations vary from provider to provider,I urge you to check it out yourself.

What's in if for you:

Lower prices. Truthfully, VOIP delivers on it's promise of lower prices. There are taxes and fees, but they will only bump your final monthly bill about 2 to 3 dollars. Quality, still lags behind land line, but that is to be expected. What is not to be expected how far VOIP quality has come in a short amount of time. Many people never notice a difference between speaking to someone using VOIP and speaking to someone using land line technology (See "Net Phones Grow Up" by Jeff Betolucci and Tom Kortie, PC World, September 2005).

What Are They Not Telling Me That Could Nix the Whole Deal?

There are a couple of concerns with VOIP. One is that, with VOIP relying on an internet connection, if your internet connection is down for some reason, you have no phone. The other concern is 911. 911 systems and VOIP vendors have not been playing nice in the sandbox. Fortunately, E911 is being enforced by the FCC and all VOIP vendors must provide 911 service that rivals that of landline users by November 28, 2005. So, basically, the second issue is no longer an issue.

What's the difference between Net Phones and a Service like Skype?

Skype requires a PC for both users. It is PC to PC communication. There is no true "Phone", while Net Phone uses your phone and a portable adapter. The adapter can be taken on the road and used anywhere you find a high-speed connection. Skype is not a replacement for your current phone service, net phone is. You can bypass the phone company completely. You don't end up paying for services that the phone company charges you for, like voicemail, 3-Way calling, Call-Forwarding, etc.,; these fees are all covered in your $25-$40 a month for unlimited calls.

Economically, VOIP makes sense. You get comparable quality for a much lower price and more standard features. Hopefully this will help you make a more informed decision or at the very least help you decide if VOIP is right for you or your small/home business.

Yolanda McDonald is Business Systems Analyst in Baltimore, MD. She has 15 years of experience in programming, design and analysis on several platforms including Midrange, Client/Server and the Internet. You can find more of her articles at http://www.ymcdonald.com.

Voip Is Good But

2009-01-19T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Stuart Simpson

VOIP the new Internet phone stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. What this means, is you use your broadband internet connection to make phone calls. Sounds really good, especially since it has free long distance and its only $25 a month. But there are 2 major drawbacks.

911 Service doesn't work like a landline phone. In some areas, it doesn't work at all. There are severe risks to consumers thinking 911 can save them in an emergency, but the internet phone doesn't work that way. Be careful or review your plan to make sure you understand how the 911 service works. The FCC has been on these companies to straighten this out or inform consumers of the risks.

The 2nd problem seems minor compared to the above, but I don't like being tied to my PC when making a call, even if I'm wearing a headset. www.ipero.com makes a real cool $30 phone that plugs into my USB and works like a regular phone. Its lightweight has a mute and speed dial, and the sound is great. Its compact and I can take it on the road with me. Many VOIP phones only work with PC's, but this one works with a Mac, too.

There are still some concerns with VOIP technology, but once the companies get around them, the consumers will have a great product. Besides, at $25 a month, you can overlook a lot of issues.

Stuart Simpson http://www.voip-telephony-review.com/

Pros And Cons Of Getting Voip Right Now

2009-01-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Ron King

You have a telephone, right? You have a computer, right? You want to save money, right? BAM, you are a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) candidate.

It is inevitable that VOIP will replace traditional telephone service at some point. The only question is when should you jump in?

VOIP is quickly becoming more reliable and receiving wider acceptance. In fact, phone companies are already taking advantage of the technology to provide cheaper long distance rates. Like any emerging technology, however, there are kinks in the system that are still being worked out.

Advantages

VOIP has many advantages over regular phone service. One primary advantage is its low cost. If you have a fast Internet connection (DSL or cable), you can make PC-to-PC phone calls anywhere in the world FREE. PC-to-phone connections usually have a charge, but probably still cheaper than regular phone service.

You can sign up with a VOIP service provider for a monthly fee and get unlimited calls within a specified geographic area. For example, some VOIP services in the United States allow connections anywhere in North America for no extra charge. International calls are charged at a modest rate.

Another advantage is its portability. You can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection by simply signing in to your VOIP account. This makes VOIP as convenient as e-mail. When you're traveling, you simply pack a headset or Internet phone; then you can talk to family or colleagues for next to nothing.

Phone-to-phone VOIP is also portable. Internet phones are small and light enough to take anywhere. When you sign up with a VOIP service provider, the Internet phone or adaptor used by that service is assigned a unique number. This 'phone number' remains valid, even if your VOIP service is in Los Angeles and you're connected to the Internet in London. When plugged into a broadband connection, anywhere in the world, you can make and receive calls as though you were at home .

Features like call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and 3way-calling, are included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. While you're talking on the phone, you can send pictures and documents at the same time.

Disadvantages

There are a few glitches that still interfere with the technology's broad acceptance by the public. Lack of continuous service during power outages and emergency calling are the 2 biggest hurdles.

Conventional phone service continues by the current supplied through the phone lineduring a blackout. This isn't possible with Internet phones. When the power goes, there goes VOIP service. Battery backups and power generators that provide electricity are the current solutions to this problem.

A major concern involves emergency 911 calls. For the most part, VOIP services aren't useful in emergencies. Traditional phone equipment can trace the locations of calls. Emergency calls are diverted to the nearest call center where the operator can identify your location, in the event you can't talk. With VOIP, there is no way currently to determine where Internet calls are originating. There is an emerging standard called e911 however, which is attempting to solve this limitation.

VOIP also has sound quality and reliability problems. Data sent across the Internet usually arrives at its destination scrambled. E-mail and documents can be reassembled in the correct order when it arrives. Voice data also arrives scrambled, but it's more complicated because of the real-time nature of VOIP. Some data packets may have to be dropped when they don't arrive in time, in order to make voice connections with the least delay. This can cause brief silences in the audio stream.

Distance and speed of the connection determine the amount of data lost. Some networks receive more traffic and thus are more likely to cause audio dropouts. One way to provide high quality audio connections is to create dedicated data paths.

With the incredible amount of work dedicated to VOIP, these disadvantages will no doubt be resolved withinin the next 2 years. It is expected that by then VOIP will have widespread consumer acceptance.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit voip-solutions-now to learn more about this subject.

Internet Phone Service The Low Cost Alternative For Keeping In Touch

2009-01-17T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Brito

Are you always looking for ways to save money without cutting back on the things that make you happy? Do you like to talk on the phone until your mouth is as dry as the desert sand? If you answered yes to these questions, then internet phone service is an ideal fit for you. It works over a high-speed internet connection and allows you to keep in touch with family and friends all over the world for pennies.

In order to enjoy the money saving benefits of internet phone service, you must have a high-speed internet connection, either broadband or DSL. Most Internet Phone Service Providers will then send you a Broadband Phone Adapter, or BPA (a device that resembles a modem) that will plug directly into a modem/router. Then, all you have to do is plug your existing phone into the adapter and you can start making calls. The set-up is really easy and usually takes less than five minutes for installation.

So, how much money are you really going to save with internet phone service versus traditional phone service? Most traditional phone companies usually charge between $20 and $30 a month for basic service. This doesn't include any features like voicemail, call waiting, 3-way calling, etc. Nor does it include any long distance charges. Add these features up and a normal phone bill would typically cost $50 a month.

With Internet Phone service, most providers charge between $20 and $25 a month. Not much difference than the traditional phone companies, right? Well, for this price you not only get all the features included, but unlimited calling in the United States and Canada as well. Not bad if you have friends and family living outside of your area code. Most consumers who use internet phone service can save as much as $500 a year and that is just the icing on the cake.

The cost savings of internet phone service is great. But even better is the ability to keep in touch with family and friends without the worries of high phone bills.

There are several internet phone service providers to choose from that offer good service. One is Packet8. They have great reviews and even have a 30-day money back guarantee in case you are not happy with their service.

Click here for more in-depth information about internet phone service. Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Getting Started With Voice Over Ip

2009-01-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Bell

VoIP offers a great way to help you save money on your phone bill. With a few simple steps, you can be on your way to utilizing this new technology. Here are some tips that will help you find the best options for your needs:

Your Internet Connection - Shop around for the best deals on broadband service. There are many companies who offer either DSL or Cable Modems. Some people want to get the highest speed possible, even if it costs more. Others are concerned more about price than speed. There are enough options to satisfy your needs. Check out Comcast (www.comcast.com) and Verizon (www.verizon.com) for starters.

Decide on a service provider - Both Comcast and Verizon offer VoIP services. Other companies such as Vonage (www.vonage.com) or Lingo (www.lingo.com) only provide VoIP and its related products. Decide whether your connection is for business or home and pick the company and plan that makes the most sense. Companies such as Verizon offer a lot of options for a business of any size. Other companies only accommodate small businesses.

Do you use long distance on a regular basis? This is another thing to consider when choosing a provider. Most companies let you call throughout the US and other parts of North America as part of their rates and have a list of per-minute fees for long distance. Other companies, such as Lingo, also allow you to call countries in Western Europe as part of their packages.

Decide whether you want an IP phone or not. Do you want to keep your existing phone? Well, thanks to the analog telephone adapter you can. You can also purchase an IP phone. These come with the software already included inside. Just plug the Ethernet connection into your router and you are on your way to getting VoIP service.

Mike Bell is the webmaster of http://www.VoIP-Journal.com, a site devoted to providing users with VoIP news and information.

Voip Advantages And Disadvantges

2009-01-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Juston Garland

Advantages of VOIP services

You get to make free long distance calls, and you get all the free features such as caller id, call waiting, three-way calling, voice mail and more.

VOIP cost about half the cost of traditional phone services and it seems that the taxes and surcharges are much lower. Also your bill is easier to understand and it can be viewed via the Internet. You can track all of your incoming and outgoing calls and the minutes that you are using with real time reporting.

Great instant online and phone customer support that is far better than the service that you receive through the big companies. There are no holding problems, delays, or automated calls.

Disadvantages of VOIP services

Sometimes you hear an echo sound through your phone; it sounds like you are repeating yourself. Also if your cable or DSL goes out, so does your phone line.

There is no emergency reliability. Maybe you will never need it, but if you have to use 911, you have to give exact address and name. They have a hard time tracking where you are and this could cost you valuable seconds.

You must have a DSL router or a second computer set up to run a second phone line. With traditional phone services, a phone jack is in almost every room.

Research your choices

To view our recommended sources for voip and read more articles about voip, visit Nationwidebillrelief.com/voip.html

Use due diligence in order to make a wise choice in choosing your phone service. We hope this advice is helpful for you in making a sound choice on your home telephone service.

Juston Garland - Staff Writer for Nationwidebillrelief.com strives to help customers save money by describing his past and present situations and researched companies and internet experience.

Nationwidebillrelief.com

provides quick and easy access to the best deals available in Internet services, home loans, local and long distance services, home and auto insurance. Visitors can compare prices and find the providers that can best meet their needs and current budget - all for free.

Voip The New Age Telephone Service

2009-01-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Alen Wilson

In simple words, VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows one to make phone calls over a broadband internet connection. With the help of high speed internet connection and by installing certain VoIP software as well as hardware, people can talk unlimited at limited costs.

To make a call using VoIP technology you need:

Voip hardware :- VoIP hardware is basically an analogue telephone adaptor (ATA) which connects your phone to your broadband modem. This doesn't require your computer to be on while making or receiving calls. The most popular application of VoIP works only with an ATA. An ATA converts analog signals to digital signals. Most VoIP service providers include the ATA in their VoIP products, but some require you to buy or rent an ATA.

The other hardware based option is an IP phone, which is similar to a standard telephone but includes an in built ATA adapter. The IP phone is connected directly to the router with a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector. You can purchase calling cards from your VoIP service provider to start talking through this medium.

VoIP software :- Software-based VoIP works a little differently. VoIP software like Skype, Asterik works through your computer with a microphone, and your computer has to be switched on to receive calls. The most basic VoIP software allows two people with the same installed software to call each other over the Internet. Callers can set up a phone book and can make calls to other users.

VoIP services are comparatively cheaper than traditional calls. So, the next time you want to make long distance phone calls or international calls use VoIP.

VoIP Phone service
Alen voip-traffic.com

Voipthe Truth And Myth

2009-01-13T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Lemm

Don't be fooled into thinking that VoIP is a new kid on the block. The Telcommunications industry has known about.......and been using....VoIP technology of some kind for awhile. There's always been talk concerning VoIP and how to capitalize on this Juicy market to come. Early on, only Cisco was really able to make it work properly. But it was just a matter of time before covergence would emerge and make more "dreams" posssible.

Today businesses are rushing into this market in mass for different reasons. From the price savings to the convergence effect of using a single network. But there is still "truth and myth" about VoIP as a business application you need to be smart about when using your own IP PBX or IP-Phone. [Note: for the purposes of this discussion soft phone such as Skype is not addressed.]

Myth........

Being able to be reach anyone and call from anywhere.

This is almost true but you need optimal conditions in order to do this. The following problems will explain why many times challenges still exist when trying to place a VoIP call.

* Let's imagine you have an IP phone connected to your IP PBX or have your own VoIP line and you are willing to use it from a public network, in a conference room, or in the hotel you are staying in. The following problems might appear.

1. The ADSL line is too slow.....This means you might be able to place the call but lags and echoes will appear.

2. There is no Quality of service.....Without getting into details, if someone is downloading or uploading a heavy document, you will lose quality because the IP is not prioritized.

3. The NAT (telecom Network) is blocking all VoIP calls.....This can be caused by multiple problems from Port translation to firewalling.

4. Your are using the WIFI....Most of the time hotspots are just made for surfing on the Net. Many problems could appear such as lags etc. Hotspots aren't made for using your VoIP phone.....yet.

The Truth.........

To be honest, the truth about IP phone is that it will work fine mainly when you are using it on a clean network using "Quality Of Service"....and in a well known IP enabled environment. To make it work fine you need:

1. An XDSL pro with "Quality Of Service" and best of all connected directly to your Telco Provider.

2. An IP phone with a good firmware..... Don't risk using a cheap phone. You'll get what you pay for.

3. A good VoIP provider..... Most of the time the price of your calls have a bearing on their quality too. Anything costing 50% or less than what your standard PSTN phone service provider is good enough (believe me they still make a good profit).

4. No WIFI.... Don't use WIFI for VoIP, you will lose quality most of the time.

Conclusion:

VoIP technology is still in the growth stage and developing everywhere because of price structure pressures and IP convergence advances. Just don't get the false sense of security that all VoIP providers are good, and don't think you will be able to place a call from anywhere.

If you want to introduce VoIP into your business, do your home work. Be sure to consider your intended application(s), appropriate configuration, and beware of being unduly impressed only by the price you might pay. Make your decision based on the best combination of meeting your application, configuration, and cost point requirements....as a total package.

Is Voip Good For The Home

2009-01-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Aaron Siegel

There is no doubt that you have heard about VoIP by now. It's made headlines and is plastered everywhere both in online and TV advertisements. Just in case you haven't caught on to the hype yet, VoIP is the abbreviated term for Voice over Internet Protocol. Voice over Internet Protocol is basically the ability to communicate on a phone over your Internet connection.

With VoIP, the promise is the ability to make local and global long distance calls at a significantly lower rate than over a plain old telephone line through your local carrier. The VoIP trend has caught on and large enterprises all over the globe are adopting this new technology to reduce their cost of business communications which may include fax, conference calling, along with streaming video applications. VoIP has been around for some time, but it has only been until recently that it has finally matured to the stage worthy of replacing everyday phone use.

At the household level, it is certain by now that you are compelled to embrace this technology somewhat, but are not sure how to go about it or even if this technology has any real benefit for your family. You are probably wondering, "How much? How difficult? Is it necessary?" This article hopefully will clear up a few unanswered questions you may have regarding this technology and maybe even excite you enough to go on out and get VoIP hooked up in your own home.

First off, you must have an Internet connection. No, not your 56k dial up connection, but an actual high speed Internet connection. This can be cable, satellite, or DSL Internet, but you will need high speed Internet for VoIP to function properly and become your new calling station. Dialup just doesn't have the capacity or speed to transfer voice digitally without significant quality loss. A company named SpeakEasy has recently come out with a new DSL product that requires no current phone line for high speed Internet if DSL is your current favorite of broadband services and if you are planning on replacing your current phone service with VoIP.

