Internet, phone service VOIP, cell phones and two-way talking televisions are fast taking over our culture. It is for this reason that we need to become educated about these aspects so that we can properly combat the aspects of these issues that are to come.
We must warn others, too, so that they will be ready when the time comes to actually learn how to use some of this great stuff. Take the VOIP services, for example. Who wouldn't want to make a phone call over the internet?
So what is influencing this grand influx in communications? Is it just the way people have always been or is the exciting medium of phone service VOIP entertaining the notion of people stepping outside of their comfort zones for a look at how the other half lives?
A quick gander around at some of the usual suspects of cell phone and VOIP phone services use will tell us that some answers are more confusing, in fact, than the questions.
Take the teenage girl demographic, for example. Without getting too stereotypical, many teenage girls spend upwards of thirteen hours a day on the telephone talking to their girl friends about boy friends and how those boy friends look in designer blue jeans or the latest hoodies from Hot Topic.
This demographic, according to VOIP vendor providers like Skype, are most likely to utilize VOIP services and are most likely to help put VOIP vendors and their families into much larger homes with much larger swimming pools. The cash flow in terms of the teen girl demographic is so huge in terms of Voice over Internet Protocol calls, in fact, that many people can retire after just one afternoon of calls taken from the Eastern seaboard.
Another demographic that is popular is the office worker. This asexual workaholic demographic often spends hours on the telephone as well, brokering some sort of deal from Botswana for hours with people that do not speak the same language. This miscommunication enables workers at VOIP providers to make a lot of money from the phone calls.
The customer, however, still saves a considerable amount of cash on the long distance because most VOIP vendor packages charge little to nothing in terms of long distance. So whether the deal crashes in Botswana or not, everybody wins.
A huge demographic that uses VOIP on a regular basis would be the chatroom types. These people, both male and female, tend to use VOIP services to create a bigger connection to their chatroom friends and create more realism to their experience.
Using phone service VOIP to converse adds an element of vocalized realism to the conversation that you just can't get from typing in what you're doing.
VOIP companies have a lot to gain from the variety of possibilities they can get in terms of customers from all over the world. The change in social climate, call it a "social warming", is bringing people closer together and creating such an influx in social necessity that people all over the world are turning to VOIP services.
The reality behind this is that companies such as Skype or Yahoo have a lot to gain from offering phone service VOIP packages on their websites. Without these phone service VOIP packages, we might all be up a creek without a prayer.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Switching To Phone Systems VOIP For The Long Term
Changing to phone systems VOIP from a conventional phone can seem like a daunting adventure that few would be willing to risk, but in reality it can be quite effortless. The changes involved with VOIP can be intricate and can greatly benefit the user, coming from VOIP vendor services like Vonage or Yahoo Messenger. VOIP services are changing the way the world is talking on the phone.
Purchasing a new VOIP phone system requires the user to know the answers to quite a few questions about the type of service they intend to utilize. It is important to consider all of the various facets of the service in order to choose the right phone systems VOIP service provider to work with the plan.
If the phone is being used for a variety of long distance calls more than any other call type, a plan such as Skype or Vonage may be beneficial because of their great long distance features. Many VOIP systems do not even charge a long distance rate, especially between two users of the same service, so establishing that type of network right away can be extremely helpful to long distance users.
Many Voice over Internet Protocol services charge a flat-rate monthly fee to their users that enable unlimited calls under a plan. Users should comparison shop the monthly fees of the various companies to find the least expensive and then examine the features that they will receive for that monthly fee.
If the features are minimal, it may be worth it to pay a little bit more per month for more benefits. Some companies offer a bare bones calling package of unlimited calls, but little features, for around ten dollars a month. Watch for "deals" like these because they can often leave you without a lot of the key benefits of using Voice over IP.
VOIP phones involve a whole lot of great features that many normal phones do not offer to their great customers. Features like caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, call blocking, fax redirect, last number redial, and exclusive voicemail are all typical of normal phones, but VOIP includes all of those features and more in most of their great plans.
These Voice over Internet Protocol features can be a lot of fun to check out. They include free area code selection that allows the user to select their own area code regardless of where they are in the world. If a VOIP user wants an area code to be located in South Africa, they are welcome to it.
VOIP features also include great tools such as multi-ring features for other calls that come in while the user is taking a call, global travel without long distance rates, instant connectivity to hot spots that enable VOIP users to connect internationally to any internet capable area, a personal computer to phone option that allows great back and forth connectivity, and full sets of contact lists stored on a removable hard drive.
If the user will be making a lot of calls, the features involved with phone systems VOIP create an awesome arsenal of items for the caller that can be overwhelming. Users of phone systems VOIP report nothing but happiness out of their services. It wouldn't be too much of a leap to say that phone systems VOIP is here to stay.
Purchasing a new VOIP phone system requires the user to know the answers to quite a few questions about the type of service they intend to utilize. It is important to consider all of the various facets of the service in order to choose the right phone systems VOIP service provider to work with the plan.
If the phone is being used for a variety of long distance calls more than any other call type, a plan such as Skype or Vonage may be beneficial because of their great long distance features. Many VOIP systems do not even charge a long distance rate, especially between two users of the same service, so establishing that type of network right away can be extremely helpful to long distance users.
Many Voice over Internet Protocol services charge a flat-rate monthly fee to their users that enable unlimited calls under a plan. Users should comparison shop the monthly fees of the various companies to find the least expensive and then examine the features that they will receive for that monthly fee.
If the features are minimal, it may be worth it to pay a little bit more per month for more benefits. Some companies offer a bare bones calling package of unlimited calls, but little features, for around ten dollars a month. Watch for "deals" like these because they can often leave you without a lot of the key benefits of using Voice over IP.
VOIP phones involve a whole lot of great features that many normal phones do not offer to their great customers. Features like caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, call blocking, fax redirect, last number redial, and exclusive voicemail are all typical of normal phones, but VOIP includes all of those features and more in most of their great plans.
These Voice over Internet Protocol features can be a lot of fun to check out. They include free area code selection that allows the user to select their own area code regardless of where they are in the world. If a VOIP user wants an area code to be located in South Africa, they are welcome to it.
VOIP features also include great tools such as multi-ring features for other calls that come in while the user is taking a call, global travel without long distance rates, instant connectivity to hot spots that enable VOIP users to connect internationally to any internet capable area, a personal computer to phone option that allows great back and forth connectivity, and full sets of contact lists stored on a removable hard drive.
