Vegastream Voip For Home And Business Understanding The Difference

Writen by Helen Upsher

Instant messaging worked its way into the corporate space as employees used products such as AOL's Instant Messaging service as a convenient way to get round email and voicemail over load and to find out whether the person you want to speak to is actually at their desk. In a similar vein, IT research firm Gartner predicts that by 2007 20% of all companies will have adopted plans that accommodate the fact that employees own the notebook PCs they use at work.

However, there is one exception to this trend, and that is Voice over IP (VoIP) or Internet Protocol Telephony (IPT) as it is also known. Companies such as Skype have done much to demonstrate the potential for VoIP to let people talk with each other across the globe for practically no charge. All the major ISPs and search engine sites (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) are rolling out consumer VoIP services. Yet with few exceptions, there is little sign that these consumer services are being used by people in the workplace.

There are a number of technical reasons for this, most notably the potential for consumer VoIP services to compromise the enterprise' IP network security. However the primary reason is that the demands on the telephone in the office simply cannot be met by the somewhat cumbersome and restricted, point-to-point service offered by consumer VoIP services. Today's office voice communication systems feature call forwarding, voice mail, conferencing, hunt groups, hold and divert. These are not widely available in the basic consumer VoIP offerings. Furthermore, the PC-based VoIP offering does not provide the essential and convenient function of simply dialling a 10 to 12-digit number to make a call.

Enterprise VoIP products offer these features, and a whole lot more. With all messages data and real-time communications (such as voice, video and instant messaging) carried over the same IP network, there is opportunity for very rich communications sessions. For example, a colleague sends you an email within which there is an icon that lets you know that the colleague is available to take a call to discuss the content of the message. By clicking that icon, your colleague's phone rings and you talk; the colleague could be sitting at a desk anywhere in the organisation, or even at home on a broadband "extension" to the enterprise network, and the phone next to him or her would ring because the IP network knows where he or she is.

Cost is another major reason why VoIP cannot be lifted directly from the home to the workplace. To fully deploy VoIP in the office with all the new features of a converged IP platform, a company will be encouraged to spend money on new desk top devices; just as the consumer will have to buy a sufficiently fast PC and a headset to accommodate a consumer VoIP service. Most finance directors will struggle to sign off a business case to simply replace a serviceable piece of equipment (such as the company phone system) with something that for all intents and purposes does the same thing.

However, by implementing a gateway between their existing telephone equipment and the new VoIP services, businesses can realise the potential for external calls being carried over the Internet at vastly reduced costs compared to using the Public Switched Telephone Network. VoIP gateways convert the signals used by existing telephone equipment into those that can be carried and switched over the Internet. Many businesses are using VoIP gateways to connect to the new generation of IP-based phone companies or to carry calls between company sites for free using its existing wide area IP network.

It is only a matter of time before all communications, including telephony and mobile, are carried over IP and we will not be able to tell the difference between consumer and business VoIP – just as we see little difference between a home phone and one in the office today. However, for the time being the two remain distinct propositions and the enterprise must be careful when considering deploying a consumer orientated VoIP service instead of one that is designed for the business need.

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

Benefits Of Voip

Writen by Nicholas Windley

You may not have considered it but there are many benefits that businesses can achieve by utilising data networks to carry their voice traffic (VoIP). By marrying this voice traffic with data traffic (IP Telephony) it becomes even more powerful.

Here are a few examples;

Cheaper Phone Calls - as your utilising existing data networks
Simpler Infrastructure - one set of CAT5 cables
Scalable - simply extend the existing data network
Reduced Operating Costs - converged system is simpler to manage
Enhanced Customer Service - "Click to Talk" web services and easy role out application like call centres
Flexibility - Remote or home workers can work as if in the office

Its fair to say that most people focus on the costs savings but in most cases the business improvements far out way the costs savings.

For example if your business operated from multiple sites it would be possible to have a single centralised system located at one site, with optimal staffing resources to operate, manage and support. No need to have 3 receptionists when one will do!

Say you had staff that wanted to work from home or from a remote office. With this technology it would be easy to give them the look and feel of being in the office and the transparency that their co-workers and customers enjoy.

Rolling out a distributed business application such as a contact centre or call centre is much easier and more robust.

But....its not that simple to get right!

You must consider;

Quality of Service - across the data network
Reliability – Think when did your LAN / telephone system last fail?
Security - May increase exposure to data and voice
Support - Which department is now responsible - training?

With the latest handsets it is possible for them to act like a PC with their own IP address and with the right handsets they can even run XML applications cutting down the need for unnecessary PC's etc.

To get it right requires the right planning and foresight to make sure that your systems will grow and deliver the maximum benefit with the minimum risk.

Copyright 2005 Nicholas Windley

About The Author

Nicholas Windley is a strategic ICT consultant with Comz4Biz and business owner.

Business Phone Systems : Comz4Biz Mercia
Telephone System Education Zone
Voice Over IP (VoIP) Education Zone

nic.windley@comz4biz.com

The Internet Phone Is All A Buzz Among Technology Buffs

Writen by Michelle Oberton

Years ago, a telephone was dialed manually and it featured a handset that we used to talk to our friends and family. While that telephone still exists today, the internet phone is changing the way people talk - literally. An internet phone is a process by which voices are routed via the internet for, what is often, considerably less than the cost of a conventional telephone.

An internet phone can process incoming calls, audio and video conferences, etc. In addition, the internet phone can be used anywhere that has the capability of connecting to the internet, including on a vacation. In fact, the internet phone allows individuals to travel worldwide and still be able to make or receive phone calls.

Even with all of it's benefits and the many advancements of technology, the internet phone does have a few drawbacks. For example, quality challenges are sometimes present as there may be delays or scratches in the connection. While conventional telephones are connected to reliable telephone company lines, internet phone users do not have the same advantage. Power failure does not necessarily affect conventional phones, but where an internet phone uses a modem to connect calls, a power failure could result in the loss of a connection. The only exception may be if the individual has a notebook computer and operates his/her internet phone via battery backup on their computer.

Another drawback to the use of an internet phone is the difficulty in routing emergency calls. In fact, some locations may result in an impossible connection to an emergency call center. There are plans in place, however, to correct the problem by implementing the technology that would allow successful emergency calls. The security of internet phone calls may also be in question as the majority of calls are not supported by encryption. This makes it easier for anyone to overhear or gain access to the conversation, even without permission or the knowledge of the talking parties.

As the popularity of the internet phone continues to grow, the creators will continue to implement improvements that will keep their customers chatting. When the internet began years ago, nobody could have envisioned a day where faxes, phone calls and mail would be exchanged via the world wide web. Today, all of that has changed. Where there once was only postage fees for mail, e-mail is now free. Where there once was fax paper and toner, there are now ways to deliver faxes directly to an e-mail box. And, where there once was dialing a phone, there is now dialing into an internet connection and video conferencing. As the internet expands with each passing day, the internet phone is sure to grow with it.

For more information about internet phone, click the link to visit our website at http://www.frankware.com We have some great free articles and resources about internet phone.

A New Twist On Voip A New Jajah Killer And Serious Skype Competition

Writen by Roger Bohmert

Since early 2006 movement has come into the VoIP industry. New VoIP providers are now launching all over the world with each one of them hoping and expecting a share of the ever growing popularity and income stream. At the last count the research company MyVoipProvider had almost 650 VoIP phone providers listed.

This has had one distinct advantage for the consumer - VoIP costs internationally are dropping at an alarming rate. A few VoIP providers in Europe have taken their marketing activities to the extreme by offering free calls to a wide range of up to 50 international destinations. VoipBuster was the pioneer early 2005 and has since then launched a barrage of sister companies offering exactly the same type of service. Time will tell if this "Free VoIP" campaign has any long term merit.

Even in this highly competitive enviroment some companies still manage to stand out of the masses. In mid March 2006 two companies launched, in one case, relaunced their services. Lycos decided that it is time to join the race with the likes of Yahoo and possibly in the very near future Google and MSN. Using Globe7's technology Lycos launced an interesting softphone with a free US phone number, 100 free minutes and an integrated mp3 player and video.