Secondly you will need what is called a gateway. The gateway is connected between your computer and Ethernet modem. The VoIP gateway is where your phone line will be plugged into. Gateways enable freedom from possible computer problems that can shut down calling capabilities or deteriorate voice quality. Computer crashes, slow memory, and many other computer problems that plague us in everyday life, you do not want to plague your ability to make phone calls.

Gateways are specifically designed for VoIP phones but adapters are available for current phones should you not want to buy a brand new phone. VoIP providers usually have the adapters available for sale so you don't have to shop around for one yourself. Before you write off buying a new phone however, video phones are the newest product line and it won't be long before this trend explodes. You may want to get your video phone so you aren't left out of exciting face to face conversations with friends and relatives when they get theirs. Packet8 VoIP has a good video phone sold separately with their services.

The services included with VoIP usually include all the convenient bells and whistles your current phone service provides including your own local VoIP telephone number, call waiting, voice messaging, 3 way calling, and more.

There are some important things to remember with VoIP before you go diving in to this feature rich voice technology. You should check with your VoIP provider for local 911 emergency coverage. Some VoIP providers charge extra on a monthly basis for both 911 and 411 access so make sure you know how much it is going to cost you before committing to a calling contract.

One last important thing to remember is that your gateway is reliant on electricity to function. This means power outages will put your phone line out of service, but then isn't your phone already only functional with electricity these days?

This article was written by Aaron Siegel of TopSavings.Net which provides consultive services for communications at the residential level all the way up to government.

Services available at the website include VoIP (Including Packet8), Internet Access (Including SpeakEasy), Long Distance, Local Phone Services, Cellular services, and more. Broadband Phone

Soon You Wont Pay Anything For Phone Calls

2009-01-08T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Dr Joseph Mercola

A collection of recent articles describes how Wi-Fi internet is going to bring with it many benefits, but it will first have to overcome the opposition of telephone and cable companies.

Free Phone Calls

According to eBay's chief executive Meg Whitman, within a few years, customers may be able to make telephone calls for free, with no per-minute charges, while the carriers make money on advertising or transaction fees.

This statement was made during a discussion of eBay's purchase of web-based communications phenomenon Skype Technologies. The company is hoping that by combining electronic markets, online payment systems, and Web-based communications, it can become a leader in all three areas.

Skype allows members to make free Web-based calls to each other, and has more than 57 million registered users. EBay believes Skype's growth will drive down voice communications costs down to nothing over the next three to six years.

Rural Wi-Fi

One major hurdle in the growth of Voice Over Internet telephony, however, is the inconsistency of Wi-Fi availability. So it's interesting to note that a desolate area in Oregon has become the world's largest Wi-Fi hotspot, a region that stretches over 700 square miles.

Wireless projects in more metropolitan areas have been stymied by telephone and cable TV companies, which have spent large amounts of money lobbying state and local governments to pass bills aimed at discouraging competition.

In the country, however, large corporations see little profit potential, which enabled wireless entrepreneur Fred Ziari to build a $5 million wireless network, at his own expense, without restrictions. Already, the network has revolutionized the way business, emergency planning, and police work are conducted, along with many other businesses and services.

Ziari's network is free to the public; he is recouping his investment through contracts with city and county agencies and larger businesses.

Even as Wi-Fi hotspots continue to increase, with more than 70,000 currently registered around the world, only a very few major cities have complete Wi-Fi access across their entire area.

Different Approaches to Wi-Fi for Cities

However, a handful of municipalities across the nation using a variety of approaches to introduce full-coverage Wi-Fi, in spite of the opposition from the telephone and cable companies. Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has a solution employing a network of 400 access points, while Manassas, Virginia, is employing a broadband over power line (PBL) approach.

Madison, Wisconsin is getting their citywide Wi-Fi, with the help of a firm supplying real-time automated meter reading for the utilities industry. It will be installed at no cost to the city, as the providers have secured initial funding from service agreements from ISPs.

Even in the face of corporate opposition, municipal wireless networks are expected to grow by 128 percent annually by 2007.

Wired News October 16, 2005Yahoo News October 20, 2005TechWeb.com October 21, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment:You had to know something was up when with the future of your phone service when eBay was willing to pay $4 billion to purchase the Voice over IP company Skype a few weeks ago.

Over the past ten years SBC (new name AT & T) and Verizon have spent tens of billions of dollars building telecom empires so they could dominate the industry and, without question, currently dominate the industry as together they control nearly two-thirds of all residential phone lines in the US.

But the Internet WILL change all that and these companies are not prepared for it. They will lose 40% of their land line residential customers over the next ten years. This week's NY Times also reported how the smaller Internet providers, like Earthlink, are battling these giants.

It is becoming increasingly clear that your connection to the Internet will replace your phone service. The key will not to have a cell phone or a land line but an Internet connection. Because if you have an Internet connection, you will be able to get your phone service for free.

Now I am not talking about connecting your desktop or notebook into an Ethernet cable, but using a wireless connection, in many ways not very different than your cell phone. Currently the wireless internet is restricted to WiFi which is only good for hundreds of feet. However, that will soon change when WiFi is morphed into WiMax and your connection will be good for 25 miles or more.

You can start to see the trend. Google has offered tomake San Francisco wireless last month, and now Philadelphia and as the article aboverural Oregonare close behind.

Lobbying from cable and phone providers have stymied many projects in major urban markets across the country. Philadelphia's plan to build a citywide WiFi network sparked state legislators (prompted by phone and cable companies) to limit every other town in the state to do the same thing!

The biggest obstacle to creating these cheap wireless networks isn't the building of them, according to experts. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, it's more a matter of "who's-going-to-get-a-piece-of-the-action?".

What Does All This Mean For YOU?

One thing you can be certain of is change. So please be careful about signing any long term contracts with your phone company as it with virtually near certainty I can assure you that the future of your phone service will not resemble anything you have seen in the past and, best of all, odds are very high it will be free.

Next week I will be writing about the cell phone carrier that has just signed a long-term contract with the US Defense Department that seems to secure their position as the leading cell phone carrier in the US.

This article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world's #1 most visited and trusted natural/alternative health website. For a limited time only, you can take the FREE "Metabolic Type Test" to help you learn the right foods for your particular body type so you can achieve optimal fitness & health. Just go to http://www.mercola.com/forms/mt_test.htm right now to take this quick test!

Voip A Basic Basic Intro

2009-01-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Bear Cahill

What is it?

Most people are familiar w/ NetMeeting and other software that let you talk to others over the internet. VOIP is similar. However, it also uses your phone - the interface we're all familiar with.

Instead of connecting your phone to the wall, you connect it to a box either the VOIP company provides or you buy on your own. This is the modem. You need highspeed/broadband internet for this. Your modem plugs into your cable/dsl modem and now it can 'talk' btwn your phone and the internet.

Your phone lines already do pretty much what VOIP does, just w/ different/older technology (well, some of it's new w/ optics and such, but...).

How hard is it to setup?

It's actually very easy. Assuming you have the company send you a modem or you buy a kit at the store, you simply plug the modem btwn your current cable/dsl modem and your computer (e.g., the out from your cable modem now goes to the new box and the out from that to your computer). It also has a phone jack for your regular phone.

Once it is on, it will boot up and configure itself.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits depending on the company you go w/, but here are a few I have (all of these are free w/ the monthly fee- $14.99 for my setup):

1. Features like caller id, call waiting, call waiting caller id, call forwarding, etc.

2. Voicemail

3. Email alerts for new voicemail.

4. Web access to voicemail - you can play your messages on your computer.

5. Auto-forward - if the phone is ever down or isn't answered, it's auto-routed to another number

6. Online management of all features, settings, account, etc.

7. Computer dialing - highlight any number on your computer, hit F6 and it sets up the call from your phone to theirs - very convinient!

8. Keep your regular phone (you don't need a voip phone)

There are some other cool features available for extra $ like the softphone which lets you use your computer as a phone w/o the modem - this means you can take your laptop w/ you wherever and you have your phone w/ the same phone number everywhere too (you can do this w/o the softphone, but you have to take your VOIP modem around w/ you - not bad if you're going somewhere for a longer trip).

Another really cool thing is the virtual phone numbers. You can get extra numbers that ring the same phone, but they are local numbers to any area code you want. So if I live in Dallas and have family in New York, I can get a local phone number here and there. That way my family in New York can call a local number (free) and talk to me! Vonage charges $4.99/month for that. I'm not sure about the others.

And the biggest benefit - IT'S CHEAP! I pay $14.99 plus some tax and such, but not the ump-teen taxes, charges, fees, etc. like the phone company charges.

Also, if you do a little research/reading, you can set it up to where every phone jack in your house is wired for VOIP. It's little more than plugging the output of your VOIP modem into the wall jack you already have. Very little more.

Bottom Line

You get lots of good, free features and options for doing/managing a lot more including a lot over the web and it's SO much cheaper (at least it is for me!). Being the 'average guy' I am, I don't really use all the features. Fortunately, it's pretty much a 'set it up and forget about it' type thing except that I save $40+/month w/ it!

I use Vonage b/c that's what I was told about first and it was one of the first. There are others and I'm sure they have their strengths, but Vonage has the cheapest base option at the time I did my research.

Bear Cahill is a software engineer in the Dallas, TX area and runs a few websites: The Armchair Geek (thearmchairgeek.com), Webpage Hosting Info (webpagehostinginfo.com), Go To College Online (gotocollegeonline.com) and The Video Exchange Community (videoexchange.org)

Publish freely if this resource box is included and links maintained as links.

The Pros And Cons Of Using Voip For Internet Phone Calls

2009-01-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Steadman Issenburg

The field of telecommunications is almost constantly in a state of rapid change and that is certainly true today as VoIP technology continues to grow in both quality and popularity. VoIP actually stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it is a way of transferring telephone calls across the internet to a distant computer or telephone without the use of your local telephone company.

A very good way to sample VoIP technology is through using instant messaging programs such as Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and AOL Messenger. All of these programs allow you to use a microphone and a set of speakers connected to your computer to make free PC to PC audio calls. For those instant messaging programs that also include video and allow for more than two people to be connected at any one time, you can even hold your own internet video conference easily and inexpensively thanks to VoIP technology.

All you have to do is download one of these above mentioned programs free of charge, install it on your computer, and connect up your microphone and speakers, to be able to sample this technology and see if you like it or not. If you do, and chances are that you will, you can then sign up for a VoIP subscription plan with one of the major VoIP providers to let you take full advantage of all of the features that VoIP has to offer.

One of the big advantages of VoIP subscription plans is their minimal cost when compared to local telephone companies. When you start shopping these plans you'll see a large difference in cost between them and what you pay for your telephone service now, and that is no doubt the most attractive feature of VoIP technology to most consumers.

However, there are a few drawbacks to using VoIP for telephone communications that you should also be aware of. First of all, you will most likely need a high speed internet connection in order to get the best results when using a VoIP application or program. It can be done on a dial-up connection, but your results can be very spotty and inconsistent, sometimes even downright frustrating. On a high speed connection though, you should experience voice quality that very closely rivals that of land line telephones.

One other consideration is that it can be difficult to call 911 using a VoIP program if you don't know where you are. 911 operators are unable to perform a trace on calls that originate from an IP telephone or computer, so there would be no way to locate the caller if they cannot identify exactly where they are. However, VoIP providers are currently working on this problem and hope to have a solution soon.

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using VoIP technology for your telephone communications. By being aware of both the pros and cons, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether or not VoIP will work for you.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including communication. You can find a voip broadband phone provider and voip broadband phone service and more by visiting our communication website.

Five Tips For Selecting A Voip Provider

2009-01-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Howard Conklin

Choosing a VoIP provider can be a daunting task. There are several VoIP service providers from which to choose, making the decision a sometimes head-spinning adventure.

To find a provider that's right for you, think about the following:

1. Price -- What do you want to pay each month for your VoIP service? Most monthly fees range from $8 to $30. The lower the monthly fee, the less likely you are to get extra features. Sometimes, less expensive plans don't allow users to call outside the service provider's network.

2. Features -- Is Caller ID important to you? Do you want voicemail? These features and others are not universally offered on all VoIP service plans, so make sure you know what options you want when deciding on a provider.

3. Emergency services/E911 options -- Not all VoIP service providers currently meet federal standards for E911, the system used to automatically determine the location of someone who's dialed 911. If your VoIP telephone is your primary phone, you may want to select a plan that supports 911 dialing. If you feel comfortable using your cell phone for emergencies, a VoIP provider's E911 capabilities may not be important.

4. Technical support -- Some VoIP service providers charge for technical support; others don't. Most of the larger companies -- Vonage and Time Warner, for instance -- do not charge for technical support, some smaller companies do. Check with the VoIP service provider to find out if they charge for extra help.

5. Number portability -- Do you want to keep your current landline telephone number? Some VoIP service providers will "port" your current number to your new VoIP telephone, while others will give you a new telephone number. If you like your current number, find a provider who'll help you keep it.

Howard is the owner of http://www.voip-resource.com where you can get information about finding a VoIP service provider and other VoIP related news and articles.

Making Pc To Phone Voip Calls Over Dialup Internet Connections

2009-01-04T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Nathan Smith

There's a lot of hype these days surrounding Internet-based voice communications (VoIP) replacing traditional telephone service. Most of this revolves around companies such as Vonage who coin themselves as the 'Broadband Phone Company'. So what about those of us who don't have a broadband connection? Just because you don't have high speed Internet, doesn't mean that you can't save a fortune by using VoIP for your long-distance calls. Whilst a broadband connection will usually result in more consistent VoIP call quality, comparable results can be achieved using a dial-up connection provided some simple guidelines are followed.

Shop Around

Not all VoIP service providers support dial-up users. Companies such as Vonage bill themselves as alternatives to traditional telephone service and shy away from the dial-up community (who are tied to those 'traditional' networks to access the Internet). Furthermore, some service providers only support dial-up above a certain speed (e.g., 56Kbp). Two companies whose VoIP softphone applications work well over low speed connections include Callserve and Go2Call.

'Free-up' your System Resources

In order to ensure the highest call quality, close programs that are running in the 'background'. For Windows users, these applications can be seen in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. 'Right-click' the icons and close those programs that aren't critical to system security (e.g., don't close anti-virus software, firewall applications and the like).

If you're using Windows XP with user switching enabled, log off all users except the one that will be used to make the call. This will prevent the other user identities from running software and/or using your bandwidth while you're making calls.

'Free Up' your Internet Connection

Given the limited data capacity of dial-up connections, it's important that you devote as much of your bandwidth as possible to the VoIP softphone application. To achieve maximum call quality, don't do anything that uses your bandwidth whilst making calls. This includes instant messaging, checking email, using a webcam, browsing the internet, downloading, etc. In Windows, you can look at the two little computers in the bottom right of your taskbar to see whether your connection is being used prior to calling (the little computers illuminate when data is being uploaded and/or downloaded).

Scan your System for Viruses, Spyware, Adware and Malware

Some of these malicious programs can hijack your browser, tie up your internet connection and slow down your system (not to mention seriously invade your privacy!). I recommend AdAware for free scanning and removal of Spyware/Adware. Once you've checked and cleansed your system of these nasty programs, your virus definition files should be updated to minimize the chances of re-infection.

Use a Headset with an Integrated Boom Microphone

Last but not least, using a headset with a boom microphone should eliminate those annoying voice echoes often associated with PC to Phone calls. Echoes are caused by your microphone detecting the voice coming from your computer speakers and re-transmitting that voice signal back to the person you're talking to. By using a headset, the voice signals are limited in volume (due to the headset being directly adjacent to your ears) and thus the chances of your microphone 're-transmitting' those voice signals is greatly reduced.

So there you have it. A Lack of high speed Internet needn't mean a lack of PC to Phone VoIP capability.

Nathan Smith

Nathan is the owner of netphonedirectory.com which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includes a comprehensive directory of PC to Phone service providers as well as information on VoIP and what you need to make inexpensive long-distance telephone calls using your computer

How To Set Up A Business Voip System

2009-01-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Lemm

To set up a business VoIP system, you need several components. A central device to manage the calls, the way a private branch exchange (PBX) or key system unit (KSU) does in traditional phone systems is one of them.

This can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as an IP PBX, a regular PBX that has been IP-enabled, or a server running specialized software. You will also need phones and a data network. In many cases, you may be able to use your existing digital phones and computer network, although you may need to upgrade some of your network hardware.