If the user will be making a lot of calls, the features involved with phone systems VOIP create an awesome arsenal of items for the caller that can be overwhelming. Users of phone systems VOIP report nothing but happiness out of their services. It wouldn't be too much of a leap to say that phone systems VOIP is here to stay.
An Overview Of VOIP
VOIP refers to Voice over Internet Protocol and is the act of allowing voice conversations to turn to digital items so that they can be transmitted over a network such as the internet. There are many ways to look at the variety of issues around VOIP, most of which will not necessarily offer any clarity to consumers or readers that are not all that versed in technological issues or the internet. The truth is that VOIP can be very complicated and can represent a lot of terminology that many people will not even begin to understand.
Voice over IP services transmit your voice into a sound data packet and transmit that data packet across a network, like the internet, to your intended receiver. A broadband or high speed internet connection is required to participate because that is the protocol by which the communication travels.
This can be a cable modem or a certain package of wireless services, for instance. You also need a computer, a specialized phone, or an adaptor to participate.
Some services allow the user to utilize a normal phone with an adaptor over the computer 's network. Other services, however, require a specialized VOIP phone system that can take and receive phone VOIP calls due to special software located within.
In terms of using a normal phone, there is usually a software package that accompanies the adaptor or the program download that can change your normal phone into something that can accept and send voice over IP phone transmissions.
Depending on the limitations of your service, you may only be able to contact other people with a VOIP service program on their network. There are some programs and providers, however, which allow calls to all people on all phones regardless of the network.
If you are calling a person with a basic telephone (analog), that person does not need any special equipment to receive your call or carry on a conversation with you regardless of the type of phone you call on.
There are a number of issues involved that may cause you to think twice about the service, however. For one, some services will not function at all during a power outage. The service provider may not offer backup power for these situations. Second, VOIP servers may not offer white page or directory assistance programs.
This can be curbed rather simply, however, as the internet is literally at your fingertips. Third, not all VOIP servers link directly to 911 or other emergency numbers. You may have to ask your provider specifically about this issue for an answer.
In June of 2005, the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America enacted a regulation that insisted that all VOIP providers include 911 emergency services or that they include a sticker or form of notification that signalled that the phone did not offer that service.
There was also an active regulation that made VOIP phone systems subject to the same law enforcement capabilities to wiretap. This was also enacted by the FCC and applies to all servers.
Basically, VOIP allows the user to work from a personal phone or computer to connect through the internet or an adapter through a network to another phone or personal computer.
This technology is changing the way calls are monitored, made, and billed around the world. The United States is fast becoming a leader in VOIP technology regulation and is enacting a variety of regulations on the process to ensure the public 's safety.
Voice over IP services transmit your voice into a sound data packet and transmit that data packet across a network, like the internet, to your intended receiver. A broadband or high speed internet connection is required to participate because that is the protocol by which the communication travels.
This can be a cable modem or a certain package of wireless services, for instance. You also need a computer, a specialized phone, or an adaptor to participate.
Some services allow the user to utilize a normal phone with an adaptor over the computer 's network. Other services, however, require a specialized VOIP phone system that can take and receive phone VOIP calls due to special software located within.
In terms of using a normal phone, there is usually a software package that accompanies the adaptor or the program download that can change your normal phone into something that can accept and send voice over IP phone transmissions.
Depending on the limitations of your service, you may only be able to contact other people with a VOIP service program on their network. There are some programs and providers, however, which allow calls to all people on all phones regardless of the network.
If you are calling a person with a basic telephone (analog), that person does not need any special equipment to receive your call or carry on a conversation with you regardless of the type of phone you call on.
There are a number of issues involved that may cause you to think twice about the service, however. For one, some services will not function at all during a power outage. The service provider may not offer backup power for these situations. Second, VOIP servers may not offer white page or directory assistance programs.
This can be curbed rather simply, however, as the internet is literally at your fingertips. Third, not all VOIP servers link directly to 911 or other emergency numbers. You may have to ask your provider specifically about this issue for an answer.
In June of 2005, the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America enacted a regulation that insisted that all VOIP providers include 911 emergency services or that they include a sticker or form of notification that signalled that the phone did not offer that service.
There was also an active regulation that made VOIP phone systems subject to the same law enforcement capabilities to wiretap. This was also enacted by the FCC and applies to all servers.
Basically, VOIP allows the user to work from a personal phone or computer to connect through the internet or an adapter through a network to another phone or personal computer.
This technology is changing the way calls are monitored, made, and billed around the world. The United States is fast becoming a leader in VOIP technology regulation and is enacting a variety of regulations on the process to ensure the public 's safety.
Looking For The Right VOIP Phone
The magical VOIP phone can be a novel and stimulating skill for many people, but for others it can be a menacing and baffling undertaking. A VOIP phone might present an arrangement of challenges and issues that you may not be ready to face without learning a whole lot more about what is involved with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
There are easy ways to learn about this VOIP phone system technology, however. You can check out some information on the internet, for example, or talk to a local phone company customer service representative and ask them all of your questions.
Finding a VOIP vendor in your area can be easy, especially now that VOIP phone system technology has an overwhelming amount of influence in the markets. People are getting tired of their conventional phone services and wish to switch to something that makes calling more inexpensive and more convenient.
Whether or not VOIP phone system technology is the right answer to this question is still a little up in the air, but more and more people are willing to try VOIP systems now more than ever.
VOIP has a variety of names. The most commonly referenced name for VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is also known by IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and the popular Voice-over-Broadband.
Essentially, all of those names refer to the same basis element of VOIP; it involves the routing of voice conversations over the internet or through any other possible IP-based network capability.
Companies that supply VOIP to customers are called providers. A provider uses a protocol, which is a term that refers to the set of standards that govern communications, to grant their customers the ability to get through on their network. VOIP systems, thus, enable customers the ability to work through networks like the internet to place all of their phone calls.
The cash savings come by way of utilizing a single network to make all of the calls. Many providers have the networks previously in place due to their ordinary telephone services, so hooking up VOIP costs them little to no extra capital.
VOIP phone systems, for many providers, are almost like free money in the bank. They create the possibility of free calling from one VOIP services user to another, enabling long distance calling to become a lot less of a hassle for the average consumer.
VOIP will change the way we talk to one another, once again, if it hasn't already. The emphasis on VOIP that will really drive a path through the market of telephony will be the cost to the consumer and to the companies involved.
Companies like Vonage VOIP, CISCO VOIP and others hook up VOIP telephony through their existing technology and are enabled an entirely new brand of customer base for little to no cost to them. The customers experience the savings, too, often paying little for a phone plan that enables them to essentially make endless amounts of calls over the VOIP systems.