On the other hand Jajah, decided that it is time to quit the traditional VoIP provider race and reinvented themselves as a webactivated VoIP provider.

Nothing new in the market, but with the backing of one of the best known US Venture Capitalists, Sequoia Capital, and some clever marketing they have managed to make some serious inroads into the VoIP industry in a short space of time. Once registered with Jajah, and provided one has access to the internet, Jajah allow the user to enter 2 phone destinations and they will automatically connect the call at reasonably low VoIP rates.

Unbeknown to Jajah and other similar offerings their service, only a few weeks old, is already outdated. http://www.voxalot.com in Autralia have very quietly launched a new and free web callback service (still in the beta stage), which could spell the end of Jajah and pose some very serious Skype competition.

Offering a twist on webactivated telephony Voxalot allows the user to enter any number of SIP VoIP providers and the user then chooses which VoIP provider will make the connection to any landline, mobile or VoIP phone. They even offer the option for the user to setup his own dialplan.

What are the implications? No VoIP phone, no VoIP adapter and no high speed internet connection is reqiuired. Any internet access will do to connect any two destinations worldwide at dirt cheap prices - the user decides.

About the author:

Roger Bohmert enjoys researching writing about VOIP. Visit http://www.myvoipprovider.com where you'll find a directory of almost 650 VoIP providers and a VoIP rates search engine to find the cheapest service.

How To Never Pay A Hotel Phone Bill Again

Writen by Jim Sherman

The protocol is increasingly being adopted as the standard means by which computers communicate to facilitate VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. So you can imagine SIP as a common language for new generation operators to speak to connect calls. However, there are no operators there is only your computer (or other hardware) and that of the person you are speaking with. That brings this introduction to some of the many benefits of SIP communication.

The goal of SIP was to provide users with many of the functions and features they typically expect with making phone calls, such as familiar rings, hearing the ring back tone when a call is placed, and the process of dialing a number. SIP goes beyond this however, also implementing a number of advanced features. Despite its' convenient interface that mirrors that of a typical telephone call, SIP is based on an internet protocol rather than that of the telephone industry. Because of this, SIP is able to work seamlessly alongside other internet based protocols. This has allowed the technology to uniquely establish a user location, meaning that you can tell the IP address or "location" from which a person is making a call, something vital for offering emergency services. It also allows for coordination amongst the various participants in deciding upon what call features will be supported, as well as providing the protocol for call management which allows for adding, dropping, or transferring call participants.

One of the most exceptional benefits of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is its application with Private Branch Exchange (PBX). A private branch exchange is a private telephone network used within an enterprise in which users share a certain number of outside lines for external telephone calls. This provides a significant cost savings to the company because it allows companies to quickly and easily make calls within their institution, as well as save by limiting the number of external phone lines that must be maintained. SIP can extend these cost savings dramatically by offering users free long distance calls worldwide. Once again, because SIP is internet based rather than running over traditional telephone lines, the cost of call transmission are as cheap as say sending an e-mail, that is to say, Free! While PBX is already an efficient use of office resources incorporating SIP into a PBX means taking such savings and capabilities to a new level. Incorporating SIP gives users' access to free interoffice communications, long distance calls, as well as huge savings in setup and transaction costs. These transaction cost savings are due to the fact that SIP is based on internet protocol allowing for the ability to physically move phones without any need for rewiring or new setup costs. Because that the system is peer-to-peer rather than cog and wheel like hardwired telephony means that there is no complicated setup necessary, but rather users can simply plug the phone into any available broadband connection and without the need for any complicated hardware or software, calls are ready to be made and received.

This brings us to what is potentially the greatest savings that SIP provides. We all hate to have to pay $2.00 for making a simple local call from a hotel room. But for those of us that have had to pay exorbitant long-distance charges from hotels, the level of angst felt reaches new heights. Add to this the fact that often companies require conference calling for their employees, a service that hotels are all too happy to charge a high premium to provide. For companies that have a lot of their employees traveling or practicing in various locales, the overhead costs of making such calls can really put a damper on year end profits. SIP offers a solution to hotel bills, and for that matter all telephone bills whatsoever. Just as sending an e-mail is free whether you are sending that e-mail to a person across the street or around the world, so making a call using SIP from any locale to any other locale in the world is free. All that is needed is a broadband connection. And just as one can send an email from wherever the internet can be accessed, SIP users can make their free calls from the office, the home, or even (gasp) the hotel room. Not to mention the huge savings in regular long-distance charges, the simple fact that long distance and local calls can be made for free from hotel rooms (most of which offer complimentary broadband service) is an enormous long-term cost savings. But add to this the fact that conference calls are available at no additional cost, which can be explained by following the principle that sending an e-mail to many individuals at the same time is just as cheap as one to one communication. Altogether these savings mean that companies who have in the past been laden with high local and long distance phone bills will be able to have their employees keep in close communication no matter their location for free.

SIP goes beyond this, however. Because SIP uses peer-to-peer connections there are no extra costs for having hundreds or even thousands of employees making SIP calls whereas the management costs for such a system under traditional telephony would be astronomical. This is never the case with PBXs that utilize SIP in a peer to peer connection format, however, where structural costs do not increase as your business grows and your usage of the PBX increases.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) offers customers of traditional telephony fantastic cost savings, the flexibility to make free calls from anywhere in the world at any time, and the ability to expand a PBX system with no setup costs. Because there is no complicated hardware or software necessary to setup SIP in a PBX, implementing the technology is as simple as having access via broadband to the internet. Due to these benefits as well as innumerable others, expanded use of SIP in PBX and in a variety of other settings is simply a matter of expanded customer exposure to the possibilities of SIP.

Jim Sherman writes about interesting topics such as Mobalex technology. See http://www.mobalex.com for more information.

Voip Questions And Answers

Writen by Raymond Klesc

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion. Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.

1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?

2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?

3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?

4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?

5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?

6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?

7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?

8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?

9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?

10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?

11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?

12. Who regulates VoIP services?

13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?

14. Are free trials normally available?

15. How can I improve the sound quality?

1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.

2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?

Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company's equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computer's hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.

3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?

Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal.

In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP Phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.

4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?

There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn't matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.

5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?

Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.

6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?

If you are using a broadband internet connection, you don't need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone calls. With VoIP you're able to talk to many people at the same time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff, family and friends. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. In addition, you don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your features through the Internet; log-in and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change - for a fee of course. Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in different cities.

7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?

Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this service in your area.

8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?

Yes you most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls on your VoIP network.

9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?

You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.

10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?

Your computer does not need to be turned on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to functionproperly. However, if you are not using an adapter and choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your computer must be on.

11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?

Your VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.

12. Who regulates VoIP services?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation tobenefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. In November 2004 they ruled that States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, another victory for the consumer.

13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?

The specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each individual VoIP provider.

14. Are free trials normally available?

You need to check with your selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available. Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any reason you should return the equipment in their original packing boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to ensure they will honor their warrantee.

14. Will I be able to use VoIP behind a firewall?

You need to ask your network administrator regarding any special setting that are required to function through the firewall.

15. How can I improve the sound quality?

• Speak with a headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an adaptor.

• If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate into your microphone causing feedback.

• Lower the volume on your speakers.

• Check with your sound card manufacturer to be sure you are using the latest drivers.

• Use a direct phone jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and computer can distort the sound causing an echo.

Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices. If you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm

Copyright 2004 Raymond Klesc

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to info@globalvalueconnect.com

About The Author

Global Value Connect ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995. If you want to cut your telephone bill in half register today for our free eBook entitled "Telephone Bill Saving Tips for Home and Office" and is available at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/Saving_Tips.htm

info@globalvalueconnect.com

What If There Was No Spit On Your Voip

Writen by Lance Winslow

Well just when you thought you had SPAM under control with your IP Filters, change of email address, and SPAM Blockers here comes SPIT. But this is not the organic type, no this is a real threat and a much bigger problem. 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.

This is very bad news for those who have switched to VoIP to save money on their long distance service. As the SPIT comes in, each one takes about a minimum of 30 milliseconds or more and thus could disrupt your phone service. Some estimate that you could get between 40-100 SPIT per day and then you would have to erase these voice messages and listen to the very first part before dumping the call. This takes much longer than hitting the delete button for SPAM.