VoIP Benefit

The most prominent benefit of an IP PBX is for businesses with multiple locations. With the advantage of VoIP, all the offices on a LAN or WAN can get the profits of having a common office phone system. The profits are - extension dialing, seamless call transfers, and other features.

In addition to making it easier to communicate, this sharing of features can enhance collaboration as employees at different locations can truly feel like they are part of the same organization. Plus, if they are on the company network, the phone calls are free - even if your offices are located thousands of miles apart. It is an advantage in saving money expended on calling between two branches of the same office.

VoIP Conversations

Computer networks are designed to handle messy data: packets arrive out of order and some are even lost, but in most cases the data being sent can easily be reconstructed when it is needed. Voice conversations, though, are not as tolerant of these kinds of disturbances. Each packet of sound has to arrive in the correct order because they are being sent in real time - if packets are lost; the conversation sounds distorted, choppy, or falls off all together. This is why VoIP services that rely on the Internet to transmit calls can have uneven phone quality.

The selection of a business VoIP solution is a major decision. Voice service is critical to the operation of the business, so no one wants to implement a technology that will compromise call quality or reliability in any way. On the other hand, the cost savings and value-added functionality available with VoIP makes it a compelling investment.

LANs & WANs

The VoIP phone system is beneficial for companies having multiple locations branches, telecommuters and remote sales offices. And the locations are connected with a company's Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). In that case the companies are suitable for using a VoIP system.

You can share the full features of your phone system across all your locations. In addition, even if you have one office in one place and one in different place, VoIP allows calls between them via extension dialing, making it a zero cost call. For businesses with hefty monthly long distance charges due to calls between far off locations, is an attractive reason to upgrade.

VoIP Process

A VoIP phoning process requires a regular phone, an adapter, broadband Internet service, and a subscription to a VoIP service. When you place a call, it is sent over the Internet as data until it nears the recipient's destination.

Then the call is translated back into a more traditional format and completes the trip over standard phone lines. Also known as Internet telephony, this allows for extremely cheap long-distance and international calls.

VoIP Drawbacks

The main drawback of VoIP systems is the network requirements.

In VoIP telephony the greatest challenge is the bandwidth. It requires high bandwidth for clear messaging.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including Business-VoIP-Solution and DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, resources, and insights.

Is Internet Necessary To Deploy Voip

2009-01-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Daniel Castro

Voice over internet protocol is also called IP telephony, Internet telephony or also broad band phone. VoIP internet telephony works in the same manner as data transfer on a network. Protocols that determine the aspects of connection and transfer of data are used to transfer data over the network. The protocol that is used to transfer voice over the IP network is called the Voice over IP or VoIP protocols. The network voice protocol was invented for the ARPANET in 1973. It was an experimental protocol that has now realized into the commercial protocol. VoIP Wireless Phone is the present realization of this experiment.

Intranets and VoIP
The Private branch exchanges were designed to automate the telephone communication systems. With the advent of microprocessors these were used in the PBX and hence it was easier to integrate VoIP as well. Integration of VoIP helped save money as the transmission in the form of IP packets was cheaper than a dedicated connection between two ends.

If you have an intranet and a PBX as well you could enable VoIP by connecting an IP gateway between your PBX and intranet. Thus routing calls through the data line and saving cash. Directing long distance calls and international calls via data lines is an effective way of cutting your bill on communication.

VoIP can be used internally as well over the intranet. The advantage with this is that you need not buy a separate PBX for voice communication. VoIP over the intranet data lines is more predictable as the network traffic and bandwidth is determined in advance. More sophisticated VoIP programs could be used for less data loss, full duplex, real time voice communication

Working of VoIP
Traditional telephony used analog signals. Digital technology made the process more efficient by converting analog signals to digital signals and then compressing them. This increases the speed of transmission and lowers the bandwidth requirement as well. VoIP Equipment uses the Sessions Initiation Protocol or H.323 for defining the communication between devices. H.323 is designed for video conferencing has a wider range of applications when compared to SIP. But SIP is more robust when it comes to voice transmission only.

VoIP Basics the handshaking signals that are shared between the two ends to establish a connection. In the traditional telephone system these were achieved using circuit switching methods. For connection to be established and provide you good voice quality you need a cable modem for your internet connection or a different type of telephone system. High speeds are essential to a voice connection. The connection between the two points is maintained as long as the conversation goes on. The IP packets are transferred between the two points using a real time protocol. Similar to the telephone system, VoIP providers charge you a flat rate according to minute.

Benefits
There are a few Advantages of VoIP that make people adopt this technology.

Most operating system software now comes with VoIP ability. Application software that provide net based messaging and voice conferencing offer you the ability of a voice chat and even video conferencing. Therefore there is no need of purchasing additional equipment.

VoIP is beneficial to those who have to make frequent overseas contact or have high call volumes as the cost per call is low when it is over the internet rather than over dedicated telephone lines.

Large corporations that require collaboration with multiple people can utilize VoIP since the rate is the same for a single connection as well as a multiple connection.

Disadvantages
There are a few issues that prevent general acceptance of VoIP.

There is a lack of transmission quality during periods of high network congestion. When the bandwidth is limited and network congestion occur IP packets are dropped. This results in poor voice quality and even loss of connection.

If the network goes down then all means of communication both voice and data is cut off. This results in the reluctance to change over to VoIP

Calls to emergency services are not yet provided by VoIP. The situation may change as this has been made mandatory by the government.

There are no directory listings or yellow page listings for VoIP numbers.

What ever the bold promises VoIP offers if it does not deliver on the internet scene it still is an advantage on the intranet scene.

http://www.voiplobby.com is a site for the new and upcoming technology of voice over internet protocol. The various topics dealt with include VoIP basics, Advantages of VoIP, etc. Find out more about this new technology.

An Honest Review Of Vonage A Featurerich Worldready Voip

2009-01-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Hamesh Brown

With more players jumping into the already populated space of Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP), the perceptive user has that much more choice. Vonage is a leading player in this marketplace with over a million subscribers worldwide in a short lifespan of three years. However, there is a set of negatives too, so wait until you reach the end of this review before you decide to switch from your traditional landline service to Vonage telephony.

What is Vonage and how does it differ from your landline connection? For a start, you must have a broadband connection, preferably cable-based; a dial-up is no good. When you call Vonage customer service for a connection, Vonage sends you a tiny box, which you have to plug to your telephone and your cable modem or DSL. You are now set to start a Vonage conversation. With a Vonage connection, you have access to your telephone through your computer and the broadband connection. The other big difference from a traditional phone service is cost effectiveness; with a Vonage, you can cut your telephone bill significantly, and converse worldwide by buying local telephone numbers from Vonage.

Vonage offers a set of four monthly packages for all calls in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico: a premium unlimited offer at US$24.99, a basic plan of 500 minutes at US$14.99, a small-business unlimited package at US$49.99, and a basic small-business offer of 1500 minutes at US$39.99. For calls from the US to other world destinations, there is a nominal per-minute rate applicable, which is well below what you would pay to your landline service provider. For example, for a minute's call to Mumbai (India), you need to pay only US$0.17; for a call to the UK, it is as low as US$0.04 per minute.

The Vonage Website lists the charges applicable to each city on its network. Perhaps the best part of Vonage is that you can carry your US telephone number to any part of the world with broadband connectivity, and call the US at local call rates. For any reason, if you are dissatisfied with Vonage services, you can opt for the 14-day (or 30-day for some packages) money-back offer. This trial period is enough time to try out the excellent features that you get with Vonage:

An unlisted telephone number

Call waiting, callerID

Call forwarding, 7-digit dialing (rather than area code +number used in many markets, including Lingo)

An innovative voicemail feature

Repeat dial

Dynamic periodic feature updates

However, Vonage is not all positives. Its founding premise is a bit wobbly; your connection is afloat only as long as your broadband connection is. Any Internet outage and Vonage will cease to function. Call quality is also dependent on the speed of your broadband. Then there is the question of availability of a local number for your city; Vonage may not have your city listed, so you should confirm this with Vonage customer support before deciding on the service. Vonage is facing stern competition from AT&T and Verizon, and users have preferred the call quality of AT&T to that of Vonage. Vonage is also not the cheapest VoIP service around in the marketplace.

However, Vonage is a winner on features. If you have a dependable broadband connection, need to make frequent international calls, and travel to world destinations but need to stay in touch with the US, Vonage is for you.

Hamesh Brown enjoys writing about VoIP. See http://www.voipreviewsonline.com/2005/10/vonage_review.html for another Vonage review.

Outstanding Voip Voicemail Features Makes Getting Voip Voicemail Extremely Convenient

2008-12-31T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Chris Landry

There are many types of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) protocols that are employed by the VoIP providers currently providing VoIP calling plans. Luckily for the consumers, the VoIP providers have listened to what functions the consumers want in their Voicemails. Almost all of the VoIP providers provide Voicemail with the standard VoIP calling plan. The special feature of the VoIP voicemail plan is in how the consumer can access his/her VoIP voicemail message.

In general, there are 4 ways in which a VoIP consumer can access their voicemail. When you add the four ways up, you will be able to access your voicemail from virtually anywhere.

First, you can access your voicemail through your primary VoIP telephone by dialing *123 or some other combination of numbers (VoIP voicemail access code varies by provider). The automatic attendant will let you know how many voicemails you have and walk you through retrieving all of your new voicemails and saving/deleting your old emails. It is quite a slick system.

The second method is via a local voicemail access number, where you can call a local telephone number from any telephone (Cell phone/Land line/ VoIP phone). When you dial into your local voicemail access number, the auto attendant will ask for you to punch in your VoIP phone number and password to be able to access your VoIP voicemail system.

The third method is through your VoIP provider online account management portal. You can go to your Provider's VoIP homepage and access the "Customer Login" portal by typing in your username and password. Once into the portal, click on the Voicemail tab and you can listen to your new voicemails over Internet connection.

The fourth method, and possibly the most useful, is every time you get a new VoIP voicemail, you are sent an email. That email will state that you have a new voicemail from your VoIP account, the date the voicemail was received, and an attachment of the voicemail as a .wav file. One outstanding feature is that you can save the .wav file on your computer's hard drive and email the voicemail to friends, family, or coworkers.

The above are generally how most VoIP providers give consumers access to their voicemail (but not all). Be sure to check each VoIP provider for how they provide their consumers access to their voicemail.

VoIP voicemail service is only one of the things to consider before choosing a VoIP solution. In fact, there are many things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. An educated consumer generally results in a satisfied consumer. Please see our VoIP: Things to consider article to find a list of more things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. You can Compare VoIP providers side-by-side at www.VoIPChoices.com.

Chris Landry is the foremost authority on residential and small business VoIP providers. Chris is the founder of http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris has prequalified several high-quality VoIP providers and compares them by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris can be reach via email at Chris@VoIPChoices.com.

Net Telephone Services In Trouble 911 Fcc Rules Upheld

2008-12-30T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Richard Chapo

Net telephone service providers are facing a huge problem. A court has upheld FCC regulations requiring the voice over internet protocol providers to provide 911 services.

911 Rules

As you know, traditional telephone companies provide 911 call services to customers. Under long established laws, the traditional telephone companies are required to automatically route such calls to a geographically appropriate area and deliver the originating phone number and address of the call. Net telephone services haven't done this in the past as the technical reading of the regulations didn't require them to. Now the regulations do and it is causing problems.

VOIP net telephone services are having severe difficulty complying with the FCC regulations. The calls are not routed through a traditional telephone line structure, which makes it very hard to determine the original calling number and address. On top of this, it is extraordinarily difficult to route the calls to the appropriate geographic emergency phone call center. Throw in politics and you have a boondoggle in the making.

911 In A Digital Age

In many cases, government agencies fail to appreciate the complexities of the Internet and digital technology. They have a habit of issuing rules and regulations that are either antiquated or impossible to implement. The FCC and FTC are famous for doing so, particularly since the agencies seem to have the technical sophistication of dinosaur. On the issue of 911 rules for net telephone services, however, the FCC has acted appropriately.

911 is a critical service that must be made available to the public. It performs a service that is both needed and necessary. As the net telephone services seek bigger shares of the commercial market, they must also assume larger responsibility for the services they provide. This is particularly true for 911 services.

911 emergency call centers help save lives. In health risk situations, time is almost always a critical component in the outcome. Given as much, the FCC has acted appropriately in requiring net telephone services to provide 911 services to customers.

Richard A. Chapo is a San Diego business lawyer with http://www.sandiegobusinesslawfirm.com - a San Diego business law firm in San Diego, California.

Hotels Using Voip

2008-12-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Robyn Abrames

The days of expensive hotel phone bills are over, with the rise of more and more hotels offering broadband Internet services. With the broadband connection, users can use Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP to stay connected with their family. This is especially good news to oversea travelers. Some hotels do have a charge to access the Internet.

The Residence Inn in New Haven Conneticutt has become one of the first hotels to offer free VoIP service to their customers. Adam Dubroff of TravelGlue, the company that wired the Residence Inn for VoIP, told CNN. "Until now, hotel guests have paid a premium for the convenience of the long distance service, which was appropriate when there were no cell phones and it really was a convenience."

Dubroff continued, "But as technology has developed, it has become an old business model and the prices charged have been rendered exorbitant. Now, because of VoIP, there is an opportunity to provide guests with a phone service for free and I think this will be the norm in the future."

The Wynn in Las Vegas has taken the VoIP technology to the fullest extreme offering reservations, hotel information and more right from a touch screen VoIP phone. Plus when a user accesses the broadband Internet the Wynn offers, they can use their personal VoIP service for only the cost of the Internet access.

Many VoIP providers allow users to take their service with them, wherever they travel. Skype offers a free VoIP that can be used directly with a users computer and broadband Internet connection, therefore allowing it to be accessed virtually anywhere and anytime. No additional equipment is needed, however Skype users can only call Skype customers for free. Calling regular phone numbers result in a charge.

Vonage allows customers to travel with their phone adapter that plugs into their computer and broadband Internet, giving them the same Internet phone service that they receive at home. Additional charges may incur from Vonage based on the monthly plan the user currently is enrolled in.

"Communication was always an issue with expats working overseas. Satellite telephones have helped me to keep in touch with my family but the per minute cost prohibited long or chatty calls," says Thomas Drown, a geologist working in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. "Now, I can talk to anyone in the world who has either a phone or an Internet connection. Now I can call my mom in Canada from my western Mongolia ger field office any time of the day or night for just eight cents a minute."

For more information regaurding VOIP services check out http://www.calling-plans.com/broadband-phone.html or http://www.page-fx.com/internet-phone/.

What You Must Know About Voip

2008-12-28T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Lucas Velloso

VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) represents the next generation of Phone services. The VoIP technology uses a high speed internet connection (such as DSL or cable) rather than a traditional phone line, for the transmission of voice signals. The use of this technology costs significantly less than the use of traditional phone lines. Think of it as having to send a document to someone by fax versus sending the same document by e-mail. Which option is cheaper? The cost of faxing a document depends on where you're faxing it to and how many pages you're faxing (and therefore how long you'll use the phone line). E-mailing the document costs the same thing regardless of where you're e-mailing it to and how many pages you're e-mailing. The same applies to VOIP.

There are several providers currently offering VOIP phone services such as Vonage, lingo and packet8 among others. The calling plans range in price from $10 to $30 a month. Most have unlimited long distance calling and free features such as call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, etc without additional costs. The cost advantage of VOIP is such that traditional phone providers such as Verizon and AT&T have already begun to offer VOIP phone services which also cost significant less than their regular plans. Therefore, the VolP technology is set to bring lower prices and improved services to the consumer as a result of more competition.

There are generally three kinds of VOIP calling:

1)_ATA (Analog telephone adaptors): your phone is plugged into special router which is in turn connected to the internet. This router converts analog signals from your phone into digital packets of data which can then be sent through a high speed internet connection. If the person you're calling also has VOIP, these packets of data travel exclusively through the internet all the way to the other side of the line. If you're calling a regular phone, then a part of the journey must be made through regular phone lines. That's why there is a cost involved. It is this kind of VOIP that providers such as Vonage, lingo, packet8 and others rely in order to provide their services. Because your "voice" travels mostly through the internet the cost of the calls is much lower, and therefore the calling plans are much cheaper.

2)_IP(internet protocol) phones: these phones look exactly like standard phones, but instead of connecting to a normal phone cable, they connect to an Ethernet cable which in turn plugs directly into your router or broadband modem. This way the conversion of your voice into digital packets of data happens inside the phone, rather than in a VOIP router.