Voice over IP phone will be the way of the future for many households, especially those that would benefit from having greater long distance telephone possibilities at their fingertips. The world is changing and VOIP phone technology is fast becoming a leader in bringing people closer together without the cost of traditional long-distance telephone systems.
There are easy ways to learn about this VOIP phone system technology, however. You can check out some information on the internet, for example, or talk to a local phone company customer service representative and ask them all of your questions.
Finding a VOIP vendor in your area can be easy, especially now that VOIP phone system technology has an overwhelming amount of influence in the markets. People are getting tired of their conventional phone services and wish to switch to something that makes calling more inexpensive and more convenient.
Whether or not VOIP phone system technology is the right answer to this question is still a little up in the air, but more and more people are willing to try VOIP systems now more than ever.
VOIP has a variety of names. The most commonly referenced name for VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is also known by IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and the popular Voice-over-Broadband.
Essentially, all of those names refer to the same basis element of VOIP; it involves the routing of voice conversations over the internet or through any other possible IP-based network capability.
Companies that supply VOIP to customers are called providers. A provider uses a protocol, which is a term that refers to the set of standards that govern communications, to grant their customers the ability to get through on their network. VOIP systems, thus, enable customers the ability to work through networks like the internet to place all of their phone calls.
The cash savings come by way of utilizing a single network to make all of the calls. Many providers have the networks previously in place due to their ordinary telephone services, so hooking up VOIP costs them little to no extra capital.
VOIP phone systems, for many providers, are almost like free money in the bank. They create the possibility of free calling from one VOIP services user to another, enabling long distance calling to become a lot less of a hassle for the average consumer.
VOIP will change the way we talk to one another, once again, if it hasn't already. The emphasis on VOIP that will really drive a path through the market of telephony will be the cost to the consumer and to the companies involved.
Companies like Vonage VOIP, CISCO VOIP and others hook up VOIP telephony through their existing technology and are enabled an entirely new brand of customer base for little to no cost to them. The customers experience the savings, too, often paying little for a phone plan that enables them to essentially make endless amounts of calls over the VOIP systems.
Voice over IP phone will be the way of the future for many households, especially those that would benefit from having greater long distance telephone possibilities at their fingertips. The world is changing and VOIP phone technology is fast becoming a leader in bringing people closer together without the cost of traditional long-distance telephone systems.
Your VOIP Common Questions Answered
Technology is increasing daily and plenty of consumers are facing new challenges about learning new forms of communication using computer hardware or software. The changes in our world raise many questions, and these common questions and answers focus on one growing area of communication, IP Telephony or Voice over Internet Protocol. These questions that people often ask are heard all over these days, but our answers will help explain much about this new phase of keeping in touch with others.
What exactly is IP telephony?
IP telephony is a term that refers to VOIP technology or Voice over Internet Protocol. It is essentially the routing of voice conversations over a network, such as the internet, or any IP based interface.
IP telephony, Internet telephony, Voice over Internet Protocol, VOIP, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and Voice over Broadband are all terms that relatively refer to this in the same way.
If someone mentions any of those terms, they are likely referring to the notion of IP telephony. It is a growing aspect to communications, too, and many people are starting to use it in their homes to help with their communications aspects.
Where did IP telephony come from?
IP telephony is a commercial evolution of the 1973 project called "Network Voice Protocol". Network Voice Protocol was a computer networking project that was used to transport human speech patterns over communications networks.
It was developed by internet researcher Danny Cohen of the Information Sciences Institute and was created to demonstrate that it was possible to develop a feasible blueprint for two-way voice communications over a digital network.
The Network Voice Protocol project was used to send speech between sites on the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network or ARPANET. ARPANET is a United States Department of Defense project designed to produce a global network. It also became an ancestor of the internet.
What are some tasks that IP telephony can perform better than traditional communications equipment?
Incoming phone calls can automatically be directed to your VOIP phone, wherever you happen to be in the world, as long as you have access to a network. This means that you can take your phone with you wherever you want and remain connected to your office or to your family without worrying about any long distance aspects or any other additional charges.
There are also connected call center agents online at all times, around the world, that can assist you with any problems you may have with your IP telephony technology. This enables you to remain connected and plugged in to the answers you need while you go where you need to go.
Just how reliable is IP telephony, anyway?
As conventional landline phones are connected to telephone company phone lines, they may actually be kept going in the event of power outages or other occurrences that may interrupt the service. Most household VOIP broadband services, however, rely on a modem connection or other powered services to make the phone work.
In these cases, a VOIP phone may not be the most reliable service you can have. On the other hand, there are many options you can take to create a more reliable service for your phone so that it will not be interrupted by power outage or other issues.
What is Skype?
Skype is one of the most popular providers of VOIP telephony services in the world. Created by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, also of the file-sharing program Kazaa, Skype enables its users to utilize IP telephony software protocols to achieve peer-to-peer voice conversations.
They offer both paid and free services and generally operate for private, personal users. Business users tend to go for some of the more elaborate plans whereas Skype tends to offer what works as more of a messenger service with voice software over a network. Most aspects of Skype are free.
What exactly is IP telephony?
IP telephony is a term that refers to VOIP technology or Voice over Internet Protocol. It is essentially the routing of voice conversations over a network, such as the internet, or any IP based interface.
IP telephony, Internet telephony, Voice over Internet Protocol, VOIP, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and Voice over Broadband are all terms that relatively refer to this in the same way.
If someone mentions any of those terms, they are likely referring to the notion of IP telephony. It is a growing aspect to communications, too, and many people are starting to use it in their homes to help with their communications aspects.
Where did IP telephony come from?
IP telephony is a commercial evolution of the 1973 project called "Network Voice Protocol". Network Voice Protocol was a computer networking project that was used to transport human speech patterns over communications networks.
It was developed by internet researcher Danny Cohen of the Information Sciences Institute and was created to demonstrate that it was possible to develop a feasible blueprint for two-way voice communications over a digital network.
The Network Voice Protocol project was used to send speech between sites on the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network or ARPANET. ARPANET is a United States Department of Defense project designed to produce a global network. It also became an ancestor of the internet.
What are some tasks that IP telephony can perform better than traditional communications equipment?
Incoming phone calls can automatically be directed to your VOIP phone, wherever you happen to be in the world, as long as you have access to a network. This means that you can take your phone with you wherever you want and remain connected to your office or to your family without worrying about any long distance aspects or any other additional charges.