Not good at all and worse it could be a while before we have a legal definition of SPIT from the FTC and that means do not expect any Do Not SPIT Lists anytime soon. Why can't we do like Singapore where there is not spitting allowed, you SPIT we cane you? Think on this.

Lance Winslow

The Single Most Important Thing To Know About Computer Phones Voip

Writen by Dee Scrip

Over 90% of computer phones (VoIP) are not secure because they use a public known codex (publicly known encryption of sound packets) and a publicly known protocol to transport voice conversations. Therefore, users of these type of services are unknowingly exposing themselves to anyone who wants to listen in or access their confidential information. In addition, because of the public openness, the user's computer's vulnerability can result in a costly computer crash and total loss of all information.

Peer-to-peer computer phones are on unsecure lines.

There are five areas to address when checking for Security when looking for a VoIP Service Provider. Here's how a VoIP Service should protect your security, whether on dial-up, wireless, satellite, or cable connections.

1. Call Security: A VoIP service's audio (your voice) should compress your voice into proprietary encryption packets to travel across the internet, and return back to voice at destination. That particular VoIP service should host proprietary software, and as such, the only one that can interpret the voice and data contained in those packets.

2. Computer Phone Identity: When your first download and install a VoIP provider's computer phone, a confidential phone number and password should be given to protect against unauthorized installation. To protect against unauthorized installation, your computer phone's setup process should combine the phone name and hardware data from the PC on which it was installed to create a unique ID string known only to that VoIP's own server. Because of the association between the unique ID with that particular PC, it prevents one person from reconfiguring their VoIP service's computer phone to spoof another. It also prevents someone from copying that VoIP service's software to another PC and then using it without having gone through the password-protected installation process.

3. Client Server Model: The VoIP service should follow a client-server model. The client is the softphone offered by a particular VoIP service. That particular VoIP service's Server should be behind a highly secure proprietary firewall hosted in a professional facility. Any information shared should therefore only be between the client and server of that particular VoIP service. This means, that unlike some peer-to-peer solutions, private information about "buddy" lists or call patterns, etc., remains entirely confidential.

4. Softphone Setup: Firewalls vary widely and each network configuration may be quite different. When a VoIP service's softphone first initializes, it discovers its ability to reach that VoIP's service server, as well as a variety of ports and protocols for placing calls, depending on the results of its discovery. In a strict environment, the VoIP service's softphone uses the same path the proprietary firewall already permits for web browsing (typically TCP ports 80 and 443). This allows users to make calls from anywhere without compromising or reconfiguring their own firewalls.

The VoIP service's softphone should be able to initiate conversations with that VoIP service's server and keep the server updated as to its status. By doing this, no public IP address needs to be setup for the PC running the computer phone. It also enables user flexibility without concern about security or privacy when moving from network to network. The VoIP service's computer phone should be compatible with Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT), and the kind of dynamic addressing that is found in wireless "hotspots", hotel internet access, and dial-up.

5. Monitoring Capability: A strong security model should include an auditing mechanism to monitor usage and activity. This means that each computer phone should include its own usage log, enabling users to look through their own personal history of inbound, outbound, and missed calls. In addition, the VoIP service's website should provide users the ability to view all individual phone call charges using the already set up confidential number and password.

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 Telephony The Benefits And Limitations

Writen by Glenn Grundberg

Previously we explored the history and technology that gave rise to VOIP Telephone service (*see footnotes). Today we will examine some of the benefits and also the drawbacks of this new opportunity.

In previous articles we discovered that traditional "Landline" type phone service is set up much like a "Toll Highway". Billing starts when the "Circuit" is opened, and continues until it is closed. Just like travelling down a Tollway, the longer you stay on, and the farther you travel, the more "Toll Booths" you pass through. These toll booths are the phone company's switches, and you get charged for every one that you pass through.

In contrast, VOIP phones use "Packet" switching. As the broadband Internet connection is always open, digitized voice signals are sent to the receiver in discrete packets. The result is that no "dead air" exists on the line, as no traffic is sent when there is a lull or pause in the conversation. This allows several two-way conversations to use the same "bandwidth", or space that previously was tied up by ONE call.

This has resulted in great economy for VOIP providers who in turn pass along the savings to the end user. Most top VOIP plans run around 30 dollars a month, and the best include International calls to many countries worldwide within that base fee along with a host of features like Voice Mail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Three-way Calling, Online Access, Etc.

While most major traditional carriers have an "all inclusive" plan, none that I know of include International calling, and most of their "basic" plans are double the cost of VOIP. In my experience, the most coveted features are also charged extra for. Add in the taxes and fees, and all of a sudden you're talking REAL money!

The other great benefit of VOIP is the ability to take your device anywhere and make calls just like you were at home. The best services are fully find-me, follow-me capable. This means that wherever you happen to be, your phone number will find you and ring at THAT location. I use mine with a Laptop, a cheap cigarette lighter a/c converter, a wireless card, and an old "princess" phone in my truck parked outside of hotspots all the time. That's huge. You can have your office in whatever hotel or airport or Starbucks you happen to be in at the moment.

Having covered most of the benefits of VOIP, let's examine some of the drawbacks. The major one is spotty 911 service availability. As the device is portable, any call to 911 will result in emergency crews being sent to the device's address of record, which is set up when you activate the VOIP device and service. Obviously this doesn't do you much good if you are in a hotel in Montana but live in Ohio.

One way around this is to change your address with your provider when you travel, and then change it back when you return home. Of course, this only works with domestic addresses, and you must remember to do it.

A better way is to ignore the issue entirely, and keep a very basic, cheap, no frills service plan with your local phone provider. This will still be cheaper by far than a full blown plan. Also, you avoid the other main issue with VOIP- Power Outages. If power goes out, or you lose your Internet Connection, you lose your phone service. Of course, you run that risk with today's cordless phones too, so it's always a good idea to have an old hardwired phone around the house, or at least a cell phone available.

*footnotes: See http://ezinearticles.com/?id=144018

Glenn R. Grundberg is an Active Internet Marketer specializing in Affiliate Products and Programs, including Top, Innovative MLM Opportunities. Mr. Grundberg is also a Contractor, Master Electrician, and Low-Voltage and Communications Expert Certified by BICSI and several Major Hardware Manufacturers. Mr. Grundberg writes on a variety of subjects, and Consults on Major Construction Projects Worldwide. Mr. Grundberg also Sits on several Codes and Standards Commitees Including the NFPA 72 for Fire Alarms.

http://www.theaffiliatebusinessreview.com Honest, Ethical reviews of Top Products and Programs.

Copyright 2006 © Galacon,Inc. dba/theaffiliatebusinessreview.com All Rights Reserved Worldwide. You have permission to reprint this article at your will provided you post it exactly as written, making no changes to either the title or content, and include the Author's full bio, signature, or resource box, whichever applies. We ask that upon publication, you notify us at the address located on our website shown above.

An Introduction To Voip

Writen by Thomas Schueneman

If you have an ear for the latest computer craze, technology fad, or nifty gadget, then you've probably heard about VoIP. What is VoiP? Let's start by defining what exactly "VoIP" means. VoIP stand for Voice over Internet Protocol. It comprises an emerging set of applications and protocols that allow you to make telephone calls over the internet. The popularity of VoIP has really been catching on and is already starting to replace existing telephone networks. Some people have cancelled their traditional phone service and now exclusively use VoIP.

You may have thought that VoIP only worked from computer to computer, and that was the original intent. Of course, you can use it this way, but VoIP has been further developed into a telephone network in its own right. Using VoIP, you can call any phone anywhere in the world, and can receive calls with phones connected to the internet or a LAN (local area network)

Background

VoIP was born back in the "stone age" of the internet, that is, 1995, when Israeli computer enthusiasts made the first voice connection between two computers. That same year this technology was developed into a software package called Internet Phone Software. All you needed to talk to another computer was a modem, sound card, speakers, a microphone, and, of course, a computer. VoIP was born.

This software compressed and digitized the audio signal and then sent the data over the internet in discreet "packets". These voice connections could only occur between computers that had the software installed. Like many new technologies, it wasn't very pretty at first. Sound quality was poor and vastly inferior to the audio quality of a standard phone network, which, by the way, isn't really that good either, in "hi-fi" terms.