3)_ Computer to computer: this is currently the most popular kind of VOIP calling. Computer programs such as Skype, allow you to talk to anyone anywhere in the world for free! All that is needed is a microphone and a speaker on each of the computers. Since this technology uses exclusively the internet connection to get from one end of the line to the other, there is no cost for the user. It's like exchanging e-mails messages, except that packets of data containing voice rather than words are traveling through the internet. For a small fee, these programs also allow you to make calls to regular phones

One good feature of VOIP is that you're not tied to a particular area code. Suppose you live in New York but most of your friends and family live in Los Angeles. You could choose to have an area code from Los Angeles added to your phone, so that all the calls that originate in LA count as local calls rather than long distance calls. That way, your friends and family pay only for a local call even though they're calling you from across the country.

For more information about VOIP and tips on choosing a VOIP provider visit http://www.voip-basics.info

About the author:

Lucas Velloso enjoys writing about VOIP. Visit http://www.voip-basics.info where you'll find everything you need to know about VOIP.

Supercharge Employees With Voip Hosted Pbx Advanced Features

2008-12-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Bill Casey

It's no secret that Hosted PBX technology has a robust set of advanced features that literally makes a tradional PBX as obsolete as a rotary dial telephone. Putting these advanced features to work will streamline your business processes, increase customer satisfaction and increase your revenues. Just as importantly, these features can provide you with a major strategic advantage over your competition.

As an added bonus, activation and changes to these features can easily be administed by your employees by using an easy-to-use, intuitive web browser. With a traditional PBX, you would have to pay the provider or your own technician to perform these changes for you and probably have to wait several days for the changes to be completed.

Here are just a few of the features available, how you can use them, and why they are important to your business:

Simultaneous Ringing - Simultaneous Ringing acts like a personal locator and makes it easy for people to find you. You can set up to 10 phone numbers to all ring at the same time when someone calls your main phone number. You can answer the call on any of the ringing phones. This makes contacting you easier than ever since callers only have to dial one number to reach you. Bottom line, there is less chance of missing important calls, and allows your inside and outside sales force to generate more revenue and more profit!

Remote Office - Through an easy-to-use Web-based portal, you can assign your office phone number to any phone in the world. So if you're traveling in London, you can set you hotel phone to ring when someone calls your office phone number. And making calls from your hotel phone will look to your callers like you're calling from your office. This feature can put your sales force, virtual office workers, and traveling executives within easy reach when a special call must be completed.

Auto Attendant - Present a more professional image to callers and reduce the need for a full-time receptionist with our Auto Attendant. Incoming calls to your main number are answered by our Auto Attendant, which is fully customizable according to your specifications. Dial by name directories and "0?-out to Operator options are standard. The Auto Attendant gives your company a professional, Big Business image.

Online Call Manager - Using a web-based portal allows you to dial, manipulate, and transfer calls on your computer, as well as configure and change your personal call handling settings. This feature allows you to adjust to changing business needs on the fly without having to send in a service request and then wait days before the change is made. In today's business environment, worker and process flexibility enhances your compeitive edge.

Visual Voicemail - Listen, forward and archive your voicemails just like you handle email. In addition to receiving voicemails on your telephone, a copy of each voicemail message is forwarded to your Email inbox as an audio file. This feature allows you to visually scan your voicemail box for the most important message. With a traditional PBX you would have to call your voice mail and sequentially listen to the header of each and every message, a time-consuming process. With Hosted PBX voicemail, you can also forward messages people outside of your Hosted PBX system using email so that you can share valuable first hand information with your suppliers, affiliates, and other important business partners.

Other Basic Features- Each user also has a set of basic features that need no explanation. These are: unlimited local calling, unique phone number (DID), Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Do Not Disturb, Last Number Redial, and Caller ID.

Depending on your business, here are a few optional features you might want to also consider.

Soft Attendant Console - This optional computer application replaces the need for a bulky receptionist module. This optional feature provides the receptionist with a visual representation of every employee so they can see instantly who's on the phone and who's not. Transferring calls is easy - just click and drag.

Plus, since the application is accessed over the Internet, your receptionist can handle calls from any location . This not only gives you hiring flexibility, it also is a major advantage in the event a natural or man-made disaster occurs at your main business location and preserves the continuity of revenue-producing communications to and from your business.

Call Center - The optional Call Center application is a powerful, but inexpensive tool that allows businesses to tie together employees across multiple locations under one unified call center. Incoming calls are held in queue and routed to the next available agent - no matter where they are! Nightly reporting is available on both the agent and overall group level showing average hold time, average time spent per call, number of minutes an agent was check-in/ check-out, plus other critical management features.

Call center is a money-saving option that provides you with the flexibility to easily assemble a full-featured call center utilizing remotely deployed workers or office based workers, or a combination of the two. How would you like to have the option of using a virtual staff for all your call center needs or what about the need to bring in part-timers on the spur of the moment to handle promotional call volume spikes or for business continuity in the event of a disaster. A Hosted PBX can give you that flexibility.

If you are serious about taking employee productivity to the next level, then you should definitely consider the advanced feature sets offered in a VOIP Hosted PBX environment.

Voip Overview

2008-12-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Meryl K. Evans

Since we're using computers all the time to do our work, let's make it easy and add the phone to the pile. VoIP also known as (voice over Internet protocol), Internet telephony, IP telephony, and Internet voice is catching on and is expected to grow in the next few years. The technology has been around for about a decade, but it isn't till now that we have the supporting technology to handle it and an market reaching critical mass (hate using jargon, but there isn't a better way to say it).

VoIP requires users to have broadband connections. With 22 percent of Americans connected to the Internet by broadband, the numbers are large enough for making money with Internet voice and big telecoms are already in the game.

How VoIP works

VoIP works like email. TCP/IP networks consist of IP packets with a header for controlling communication and information for transportating data. VoIP uses the IP packets to send the human voice across the Internet using IP packets to its destination.

It digitizes a voice into data packets, sends them through the network and converts them back to voice when arriving at the destination. Digital format can be compressed, routed, and converted to other and better formats.

When calling someone using VoIP, you use a phone with an adapter. Just like we use a telephone to make phone calls on POTS (plain old telephone service), the adapter is a device to connect the phone to the network. The VoIP phone has its own phone number for callers to dial.

The good and bad things

An advantage of VoIP is it can avoid charges typically found on PSTNs (public switched telephone network). For customers, there is less worry about how long or how often they make phone calls. Calling another state costs the same as calling another country even on the other side of the world. IP-based boxes are cheaper than analog PBXes.

However, service reliability is an issue. How many times has a download or connecting to a Web site faltered? That may not be such a big deal, but it is more disruptive to phone calls. Network issues are complicated by customers getting broadband from one company and VoIP from another. When a call gets switched from network to network, it impacts quality.

When the Internet is down, so is VoIP. Traditional phones aren't affected by power like VoIP since they have its own power and work during blackouts.

Money and regs

Companies make their money by selling features and services. Connect anytime and anywhere there is an Internet connection or while in Wi-Fi-enabled hot spots. It's also exempt from traditional regulations and taxes, but that could change tomorrow though telecoms are working to keep it unregulated. This exemption is keeping prices down, and current prices are anywhere from $20 to $65 a month.

Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind meryl's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

Voip Telephones Are Coming To A Couch Near You

2008-12-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Douglas Hanna

If you're one of the millions of Americans who are buying phone service from their cable companies, you may already be using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology whether you know it or not. The reason for this is that your cable company hasn't told you you're using VoIP because it does not want to scare you with a technology that sounds, well, kind of scary.

What exactly is VoIP?

Here's the simple explanation. VoIP technology sends phone calls over the Internet, just as if you were sending an email. To do so, it breaks your call down into many tiny digital packets. Then, when all these little packets arrive at your caller's phone, VoIP magically reassembles them back into your voice. Pretty neat, huh?

VoIP always costs less than conventional telephone service. There are two reasons for this. First, using the Internet to transmit calls is cheaper than using the phone company's clunky, old analog system. Second, using the Internet eliminates all hose pesky taxes and surcharges that can just about double your phone bill.

To date, you've needed two things to use VoIP a computer and a broadband cable connection. But this is about to change. New cordless, VoIP phones have been announced that don't have to be connected through a computer, meaning that you can have one anywhere in your home. Of course, you will still need a broadband connection and a wireless router.

Panasonic and Philips have announced phones that will work with Skype, the popular provider of free and low-cost calls. In addition, Panasonic has announced a new cordless phone that will work with Vonage, and Philips has announced an alliance with Microsoft Corp. to introduce VoIP products.

When will these phones be available?

Netgear has said that it will announce prices and availability of its Skype Wi-Fi phones by the end of March, and Panasonic hopes to begin shipping its Skype-enabled phone by mid-year. On the other hand, Panasonic has offered no timetable for delivering it's Vonage-enabled phone. Philips has said it will launch its Skype phone in Europe in May and in the U.S. in July 2006. No one knows what these phones will cost as none of these companies has announced any pricing.

So, who knows? By this summer, there may be a VoIP phone sitting on your couch.

Here's another new technology that may soon be coming to you home. It's called HD Radio and what it does is enable AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality, more radio channels through multicasting, and new data services. To learn more about this amazing new technology, just go my Web site, http://www.hd-radio-home.com, to get all the buzz.

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and the author of numerous articles on HD radio, the Internet and family finances.

Voice Over Ip Companieswhich One Is Best For Me

2008-12-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Jon Arking

VoIP (pronounced "Voip") is a technology that allows people to communicate with one another by sending digital voice packets across the Internet, rather than across more traditional telecom networks. Not only is this sort of communicative system more productive, allowing more data to be sent over the same lines as those used to send voice data, it's also much cheaper. For this reason, VoIP has sustained a strong buzz in industry circles lately. As the price of Internet services drop, and the cost of communications becomes increasingly competitive, a number of companies have begun a feverish push to sell VoIP services in homes across America. That means that it's cheaper than ever to use VoIP services and save some good cash! However, like most new technologies, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the service.

Most companies, like Vonage, offer comprehensive VoIP systems that completely replace your local phone carrier. These services are cheap, foregoing local phone charges completely, but require some home setup. That means that unless you're somewhat familiar with home networking, you might have some trouble setting up these systems. Most large companies offer installation services, however the hardware for the VoIP digital signal still resides in the home. Subscribers are responsible for maintaining the network. Other newer services do NOT require home installations. However they do require the user to at least have a local phone carrier such as Verizon or AT&T. These newer services do not require the users to install anything in their homes. Instead, they use local phone lines to connect the user and eventually route their calls to IP networks after the user first incurs local charges. Thus, these services are convenient and require little or no commitment, yet the savings are not as great. As the VoIP market gets hotter, companies are coming up with new ways to maximize both convenience and savings.

A good example of this innovation can be found at JaJah.com. JaJah, a newcomer to the VoIP game, uses an online website to control the source and destination of a VoIP call. Users enter the phone number from which they will be calling, as well as the destination number they wish to call, and the website takes over from there. The user immediately receives a call from the website which, when answered, connects the user to their intended destination number using almost all IP-based network lines. There are other companies like JaJah that people might want to check out before making a VoIP decision. Ultimately, it's up to you, the user, to decide which service best fits your wallet as well as your lifestyle.

Useful Voice over IP links:

VoIP Review Site - http://www.voipreview.org/
Vonage - http://www.vonage.com/
SunRocket - https://www.sunrocket.com/
Voice Eclipse - http://www.voiceeclipse.com/
iConnectHere - http://www.iconnecthere.com/
EarthLink TrueVoice - http://www.earthlink.net/
JaJah - www.JaJah.com

Jon Arking is a software architect in the greater Philadelphia region. He maintains a website offering free, one-on-one computer and technical support at http://www.JustHelpMe.Net

How Do I Compare Voip Providers

2008-12-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Rupert Laura

It's actually quite easy to compare VoIP providers because the technology is so new that the features that each provider offers differ quite a bit. Just like any service, you want to be sure that you get the best deal, and a program that will fit your needs and desires. Luckily, comparing VoIP providers will be quite simple and you'll quickly be able to select the provider that is best suited to you.

The first thing you'll want to do when you want to compare VoIP providers is find out which ones offer services in your area. You may be able to eliminate a couple providers just by looking at their areas of service. Once you eliminate the providers that just won't work out, you'll have to look at features and price.

One of the biggest differences between VoIP providers is the features that they can offer. Many have very easy to use routers that allow you to use a regular analog signal and digital signal when it's suitable. Some VoIP providers only allow calls to other VoIP users, and others allow you to call anyone, anywhere, anytime.

If you make a lot of long distance calls you'll really want to pay attention to the plans and the provider that you go with. Some VoIP providers don't distinguish between local and long distance calls, so you basically get all your calls one month for just a service fee. Other VoIP service providers don't allow you to make long distance calls, or they charge exorbitant fees for them. So, the amount of long distance phone calls you make may be the deciding factor in your choice for a VoIP provider.

Do a lot of research, just like you would when you are looking into any service. If you know whom you are dealing with it's a lot easier to make an educated decision. When you determine exactly what you need then it's just a matter of matching your needs with what is offered! Good luck, VoIP is definitely the wave of the future and it will only get easier and more advanced!

Laura Rupert is a freelance writer who contributes to The Tech FAQ

Voip Security Guide

2008-12-22T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Mansi Aggarwal

Revolutionizing the world of telephony, VoIP has become one of the fastest growing technologies of today. It has quickly gobbled up the market for the traditional and well established tools for communicating over large distances, by making them look antiquated and expensive.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is basically a process which converts your voice into digital signals that travel over internet. Its most prominent feature is its affordability. With VoIP you can make long distance calls at a fraction of cost that you used to pay to your telephone companies. It is primarily because of the fact that transferring digital signals over internet is quite cheaper than transferring analog signals over the traditional telephone lines.

However, nowadays VoIP is in the news not for the great savings in long distance calls that it offers but for the security concerns attached to it. As VoIP runs through internet, the information exchanged can be intercepted by anyone at any time. Moreover, because of its popularity VoIP has become a soft target for the hackers. In the absence of a strong firewall system, hackers may capture sensitive information such as credit card number and bank details. They can even launch denial of service attacks and shut down a voice conversation, or send spam or virus over the internet to disrupt the services. Another vulnerability that the IT sector is worried about the hacking of VoIP networks for making free calls. According to industry sources, a new generation of "phreakers" may be able to manipulate the data switched through a hybrid TDM-VoIP network which will allow them to exploit the billing system to make free calls. Another menace that is plaguing the VoIP networks is 'caller-id spoofing'. There are some hacking websites that allow people to control the phone number that appears on the receiver's caller-id display. Moreover, they can modify their voice with the help of voice modification software. Thus, they have become a useful tool for private investigators and pranksters.

VoIP service providers are now trying to secure their customers from these threats through the tunneling and encryption processes. These techniques prevent the hackers from capturing the information packets as they pass through the internet. Most of the service providers are using Layer 2 tunneling and an encryption method called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to prevent anyone from getting the confidential information. However, despite of all these possible threats the IT segment is still enthusiastic about the cost savings and the added functionality that VoIP offers to their business. Most of them consider VoIP as a reliable and robust system and the security concerns not so serious to hamper the progress of VoIP.

Thus, although the attacks on the VoIP systems are at a nascent stage but they may gain teeth and hit the consumers sharply as the hackers become aware of the details of this service. Thus, it is necessary for the concerned authorities to understand the criticality of the situation and be ready to take the necessary preventive measures to prevent any major impact of these threats on VoIP in future.

Mansi Aggarwal recommends that you visit VOIP security for more information.

Finally Voip Worth A Look

2008-12-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Syed Akram

Everyone can Benefit from this Technology! Voip will be next communication tool in the world. Below are just a few of the most common uses of the ICON Communicator

Business Applications
Conferencing between two or hundreds of participants.
Board meetings and Committee meetings (meet quorums more easily).
Reduce travel and telephone budgets.
Sales team encouragement and motivation.
Product and services sales meetings.
Live Web site "click to talk" options and Live customer support.
Document construction and collaboration.
Financial report presentations.
Construct and review blueprints, drafting, and other technical applications.
Software and equipment training.
Always-on flat-rate makes it affordable to connect offices and departments in multiple locations, anywhere worldwide, just like an interactive intercom.

Personal and Family Use
Communicate with family members and share photos.
Talk with children in college.
Call friends and relatives in other countries and talk as long as you wish.
Create community rooms with people who share your interests.