There are also connected call center agents online at all times, around the world, that can assist you with any problems you may have with your IP telephony technology. This enables you to remain connected and plugged in to the answers you need while you go where you need to go.
Just how reliable is IP telephony, anyway?
As conventional landline phones are connected to telephone company phone lines, they may actually be kept going in the event of power outages or other occurrences that may interrupt the service. Most household VOIP broadband services, however, rely on a modem connection or other powered services to make the phone work.
In these cases, a VOIP phone may not be the most reliable service you can have. On the other hand, there are many options you can take to create a more reliable service for your phone so that it will not be interrupted by power outage or other issues.
What is Skype?
Skype is one of the most popular providers of VOIP telephony services in the world. Created by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, also of the file-sharing program Kazaa, Skype enables its users to utilize IP telephony software protocols to achieve peer-to-peer voice conversations.
They offer both paid and free services and generally operate for private, personal users. Business users tend to go for some of the more elaborate plans whereas Skype tends to offer what works as more of a messenger service with voice software over a network. Most aspects of Skype are free.
How to ensure the quality of internet VoIP
1. Make sure you have the bandwidth you need. One of your first self-help steps should be to make sure that you have the right amount of bandwidth. As the most successful small-business VoIP provider, with some 8,000 customers, Packet8 service provider 8x8 Inc. provides a reasonable basis for comparison. Its bandwidth rule of thumb is that 25 to 30 percent of the workers at a typical company are on the phone at any one time. Give yourself a cushion and assume it'll be 40 percent. 8x8 uses D.729 compression technology to squeeze a voice call into 25 Kbps of bandwidth. That means for a 10-employee business, you'll need 100 Kbps to carry calls alone, on top of all your other data needs. If your provider uses different technology, find out what it is and adjust your estimates accordingly.
2. Make sure you have the right kind of bandwidth. The "A" in "ADSL" stands for "asymmetric." That means that the speeds are different in different directions. That may be OK for home users who download more files than they upload. But if you do more back-and-forth business than Web surfing on your office network, it might sometimes be harder for people to hear you than for you to hear them. 8x8 Inc. recommends at least SDSL (symmetric DSL) and perhaps fractional T1 connections.
3. Make sure you're not trying to do too much on your LAN. Companies that send a lot of big files around the office network, like graphic images that hog hundreds of megabytes, won't leave much room for voice traffic. Make sure you have a comfortable bandwidth margin even during periods of peak usage. Either that, or prohibit employees from sending large email attachments whenever the boss is on the phone. You also might consider getting a router that prioritizes voice over data. 8x8 sales and marketing VP Huw Rees said that will set businesses back $200 to $300, rather than the $50 or so for a simpler model. He added, though, that with sufficient bandwidth, and enhanced router may not be necessary.
4. Even with normal traffic levels, make sure your gear is up to the job. Some small businesses, believe it or not, try to make do with residential networking gear. A router that lets your family share the DSL connection at home won't work at the office. You might not mind it when a YouTube video stream interrupts your daughter 's GTalk call to her Facebook pal across the country, but your sales superstar whose big closing pitch gets cut off because everyone is logged on to your competitor 's Webinar will surely mind it a lot.
5. Intimidate your provider with tough technical questions. Ask your VoIP provider how much packet loss its technology can handle without calls sounding like two robots talking. If it tells you anything more than 1 percent, ask for a discount or go elsewhere. When the provider 's gear buffers packets to cope with jitter, how much delay does that introduce? There may be no right answer to that question, but there is also the question of the maximum total delay its service typically experiences. More than 250 to 300 milliseconds, and the callers start talking over each other, one of the most irritating aspects of poor call quality.
6. Speaking of delay, ask your provider about its provider. Does it use a name-brand carrier with a network far-flung enough to deliver the voice packets on one hand to a POP (Point of Presence) near you, and on the other hand to gateways near the people you're calling, wherever they are? If it does, latency problems should be minimal, because the only uncontrolled part of your packets' journey will be the last mile over the open public Internet from the POP to you. 8x8 says that latency on Level 3 's backbone, which it uses exclusively, has become insignificant.
7. Speaking of quality, ask your provider how it tests it. Does it even test for voice quality using MOS (Mean Opinion Score), a standard measure for how people perceive the quality of voice calls? (A score of 4.0 is "toll quality.") If so, does the provider mathematically derive MOS values solely from IP network performance stats? If it does, it might be doing a superb job of delivering voice packets that contain grotesquely distorted sounds. Psytechnics CTO Mike Hollier insists that it 's necessary to record actual calls themselves and analyze them to provide meaningful MOS readings. 8x8, for its part, said that it used to do that, but the company eventually found that it understood the correlation between the mathematically derived scores and the quality users perceived well enough that it could cut back on such end-to-end testing.
8. Ask your provider about troubleshooting. If your call quality isn't up to par, is the provider 's solution a page of frequently asked questions and an email address for contacting technicians? 8x8 's Rees said that with the days of erratic Internet performance long (at least a year) in the past, most current problems result from bad LAN setups, including culprits such as faulty wiring and misconfigured routers. That 's the kind of problem that a set of generic answers can't begin to address. 8x8 puts customers in touch with wiring specialist CSI Inc. when they need more individualized help.
From all this, it 's clear that all Internet VoIP is not created equal. And even though you may be shelling out only $50 per month on your credit card for unlimited nationwide calling, it doesn't mean that all you can do is pay your money and take your chances.
2. Make sure you have the right kind of bandwidth. The "A" in "ADSL" stands for "asymmetric." That means that the speeds are different in different directions. That may be OK for home users who download more files than they upload. But if you do more back-and-forth business than Web surfing on your office network, it might sometimes be harder for people to hear you than for you to hear them. 8x8 Inc. recommends at least SDSL (symmetric DSL) and perhaps fractional T1 connections.
3. Make sure you're not trying to do too much on your LAN. Companies that send a lot of big files around the office network, like graphic images that hog hundreds of megabytes, won't leave much room for voice traffic. Make sure you have a comfortable bandwidth margin even during periods of peak usage. Either that, or prohibit employees from sending large email attachments whenever the boss is on the phone. You also might consider getting a router that prioritizes voice over data. 8x8 sales and marketing VP Huw Rees said that will set businesses back $200 to $300, rather than the $50 or so for a simpler model. He added, though, that with sufficient bandwidth, and enhanced router may not be necessary.