But of course, this was just the beginning. The technology continued to be developed and by 1998 gateways had been established allowing PC-to-phone connections. Later that year, phone-to-phone connections were possible using the internet to transmit the audio. The phone-to-phone connections still required a computer to initiate the call, but once the call was established, callers could use a regular phone set.

VoIP Today

VoIP is fast becoming a big business, with the major telcom's getting on board offering VoIP service. Service is available for both commercial and residential use, ranging from PC-to-PC service, all the way up to phone-to-phone.

Internet phones (or "ip phones") are available that plug into a USB port or directly into the PC's sound card. These phones look much the same as that old thing sitting on your desk, with number pads and customizable ringers. It's even possible to bypass the computer entirely by plugging the phone into your broadband or cable modem. We find it especially ironic that to bypass the traditional phone network you can plug an ip phone into your broadband modem which is connected to, of course, your phone line.

How does VoIP Work?

The first thing that needs to happen is that your voice needs to be converted into bits and bytes, otherwise known as digitized. Your voice is "sampled", a process that divides the analog sound into discrete bits of data that are assigned a numerical value. Once digitized, the data can then easily be compressed.

This digitized and compressed data is then split up into packets of about 1500 bytes for easy transmission over the internet. Along with the raw voice data, these packets contain information about the packet's origin, the intended destination, and a timestamp that allows the packet to be reconstructed in the correct order. Once these packets arrive at their destination, they are put back together (in the right order) and converted back into analog sound so the party at the other end will understand what you're saying.

Now, this is a lot of stuff that needs to happen at, essentially, the speed of light. To avoid significant delays from occurring, a broadband connection is required to use VoIP. Since more and more businesses and residential customers are now using broadband, converting to VoIP should be relatively simple for many computer users.

And there you have it! A quick introduction into one of the latest hot new technologies! You can save a bundle in long distance charges by utilizing your broadband connection and an ip phone to make and receive calls over the internet with VoIP.

Tom Schueneman works as a sound engineer, information publisher, writer, and general gadget hound. Visit his VoIP tutorial site at http://www.voip-tutorial.com

Does Voice Over Ip Telephony Spell The End For Traditional Telephones

Writen by Nick Carter

Just What is Voice Over IP Telephony?

Voice over Internet Telephony is technology that means you can hold telephone calls over the Internet or an IP network. It eliminates the need for having separate lines for your Internet connection and dedicated voice transfer lines. There are many advantages to VoIP but because it is still an advancing technology you need to shop around to find the best deal. No cumbersome circuit switching is required and there is no depletion in the bandwidth associated with normal dual line systems. VoIP protocol means that voice data is only sent over the network when it needs to be, freeing up that bandwidth when you aren't making 'calls'.

What are the Advantages of VoIP.

Voice over Internet Telephony isn't widely used in office networks, let alone in the home, however if you make international phone calls then you are probably being routed through IP infrastructure because of the lower costs of calls. What this does mean, though, is that the infrastructure is quite obviously already in place and anyone who chooses can do so easily. This means that you can 'call' friends, family or associates using your own VoIP without the need for them to have the same technology installed.

The costs are phone calls that are reduced dramatically by using VoIP and once the infrastructure is in place there are usually little or no additional infrastructure charges required making it a cost effective and affordable telephony solution.

Because VoIP is a new technology you get the usual advantages of employing a new technology; increased technological advances and new technologies are employed meaning you get a state of the art system. Telecommunications providers have been regularly using IP networks to transfer voice data and so most of the teething problems have been thoroughly investigated and ironed out and all the advancements made have been integrated into a system you can have installed in your home, office or business.

You don't necessarily have to transmit your calls over the Internet, and for more secure calls you can use private IP networks. For this reason many large businesses already have IP systems in place making inter-business calls much cheaper.

Electronic numbering makes it possible to dial traditional E 164 phone numbers connected entirely by your Internet connection. This means that you won't face any call charges whatsoever, and all you will have to pay will be the cost of your Internet connection.

Is VoIP available for me to use now?

Companies like Vonage, VoicePulse and Packet8 are already offering flat monthly fees for their VoIP services meaning you can call anywhere in the country (sometimes even to other selected countries around the world) and only ever pay one flat monthly fee.

Vonage offer a service for $24.99 a month that allows you to call anywhere in the US or Canada. They also offer similar plans for small businesses.

Are there any disadvantages to VoIP?

VoIP, as a technology, is still in it's infancy and new developments are being found every day. However, there are limitations to the service and the technology which need to be addresses before it can become a complete replacement for your standard phone line.

Because the Internet knows no geographic boundaries it means that, for example, calling the emergency services would not necessarily put you through to your local emergency dispatch centre.

In addition, you can't send or receive faxes and you can't route traditional modems, alarm systems or satellite systems through your VoIP connection, because they require access to a voice grade phone line. For the moment VoIP is a compliment to your traditional phone line, rather than a replacement, until these problems can be ironed out.

Summary

The advent of the Internet and improved telephone technology has seen the introduction of VoIP. It means you can make phone calls through your broadband connection; this in turn means that for a set monthly fee you can call anywhere in your country and selected international countries for as long as required and only pay one flat monthly fee.

The advantages of VoIP are still significant for homes and business users alike. Big businesses are already saving substantial money by installing IP networks and using VoIP protocol to transfer voice data. This essentially makes the calls themselves free, only having to pay for the Internet connection and the monthly VoIP fee.

VoIP looks like it's here to stay. As the technology rolls out, it's impact can only become greater.

© 2005 Nick Carter

Nick Carter is editor for http://www.voice-over-ip-insider.com, a key web resource for VOIP information.

Voip Pbx Solutions For Businesseswhat To Look For

Writen by Michael Lemm

Business communications has always been a challenging arena for management....subject to cost, function, reliability, and other pressures and concerns. The emergence of VoIP technology....and specifically application to PBX systems via IP based protocols....has provided an enormous opportunity for companies to reap many benefits.

Many companies today have multiple office locations around the country or around the world. Currently, each office uses its own PBX system and inter-office phone calls are routed through the PSTN and charged long distance and international rates by carriers. Most companies also employ workers on a part time basis who work from their homes. Those workers get reimbursed for telecommunication expenses they incur while performing their duties. It just makes business sense for companies to explore alternatives to consolidate their telecommunication systems and reduce costs.

The answer.....purchase a Voice-over-IP enabled PBX system and deploy it in a Virtual Office setup.

Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is a fairly new technology for transporting voice calls over the Internet which allows users to realize substantial cost savings on long distance and international calls. Besides cost effectiveness, VoIP enabled PBX systems (or IP PBX) offer easy integration with existing telecommunications systems and are characterized with low operating costs as their upgrade is done through software updates rather than more expensive hardware replacement. Additionally, the technology simplifies the communication infrastructure (no need for separate voice and data cables) while offering high scalability.

Virtual Office models are used by companies that want to consolidate their communications, reduce costs and achieve more cohesive corporate images. To implement the model, a company has to install a single IP PBX system in its headquarters and distribute to employees IP phones or regular phones with VoIP adapters. Employees can make intra-office and inter-office phone calls through dialing PBX extensions. Such calls are routed through the Internet and are practically free. Company customers, on the other side, can dial a single inbound number plus extensions in order to reach the company's employees. The latter receive the calls on their IP/Regular Phones at any location in the world with Internet connectivity.

So what kind of a VoIP PBX solution does your business need? - a turnkey Virtual Office solution that could be customized to meet your company specific needs.

My recommendation for this solution is the highly acclaimed package from Packet8. Recently 8X8, Inc's Packet8 Virtual Office Solution for small and medium sized businesses received Network Computing Magazine's Editor's Choice award over competitive offerings from Covad Communications and Velocity Networks. That's some pretty stiff competition....and says a lot about Packet8's performance. The Packet8 Virtual Office solution received the highest overall rating for its rich feature set, call management tools and low subscription price.