Schools
Distance learning and home school applications.
Teacher-moderated after-school homework sessions.
Students can study together without being together.
School board meetings and Teacher training.
Academic intramural contests with other schools.
Always-on flat rate connection lets it become a high-tech intercom for large or multi-location campuses.

Charities, Organizations, Clubs, Alumni's and Churches
Interact with members and constituents.
Remote study and exchange groups.
Bring church services to those who can't attend.
Hold Board meetings and aways get a full quorum.
Fundraising campaigns (be sure to ask about our Affiliate program).
Planning sessions, Remote counseling, and peer support interaction.
Reduce travel and long-distance telephone budgets

Your possibilities, applications and cost savings are endless!

See you soon and Happy Marketing

Syed Akram was Independent Affiliate with Market Depot Inc. U.S. With 5 years experience in online/offline marketing. He now actively in helping people who want to succeed work at home with free coaching and traning with Voip software which also free to download at http://www.mdi365.com/futurebiz

Is Your Voip Service Secure

2008-12-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Ron King

For individuals, VOIP security is primarily a matter of preventing others from eavesdropping on their conversations. Some VOIP service providers offer voice security through encryption or separate data routes.

Regular precautions for transferring files should, of course, always be followed. A firewall should be in place for protecting your computer from the internet and any data or program that is downloaded should be checked for viruses.

But users should reealize that VOIP hardware devices are inherently more vulnerable to attack. Some types of equipment can be made unstable or inoperable when they receive certain types of data. Some internet phones are also susceptible to data piracy, revealing private information under certain conditions.

While this probably won't be of much concern when you're calling Uncle Tim, it is a huge concern for businesses that consistently use telephone communication for discussing sensitive business information. As VOIP popularity increases, security is becoming a growing concern and is now receiving widespread attention.

Security Issues

It's mainly businesses that need to be concerned with security issues related to VOIP. They are more susceptible to the Denial of Service (DOS) attacks and other forms of obnoxious hacking because many businesses operate personal gateways and other equipment for connecting to the internet.

There are several security issues associated with VOIP. Eavesdropping is an understandable fear with both regular and VOIP calls, but there are additional concerns unique to this technology. Since VOIP data is traveling across the internet just like any other kind of data, it is vulnerable to the same types of attacks. Hackers have countless software tools available to them to retrieve information being transmitted over the internet. These tools are as effective with voice data as with any other kind of data.

Another security threat is the possibility of sending viruses with VOIP data. This hasn't surfaced yet, but viruses could potentially overload VOIP networks, reduced sound quality and create delays.

VOIP isn't secure against spam either. This refers to receiving unsolicited marketing calls from companies selling their goods and services.

There are several points in the transmission of VOIP calls that hackers can use to recover information. In additin to retrieving actual conversations, they can also access critical information such as user identities and VOIP phone numbers. With this information, a hacker can place phone calls using someone else's identity.

Attackers could also record phone calls while eavesdropping on conversations and even potentially restructure voice data to create discussions that never actually existed! Log files could also be accessed and altered.

There are ways currently available that address such security issues. The first is with encryption that provides the same sort of security used in sending credit card information over a secure data connection. The second is to separate VOIP data from other internet traffic by using a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). Both methods can degrade call quality, but they present an alternative for sensitive calls.

About The Author
Ron King Visit http://www.voip-solutions-now.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Should Your Business Switch To Voip

2008-12-19T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Juzaily Ramli

Whether you run a small business or a big corporation, switching to VoIP is something that you must not delay. As we speak, many companies are making the switch to VoIP upon realising the many advantages of incorporating their business with VoIP. In a nutshell, these benefits include saving costs and increasing productivity.

Below is an overview on why your business should make the switch to VoIP.

VoIP Saves Cost

No matter how you hate to admit it, you cannot deny the fact that today, without telecommunications your business can be considered non-existent. We have become so dependent on the telephone, fax, Internet, E-mail, Customer Service through telephone, web-conferencing, online web applications, and any other business needs that we cannot even begin to imagine how we survived without them previously.

Don't fret, as VoIP handles all of it by integrating everything into one application. Not only that, VoIP has also combined other software applications such as accounting programs and other PC based applications such as Microsoft Words, Excel, etc. in order to make your business a breeze. Do you see how much this reduces the cost for your business while at the same time increases your business productivity?

Besides all that, your business will save more cost with VoIP as it reduces your long distance charges.

VoIP is Perfect for Call Centres

As VoIP offers benefits that every business today could ever dreamed of, such as flexibility, cost efficiency and not forgetting enhanced customer service applications, Call Centers are now showing their interest in VoIP and are starting to make the switch too.

In the past, a Call Center is located in a building where you operate your business. This becomes a problem when your business eventually expands to another location where another Call Center would then have to be provided and set up. This means spending more money and consuming more time.

With VoIP, should your business expand one day, you now have the option of outsourcing your work overseas by employing home-based employees for a lot less in terms of labor virtually anywhere in the world and able to work in different time zones. Not only will this save you money, your business can now afford even greater worldwide customer service around the clock all year round.

As previously discussed, with the integration of data, audio and other web based features, customer service calls will be handled more efficiently. In this case, calls will be transferred more professionally and greater care can be provided to your customers.

VoIP for Mobile Employees

Another great way that your business can benefit from VoIP is if you have employees who travel a lot to almost anywhere around the world. In normal circumstances, the company would provide their employees with personal cell phones for them to make calls whenever they are on the move.

With VoIP, your mobile employees will always stay connected with the company and yet still lets you save money in fees as there are no roaming charges with VoIP. This way, your employees can communicate with each other and with the corporate headquarters more frequently without having to worry about the long distance charges.

VoIP Lets You Stay In Touch With Your Customers

Ever been in a situation where you call someone at his office, only to find out that he is not in? What do you do next? You would have to hang up the phone and call his mobile. This added nuisance is not an efficient way to handle your customers. You would want to be there when your customer calls and you would want to stay connected with your customers at all times or you might lose the sale.

By utilizing VoIP, all calls from the customers will be routed to you no matter where you are, thus increasing your business' productivity as the customers are able to talk to you without having to call you again another time. With the ability of choosing the same area codes as your customers, all of their calls will be charged as local calls. This way, your customer service applications will be greatly enhanced by VoIP.

Real-Time Global Web Conferencing

As we are entering the era of business globalization, web-conferencing and training have become very important parts of business. Conference cost is very expensive especially if it is worldwide. You would have to set a specific time so that everybody would be able to be on the call. However, attempts to reach all employees for the conference call could be time consuming. More often than not, some might not be able to make it as they are overseas, for example.

On the other hand, with VoIP, those are a thing of the past. With an Internet connection and a laptop, all you have to do is set the time for the conference and everybody can be there for the call no matter where they are.

So, there you go; five reasons how your business can benefit tremendously with VoIP. We all know that telecommunications are on the rise and VoIP is leading this revolution. With many new features being added daily with VoIP, the way businesses will be conducted will never be the same again. The only question that every business person should ask himself is whether he wants to grow with the technology or get left behind. If you choose the latter, you will never know the full potential of your business and how far VoIP can take your business to the next level.

Juzaily Ramli is the proud owner of a site that discusses on all things VoIP including business VoIP for those who are interested to increase their business productivity; VoIP tutorial and the benefits of VoIP for those who want to know more about VoIP and many more information about VoIP services.

His site can be found at http://www.voip-revolution-info-site.com

Rarely Asked Questions On Merlin Magix System But Questions That Nonetheless Bear Answering

2008-12-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Cameron George Elliott

In two sentences or less, what is Merlin Magix System?
Merlin Magix System is comprehensive communications system, loaded with the advanced features that your business needs.

What, exactly, does that mean?
That Merlin Magix System gives your company a public branch exchange (PBX) that can support both traditional and IP phones.

What types of companies would benefit from Merlin Magix System?
Primarily smaller and mid- sized ones: ones that are looking for a system providing up to 80 lines and 200 extensions.

Could you say, give me a little more information?
No problem. Merlin Magix System is designed for the small company who wants the very best communications system; the company who wants a network with up- to- date, advanced features.

Merlin Magix System is also an excellent fit for larger companies looking to outfit their branch offices.

What makes Merlin Magix System an excellent choice?
All of the advanced features you could ask for in a communications system: full communications capabilities, comprehensive messaging capabilities, integrated network access, and enhanced mobility. And Merlin Magix System is incredibly easy to use and maintain.

Those all sound highly technical; what does comprehensive messaging capabilities mean?
It refers to the unified messaging application: Merlin Magix System combines both voice and e- mail messages, and you can manage those messages using your internet browser.

What makes Merlin Magix System so easy to use?
You program the system using Microsoft Windows- based System Programming and Maintenance (WinSPM) software. WinSPM is very user- friendly: the application provides detailed information on the status of your network, presented in graphical format that's easy to read and understand. By using WinSPM, you able to get a comprehensive picture of how your Merlin Magix System network is running.

Additionally, WinSPM allows you to manage your network around the world.

My company is relatively new, and we don't have tons of extra money. Can using Merlin Magix System save money?
It sure can; Merlin Magix System simplifies and streamlines network administration and maintenance, which can definitely save time and money.

What are some other benefits of having a network powered by Merlin Magix System?
-Your network can be easily upgraded and enhanced to give your company the most advanced, powerful network available.
-Merlin Magix System is flexible and scalable; it can met the evolving needs of you company.
-Networks powered by Merlin Magix System are compatible with both traditional and IP phones.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya Phone Systems

New Vphone Keychain Device Makes Internet Calls On The Road A Snap

2008-12-17T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Kevin Patterson

Good news for VoIP consumers: A seldom-used, but major feature of Internet phone service just got a big boost: the ability to take your phone with you on the road, to make and take calls from the same number at the same low price.

The problem with this idea is that you usually have to take your adapter on the road with you to hook up a regular phone to the Internet, or install your VoIP service provider's software on any computer you want to use - typically limiting your options to the use of your own laptop computer.

Vonage has come to the rescue with a solution that will help users realize the full potential of VoIP: the V-Phone. The V-Phone is a keychain device - actually an ordinary USB drive with Vonage software and your user ID pre-loaded - that you can plug into a USB port on any Windows-based computer with broadband access, for instant Internet phone service.

The device is easy to use: you plug it into a USB port and the software loads automatically, displaying a small window with a number pad that resembles the keys on a regular phone. Online authentication between the keychain and Vonage's servers typically takes from 30 to 90 seconds to complete.

Importantly, the V-Phone does not load any applications to the computer's hard drive during setup, so you don't have to worry about leaving "debris" on other people's computers when you're finished. Simply unplug the device and all icons disappear, along with any trace that you were ever there.

The V-Phone comes with a jack for plugging in standard cell phone earplugs, a set of which are included in the package from Vonage. This has a couple of advantages: you don't need to locate the separate sound and audio ports on the computer, and with desktop PCs, you don't need to unplug the speakers to plug in your earphones.

The unit sells for $40, which doesn't include the $10 activation fee and $10 for shipping. It's available for purchase online from Vonage now, and will be sold by major retailers in September with a $40 rebate.

Calling plans are the same as for any normal Vonage account: $15 per month for 500 minutes, $25 for unlimited residential use and $35 for business service.

One important point to note is that the device comes programmed with its own number and calling plan. There is no option offered for having an adapter and V-phone programmed with the same number. This means that if you choose to port your existing home Vonage number to a V-Phone, your home will be without service every time you take the device on the road.

This makes it most practical for businesses and other users willing to add an additional Vonage account, rather than transfer an existing number to the V-Phone.

This novel product takes mobile Internet-based phone usage to another level. That's great news for Vonage which, as the industry leader, is in the enviable position of having to fight off rivals who are cutting prices and even giving away phones for free in attempt to gain market share.

The bad news for Vonage is that this device is a no-brainer - it's surprising that no service provider offered it previously. The likelihood of Vonage getting a patent on the technology is not great, and it's certain that rivals will be offering competing products soon.

That competition could be even better news for consumers.

Kevin Patterson
VoIP-4-Non-Geeks.com

VoIP-4-Non-Geeks.com is a content-based website providing VoIP information for "everyone else." Learn everything you need to know about VoIP - in plain English. No Geek-speak allowed!

Phone Service Alternatives

2008-12-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Craig Whitley

Are you getting the best phone service for your hard-earned dollars? If you stayed on with whatever company got "dibs" on your area when phone service was deregulated, you may be paying more than you need to. Businesses have learned that there is a lot of money to be saved by comparing phone services options and choosing carefully. Why should they get all the benefits? Take a look at your phone service bills from the past year. Take note whether your make more long distance calls or if local and/or toll calls take a bigger bite out of your budget. Knowing what kind of service you need is the first step in taking control of your phone service costs.

If your long distance phone service is costing you an arm and a leg, here's a secretyou can make those calls for free. There's a new technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that lets you make long distance calls over the Internet. Because the signal is not carried over land-lines operated by a phone service, the only charge you pay is your regular bill to your Internet service provider. To use VoIP instead of a traditional phone service, you must have a computer with broadband, or high-speed Internet access. The cost for this access may see high at first glance, but when you realize you save the money you would normally pay for long distance phone service, the true cost comes way down.

You can also use VoIP in place of your local phone service. One of the great things about VoIP is that you can save money using it even if the person you are calling only has regular phone service. Another way to save money on local phone service is to use a cellular phone instead of a land-line. This tactic takes a bit more consideration, because if you don't have a good cellular service plan, using your cell instead of a local phone service can end up costing you more. Before you decide to shut off your regular phone service for good, be sure to crunch the numbers and make sure a cellular phone or VoIP is the best way to handle the number of local calls you make on a regular basis.

Voice over Internet Protocol calling makes good sense for most small businesses. Large business spend enough money on their phone service to work out the best deal, but many small businesses don't have that clout. Using an alternative phone service is one way small businesses can put their profits where they do the most good.

Craig Whitley is a freelance writer and Internet entrepreneur. He is a featured columnist for numerous business-related websites, including Your-Phone-Service.info.

How Does Voip Work

2008-12-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Rupert Laura

VoIP is said to be the technology of the future because it allows us to do things that were impossible just five years ago. Now, instead of having a public telephone network the VoIP technology allows you to use your broadband connection to make telephone calls. What's great about this is that you can use the phones you have always used; you just get to combine two services into one.

The VoIP technology works if you have a broadband connect and a device called a router. The router enables your phone to call just like it always has, but now it's over the broadband digital connection instead of through a conventional phone line. In addition to a router there is a VoIP gateway that connects you to a voice over network so that your voice can be converted into a digital sound instead of through the analog technology of the past. Information is basically sent in packets across broadband lines to give a great sound and seamless connection to those who have VoIP service and even those who do not. VoIP really is a revolution in combining internet access and telephone service because it utilizes the same technology for two very different things.

The VoIP is great because now you can have just one bill that allows you to have phone access as well as broadband service. Luckily, most companies can even allow you to be online at the same time as you're on the phone. There really aren't any limitations to the VoIP service and in the future it will only get easier. In the coming years digital phones will be made so that each consumer won't have to have a router, and VoIP service will probably be more common than those who have a public telephone network. If you already have a broadband connection you should definitely consider a VoIP phone connection because it's most cost efficient, it's practical, and it really is the way telephone and internet service is going!

Laura Rupert is a freelance writer who contributes to The Tech FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avaya Media Gateways

2008-12-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Cameron George Elliott

What are Media Gateways?
Avaya Media Gateways are one half of a powerful communications system: by working in conjunction with Media Servers, they to provide every branch office complete and total access to the central network.

Once the Media Gateway/ Media Server combination is installed and configured, every employee will only be an intercom away and have access to the same array of telephony features and applications.

What is the benefit of installing a Media Gateway?
An Avaya Media Gateway provides a seamless transition between the existing investments and advanced IP telephony, allowing branch offices to benefit from enhanced connectivity and security and increased productivity.

The benefits from Media Gateways are a two- way street: branch offices receive enhanced communications while the central office enjoys simplified administration.

Media Gateways integrate multiple functionality into a single box, greatly increasing efficiency and savings: telephony, routing, and data switching have all been combined into a single unit, simplifying operations and reducing maintenance.

What size of businesses can use Media Gateways?
There is a Media Gateways for all sizes of businesses, from ones who have 4 employees, to ones with 400.

The G150 and G250 supports 2 and 12 stations, the G30 supports 8 to 40 employees, and the G750 supports up to 450 employees.