4. Even with normal traffic levels, make sure your gear is up to the job. Some small businesses, believe it or not, try to make do with residential networking gear. A router that lets your family share the DSL connection at home won't work at the office. You might not mind it when a YouTube video stream interrupts your daughter 's GTalk call to her Facebook pal across the country, but your sales superstar whose big closing pitch gets cut off because everyone is logged on to your competitor 's Webinar will surely mind it a lot.
5. Intimidate your provider with tough technical questions. Ask your VoIP provider how much packet loss its technology can handle without calls sounding like two robots talking. If it tells you anything more than 1 percent, ask for a discount or go elsewhere. When the provider 's gear buffers packets to cope with jitter, how much delay does that introduce? There may be no right answer to that question, but there is also the question of the maximum total delay its service typically experiences. More than 250 to 300 milliseconds, and the callers start talking over each other, one of the most irritating aspects of poor call quality.
6. Speaking of delay, ask your provider about its provider. Does it use a name-brand carrier with a network far-flung enough to deliver the voice packets on one hand to a POP (Point of Presence) near you, and on the other hand to gateways near the people you're calling, wherever they are? If it does, latency problems should be minimal, because the only uncontrolled part of your packets' journey will be the last mile over the open public Internet from the POP to you. 8x8 says that latency on Level 3 's backbone, which it uses exclusively, has become insignificant.
7. Speaking of quality, ask your provider how it tests it. Does it even test for voice quality using MOS (Mean Opinion Score), a standard measure for how people perceive the quality of voice calls? (A score of 4.0 is "toll quality.") If so, does the provider mathematically derive MOS values solely from IP network performance stats? If it does, it might be doing a superb job of delivering voice packets that contain grotesquely distorted sounds. Psytechnics CTO Mike Hollier insists that it 's necessary to record actual calls themselves and analyze them to provide meaningful MOS readings. 8x8, for its part, said that it used to do that, but the company eventually found that it understood the correlation between the mathematically derived scores and the quality users perceived well enough that it could cut back on such end-to-end testing.
8. Ask your provider about troubleshooting. If your call quality isn't up to par, is the provider 's solution a page of frequently asked questions and an email address for contacting technicians? 8x8 's Rees said that with the days of erratic Internet performance long (at least a year) in the past, most current problems result from bad LAN setups, including culprits such as faulty wiring and misconfigured routers. That 's the kind of problem that a set of generic answers can't begin to address. 8x8 puts customers in touch with wiring specialist CSI Inc. when they need more individualized help.
From all this, it 's clear that all Internet VoIP is not created equal. And even though you may be shelling out only $50 per month on your credit card for unlimited nationwide calling, it doesn't mean that all you can do is pay your money and take your chances.
Will the downfall of Vonage hurt residential VoIP customers?
Vonage, already struggling from a series of setbacks, has just taken another two huge body blows — one by the U.S. Court of Appeals on behalf of Verizon, and the other by Sprint Nextel. At first glance, it looks like the old-school phone companies are not only fighting back, but winning. But is that really the case, and if it is, what does that mean for other VoIP providers?
First, the news. The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a previous decision to award an injunction against Vonage 's use of technology based around two patents held by Verizon. A third patent was also involved, and in that case, the verdict is not yet final — it has been sent back to the original court for further clarification and a recalculation of awards and damages associated with the verdict. That last part, at least, is a little good news, since it suggests that the $58 million in damages plus 5.5 percent royalties on future sales that was originally awarded may be reduced. This came one day after a New York court reached a similar decision in a suit brought by Sprint Nextel, in which it awarded the company damages of $69.5 million and 5 percent royalties on future Vonage sales. This award is being appealed, and it may yet be set aside.
The result was a drop in stock price for Vonage to just more than $1, as well as a suspension of trading. Less than 18 months ago, Vonage went public with an initial share price of $17. That 's a huge drop and a huge blow to the company. In addition, if both lawsuits end up where they stand right now, Vonage is going to be paying 10 percent of everything it makes to two of its biggest rivals, not exactly a recipe for success.
What Next?
Despite a giant customer base, a well-known brand and, yes, even some loyal customers, it is hard to imagine Vonage recovering from these blows. Instead, it is likely that its customers will drift away over the next two years. The big question: Where will they go? Probably in the short term, the most likely answer is to their local cable provider. One of the reasons for Vonage 's early success was simply that cable companies weren't in the game. Now that they are and are offering VoIP service in combination with Internet and TV service (usually in the popular "triple-play" package, in which voice, Internet and TV service cost $100 per month), it is hard to see customers looking much beyond that easy, one-stop shopping.
And the other question that has to be troubling the other (smaller) residential VoIP companies is whether or not these telco and cable giants are going to come after them next.
But there are two other groups that could see some success. One is the more edgy VoIP players that offer basic free services while charging for extras. This group is led, of course, by Skype but include tens — even hundreds — of niche players. And Skype, despite some recent bad publicity, is clearly making inroads. It now has 20 million registered users in North America, up from 10 million a year ago. Since the company makes the concurrent numbers of users at any one time public, it is easy to see that it now has more than 9 million callers actively using Skype at any moment. And Skype, like other client-based VoIP services (Gizmo Project and several cell-phone VoIP enablers like Truphone spring to mind), is moving relatively fast in terms of adding functionality and features.
Wifi VoIP
The other group is far less obvious — it 's the mobile-phone providers. As more and more people abandon landlines altogether, mobile-phone companies are also stepping in to IP-based services to expand their offerings and reduce their costs. The previously mentioned Truphone is an example, having just demonstrated true VoIP calling on the Apple iPhone.
All of these players are just itching to step in and grab chunks of the lucrative residential phone pie. In fact, they already have much of it. So what 's left for VoIP?
The simple answer is business. Business VoIP is a whole other kettle of fish. That market is changing rapidly, and PBX (Private Brach eXchange) services in particular are letting small companies look like big companies while still operating at small-company prices.
The more complex answer is in interconnecting everything. VoIP isn't going away; in fact, VoIP is rapidly being put inside every form of voice calling — from traditional telco to mobile phone to business PBX to voice services — if it isn't already there. It isn't VoIP that 's in danger from a Vonage collapse — it 's the idea that just changing from traditional telephone circuits to VoIP is all that it takes to make a new phone company.
First, the news. The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a previous decision to award an injunction against Vonage 's use of technology based around two patents held by Verizon. A third patent was also involved, and in that case, the verdict is not yet final — it has been sent back to the original court for further clarification and a recalculation of awards and damages associated with the verdict. That last part, at least, is a little good news, since it suggests that the $58 million in damages plus 5.5 percent royalties on future sales that was originally awarded may be reduced. This came one day after a New York court reached a similar decision in a suit brought by Sprint Nextel, in which it awarded the company damages of $69.5 million and 5 percent royalties on future Vonage sales. This award is being appealed, and it may yet be set aside.