The Packet8 Virtual Office is a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to traditional PBX systems that allows users anywhere in the world to be part of a VoIP-hosted virtual phone system that includes auto attendants, conference bridges, extension-to-extension dialing, business class voicemail and ring groups, in addition to a rich variety of other business telephone features normally found on high-end, premise based PBX systems. Their Virtual Office reduces an organization's telecommunications total cost of ownership (TCO) with a minimal initial investment combined with unlimited local and long distance business calling throughout the United States and Canada and Packet8's low international rates.

Now.....here's an overview of what to look for when making the business case for investment in VoIP technology for a VoIP PBX solution:

* Ways to save money for corporations.....

- Eliminate or reduce intra-office toll charges

- Avoiding service and support contracts on existing PBX hardware

- Eliminate the need for on-going Centrex services -- and charges

- Reduce expansion costs via lower costs for adds, moves and changes; lower user hardware costs

- Reduce the on-going costs for separate voice messaging systems

- Provide productivity benefits for remote and traveling workers who can be empowered with the same integrated capabilities as office workers

- Reduce user training and learning on phone and messaging systems

- Cost-effectively implement unified messaging

- Improve security

- Reduce systems downtime and improve performance

Additional benefits for call centers.....

- Virtualize call centers, allowing more flexibility in the center's configuration....either helping consolidation efforts, or providing enterprise capabilities to telecommuting call center workers

- Improve customer support services and reduce abandoned calls and call times

- Improve customer satisfaction and reduce customer turnover via improved call center services

Cost considerations....

- VoIP telecommunication hardware and software

- IP phone sets or soft phones

- Network upgrades for possible quality of service and performance upgrades

- Implementation labor and professional services

- On-going support and administration labor

- Support and maintenance contracts

- Increased support calls and potential user downtime losses on initial deployment

- IT Training

- User Training

- Write-off, write-down and disposal costs for existing telecommunication assets

Potential project risks......

- Quality of service/performance

- User training and adoption

- Administration and support skill levels and resources

- Proprietary vs. open systems interoperability

How Does The Solution Work?

Inter/Intra office calls.......

Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is located in the corporate headquarters or in any of the company's offices worldwide.

Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials Caller B's extension.

The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.

If the destination number is unreachable, the system forwards the call to Caller B's voicemail.

As soon as Caller B picks up his VoIP device the conversation starts.

During conversation Caller A's VoIP device convert voice to digital packets and send them to Caller B's VoIP device and vice versa.

Both A and B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc. Calls are free

Outbound calls.......

Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is a company customer.

Caller A picks up his VoIP device (IP phone, phone with adapter or softphone) and dials the customer's number.

The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about the VoIP carrier, who should terminate calls to Caller B's area code.

The call is routed to the VoIP carrier.

The VoIP carrier terminates the call to Caller's B number over the PSTN.

During conversation, Caller A can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.

Calls are charged on time basis at pre-negotiated rates with the VoIP carrier

Inbound calls.....

Caller A, who is a company customer, wants to make a call to Caller B, who is a company employee.

Caller A picks up his phone and dials the company's central access number.

The VoIP PBX server prompts the caller to enter an extension.

Caller A dials Caller B's extension.

The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing information about Caller B.

The VoIP PBX server routes the call to Caller B's VoIP device.

During conversation, Caller B can use traditional PBX functionality, like call on hold, caller ID, call forward, etc.

Calls are either free if the company uses a local access number or charged on a time basis if the company uses a toll free one.

Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies carry great promise to reduce telecommunication and networking total cost of ownership while empowering businesses with new capabilities and agility. When making your decision on deploying a Virtual Office VoIP PBX solution consider the strategic and tangible benefits as well as the costs and risks outlined above. If it all seems too overwhelming seek out the assistance of an unbiased independent advisor such as Business-VoIP-Solution

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including 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, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Voip Thee Emerging Technology

Writen by Scott Knutson

Changes in technology are opening doors and creating jobs that simply didn't exist a few years ago. VoIP is one of those areas, and this emerging technology has produced significant changes in the way people communicate. Understanding VoIP is rather difficult for many, but the concept is actually a fairly basic one.

VoIP is the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Most commonly, the term is written as VoIP (note the small "o"), though there are many other terms that refer to this same process. Telephony is one of those terms, and Broadband telephony is another.

The idea of VoIP is too simply to create a network and then allow people to send all sorts of transmissions across that same network. Consider what that can do to the costs of communicating in some situations.

For example, a large office of a half-century ago would likely have two major methods of communication. There'd be a telephone system that connected all the desks and offices within that building - a network of telephones that may or may not have also been connected to outside lines. But what happened when those workers on the second floor needed to see a report that the workers on the eighth floor had just produced? For that situation, there were usually messengers who had the important task of physically taking those documents, messages and packages from one point in the office to another.

Then personal computers and personal fax machines became affordable and available, effectively replacing the need for messengers in most cases. Email and faxes became the norm, making it possible for those people within a specific network to instantly share those documents and reports. But there was still a need for telephones for those cases in which voice communication was necessary as well.

As technology tends to do, it was probably inevitable that the personal computers and telephones would eventually find more common ground. VoIP is that common ground.

VoIP allows data and voice streaming within a particular network. That network may or may not be limited to a specific building or company, though many companies are finding that it's a very cost effective way of dealing with the need for data and voice streaming.

The fact that this is typically a very effective and cost effective way of communicating means that more companies are likely to be moving in this direction in the future. For those who are technically adept at understanding VoIP, this means that there will continue to be more jobs in the field. As is the case with computers, it takes some natural ability to be truly adept in this field, but there are also many schools and training facilities ready and able to offer quality programs to prepare you for a career in this field.

As more people and companies understand the potential for effective communication with VoIP, there's likely to be more career opportunities in the field. If you're one of those people who understand technology, computers and electronics, you may very well find that this is a perfect field for you.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.

Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: Internet Phone | Internet Phone Service | VoIP Service

Facts Behind The Myths Of Partner Telephones

Writen by Cameron George Elliott

They're expensive.
Not true; there are models with 18 and 34 buttons that cost a little more, but Avaya also has an affordable 6 button model, designed for price- conscious customers.

Partner Phones don't have the features I need. And let me tell you, I need a lot of features.
You've come to the right phone. Avaya designed the Partner phones to fit the complex needs of growing businesses. In addition to all the standard features, Partner phones have back- lit displays, programmable buttons, and message- waiting indicators, allowing you to work more efficiently. In fact, Avaya is the only phone company to put easily read back- lit displays on their phones.

And, Partner phones use LEDs for the message- waiting indicators instead of displaying it only on the display. Now, you know if you message from across the room, saving you time.

I'm just a small business, I don't need that much of a phone.
Avaya made the Partner phones with you in mind; they're designed for small to medium business, and the features will help you work efficiently and productively.

Partner Phones are hard to use.
In fact, Partner phones are easier to use than other business phones. Some companies have a single button for hold, conference, and transfer, making things more difficult. But Partner phones have separate buttons for each function, and a fixed intercom button. And, the programmable buttons make the phones easy to configure to match your needs.

Partner phones can be installed either on your desktop or as wall- mounts, to best fit your space.

You can't upgrade Partner Phones.
You sure can: they have an auxiliary port, so it's easy and inexpensive to add a headset, cordless phone, or an answering machine.

I'm a busy person; I always do 15 things at once, and when I'm on the phone, I'm also typing reports, reading emails, and updating the schedule on my BlackBerry via Bluetooth. I have no use for Partner phones.
You couldn't be further from the truth; the phones work with headsets, have a speakerphone, and have a hands free answer on intercom option. In other words, you can answer calls without picking up the phone. It's brilliant, and makes working that much easier. So use the Partner phones and multi- task with abandon.

I have an old phone and data network, and these new- fangled phones won't work with what I have.
All Partner phones are backwards- compatible, so you have nothing to worry about; they will work with your existing Partner network.

Yes, it's all very well and good that Partner phones have LEDs as message- waiting indicators, but I'm color- blind so this feature is useless for me.
Good news- the phones have both red and green LEDs, so if you have trouble telling colors apart, you'll do just fine with Partner phones.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya Phone Systems

Voip Guide Some Guidelines For Voip

Writen by Sardool Sikandar

VoIP refers to voice over Internet Protocol. This latest technology provides voice conversations over Internet or via IP-based network. In VoIP technology, protocols are used to carry voice signals over Internet Protocol network. VoIP is also known as IP Telephony, Internet telephony and Digital Phone.