Who should use Avaya Media Gateway?
All types of business and enterprises who have branch offices can benefit from installing a Media Gateway.

Media Gateways fill one of two niches for businesses: ones who want to integrate telephony capabilities and to take advantage of advanced business applications, and businesses who's productivity and efficiency is bogged down by their obsolete communications system.

Are Media Gateways hard to set up?
Not at all, in fact making branch offices operational is an quick, cost effective process; a skilled technician can install and configure a Media Gateway from the central office.

If a Media Gateway connects a branch office to the central network, what happens if there is a power failure at the company headquarters?
There's nothing to worry about; every Media Gateway is equipped with a Local Serviceable Processor (LSP), maintaining complete functioning and ensuring continued productivity during WAN power outs.

Additionally, Media Gateways have an Emergency Power Transfer Relay (ETR), allowing emergency calls to 911 during complete power outs.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya Phone Systems

Sunrocket You Say Who Is Sunrocket Voip

2008-12-13T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Hugh McMarlin

Would you be able to answer this question if you were asked,"Who is the leading and number one Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) company in the nation today?" I bet that you would! You have seen their many commercials and would be correct if you answered,Vonage. Now, would you be able to name the company in that lonely number two spot? They don't have any commercials, so maybe not! Well,if you guessed SunRocket then you would have been correct.

SunRocket is an innovative and so called,"up and coming player", in the Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) game. SunRocket VoIP is now number two, but striving through many innovations to be number one! They call themselves the "no gotcha" phone company because they advertise a set price and then don't load up your bill with nebulous charges like some local phone companies that we are all familiar with. SunRocket's gaol is simply to bring to the public the very best, risk-free, easy to use Internet phone service with no hidden charges, and no other "gotchas".

They were the very first VoIP company to offer a $199($16.58/month) flat fee service for a years use of their VoIP! They call this the $199 SunRocket Annual Edition and I must agree that there isn't any other company offering anything close to this. For paying annually(all at once) a consumer gets two phone numbers with enhanced voice mail, over a dozen built in calling features(call waiting etc.), unlimited calling in the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and up to 100 free minutes for international calling, and a couple of free phones! Now, how long will they remain number two offering all of this?

Paul Ericson is the chairman and co-founder of SunRocket along with Joyce Dorris. They are both former MCI executives who had a hand in creating MCI's 1-800-COLLECT campaign(Remember...these advertisements were everywhere). They are used to thinking "outside the box" and started SunRocket in 2004 to brake the mold on conventional and VoIP phone service choices that were available to consumers in the marketplace at that time. They aimed to create a true "no gotcha company" that was easy to use, low in price, without contracts, and with a money back guarantee if a consumer decides that VoIP isn't for them! They also took great strides to put solid and expanding capitol sources together to assure that the quality of what they were building was not jeopardized because they ran out of or short of money.

SunRocket has accomplished putting together a solid company that fills the needs of what consumers are looking for today in a phone company. If service, low cost, features and options galore, are what you are looking for then take a good look at SunRocket because they deliver in all of these areas.

Hugh J. McMarlin has many online endeavors and his informational VoIP site, http://www.voip-carrier-4u.com is his latest. Read his other articles on SunRocket the "no gotcha" company. You can also learn more about the pros and cons of VoIP by reading his article on the Pros and Cons of VoIP.

The Future Of Communications Voice Over Internet

2008-12-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Writen by Jill Meluson

When was the last time that you were able to make a long-distance call for free? If you said "never", you probably have not been introduced to VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. But, is this new technology as efficient as its counterpart, analog telephone service?

Since the demand for world-wide communication has grown, the internet has become the most popular way of communicating. Although Communication via e-mail seemed to be the cheapest way to do business with those overseas, it wasn't always the most effective.

If analog phone service was always cost effective, we probably would not have to wait for someone to open their inbox and hit reply. Still, verbal communication is the best way to build strong relationships and eventually, "close the deal". VOIP service is a cost effective as e-mail and as effective as its alternative, the analog phone service.

When compared to analog phone service, VOIP is cheaper and has the same quality of service. Since VOIP uses a single network to transfer voice and data, the overall cost per call is cheaper to the service provider then using two separate networks.

When voice and data are transferred together on a single network, the service providers only need to build and maintain one network, thus hire less staff. These companies have also learned to manage both voice traffic and data applications correctly to reduce any sacrifice in quality.

Although there is a monthly charge for the service, VOIP phones cost about the same as a regular business phone. With all of its benefits, VOIP should take the place of analog telephone service within a few years.

About the author:

Jill Meluson is the Marketing Director for TelephoneIsland.com which is a subsidiary of Grand Slam Telecommunications. For more on VOIP and business communications please visit http://www.telephoneisland.com

Voip Isps Need To Improve For Smes To Take Up Online Phone Calls

2008-12-11T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Mike Bromley

I'm a manager in a small UK company whose portfolio also includes looking after the company's computers and telecommunications. On a daily basis I am contacted by telecom firms asking me if they can take 'just 10 minutes of my time to save me 60% on my phone bills or similar'. Now these guys are not selling VoIP but something called carrier pre-select. That's when you pay your line rental to one company and pay for your call charges to another, who will charge you at a lower rate than the line rental company.

I have to say these guys are seasoned telesales people. They know every trick in the book to keep you talking, a few haven't even got the hint from my standard line of 'I need to finish this conversation now and hang up the phone'. Anyway to get me a better line to tell these guy's I'd love to be able to say 'we're on VoIP, and you can't compete with those prices'. However, I can't use that line yet. Why? Because my ISP connection uptime is not reliable enough to switch.

A few weeks ago after a thunderstorm we lost full ADSL connection in one of our branches for three days. Now if that weren't bad enough to lose e-mail capability and the various web sites crucial to the running of our business, if we had lost phone capability as well then as a recruitment agency we would have lost both business and customers.

This is not the only service outage we have experienced, I would approximate that once a month we can expect to lose service for at least 3 hours in one of our branches. You might suggest that I move to a more reputable supplier, however we are with one of the largest and most well known ISP's in the UK, so we do not really have the option of changing to a different supplier. Until the ISP's can guarantee a better continuation of service then I shan't be recommending VoIP to our Managing Director for his business.

Business VoIP is a resource site for all things VoIP.

Needless High Risk Exposure For Business Using Computer Phones

2008-12-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Dee Scrip

The Facts

Computer phones (VoIP) offer the most optimal means of communicating when considering quality and cost, and can save businesses up to 80% on their phone bills when calling from PC to PC, to landlines, or to mobile phones, regardless of company size.

Over 90% of all VoIP solutions providers operate on unsecure lines or platforms, whether free or charging for services.

Greater than 95% of all VoIP solutions providers do not have their own patented technology

General Information

Calls placed on unsecure lines travel from one computer (IP address) over the internet to another computer (IP address) have little or no protection in between calls to guard against terminal viruses, Trojan horses, unscrupulous hackers, or uninvited guests listening in on private conversations.

These unsecure lines leave users dangerously vulnerable to the inevitable and expensive computer crash that forebodingly looms over the horizon.

Calls placed on secure lines go through a VoIP platform (server) that incorporates its own security (including patented technology) against the ills of unsecure lines, thereby offering maximum security, privacy, and peace of mind for its users.

Note: higher enrollment and monthly fees, or well known phone companies now offering VoIP services do not necessarily automatically guarantee security.

Recommendations

Contact your VoIP solutions provider (if applicable) and request written information regarding security of their service, along with patented technology they own. Ask if their service hosts embedded spyware on lines and/or allows public access to names and numbers of subscribers.

If the requested assurances cannot be produced, take immediate action to avoid playing Russian Roulette with your business.

Protect the security of your company's communications and privacy, while simultaneously experiencing exponential savings on phone bills, by locating and subscribing to a VoIP solutions provider who offers a secure platform that incorporates its own patented technology.

Analyze your computer's security for free by going to http://www.Symantec.com/SecurityCheck/

Dee Scrip and her close friend Andy Murray operate the website http://www.whypay4calls.com. Where you can experience a 7 day free trial with a secure line on patented technology. NO contracts, obligations, or hassles!

Voip Dont Make A Crucial Mistake Advantages Vs Disadvantages

2008-12-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Tim ONeill

Before signing up to a VoIP provider you need to do your homework. Sure you learn what VoIP is about and you research which provider will be the best for you, but don't make the vital error of not considering your current fixed line circumstance.

First and foremost is the matter of whether the fixed line is going to be retained. In most cases it probably will be as either an backup in for emergency circumstances or where the fixed line may be cheaper for certain calls, especially if utilizing either VoipStunt or Skype which clearly point out they do not nor intend to provide emergency calling access.

In certain countries you need to retain the fixed line for your broadband service so this must be factored into the overall cost comparison of a fixed line service versus a VoIP service or combination there of.

A further complication occurs where bundling occurs. That is discounts if local calls, national or long distance calls and broadband service are all combined with the one provider. In the case of one provider you will pay $29.95 line rental, $49 which allows a cap of $120 of local, long distance and mobile phone calls, and $39 for broadband internet access totaling about $118 a month. For someone on this providers bundle wishing to take up VoIP, you would remove the $49 for calls, retain the line rental to provide broadband access and because the bundle is removed (no local or long distance calls retained) the cost of the broadband service increases by $20 to $59.

It is clear from the above example that you would need to be making significant calls at very low VoIP rates to make the change or VoIP addition worthwhile as there would only be $29 to absorb monthly VoIP provider costs.

The other alternative however in this case is to get a cheaper broadband internet service which then provides more scope to cash in on accessing telephone calls over the internet and over all reducing communications costs.

Summary

It is crucial to examine current telecommunication costs prior to signing up with a paid VoIP provider service. This does not however impact upon accessing free VoIP providers as a second telephone service.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.

Benefits Of Voip Why You Must Switch To Voip Now

2008-12-08T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Juzaily Ramli

Many people have heard of VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, but not many know about the benefits of VoIP. In short, VoIP is a technology that transmits audio files as data over the Internet to another computer or a VoIP phone or a standard landline telephone, depending on what you use. As it uses the Internet as the medium, call charges can be minimised.

By not knowing these benefits, people are not aware of the advantages that VoIP has to offer and hence are not making the switch as they should. Below is a list of some of the benefits of VoIP:

Cheaper Calls

Who would not jump at the opportunity of reducing their local and especially long distance calls? Different service providers would offer different packages. Some might offer free unlimited long distance calls, while some might offer calls for a small fee.

Whether it is for your business or residential use, VoIP is undoubtedly cheaper than the standard landline telephones. Families can talk to each other longer, and businesses can increase their productivity.

Additional Features At No Charge

Features that are normally offered for a fee are often free of charge with VoIP services. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, etc. are offered at no additional cost with VoIP. For business purposes, features such as email and web utilities, just to name a few, are also offered free of charge. Long gone are the days where you have to pay for these extras.

Choosing Own Area Code

Another great benefit of VoIP is the ability to choose your own phone numbers and area codes. This means that, should you want to maintain your existing number, you can always transfer your number to the new VoIP service or you may decide to choose a new one based on the area code.

The latter is beneficial if you have family members and friends who are staying in a different area code from you. All you have to do is to change your number to the same area code as theirs. This way, whenever they call you, they will be charged for local calls. They will thank you for this additional savings on their phone bills.

Great For Business

Business owners are now switching to VoIP as we speak. With all the features and benefits discussed above, they can reduce their business costs and phone bills, hence increasing their productivity. With VoIP, employees are able to stay in touch with their employers, colleagues and especially their customers.

This further saves a lot of money if you have mobile employees who travel extensively like sales people in your business. They can stay connected at all times and never again miss an important call. All they have to do is to plug in and accept the calls no matter where they are in the world.

On top of that, VoIP is a blessing if you have a call center for your business. This way, you are able to outsource your work inexpensively to agents in the countries that your business operates in.

Now that you are aware of the many benefits of VoIP, as well as the flexibility and freedom that VoIP offers, you know that they are far more advantageous compared to the standard landline telephones.

Unfortunately, many people will keep on paying the high monthly phone bills when they could have easily made the switch to VoIP and save on their next month's charges with a single decision.

Juzaily Ramli is the owner of a site that discusses not only the benefits of VoIP, but also business VoIP, amongst other things. VoIP will revolutionize the way we communicate. Discover the VoIP revolution and how it can benefit you and your business today: http://www.voip-revolution-info-site.com

Ip Telephony Around The World

2008-12-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Lars Hansen

New international telecommunications companies are popping up and offer IP telephony with big savings all over the world. Some companies like Kazil will only be marketed by their customers/distributors. If you know someone who is interested in the service, the companies will pay you for referral of new customers in a Network Marketing plan.

Using VoIP means huge savings on calling, especially for people who make international calls.

It is possible to make calls to other members for FREE in the global IP telephony networks.

Users can use a SoftPhone software solution installed on their PC, but in addition it is also possible to buy a converter. That way, users can use their 'old' analog phones without the need of a PC that is turned on. The phone service can also be accessed from all computers connected to the Internet through a WebPhone.

Companies like Skype and Kazil offers a solution where users can rent a local phone number in order to receive calls from the PSTN network (normal old phone system). The smart thing is that a businessman, who has customers in different countries or areas, can get local numbers that is all connected to the same global number. I.e. you can have an office phone in New and even when you are at the Bahamas, you will be able to receive the incoming calls, i.e. on your notebook PC without expensive costs for diverting.

All incoming calls can be diverted for low cost to any mobile/cellular phone or landline phone in the world. That way you can also save the normal roaming cost.

Some companies also offers a call back solution where users can use there normal landline or mobile/cellular phone to call a PC (softphone), landline or mobile/cellular phone all over the world.

Lars Hansen has worked with global VoIP soulutions for the last 3 years. To find more information on VoIP and how you can start your own IP telephony business, visit http://www.1worldfone.com/ and http://www.voip-catalog.com/

10 Reasons Why Voip Is Great For Business

2008-12-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Jane Perkis

I've used VoIP technology for the past few years for my home line, and recently made the switch to using VoIP for my business, as well. For those who may not know, the acronym VoIP stands for "voice-over-ip", and, essentially, means that our phone calls can now travel over data lines, much the same way our email does.

If you follow telecommunications at all, you may remember the early days of this kind internet telephony: users needed a computer, an internet connection, and a headset with microphone in order to make and receive calls. The amount of equipment required was rather cumbersome, and one could only make calls while sitting at the computer. Now, though, the communications landscape has changed, as VoIP can be utilized in much the same way as a traditional land-line-- you can use a wireless phone and take VoIP around the house, or you can get a so-called "soft phone", which enables you to take your calling around the world.

VoIP plans are less expensive than traditional calling plans, and come standard with desirable features such as call-waiting, call-forwarding, 3-way calling, and voicemail. In fact, you can even have your voicemail delivered as an audio file to your email account, saving you the time and hassle of calling in to retrieve messages.

Aside from the cost savings, calling features, and convenience, (reasons 1, 2, and 3) VoIP is great for business in seven other ways. First, you can choose your area code. So, for example, if you have clients in Los Angeles, but you work from New York, you can obtain a Los Angeles area code so you seem to be right next door. This can be a good way to create a business presence in multiple cities very cost effectively. Next, you can order toll-free lines for less than traditional carriers. Having a toll free line makes your business seem bigger. Also, you can take your calling plan on the road when you travel, and can use your 'softphone' to make calls to/from hotels. No more paying exorbitant fees for local calls, which saves you money (reason 6)

The higher end VoIP plans allow you to place an unlimited number of calls for one set fee. This can help you budget your business expenses more effectively. You can forward calls to any number when you're out of the office, meaning more flexibility. VoIP also allows you to call internationally for very low rates, so you can expand your business reach and influence across the globe. (reason 9). Setting up a VoIP phone system is easy, and can often be done in less than five minutes, provided you have high speed internet and an IP-usable phone (reason 10).

So, for all these reasons, VoIP is great for business. It's affordable, convenient, and simple to use. As the world of business gets more complex, it's nice to know your telecommunication systems doen't have to follow suit.

Jane Perkis is a technology enthusiast who uses VoIP for home and business. Please visit http://www.voice-over-ip-advice to learn more about VoIP for your home or office.

Beginners Guide On Voice Over Internet Protocol Voip

2008-12-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Claudia Walters

Nowadays, VoIP became one of the hottest technologies following up on the explosion of high speed Internet access. PC-to-PC calls, ATA phones, IP phones the existence of VoIP had changed how people think about long distance calling plan. As predicted by some of those experts, VoIP might be the technology that kills off the traditional telephones.