The result was a drop in stock price for Vonage to just more than $1, as well as a suspension of trading. Less than 18 months ago, Vonage went public with an initial share price of $17. That 's a huge drop and a huge blow to the company. In addition, if both lawsuits end up where they stand right now, Vonage is going to be paying 10 percent of everything it makes to two of its biggest rivals, not exactly a recipe for success.
What Next?
Despite a giant customer base, a well-known brand and, yes, even some loyal customers, it is hard to imagine Vonage recovering from these blows. Instead, it is likely that its customers will drift away over the next two years. The big question: Where will they go? Probably in the short term, the most likely answer is to their local cable provider. One of the reasons for Vonage 's early success was simply that cable companies weren't in the game. Now that they are and are offering VoIP service in combination with Internet and TV service (usually in the popular "triple-play" package, in which voice, Internet and TV service cost $100 per month), it is hard to see customers looking much beyond that easy, one-stop shopping.
And the other question that has to be troubling the other (smaller) residential VoIP companies is whether or not these telco and cable giants are going to come after them next.
But there are two other groups that could see some success. One is the more edgy VoIP players that offer basic free services while charging for extras. This group is led, of course, by Skype but include tens — even hundreds — of niche players. And Skype, despite some recent bad publicity, is clearly making inroads. It now has 20 million registered users in North America, up from 10 million a year ago. Since the company makes the concurrent numbers of users at any one time public, it is easy to see that it now has more than 9 million callers actively using Skype at any moment. And Skype, like other client-based VoIP services (Gizmo Project and several cell-phone VoIP enablers like Truphone spring to mind), is moving relatively fast in terms of adding functionality and features.
Wifi VoIP
The other group is far less obvious — it 's the mobile-phone providers. As more and more people abandon landlines altogether, mobile-phone companies are also stepping in to IP-based services to expand their offerings and reduce their costs. The previously mentioned Truphone is an example, having just demonstrated true VoIP calling on the Apple iPhone.
All of these players are just itching to step in and grab chunks of the lucrative residential phone pie. In fact, they already have much of it. So what 's left for VoIP?
The simple answer is business. Business VoIP is a whole other kettle of fish. That market is changing rapidly, and PBX (Private Brach eXchange) services in particular are letting small companies look like big companies while still operating at small-company prices.
The more complex answer is in interconnecting everything. VoIP isn't going away; in fact, VoIP is rapidly being put inside every form of voice calling — from traditional telco to mobile phone to business PBX to voice services — if it isn't already there. It isn't VoIP that 's in danger from a Vonage collapse — it 's the idea that just changing from traditional telephone circuits to VoIP is all that it takes to make a new phone company.
IP Phone Features That Will Make Your Life Better
Certainly price is one factor keeping businesses at bay. IP phones, after all, are often the highest cost component in migrating from a traditional phone system to VoIP. Promising to help companies get more bang for their buck, however, are a whole host of special features included in most IP phones. The challenge is identifying these key attractions and ensuring that employees make proper use of them. While key features can vary from phone to phone, here are the ones that can make your employees’ lives better: CMC (Client Matter Code): Having trouble keeping track of your billable hours?
An IP phone can help. Professional services companies, from law offices to accounting firms, can now associate inbound and outbound VoIP calls with specific billing or tracking codes. Specified by a system administrator, CMC can track factors including the length of calls for each client – information that can later be packaged into detailed reports for accounting and billing purposes.Corporate Directory: Why keep a Rolodex when you can use your phone to search for coworkers’ and clients’ numbers? Simply press a soft key or a button to place a call to the phone number in the directory listing. These listings may range from corporatecontacts stored in Microsoft Active Directory to your personal contacts in Microsoft Outlook. Either way, searchable directories appear right on the phone’s display for convenient access. Some IP phones even go so far as to provide users with at-a-glance presence information for an entire corporate directory list so that they can instantly see which co-workers are available or on the phone.
Touch-screen Display: Whether your goal is to watch streaming video or simply monitor incoming calls, an IP phone’s backlit, pixel-based, touch-screen display can bring images to life. And by simply pressing a phone screen, you can access a full range of applications in seconds instead of pressing cryptic key codes on the number pad.
E911 (Enhanced 911): E911 is an enhanced version of the 911 emergency service that automatically delivers a caller’s personal information, such as name and address, to a local dispatch center or Public Safety Answering Point, as required by the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999. Although increasingly incorporated into VoIP packages, E911 has long been plagued with implementation problems, so it’s worth asking your service provider what steps – and obstacles – are involved. The Federal Communications Commission has even jumped on board, issuing an order to providers to notify their customers of the limitations of E911 service.
Enhanced Voice Mail: For a modern-day road warrior, picking up voice mail messages can be a painstaking process. Pagers, cell phones, BlackBerrys, laptops – there’s simply no shortage of devices you need to check. With an IP phone’s enhanced voice mail, however, you can listen to your voice mail over the Internet using the Web interface of your VoIP service provider or receive your messages as email attachments. that’s more, the media files can be saved for future access or archiving. Enhanced voice mail also allows you to be notified of new messages wherever you are, through your mobile phone or pager. additionally, travelers can listen to their messages from any phone available.
IP Video: It may not earn you frequent-flyer miles, but video-over-IP is the next best thing to being there in the flesh. As a result, some IP phones include features such as advanced VGA resolution camera sensors, color and rotatable LCDs, video call Hold/ Transfer/Forward, video phone books, and video-capture capabilities. At least in a basic sense, you can engage in videoconferencing with geographically cattered
colleagues and co-workers.
Communications Control: So your entire California-based executive team is attending a conference in Utah? Rather than have them waste time calling in for voice mail messages, redirect all business-related calls to their cell phones using an IP phone’s communications control features. In fact, nowadays, companies can manage an entire VoIP system across multiple sites with nothing more than a browser-based interface.
An IP phone can help. Professional services companies, from law offices to accounting firms, can now associate inbound and outbound VoIP calls with specific billing or tracking codes. Specified by a system administrator, CMC can track factors including the length of calls for each client – information that can later be packaged into detailed reports for accounting and billing purposes.Corporate Directory: Why keep a Rolodex when you can use your phone to search for coworkers’ and clients’ numbers? Simply press a soft key or a button to place a call to the phone number in the directory listing. These listings may range from corporatecontacts stored in Microsoft Active Directory to your personal contacts in Microsoft Outlook. Either way, searchable directories appear right on the phone’s display for convenient access. Some IP phones even go so far as to provide users with at-a-glance presence information for an entire corporate directory list so that they can instantly see which co-workers are available or on the phone.