Nowadays VoIP technology is very popular. People generally like to use this technology because its costs are less than traditional phone. Several large corporations use this IP technology to increase their working area. Everyone is currently familiar with voice chat software. Internet protocol telephony has some additional advantages over traditional phone lines.

VoIP technology enables you talk to several people simultaneously. You can also send some other types of data like files, with the help of VoIP. It offers different services with developing technologies. VoIP enables you to send any type of data at higher speeds of Internet.

Several devices can easily receive IP calls. It doesn't require hardware but some software programs like Skype are required to install on your computer. Some national companies such as Verizon and AT&T also offers VoIP services. Vonage was the very first company that offered voice over Internet protocol services at reasonable rates.

Due to developing technologies, it is said that VoIP has a great future. It has gained a large number of clients in a short period. Its installation procedure is very simple and anyone can easily handle it with a little knowledge.

About Author: The Author owns a website on VoIP. Website offers useful information about voice over Internet protocol. Offers advantages of VoIP. You may visit his site about Network Management Tools.

Is There Spit On Face Of Federal Trade Commission

Writen by Lance Winslow

Well it took the FTC some 2-years to devise a plan to stop SPAM, then they came back with definitions only. SPAM went from a nuisance to a major problem and even with the Presidents CAN SPAM Act the FTC was impotent to enforce it. They filed some 60-cases, but SPAM comes from all over the World and people still get 200 per day, although most commercial filters get rid of a good percentage. Of course that was not the FTC that did that, it was Free Enterprise.

Now there is a new thing Called SPIT (SPAM over IP Telephony) which threatens to overwhelm VoIP Networks. The FTC where are they now? Probably in some back room playing with them selves after falling for one of those Viagra generic drugs from Canada online pharmacy SPAMs? Looks like more SPIT on face of Federal Trade Commission.

So far due to the FTC's failure to keep up with industry and never actually finishing anything they start now we have SPAM, SPLOGS, SPIT, phishing and pharming? A person might get 100 SPITs a day on their VoIP system and render the system literally useless to users by causing disruptions in their phone service? So much for a Do Not SPIT List, it will take the FTC nine months just to define what S.P.I.T is, but they will not have to look far as it is not egg on their face, why it's SPIT. So, think on it.

Lance Winslow

Do You Text Chat Im Online

Writen by Dee Scrip

IM (Instant Messaging) - man, we thought we had it made in the shade when we stumbled over this unique way to communicate! Outside of talking person-to-person on the phone, IM was the next best thing. Texting talk was endless and cost was nonexistent. Well, those were the good old days of yore – you know, those days of glorious innocence.

Just as we were getting oh so comfortable, happily IMing away to each other, then came the cloak-and-dagger entrance of the treacherous "IM villains". With their ominous arrival, the party abruptly ended. It seemed like overnight, our instant messaging (IM) turned into instant mercenaries, and the carnage was strewn all over the Internet.

First, it was one by one, then the numbers increased and starting growing exponentially, as friends began receiving, and inadvertently sending, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Then it went from bad to worse, as report after report surfaced describing the grisly results of innocent victims losing their identity because these villains had accessed their personal and confidential information. Truly this was the darkest of times for all IMer friends – regardless of the IM service we were texting on.

How could this have happened? And more importantly, how can we protect ourselves?

Well, I found out that these villainous hackers had accessed a nifty little program originally designed to benefit us, and twisted it to intercept our conversations traveling across the internet. They now have a profitable tool to use that intercepts our data packets and sends us a virus, and duplicates it by sending the same ugly bug to everyone on our Buddy List.

Once a hacker has gained access to our Buddy List, they trick our friends into thinking WE, (a trusted source), are sending them a file to download. Then when our friends innocently download the file, these villains can then access their computers as well, and use the personal and confidential information gathered to line their own pockets. How it affected businesses whose employees used IM to communicate…well, I will just let your imagination take over from there…because the hackers let theirs do the same.

A lot of us were thinking that we had nothing to worry about because we had anti-virus software on our computers, and that provided the protection we needed. Wrong!

Anti-virus software is not designed to protect our data packets traveling across the internet. There are still no anti-virus applications that directly monitor IM traffic. This is due to the difficulty in finding IM traffic as it is often embedded inside http packets. And what is worse yet is that Forrester's, Root stated that "In 2005 and 2006, we expect IM to get hit with some serious attacks…"

But, don't despair! I have discovered a cure!

In fact, I discovered the best of both worlds. What I have found is a computer phone (in "techy" terms known as VoIP – voice over internet protocol) that is optimally secure. One of the many features of the computer phone is the IM that is built into it. Thus, the IM instant messages are sent over optimally secure lines rather than openly public lines on the Internet -- AND I can also actually talk to friends from my computer phone any time I want. The "good old days of yore" are back with even more !!!

Here's what a computer phone is all about.

The computer phone was the creation resulting from taking the convenience and features of the telephone and combining it with the power of the Internet. Pretty ingenious I think! Although most computers have a built in microphone, some do not. Mine was one of those computers that did not. So, I ran down to a local store and bought one for $5. Then, much to my delight, I found out that it easily plugged into the back of my computer.

Here is what is really incredible about a computer phone. I can talk, IM, make 3-way calls, transfer a call to my cell phone if I am running out the door, and much, much more.

Actually, I have become so accustomed to the convenience of the features on my computer phone, that it actually becomes frustrating when I cannot IM a friend I am talking to on their cell phone or telephone. You see, often times, I find great sites to share with my friends, so I have to slowly spell out the location over the phone and repeat the letters so they get the right site, then wait for them to repeat it back to me, rather than quickly IMing them the site and letting them click on it right then and there.

One final word of wisdom -- over 90% of all computer phone (VoIP) services out there do not operate on secure lines. The one I am using is optimally secure because they have their own proprietary high end encryption codec (code) with patented technology that is hosted in a professional facility. You just can't get any better than that!

Want to try a computer phone out for yourself?

You can download the software and try it out for 7 days absolutely free and without any contract, obligations, or hassles. Here's the place to visit http://www.free-pc-phone.com Oh, and yes, you will love this….if you use a dial up connection to the internet, these computer phones work too, in addition to satellite, cable, and wireless connections.

Dee Scrip is a well-known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP security, and other VoIP related issues. http://www.free-pc-phone.com

How To Make Free International Calls From Your Computer

Writen by Debbie Jacobsen

Did you know that it's possible to make free international calls from your computer? That's right – as long as you have an internet connection and the right hardware on your computer, it is really easy to make totally free international long distance calls.

You can now talk to your friends and relatives overseas for free using some simple software available on the internet. You should have a broadband internet connection for the best call quality, but it is possible to make calls over a dial up connection.

Here's how to make free international calls over the internet:

• First of all, make sure your computer has a sound card with a speaker and microphone jack.

Look at the back of your PC and see where your speakers are connected; this is your sound card. A sound card usually has three small "holes" that are usually color coded light blue, light green and/or light pink. If you look carefully you might see symbols next to each hole indicating a microphone and speakers. Most computers that are under 5 years old will have a sound card.

• If you have speakers connected, purchase a computer microphone and connect it to the microphone jack on your sound card.

If you don't have speakers, or want to have better sound quality, purchase a computer headset with microphone and connect it to the appropriate jacks on your sound card.

• Download free internet phone software from the VoIP provider of your choice. VoIP stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol", which is the method for making phone calls over the internet.

Popular VoIP internet phone service providers are Skype, Gizmo, Net2Phone and WebPhone. It doesn't matter which one you use – the important thing is that everyone you talk with uses the same VoIP provider.

• Install the software and register for a free account. Remember the user name you choose, as this is how the people you call will know you.

• Start the software and follow the instructions to configure your equipment and make a free test call to make sure everything is set up correctly.

• When your equipment and software is set up and the test call is fine, email your friends and family and ask them to do the same thing you did – get a headset or microphone and speakers, go to the VoIP provider's website to download and install the software, set up a free account and make a test call.