What is VoIP?

If you never heard of VoIP, be equipped for a radical change on current telephony systems and long distance calling plans.

Voice over Internet Protocol, or in short, VoIP, is a simple method that takes ordinary analog audio signals and transform it into digital form and traverse in distance through the Internet. Several ways are used for VoIP calls: Analog Telephone Adaptors (ATA), IP phones, and PC-to-PC calls are some of the common ones. While ATA and IP phones will cost you a certain amount on the initial setup and monthly costs; PC-to-PC calls are absolutely free for any distance calls.

The impact of VoIP technology is huge. With VoIP, you can simply enjoy much cheaper phone calls by utilizing your existing PC set up and data networks. For those of you who are already paying a monthly fee for an Internet connection, this means that you can use that same connection to place free long distance phone calls. This process works by using already available VoIP software to make phone calls over the Internet, essentially circumventing phone companies and their service charges.

Besides, VoIP gives a greater flexibility to business travelers. Make VoIP calls from anywhere with Internet connections thru your laptop. With VoIP, you can also enjoy enhanced calling features such as calls forwarding, caller ids, call blockings and voicemail calls function.

How VoIP works?

We already knew when making VoIP calls, caller's voice in analog form are collected; transformed into digital form; transmitted through Internet; and transformed again into analog voice for the listeners to listen.

However, how does the digital voice signal travel? Unlike conventional phone system that relies on circuit switching; voice signals in VoIP calls are transfer through packet-switching.

Packet-switching is the same method that you use when you view a website. For example, as you read this website, your PC does not maintain constant connection to the website. Instead, connections are only made to send and receive information on an as needed basis. It works the same for VoIP calls as this system allows the transfer of information over the Internet to work so quickly. While circuit switching (conventional telephone calls) maintains a constant and open connection; packet-switching builds a connections that is just enough for sending/receiving bits of data in the VoIP conversations.

By utilizing this special way of data sending, VoIP calls can be done with very little data transmission. This in turn allows voice signals to be sent on the least congested lines and thus a cheaper calling plans.

Drawbacks on VoIP calls

While most analysts consider it will be at least a decade before companies and telephone providers make the full switch to VoIP, the hidden power for the technology's applications nowadays are very impressive.

Not to mention the emergency call issue on VoIP calls; there are quite a few VoIP's drawbacks that need to be solved in order to have VoIP calls replace our conventional telephones. The power problem of VoIP phones, the security of the VoIP calls, as well as the compatible-ability of VoIP phones with other electronics appliances are some of the major problems that need to be solved.

Bottom line

Undeniable, VoIP is now a very powerful communication way that you can't close the eyes to. To replace the traditional telephone system or not, VoIP service is here to hang about. Millions in United States are using VoIP calls nowadays and the numbers seem growing rapidly. With the savings and flexibility that the technology already offers, and new advances just ahead on the horizon, we can expect those numbers will only increase in the future.

The author, Claudia Walters, is an expert writer in office tools and VOIP technologies. View her latest writing assignments on Internet answering machine at http://www.MyCallWave.com Learn how you can avoid missing calls while online with CallWave call alerts and save up the cost for an extra phone line.

Voip Phone System

2008-12-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Writen by Steve Valentino

A Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, transmission is initiated by converting voice into digital format. This can be done by Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) or by the computer itself using software. In the Public Switch Transmission Network (PSTN), the dialing of the number initiates the call by connecting the call to the public switch and routing the call to the correct party's telephone number through the telephone network.

A VoIP network also has similar functions like that of PSTN, in addition to the IP provider and Internet Service Provider (ISP). The major components of a VoIP network are user devices (one or both ends), a call processing server, VoIP gateways, gatekeepers and an IP network. The user device consists of VoIP phones, traditional phones with accessories and computer-based devices. VoIP phones may be hard or soft phones.

A VoIP hard phone is like a traditional phone, but instead of a phone jack, it has an Ethernet port through which it communicates directly with a VoIP server or another VoIP phone. It doesn't need a personal computer, only an internet connection. These hard phones may also come cordless.

A dialup hard phone is one with a built-in modem instead of an Ethernet port. A wifi hard phone is built with a wifi transceiver to connect to a wifi base station to be connected to a remote VoIP server. This can be used to transfer calls to a GSM network.

A soft phone is run by software in the computer. This requires appropriate hardware such as a microphone, a speaker or a USB port. Once dialed, the phone number is processed by the call processor, which is actually hardware running a database mapping program called soft switch; the software manages all connections. This is also called IP PBX (private branch exchange), similar to the PBX of the PSTN lines.

There are gateways and gatekeepers that control the call admission and bandwidth management. They also control the creation of IP packets that contain the voice data and other information about the call.

Finally, there is the IP network, which consists of distributed routers ensuring connectivity. This IP logical switch is referred to as the soft-switch architecture. These four components form the phone system for VoIP, in addition to the software and various protocols through which the call is smoothly communicated.

VOIP provides detailed information on VOIP, VOIP Providers, VOIP Phone System, VOIP Solutions and more. VOIP is affiliated with Wireless IP Phones.

The Lowdown On Vonage

2008-12-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Amy Quinn

Many internet users have recognized that using the Net for voice communication is far cheaper than using the conventional telephone. Enter VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, which is used to carry voice signals over the IP network. Vonage is one of the several players in the category. Sprint, Verizon, BroadVoice and AOL are some of the other names synonymous with VoIP.

Vonage has carved out a niche for itself. It is known as "The Broadband Phone Company" that is "Leading the Internet Phone Revolution". It prides itself in providing an all-inclusive phone service. The subscriber can make local and long distance calls anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico for one low price. Add to this that calls to some select European countries come free with its unlimited plans. Its aggressive consumer marketing in the US, Canada, UK and other countries globally has almost single handedly ushered in the era of VoBB (Voice over Broad Band) services.

As a VoBB service provider it gives its subscribers a whole lot of 'must-haves' and 'add-ons'. Features like Keep Your Phone Number, Live Customer Support, Money-Back Guarantee, Great International Rates, Bandwidth Saver, Billing Information, etc. provide ease of use as well as economy to the user. Frequent referrals to the service make the service more economical for a user. Add-ons like adding multiple phone numbers to the user's Vonage account, providing virtual phone numbers as secondary numbers, providing own toll free number and dedicated fax line service provide additional advantage to a frequent traveler. These facilities come with a small individual price tag but help the user to customize his service to suit his or her needs.

Vonage has an unlimited plan priced at $24.99. Up till now it was quite an unbeaten price. Recently another VoIP service provider, Verizon, had priced its unlimited plan a wee bit lower at $24.95. But most current subscribers to Vonage services are still content with the comprehensive package that the company has to offer. Basic 500 priced at $14.99, Small business unlimited at $49.99 and Small Business Basic at $39.99 are some of the other popular options that a user gets to choose from.

There are a few un-met expectations from the service, however. Though the 'Keep your phone number' feature is known to work well, some users have in the recent past complained about change of number problems. Apart from this some users feel that the service provider should add 'anonymous call rejection' and 'do not disturb features' as part of the service. Another common complaint is that though Vonage replies quite consistently via email, when the caller tries to access the customer care by phone he may have to be on hold for a longer duration than what may be generally acceptable. And lastly, some subscribers have experienced setup problems. But overall the general sentiment is that once Vonage is installed properly, it works well and saves money!

Amy Quinn recommends that you visit http://www.vonage-forum.com for more information on Vonage.

Cable Company Voip Information

2008-12-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Jason Christensen

Recently many internet service providers such as Comcast and WOW have started offering VoIP service as a package price plan when you purchase their cable. If you are already paying for Cable TV and High Speed Internet from the cable company don't be tricked into adding VoIP from them also. Cable and traditional phone companies are realizing that VoIP is here to stay and want to join in.

Many people see the initial savings over traditional phone service and think they are getting a good deal, however many times they are paying almost double for VoIP just to have a single bill for all three services.

Comcast charges $39.95 a month for their unlimited VoIP service compared to $16.58 for VoIP service through SunRocket if you pay yearly. Probably the most well known and best VoIP service provider available is Vonage and they charge $24.99 for unlimited calling. WOW charges about $35.00 a month depending on the package you purchase. As you can see using the cable companies for your VoIP needs can cost you $23.00 more a month just to keep your Cable, Internet, and Phone on one bill. The VoIP service that the cable companies are offering is usually no better than most VoIP providers out there regardless of what the telemarketer tells you.

Cable Company VoIP Provider Information:

 Comcast Digital Voice: Comcast offers an unlimited US & Canada calling package for $39.95 a month when you purchase their high speed internet service. If you would like to keep your existing internet service from a competitor then the price jumps to $54.95. The main selling point for Comcast is the promise of calls traveling across proprietary Comcast lines, which allows for higher quality and reliability than calls from upstarts that travel exclusively across the public Internet. Comcast quality and reliability have yet to be proven compared to other competitive VoIP providers.

 Wide Open West (WOW): WOW offers two choices, the WOW phone Basic and Advanced plans. The basic service offer unlimited calling in the US with Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3Way Calling, and Call Return(*69). The Advanced plan offers the same features as the basic plan and Caller ID, Repeat Dial, Selective Call Forwarding, and Voice Mail. The Basic plan costs around $25.00 a month when you purchase their high speed internet service. The Advanced plan costs around $30.00 a month when you purchase their high speed internet service. WOW does not offer VoIP unless you purchase internet service from them.

 Bright HouseNetworks: Bright house offers what they call Digital Phone for their VoIP plan. The plan offers unlimited calling in the US with Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3Way Calling, and Call Return(*69), Caller ID, Repeat Dial, and Selective Call Forwarding. The plan costs $39.99 a month when you purchase their high speed internet service or $49.99 if you use your existing internet service provider.

 Time Warner: Time Warner offers what they call Digital Phone for their VoIP plan. The plan offers unlimited calling in the US with Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3Way Calling, and Call Return(*69), Caller ID, Repeat Dial, and Selective Call Forwarding plus a few more. The plan costs $39.99 a month when you purchase their high speed internet service.

This is just a sample of Cable Companies that are starting to provide VoIP. To find out more you can search for additional providers online or visit our website.

Article may be reprinted without permission with original content, including signature and links.

For more information regarding VoIP visit our site at Michigan VoIP

Jason Christensen is the creator and editor of Michigan-VoIP-Info.com Visit our site for additional VoIP information Michigan VoIP

Voip Is Gaining Popularity In Asia

2008-12-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by San Singhania

Internet telephony is now a billions business in Asia and is expected to grow by at least 20 per cent annually. Enterprises who initially wary of VoIP due to reliability and investment seems to have finally overcome their initial resistance. Major countries in Asia such as China, Japan, India and Singapore have taken significant steps for VoIP implementation for enterprises.

Why VoIP is on the Rise?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection. It converts the voice signals into data for transmission over an IP network, and then reconverts the data back to voice signals.

There are several factors tip in the scales in favor of IP telephony. But the primary one is the trend towards a consolidated data and voice infrastructure as organizations look to reduce operational costs.

Also, an increasing need to replace traditional private branch exchange (PBX) systems has pushed businesses to look at alternatives like VoIP. With the current distributed IP phone solution, enterprises do not have to fuss over system breakdowns that once plagued the old PBX.

The implementation of VoIP system allows voice calls to be carried over the company's existing data network. The IP phone system has helped to reduce voice traffic and ease the maintenance.

The rise of VoIP among enterprises also because of the high growth of broadband connections to the home, improvements in quality of service, and hook-ups that allow VoIP calls over ordinary telephone handsets rather than clunky PC microphone systems.

VoIP services for now typically promise a significant cost savings, virtually wiping out charges for long distance and international calls. In addition, connecting phone calls over the Internet could eventually open the door to advanced communications services that tie voice together with e-mail, instant messaging and video conferencing.

Edgar Lee is a VoIP consultant at Lantone Communications, VoIP division. A Singapore company that has extensice experiences in cutting-edge VoIP solutions, Lantone Communications is your trusted partner when your organization needs a specialized VoIP Provider in Singapore.

How Does Voip Really Work

2008-11-30T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Michael Lemm

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. By using a VoIP phone and VoIP technology you can effectively use the internet to make phone calls. VoIP does this by placing the voice calls on network which encrypts the voice in data packets at one end and encrypts it in voice calls at the other end. In VoIP, encryption and decryption is from a analog signal (i.e. your voice call) into digital signal (data packets) and again into the analog signal.

You can make VOIP calls by a regular phone with VOIP adapter or even from your computer using a simple microphone. VoIP applications can generally be used with a simple microphone and computer speakers, but IP telephones or VoIP boxes can also be used, providing an experience identical to normal telephoning. Many VOIP manufacturers are designing phones which are specially meant to work with this technology, called SIP phone, and now extensively used by growing VoIP users.

In the past year, the quality and reliability of VoIP technology has improved to the point that vast numbers of users have abandoned their standard telephone contracts entirely, in favor of VoIP. Local as well as long distance calling is available for VoIP. Rates and plans can vary from one VoIP service provider to another VoIP service provider.

Advantages of using VOIP

Using VOIP you can effectively cut down your phone bills, since you just pay to your regular internet connection and small fees to your VOIP service provider. Setting up conference calls with VOIP is very easy.

You can even set up your own VoIP network and don't need any special equipment like PBX etc. You can call to any local telephone, mobile, long distance number or any international number through VoIP phones. More importantly, the person you are calling by using VoIP technology does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.

Many additional features like call forwarding, call tracing, reminders, caller ID are readily available in VoIP Phones. You can even assign a local telephone number to your VOIP phone set, and just need a fast internet connection to use your VOIP service anywhere in the world.

VoIP Dilemma

VoIP applications and services require data transfer in real time. During a call an interactive data voice exchange takes place. Unfortunately, TCP/IP is not well suited for this purpose. Sometimes you have to wait for a few seconds, to hear the other side answering. But with recent developments streaming the flow of voice signals has improved. PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calling quality is still not as sharp as regular PSTN calls. However, with SIP phones and a reliable high speed internet connection there is little or no difference....and sometimes the quality is even better.

SIP Phones

SIP Phones are the phones which are specifically designed to work as VOIP phones. SIP phone can be considered as a network endpoint routing voice via its IP address. This allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. With SIP phones you can use advanced features like voice mail to email etc. Using a SIP phone also closely resembles a regular analog phone in look, feel, function, and ease of use.

FCC and VoIP

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates VOIP Services in the USA. They are in charge to create and promote telecommnuication regulations....such as VOIP services....to benefit consumers. In November, 2004 FCC ruled that individual States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, which made the cost of VOIP services even more attractive in relation to standard PSTN phone services.

Web Time Managing Solutions That Can Save Lives

2008-11-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Denis Orlov

For years, traditional applications have helped people automate business processes and get things done faster. With the current pace of technological advances, traditional applications are becoming cumbersome and less effective as they will be likely replaced soon by voice enabled applications. Remember 15-20 years ago, the most trusted/frequently used exchange media was regular mail. Now, it is email. Have you asked why? Simple. It is more efficient. Why write, use stamps, envelopes, courier or postal services when you can type and click the send button to achieve the same outcome? The same idea seems to prevail in voice applications why type and click when you can speak to the system (or at least give voice commands) and achieve the same result. What's more beautiful in the latter case is that you are not restricted to one dimensional regular web application anymore and can get things done using another one called phone. And, most of us, nowadays, are using cell phones so if we need stuff done quickly we can do it virtually anywhere without using a computer.

As phones and phone plans are becoming more and more affordable and regular phones are being substituted with IP ones, which can guarantee more or less the same rate around the globe, demand for voice applications will be steadily growing.

The real question is why wait? when they are out there waiting for you?

There are many types of online voice applications. One type is particularly interesting as it can keep people on schedule, minimize drastically the probability of forgetting important events, appointments or other events, and sometimes save lives. How you ask? Again simple. We all live busy lives. Every month, week or day we have to balance between our personal and business/career activities. As a result, simple things like paying bills, taking medications, submitting assignments on time, picking up kids from school, remembering your friends birthdays may tend to slip through the cracks of our busy schedule. All that is having a negative toll on our lives and our relationship with our loved ones, friends and colleagues.

So, you'd ask how online scheduler/reminding system could help me? Easy. First, figure out what features you are expecting from the system, your monthly budget, then register and start managing your schedule immediately. Features that you may consider valuable may be pre-recorded and synthesized reminders, recurring events, timezone independent calendar, special and stock pick events and of course reasonable prices!