Touch-screen Display: Whether your goal is to watch streaming video or simply monitor incoming calls, an IP phone’s backlit, pixel-based, touch-screen display can bring images to life. And by simply pressing a phone screen, you can access a full range of applications in seconds instead of pressing cryptic key codes on the number pad.
E911 (Enhanced 911): E911 is an enhanced version of the 911 emergency service that automatically delivers a caller’s personal information, such as name and address, to a local dispatch center or Public Safety Answering Point, as required by the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999. Although increasingly incorporated into VoIP packages, E911 has long been plagued with implementation problems, so it’s worth asking your service provider what steps – and obstacles – are involved. The Federal Communications Commission has even jumped on board, issuing an order to providers to notify their customers of the limitations of E911 service.
Enhanced Voice Mail: For a modern-day road warrior, picking up voice mail messages can be a painstaking process. Pagers, cell phones, BlackBerrys, laptops – there’s simply no shortage of devices you need to check. With an IP phone’s enhanced voice mail, however, you can listen to your voice mail over the Internet using the Web interface of your VoIP service provider or receive your messages as email attachments. that’s more, the media files can be saved for future access or archiving. Enhanced voice mail also allows you to be notified of new messages wherever you are, through your mobile phone or pager. additionally, travelers can listen to their messages from any phone available.
IP Video: It may not earn you frequent-flyer miles, but video-over-IP is the next best thing to being there in the flesh. As a result, some IP phones include features such as advanced VGA resolution camera sensors, color and rotatable LCDs, video call Hold/ Transfer/Forward, video phone books, and video-capture capabilities. At least in a basic sense, you can engage in videoconferencing with geographically cattered
colleagues and co-workers.
Communications Control: So your entire California-based executive team is attending a conference in Utah? Rather than have them waste time calling in for voice mail messages, redirect all business-related calls to their cell phones using an IP phone’s communications control features. In fact, nowadays, companies can manage an entire VoIP system across multiple sites with nothing more than a browser-based interface.
The Benefits of moving your corporate phones to VoIP
I ran across some small VoIP and video conferencing programs but most of them did not work right or were too hard to install. Then one day I stumbled across the Asterisk PBX. Asterisk is a full all out open source PBX which runs on the Linux Platform. . I have read so much about Asterisk and was ready to install it. I formatted a hard and loaded Red hat Linux onto the hard drive and then installed Asterisk.
The first thing that I noticed about Asterisk is that is was very hard to basically understand and knowing where to start. Thank God there is a version of Asterisk out there that comes with a GUI called TRIXBOX. Trixbox is basically Asterisk ready to use out of the box. Trixbox makes it easy to setup extensions, voicemail boxes, call conferencing and much more. Trixbox is a good way to learn Linux and Asterisk in general being that there are still times that you must enter the Linux CLI and edit text files for Asterisk.
I myself enjoy using Asterisk without the GUI. Trixbox is a very good resource to learn asterisk basically because it allows you to still edit the text files and use the web GUI at the time. The reason that I prefer to use Asterisk without the GUI is because it is much more flexible and customizable. The GUI basically locks asterisk down if you make major changes it will break the configuration and Asterisk will have to be re-installed
At My office I run Asterisk with a VoIP provider called Voice pulse. Voice pulse is a provider like Vonage except they can provide you with multiple DID’s and as many channels as you need. The basic plan will stat at 4 channels but you can add additional channels for $10 a month. . Each channel is equivalent to a second line. So if you have four channels then you can have four simultaneous calls.
Asterisk can also connect to teleco lines and T1 lines as well. The manufacture of Asterisk ‘Digium ‘Also creates TDM and T1 cards which can give you access to outside telephone lines. The number one benefit of using asterisk is that it is open source and is
Free! All that is required to run Asterisk is a server that has at least 1 Gig of Ram and a processor that is at least 1 GHZ. Now it can run on hardware that is less then that but I always recommend to my customers of using these specs.
To migrate your office from an existing PBX all that is required is a Server, Asterisk, TDM card if you choose not to use VoIP, Switches that can handle QOS and SIP Phones. SIP Phones start at $80 and can go up to $500. My SIP Phone of choice is one produced by AASTRA called the 9133i. The 9133i cost $118 at Astawerks.com. The 9133i is very easy to configure and can be up and running in minutes. AASTRA has a whole line of great SIP phones that will fit your style and budget. Polycom is has been a leader in conference phones makes great SIP Phones as well.
There are a bunch of resources online where you can read more about asterisk and the accessories to go along with Asterisk. My favorite sites to find information about asterisk are http://www.voip-info.org and http://forums.digium.com. You will soon wonder why you put up with your existing PBX for so many years.
Finally I want to mention repair cost. When your existing PBX breaks it will run you a couple of hundred dollars to get it back online and running. With asterisk you can have your system back online in just minutes. The way to do that is always keep a clone server that has your Asterisk configuration files and up to date software on hand.
Switching to Asterisk will keep your sane and keep money in your pocket for years to come. Asterisk can be found at http://www.asterisk.org and trixbox can be found at http://www.trixbox.org.
The first thing that I noticed about Asterisk is that is was very hard to basically understand and knowing where to start. Thank God there is a version of Asterisk out there that comes with a GUI called TRIXBOX. Trixbox is basically Asterisk ready to use out of the box. Trixbox makes it easy to setup extensions, voicemail boxes, call conferencing and much more. Trixbox is a good way to learn Linux and Asterisk in general being that there are still times that you must enter the Linux CLI and edit text files for Asterisk.
I myself enjoy using Asterisk without the GUI. Trixbox is a very good resource to learn asterisk basically because it allows you to still edit the text files and use the web GUI at the time. The reason that I prefer to use Asterisk without the GUI is because it is much more flexible and customizable. The GUI basically locks asterisk down if you make major changes it will break the configuration and Asterisk will have to be re-installed
At My office I run Asterisk with a VoIP provider called Voice pulse. Voice pulse is a provider like Vonage except they can provide you with multiple DID’s and as many channels as you need. The basic plan will stat at 4 channels but you can add additional channels for $10 a month. . Each channel is equivalent to a second line. So if you have four channels then you can have four simultaneous calls.