• Share your VoIP internet phone service user name with everyone you want to make calls with. Everyone should enter each other's user names into the VoIP software's "contacts" list. This is how you will "dial" and connect with your international friends and family.

• Email your friends and/or family and decide on a time to talk. Make sure both parties are online, and that everyone has their internet phone service software running.

• Make your international call by clicking on the person's user name within your contact list and then clicking the "dial" icon within the program. You will hear a ringing sound on your side, and the other party will hear the ringing also. They may also see a message on their computer screen telling them that you are trying to call.

• When the person you are calling clicks on the "answer" icon on his/her internet phone service software, you will be connected. You can then talk to each other over the internet for free.

• When done talking, simply click the "hang up" icon on the VoIP software.

This type of VoIP internet phone service is called "softphone" because it requires a computer and software to make phone calls over the internet. Calls between users of the same VoIP service provider (i.e. Skype, Net2Phone, Gizmo, etc…) are always free, so it's easy to keep in touch with international friends and relatives. If desired, you can hook up an inexpensive webcam and make free international video phone calls too!

If you are interested in learning more about how to make free international calls with VoIP, visit Debbie's page on VoIP Softphone Service - Free VoIP

How Voip Is Used

Writen by Phil Lam

While there are a number of ways that VoIP is currently being used, most individual callers fall into one of three categories: ATA, IP Phones, and Computer-to-Computer.

ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, is the most common way of using VoIP. This adaptor actually allows you to hook up the phone, which is already in your house, to your computer, and then to your Internet connection. What the ATA does, is turn the analog signals your phone sends out into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. Setting up this system is quite simple. It simply requires that you order an ATA, plug the cable from your phone (which would normally go into the wall socket) into the ATA, and then the ATA gets plugged into your computer, which is connected to the internet. Some ATAs include software that has to be installed on your computer before it is ready to be used, but basically it is quite a simple process.

The next type of VoIP usage utilizes IP Phones instead of your home phone. The IP Phone looks just like a normal phone, with all the same buttons and cradle. The only difference is that instead of having a normal wall jack connector, it has an Ethernet connector. So, instead of plugging in your IP phone to the wall jack (like you would with a regular analog phone), it is plugged directly into your router. This option allows you to circumvent your personal computer. It also means that you will not have to install any software because it is all built into the handset. In addition, with the availability of Wi-Fi IP phones, subscribing callers can make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spots. All these features make IP Phones an extremely exciting option.

Lastly, the simplest and cheapest way to use VoIP is through computer-to-computer calls. These calls are entirely free, meaning that there is no need for any calling plans. The only things you need are the software (which can be found for free on the internet), a good internet connection, a microphone, speakers and a sound card. Except for your monthly internet service fee, there is literally no cost for making these calls, no matter how many you make.

For large companies, VoIP also offers some very unique possibilities. Some larger companies are already utilizing the technology by conducting all intra-office calls through a VoIP network. Because the quality of sound is comparable to and in some cases surpasses that of analog service, some international companies are using VoIP to route international calls through the branch of their company, which is nearest the call's destination and then completing it on an analog system. This allows them to pay local rates internationally and still utilize the same intra-office VoIP network, as if they are calling someone in the next cubicle.

Advantages of VoIP

While your current long-distance plan covers you for only one location, say calls made from your office, you can make a call from anywhere where you can get a broadband connection with VoIP. That is because all three methods mentioned above, unlike analog calls, send the call information via the Internet. Hence, you can make calls from home, on vacation, on business trips and almost anywhere else. With VoIP, you can bring your home phone along with you anywhere you go. In the same way, computer-to-computer connections imply that as long as you have your laptop and a broadband connection, you are ready to go.

There are also some nifty benefits to having your calls transmitted over the Internet. For example, some VoIP service providers allow you to check your voicemail via your e-mail, while others allow you to attach voice messages to your e-mails.

The Future of VoIP

While most analysts believe that it will take at least another decade before companies and telephone providers make the full switch to VoIP, the potential for VoIP technology's use today is already quite astounding. A report by the Forrester Research Group predicts that by the end of 2006, nearly 5 million U.S. households will be using VoIP phone service. With the savings and flexibility that VoIP technology already offers, and new advances just ahead on the horizon, we can expect those numbers to escalate further in the future.

Article contributed by San Singhania who is a VoIP consultant at Lantone Communications. Led by a team of experienced IT developers, Lantone Communications is one of the leading VoIP Provider in Singapore. Please visit their official website for the latest information on VoIP.

This article may be reprinted in its original form as long as the resource box is left intact and the links live and the article is not to be modified in any way.

Voip A Laymans Look Should You Or Shouldnt You

Writen by Dennis Schooley

"As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute cat food, or we evangelize, but should we be considering VoIP? Will it make us more money, or save us time?" -Dennis Schooley

So what's all this VoIP hype anyway? I mean we all know that our voice can be delivered to the four corners of the globe over telephone lines. (Actually, I missed that part of second grade math where they taught us that a ball has corners, but everybody says it, so I'll accept it). Alex G. Bell, the second most famous resident of Brantford, Ontario, right after Wayne Gretzky of course, led us down the voice transmission path.

We're also fully aware of the Internet. Otherwise where would we get our sports scores, weather reports, horoscopes, and genealogy fixes. So why do we care about the real-time transmission of our voice, in telephone quality, using Internet protocol (VoIP)?

Presumably the whole concept was created to deliver some benefit to us techno-ignorant dwellers of the house of the masses. As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute cat food, or we evangelize, but should we be considering VoIP? Will it make us money, or save us time? Will it make us more efficient as a Manufacturer, Distributor, or Evangelist? If the answer to those questions is no, then we shouldn't even think about it. So let's explore those questions. After all, it's all about results.

Geoffrey Moore introduced the concept that a product must cross the chasm of market acceptance in the 'Technology Adoption Life Cycle' in his book Crossing the Chasm. In his next book, Inside the Tornado, Moore talks about the tornado of market acceptance that lies like a siren beyond the chasm. It appears that VoIP is clawing up the far wall of the chasm, but we don't know for sure whether it will find that toe hold to crawl out, and catch the swirling tornado winds of fortune. All indicators are that it's going to happen. Dorothy and the Tin Man are holding their breath.

Perhaps the most significant indicator is that the 'business-prevention specialists', a title I usually reserve for lawyers, but in this case is applied affectionately to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), have begun the task of investigating what should be regulated in the world of VoIP. The FCC has already delivered a ruling on a VoIP product offered by AT&T. That fact in itself should make us all take notice that there must be something good coming, or they wouldn't be showing up at the dance to make sure the band isn't too loud.

Larry Stocker, of Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants in Kansas City says, 'if my clients' interest in VoIP is any indicator, then I think there will be a big increase in the provision of the service. We have quadrupled our number of assignments in the last six months alone, for clients that wish to select the right VoIP service, at the right price, from the right supplier. That seems to be a good indicator of market acceptance.

Another good indicator would be the number of suppliers, including the tier-one Telco's that have entered the fray to provide VoIP in their own particular flavor. That fact should cause us pause. It should cause us to challenge the original premise that ‘talking over the Internet will be free', and that there will be no long distance cost any more. If that were the case, would all of these big companies - the renowned leaders in the telecom world - be scrambling to get to market to provide the service? Maybe it's just their way of giving back to society. I'm more inclined to think there are huge profits at stake.

And now you say, 'but I've already got the Internet, why isn't it free'. Well first of all, you'll need some kind of device that delivers 'telephone quality' over the Internet. Remember, I said 'real time'. Those $20 microphones just don't do it. In addition, have you ever tried to put someone on hold on the Internet, or call forward, or take a voice message you know, the things that businesses do everyday.

Presumably that's what all these suppliers are running the relay for to sell you that 'stuff' at the end of the race. Whether they sell it to you outright, or whether you rent it from them for a monthly service fee isn't the point. The point is that there is a cost to get access, as well as proper business applications. Included in the cost, which will be recovered through charges to you, are signaling, routing, protocol, and interface technologies. Oops, that's not layman's talk.

Presumably that's what all these suppliers are running the relay for to sell you that 'stuff' at the end of the race.