The way it works for me is as follows: I defined recurring wakeup calls in the morning, pre-recorded birthday/gift reminders for all my friends and relatives, scheduled unexpected events: dental and other appointments as well as once a week I got my stock portfolio reminder. Overall, I am using about 40 phone reminders a month. How much you would ask it costs? Less than 7$. How much are you better or worse off without the system? I guess it is up to you to decide.

In summary, I think there is a value in looking into the area of voice and mixed applications and deciding to start using them sooner rather than later.

Denis is a Project Manager (PMP) with 15+ years of experience in IT. He worked as a consultant for many famous companies including TELUS, ACCENTURE, PBC and others. Now, he runs his company DBVR Systems and is a contributing partner at izRemindMe Corp. (http://www.izremindme.com). You can contact him at denrl@dbvrsystems.com.

Save Money On Long Distance 5 Ways

2008-11-28T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Mike Singh

Considering VoIP? Do you make plenty of long distance calls or just a few? Do you spend a fortune no matter what you do to lower your rates? Call after 9pm. Wait until the weekend to share your good news with those across the ocean? Perhaps you even have stopped using the services at all? You can stay connected with those that you love no matter where they are located. Have a look at the following ways to save money on long distance:

1. Do you VoIP? The first thing that you can do is to consider the service known as VoIP. This service uses a technology called voice over internet protocol to allow you to talk over the web instead of talking over your phone lines. The installation of equipment is fairly painless and the fee for the equipment is usually a one time thing. If you have a service provider that provides VoIP in your area, you may want to look into it. Why? No additional long distance fees!

2. Ready for some comparison shopping? You can compare the prices on those long distance companies that offer service within your area. Which have the best rates overall? Which will offer both high quality service and excellent prices? Narrow down your list to a few. Do some more research check out consumerguides.com or some other online reviews.

3. Do you really need long distance? Next on your list of ways to lower your rates is to consider getting rid of any and all of your long distance all together. Many people have found that cell phones are an excellent way to make all the calls that you need to. You'll need to compare how much you use your service and how much it will cost you to use the correct, no roaming cell service. Only keep a land line for emergency reasons.

4. Keep an eye out for deals! Some will use programs such as late night and weekend calling to get the best rates available. Many long distance companies are out there that offer excellent programs. Some allow for you to purchase long distance for only a limited area. Watch for packages and deals that are always coming out.

5. Some offer a flat rate service - Look into the unlimited long distance programs that are available in your area. Many companies are offering a flat rate service. If you make enough calls this is a great way to save money

Mike Singh is a webmaster and successful publisher of why-switch-to-voip.com. He provides more articles dealing with VoIP such as disadvantages of VoIP.

Voip Calling Card Business Market Wars

2008-11-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Panah Rad

VoIP is one of the hottest technologies out there today. VoIP phone card business has been rewarding for early movers such as Vonage and Skype. But like any other growing market, the threat of new entrants is high in this market. As a rule in economics, companies will enter this market until there is a profit to be earned. Microsoft, Google, and AOL are just a few companies that are planning to compete in the VoIP market. But there is more to come, and the battle for the VoIP phone card market supremacy is going to heat up in the next couple of years.

The VoIP telephony business is intriguing since it allows the VoIP service providers to keep their costs low and pass on their savings to their customers. Vonage and Skype are the two most famous names in the VoIP phone card business. Vonage recently had its IPO, and the investors are optimistic about the future of this company. Vonage is planning to spend heavily in the next quarters to bolster its position in the VoIP market. Skype, now an asset of eBay, has other plans in mind. Skype understands that the next couple of years are critical for all VoIP service providers. The market is expanding fast, and a small mistake can lead to a disaster for a VoIP market leader. Skype has decided to take matters in its own hands, and it has planned out a very aggressive strategy to take market share away from Vonage and other VoIP service providers.

Skype has decided to offer free calls to the U.S and Canada to its service users for a limited time. This strategy will allow Skype to solidify its position in the VoIP market. Moreover, this move will strengthen the VoIP phone card business' barriers to entry. In other words, small companies which are thinking of entering this market are now unlikely to do so because of the difficult task of matching or bettering Skype's newest offer. In addition, this will be a huge blow for Vonage since it charges $25 a month for a similar service. Vonage is the leader in the "hard VoIP" market. It provides its customers with a piece of hardware that allows them to use its services. Vonage has been losing money for quite some time now due to its high marketing costs. With the introduction of SkypeOut, Vonage has to spend even more money to protect its VoIP phone card business. Besides, Vonage will have to convince its investors that it is not helpless against the eBay's newest wave of attacks. So eBay has certainly taken the upper hand in the fight for the supremacy of the VoIP market.

AOL and Google are also planning to add VoIP technology to their messenger services. So, Vonage's position in the VoIP market is expected to come even under more pressure in the upcoming quarters. Whether Vonage can come up with its own knocking out punch against its rivals is remain to be seen. But, the VoIP market wars are bound to get even more interesting in the upcoming months.

Panah Mosaferirad began his career as an IT. After 2 years in the IT industry, he started an online venture on eBay and Amazon. During this period, he sold numerous items online and mastered the strategic aspects of eBusiness. In 2006, Panah Joined the Fox school of Business and Management's MBA program to study e-business management.

Panah Mosaferirad is a marketing intern for Pingo's International calling card business that provides virtual VoIP prepaid calling cards online at http://www.pingo.com/aboutus.do

Voip Does It Live Up To All Of The Hype

2008-11-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Jason Stewart

Commercials. Web banners. Radio spots.

There's no doubt that you've seen them all. As Voip providers ramp up their advertising campaigns, prospective Voip subscribers can't help but wonder if Voip all that great or a bunch of hype? With all of the vonage commercials with the catchy tunes, the big traditional phone service carriers pushing their own Voip services, and the larger than life posters and cutouts in the electronics stores more and more people are becoming aware of Voip.

Behind all of the cutouts, corny music and web banners is an extremely useful service which, if you need it, can save you a bundle of money. For many people, Voip truly is one of the "killer apps" of the new millenium. Whether Voip really lives up to all the hype depends on who's using it. Voip is not for everyone. If you spend little time on the phone, there is no reason to use Voip. Voip may not be for those who fear new things either. If you fall into any of the categories below than you should at least consider trying out a voip service provider to save money:

You run a business with several branch offices in different cities

You telecommute and have to use long distance calls to stay in touch with your employer/contractor

You have relatives scattered about in different parts of the country or world

You find yourself making several long distance calls per day or even per week

You want lots of calling features such as call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, call blocking and more without paying extra for each feature.

If you fall into any of the below categories, then Voip service may not be the right way to go:

You don't use your phone for business reasons

All of your relatives live close by, or you're out of touch with them

You rarely make long distance calls

You don't need or care for extra features like call blocking, caller ID, etc.

You have a dial-up connection to the internet.

While Voip is a really great technology that can save you a massive amount of money each month, it's still relatively new and has it's fair share of problems. Network congestion can be a problem while you're in the middle of an important phone call. It's a fact of life that sometimes routers and servers on the internet get busy and the pipes get clogged. There is only so much bandwidth that can go through and when this happens the call will break up or get dropped.

What happens when your internet connection goes down in the middle of an emergency? Yes, you guessed it, no 911 service on your Voip line. At this time, it's best to have either a standard phone or cell phone as a backup for emergencies. The FCC has released a set of regulatory requirements for Enhanced 911 services that Voip providers must adhere to so the 911 service through the Voip provider will not be as much of a problem as network outages.

So, should you jump right on the Voip bandwagon? Don't believe the hype, only you can make that decision for yourself. Armed with the information in this article you'll be able to decide if Voip truly is the killer app of the new millenium or if it's just a toy.

Jason Stewart is a programmer, Unix Administrator, PBX Administrator and webmaster of http://www.voip-university.com. For more articles like this and for time and money saving voip tips visit Voip University

Voip Computer Phone Warning

2008-11-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Dee Scrip

Warning! Warning! Warning!

Beware of VoIP internet service providers that operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols because they are PUBLICLY OPEN and INTERPRETABLE! This also includes, but is not limited to, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

In plain terms, this means, if you subscribe to, or considering subscribing to a VoIP internet solution provider who operates on these industry standards and over 90% do -- you have inadvertently made yourself vulnerable to the criminal activities of hackers.

Regardless of the type of anti virus software you have on your computer, the publicly accessible industry standards provide a pathway by which these criminals can access your computer to plant viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and/or steal your identity.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, unscrupulous criminal hackers view systems operating on these industry standards as their personal "Cash Cow" because of the ease by which they can access your computer and gather your information to sell to other criminals.

Did you know that some hacker-friendly providers offer processor chips that are only sold on the Internet?

Did you know that hacker-friendly providers actually offer hacker software that enables these criminals to deliberately disable security on computers, access your personal and confidential information, as well as inject their viruses, worms, and/or Trojan horses?

For instance, "Vomit" is a free download software that was designed to convert VoIP phone conversations into a wave file which could be played with standard sound players. Hackers gleefully interpret this as a tool they can utilize to attack unsuspecting victims.

Hacker manuals are also easily accessible via the Internet. One of these manuals shows how to DoS other sites. DoSing (Disruption of Service) involves gaining unauthorized access to the "command prompt" on your computer and using it to tie up your vital Internet services. When a hacker invades your system, they can then delete or create files and emails, modify security features, and plant viruses or time bombs onto your computer.

"Sniff" is another tool (originally intended to help telecommunication professionals detect and solve problems) that criminal hackers use to tamper with the protocol and "sniff out" data. When hackers sniff out a data packet from Internet traffic, they reconstruct it to intercept conversations. This enables them to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and sell it to other unprincipled criminal entities.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the most sinister of vulnerabilities you can inadvertently be subjected to. Identity theft is defined by the Department of Justice as

"the wrongful obtaining and using of someone else's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain."

Identity theft is the by-product of unscrupulous criminal individuals obtaining your social security number (including those of your spouse and children), your bank account, your credit card information, etc. Your information is then sold to other criminal entities for profit. Using your information, these criminals can then:

· access your bank account funds
· create new bank accounts with your information
· create driver's licenses
· create passports

Attorney General Ashcroft stated that,

"Identity theft carries a heavy price, both in the damage to individuals whose identities are stolen and the enormous cost to America's businesses."

Don't be naïve enough to think it won't happen or couldn't happen to you!

A group hosting a website known as shadowcrew.com was indicted on conspiracy charges for stealing credit card numbers and identity documents, then selling them online. While this group allegedly trafficked $1.7 million in stolen credit card numbers, they also caused losses in excess of $4 million.

According to a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice on February 28, 2005, a hacker was convicted of several counts of fraud, one in which

"he fraudulently possessed more than 15 computer usernames and passwords belonging to other persons for the purpose of accessing their bank and financial services accounts, opening online bank accounts in the names of those persons, and transferring funds to unauthorized accounts."

If you are using a VoIP internet service provider and do not want to be a victim of Identity Theft, then take the first step to protect yourself -- don't use VoIP internet service providers operating on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols.

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

On January 28, 2005, a press Release issued by the Department of Justice reported that a 19 year old was convicted for his criminal activity by "creating and unleashing a variant of the MS Blaster computer worm." Christopher Wray, Attorney General Criminal Division stated that,

"This malicious attack on the information superhighway caused an economic and technological disruption that was felt around the world."

On February 11, 2005, in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice, reported that another criminal was sentenced for circulating a worm. This worm,

"directed the infected computers to launch a distributed denial of service (DOS) attack against Microsoft's main web site causing the site to shutdown and thus became inaccessible to the public for approximately four hours."

March 7, 2005, Symantec.com posted discovery of a worm named "W32.Serflog.B" that spread through file-sharing networks and MSN Messenger networks that operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standard codec and protocols, including P2P systems, as well as Instant Messaging systemsnone of which are protected, regardless of the anti virus software on your computer. The W32.Serflog.B worm also lowers security settings and appears as a blank message window on the MSN Messenger.

If you don't want to be the next victim of the devastation created by worms, STOP using services that operate on industry standard codec and protocols, and/or services that incorporate P2P systems.

Anti virus software does not incorporate protection for Instant Messaging services. In addition, Instant Messaging services, in and of themselves, do not include protection for their users.

If you like the convenience of text chatting via Instant Messaging, then use a VoIP internet service provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature -- one that does not operate on industry standard codec or industry standard protocols that are publicly open and accessible.

Optimally secure VoIP service providers that incorporate a secure Instant Messaging feature, operate from their own proprietary high end encryption codec on patented technology that is hosted in a professional facility. Simply put, when a VoIP internet service provider operates on optimally secure platforms, the Instant Messaging feature on the VoIP softphone, is also protected with their technology.

A Trojan horse is a program that internet criminals use to interrupt and interfere with your security software and produces the following results

· Terminates processes
· Removes registry entries
· Stops services
· Delete files

Hackers, who have gained access to your computer, because of the programs and software as mentioned above, are having a field day incorporating this nasty little program into their arsenal of weapons.

As recently as March 4, 2005, a new Trojan horse was discovered that modified settings in Internet Explorer. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP were the reported systems that could be affected.

Here's the bottom line.

1. If you are currently using a VoIP internet solution provider that operates on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols that are publicly open and interpretable, you need to make a decision:

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain on their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

2. If you are currently using Instant Messaging of any sort, you need to make a decision

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain as a user of their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

If you decide to take immediate corrective action:

1. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary high end encryption codec

2. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary patented technology

3. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that hosts their proprietary patented technology in a professional facility

4. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature in their proprietary patented technology

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed below.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues.

Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

Here's a place you can look over to see what a VoIP internet solution provider looks like that operates on their own proprietary high end encryption codec with their own proprietary patented technology hosted in a professional facility, AND that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature: http://www.free-pc-phone.com.

An Honest Review Of Lingo Quotthe Talk Of Broadbandquot

2008-11-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

Writen by Hamesh Brown

Lingo is establishing itself as a VoIP service in the same space as its competitors AT&T, Verizone, and Vonage. Despite tough competition, Lingo has emerged as a real contender because of the dynamism of the features they offer and, equally important, at a price that is easy on the pocket. Lingo is the most competitively priced, and this is the deciding feature for many subscribers.

Lingo works on the same principles as any VoIP service. It comes with a software and hardware package that converts sound signals to data and transmits this data through shared lines, thus getting around the charges applicable to the regular telephone network. In simple terms, it enables you to receive or make calls through the Internet. The Lingo functionality sends your calls through the Internet to your modem, and then directs the call to a regular telephone through your Lingo phone adaptor. Your Internet connection remains uninterrupted, so Lingo works seamlessly with your regular Internet tasks such as email and data access.

Lingo is widely available, with unlimited calling plans for residents in Europe and Asia. It offers an unlimited monthly business plan at $49.95, in which you can call anyone in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, an unlimited international business plan at $99.95, an unlimited Asia plan at $34.95, and an unlimited international plan at $79.95. Lingo carries all the features that you normally associate with a traditional phone line, and has the following Lingo-specific benefits:

An emergency call service

Portability of your local phone number

Flexibility of selecting phone numbers from across the US or the world

Free Lingo-to-Lingo calls

Online account management, and one convenient monthly bill

A connection booster

Money-back guarantee

The Lingo Website lists the countries for which telephone numbers are available. Unfortunately, this list is limited now, and one hopes that Lingo will build this further.

With its impressive list of features, Lingo sounds like a good option. However, if your need is to ensure consistent voice quality rather than save money, you need to look beyond Lingo because most often Lingo will give you only average sound quality. The Web interface is not particularly friendly, and the menu design leaves room for improvement.

These disconcerting factors notwithstanding, Lingo is still the lowest priced VoIP with its set of advanced features. If you are making a large volume of international calls, particularly to Europe and Asia, it is time to switch to Lingo because you will lower your telephone bill to a miniscule amount. For example, the call rate from the US to Mumbai (India) is $0.13 and to the UK (personal) $0.28.

To top it all, you have the flexibility of the Lingo money-back guarantee to fall back on. Moreover, like Vonage, there is an incentive for recommending friends and family to Lingo: you will both get a $25 credit to your account.

Hamesh Brown enjoys writing about VoIP. See http://www.voipreviewsonline.com/2005/10/lingo_review_1.html for another Lingo review.