In addition to the access 'stuff' as a layman would say, there has to be access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or I would never be able to call my mother. VoIP calls have to terminate on everyday telephone sets because I'm pretty sure my mom doesn't have a VoIP set up at her house. She doesn't have a bankcard, won't stay in a hotel that doesn't have 'real keys', and still loves her dial phone (definitely in Moore's technology buying group called Skeptics or Laggards). There is no way I'll be talking to her over her Internet connection she doesn't have one, and never will. So this VoIP thing will have to access the normal phone system. That's where the FCC and CRTC step in. Their position is that if the PSTN will be accessed, then access fees will have to be paid by the providers. And up goes the cost.

In his book, Implementing Voice Over IP, Bhumip Khasnabish, says "The goals of VoIP implementation are to achieve (a) significant savings in network maintenance and operations costs and (b) rapid rollout of new services."

O.K., so it's not free but there should be 'significant savings' if that holds true. Assuming those savings will be passed on, it should make me more money through cost reduction. Presumably these ‘new services' will be designed to save me time, make me more efficient, or provide easier access to my target markets. Just think if one step can be eliminated in the manufacture of shin pads, if distribution channels for cat food are more streamlined, or the Evangelist can find more heathens to convert.

Bill Webster, another Schooley Mitchell consultant in Calgary, Alberta says, "the key is to assess the reliability and quality of service. If the quality is what you need, and by the way, it's improving every day, then a cost-benefit analysis is required comparing your current access to VoIP. Often times VoIP is the winner. As new services with VoIP become available over time, that win will be even more evident for the regular business person."

So there you have it. Should you or shouldn't you, as the title queries? It seems that the answer is akin to; should I or shouldn't I, when Alexander Graham introduced the telephone concept in the first place. I'm pretty sure that everyone, at least those that are alive today, eventually got one. Bell had to deal with laggards too.

It seems that this is the way the market will develop if the supply and regulatory indicators hold true. VoIP is not out of the chasm yet, but when this many suppliers enter the arena, then functionality is driven up to deliver the 'better mouse trap', price is driven down through competitive alternatives, reliability (the bugs are worked out) is driven up by the same forces, and you have emergence.

It seems that if you take Webster's advice and prepare the proper cost-benefit analysis, you're likely going to be getting your kite ready for the VoIP tornado.

Copyright Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants 2004

Dennis Schooley is the Founder of Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants, a Professional Services Franchise Company. He writes for publication, as well as for http://schooleymitchell.blogging,com and http://franchises.blogging.com, in the subject areas of Franchising, and Technology for the Layman. http://www.schooleymitchell.com, 888-311-6477, dschooley@schooleymitchell.com.

Saving Money With Voip Hosted Pbx Service

Writen by Bill Casey

There are so many ways that a VOIP Hosted PBX can save you money I can't begin to cover them all in a short space. However, here a few of the major cost saving aspects of a VoIP Hosted PBX system:

Cash Flow - Controlling cash flow is a major factor that determines the ultimate success or failure of any business, regardless if you are a start-up or an established business. Tight control over capital expenditures and operating expense is essential. On average, a VOIP Hosted PBX costs 20-40% less than a premise-based PBX. Also, CAPEX is minimized because you don't have to "Buy the "Box".

Additionally, because of the way premised based PBX systems are designed, you have no choice but to buy more equipment than you actually need to support your current requirements.

Sounds crazy, but it's true. Why spend precious dollars now on equipment you won't need until six or 12 months later or longer? A VOIP Hosted PBX allows you to pay as you grow. In other words, you only buy what you need to support current requirements.

Adding new employees to the system is fast, easy, and cheap. More importantly, you don't have to pay for something until you actually need it.

If you are ever affected by a downturn in business, a VOIP Hosted PBX gives you the flexibility to reduce your expenses accordingly by reducing your telecommunications requirements with no penalty since you only pay for what you need, when you need it. Generally, you cannot do that with a traditional premise-based PBX without incurring some form of financial penalty.

Moves, Adds, and Changes - Unlike a traditional PBX, in a VOIP Hosted PBX environment, Moves, Adds and Changes do not require an on-site technician to make changes to your phone system. A VoIP Hosted PBX can be remotely configured by the provider, thus providing you with the flexibility to add, change, delete or move users within hours instead of days.

Eliminating costly monthly maintenance contracts will reduce your expenses because there is no need for a technician to visit your location every time you want to make a change. This is done remotely by the VOIP Hosted PBX provider, which also gives you with greater flexibility to respond quickly to changing business or market conditions.

Significantly Reduce Depreciation Losses - Traditional PBX systems depreciate almost 70% the day you install them. With VoIP Hosted phone service, you won't have to worry about depreciation since you're not purchasing equipment.

Although there are many other reasons that a Hosted PBX can save you money, such as reduced maintenance, elimination of the need to track and implement software patches, no requirement to maintain PBX equipment inventories, no vendor finger-pointing, and faster trouble resolution, the overall savings can be summed up by considering the Total Cost of Ownership of a traditional PBX compared to that of a VOIP Hosted PBX.

In the December 2005 issue of Business Communications Review, Ken Dolsky and Warren Williams of InfoTech published an in-depth analysis comparing the TCO/ROI of a Hosted PBX to that of a premise-based IP PBX for a single location with 50 users. They concluded for most instances, the Hosted PBX environment was the clear financial and performance winner. Even though their analysis shows a significant opportunity to reduce costs with a VOIP Hosted PBX, it is important to point out that the analysis did not not take into account large savings associated with increasing employee productivity and revenue using the Hosted PBX's advanced features.

Here's another piece of advice.

When you replace your traditional PBX with a VOIP Hosted PBX system, then plan on buying a bigger piggybank, too.

Bill Casey is the VP of Marketing for Reignmaker Communications, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. They offer Hosted PBX service.

Why Voip

Writen by Gayathri Sekar

Voice over Internet Protocol delivers the service of converting the analog line into a digital signal so that voice could be transferred through the internet and this proves to be a lot cheaper than the PSTN (public switched telephone network). VOIP is the best for making long distance calls in, inexpensive rates.

VOIP and IP telephony are fields which have seen extensive growth and they continue to develop efficiently. To obtain the facility of voip you need to plug an IP phone into your network or you use an adapter, where you can attach it with your phone and then into your computer. When are connecting through voip using your adapter, you will hear a regular ring tone and the usage would be just the same as your regular phone. You are provided with an option of making a call directly from your computer, with the help of a conventional line. Then your call will be routed to the VOIP providers through your local telephone company. If you do not have a conventional telephone line, you can make use of the microphones, you could punch the numbers in the keyboard and this will be routed by your cable modem.

You require a broadband connection to optimize the services of VOIP. Your broadband connection can be your cable modem or any other LAN.

Traditional phones only transfer analog voice which is subjected to many distortions, but in VOIP the analog voice is converted into digital voice. And this enhances the communication. The first and foremost advantage of VOIP is that they are very economical because if you have a voip there is no need for a conventional line, so you are eventually reducing the additional cost of owning a phone line. Another advantage is that your VOIP connection proves to be mobile as long as you have high speed internet connection available, so if you have an internet connection you can use the Voip anywhere. VOIP also allows you to use your computer simultaneously when you are speaking through the Voip. These Voip services make them the best to be used by enterprises of all sizes. Since VOIP avoids the PSTN, by converting analog voice into digitized packets, the monitory charges associated with the PSTN can be reduced.

As stated earlier VOIP is best for enterprises or companies, because they are the people who need to make a lot of long distance calls frequently. VOIP also allows extension dialing between locations which are situated far apart. So employees in a company can make calls and speak to another co-worker in a different branch in any part of the world. VOIP also provides calls transferring services. There are many others enhancements in VOIP like the Conferencing, voice mail, click to dial and so on.

It has been reported that by 2006 many companies have started implementing VOIP as a part of their network. And still a lot of companies have planned to take up VOIP as it provides efficiency and robustness.

Gayathri Sekar is a seo copywriter for IPtelecoms as well. She has involved herself in this field for more than 3 years. For further details related to the article you can visit the site http://www.iptelecoms.com. You can contact her through mail at gayathrisekar2006@gmail.com