Asterisk can also connect to teleco lines and T1 lines as well. The manufacture of Asterisk ‘Digium ‘Also creates TDM and T1 cards which can give you access to outside telephone lines. The number one benefit of using asterisk is that it is open source and is
Free! All that is required to run Asterisk is a server that has at least 1 Gig of Ram and a processor that is at least 1 GHZ. Now it can run on hardware that is less then that but I always recommend to my customers of using these specs.
To migrate your office from an existing PBX all that is required is a Server, Asterisk, TDM card if you choose not to use VoIP, Switches that can handle QOS and SIP Phones. SIP Phones start at $80 and can go up to $500. My SIP Phone of choice is one produced by AASTRA called the 9133i. The 9133i cost $118 at Astawerks.com. The 9133i is very easy to configure and can be up and running in minutes. AASTRA has a whole line of great SIP phones that will fit your style and budget. Polycom is has been a leader in conference phones makes great SIP Phones as well.
There are a bunch of resources online where you can read more about asterisk and the accessories to go along with Asterisk. My favorite sites to find information about asterisk are http://www.voip-info.org and http://forums.digium.com. You will soon wonder why you put up with your existing PBX for so many years.
Finally I want to mention repair cost. When your existing PBX breaks it will run you a couple of hundred dollars to get it back online and running. With asterisk you can have your system back online in just minutes. The way to do that is always keep a clone server that has your Asterisk configuration files and up to date software on hand.
Switching to Asterisk will keep your sane and keep money in your pocket for years to come. Asterisk can be found at http://www.asterisk.org and trixbox can be found at http://www.trixbox.org.
Key Benefits of IP Telephony
IP telephony has reshaped the business organizations and revolutionized the way the business firms communicate. IP telephony is a sophisticated style of communication technology that allows all types of communications including audio, video, and wired as well as wireless voice, through the usage of Internet Protocol (IP) network.
In other words, IP telephony is simply a term collectively given for technologies that adopt packet-switched connections of the Internet Protocol in order to exchange fax, voice, and other forms of information, which were previously done via the public switched telephone network 's (PSTN) dedicated circuit-switched connections.
Through the unification of many locations within a business firm, for example, uniting mobile workers into a single converged network, IP telephony provides innovative as well as tailor made solutions for your communication purposes. A multitude of innovative features are attached with IP telephony, including, high degree of scalability and survivability, multi-site connectivity through the data network, sophisticated calling features, web conferencing integration, WebSphere portal integration, and unified box.
IP telephony technology offers a myriad of significant cost as well as performance benefits over maintaining a separate network for voice, video, and data. One of the key benefits of IP telephony is enhanced productivity. Since IP telephony supports a host of applications and devices, it enables employees to carry out their tasks more effectively and efficiently.
For example, IP SoftPhone - a software-based application - allows phone users to incorporate their telephone functionality into their desktop or laptop PC. Similarly, IP videoconferencing is a great way for employees at different sites to effectively communicate, thereby reducing the business travel expenses as well as the need for face to face business conferences.
Another key benefit of IP telephony is improved business resiliency. As IP telephony solutions are structured in such a way to detect and eliminate single points of failure, it can be dispersed to safe guard against local troubles in service and to automatically redirect data, voice, and video traffic around failures.
Perhaps, most significant of the benefits of this communication system is cost savings, since IP telephony has capability to converge voice as well as data networks into a single cohesive network, the overall management system is streamlined from a single location, which in turn ensures reduced costs for moves, adds, and changes.
Improved customer responsiveness is also a key benefit of IP telephony. The success of any business organization depends on the way you satisfy your customers. Good communication is also vital for maintaining customer reliability. Since IP telephony enables for options for business firms to effectively communicate with their customers, it not only allows for improved communication but also for reaping benefits of low cost infrastructure.
Key benefits of IP telephony also include:
- Ability to concentrate on core business functions
- Automation of routine administrative functions
- Riddance of intra-site long distance expenses
- Reduced administration as well as network costs
- Effective optimization of existing resources
- Elimination of risks associated with vendor lock-in
- Integrated applications
- Simplified administration in connection with telecommunications infrastructure
- Enhanced efficiency of IT resources
- Guaranteed service delivery
- Enhanced operational efficiencies
- Effectively bring together mobile and remote employees
- Add innovative features including hardware
- Reduced telecom cost via toll by pass
- Increased mobility, ie, with the introduction of this technology, employees are no longer tied up with the phone in their offices. This in turn has enabled the workers to communicate on business matters from home or even from the road
- Benefits of virtual workforce, ie, this system enables it allows call centers and other business desks to operate independent of physical boundaries
- Effective as well as efficient management of your fax, voicemail, and email messages
- In most cases, IPT environment is safe and secure
- Above all, IP telephony system aids for future business growth
From the aforesaid discussion, it is evident that IP telephony is an inseparable segment of today 's challenging as well as rapidly growing business environment.
Nowadays, scores of service providers are in the scenario to provide world-class, managed services for IP telephony. Many of them render lifecycle support and management for IP telephony environments, thereby allowing business organizations to concentrate on their prime revenue generating business activities.
In other words, IP telephony is simply a term collectively given for technologies that adopt packet-switched connections of the Internet Protocol in order to exchange fax, voice, and other forms of information, which were previously done via the public switched telephone network 's (PSTN) dedicated circuit-switched connections.
Through the unification of many locations within a business firm, for example, uniting mobile workers into a single converged network, IP telephony provides innovative as well as tailor made solutions for your communication purposes. A multitude of innovative features are attached with IP telephony, including, high degree of scalability and survivability, multi-site connectivity through the data network, sophisticated calling features, web conferencing integration, WebSphere portal integration, and unified box.
IP telephony technology offers a myriad of significant cost as well as performance benefits over maintaining a separate network for voice, video, and data. One of the key benefits of IP telephony is enhanced productivity. Since IP telephony supports a host of applications and devices, it enables employees to carry out their tasks more effectively and efficiently.
For example, IP SoftPhone - a software-based application - allows phone users to incorporate their telephone functionality into their desktop or laptop PC. Similarly, IP videoconferencing is a great way for employees at different sites to effectively communicate, thereby reducing the business travel expenses as well as the need for face to face business conferences.
Another key benefit of IP telephony is improved business resiliency. As IP telephony solutions are structured in such a way to detect and eliminate single points of failure, it can be dispersed to safe guard against local troubles in service and to automatically redirect data, voice, and video traffic around failures.
Perhaps, most significant of the benefits of this communication system is cost savings, since IP telephony has capability to converge voice as well as data networks into a single cohesive network, the overall management system is streamlined from a single location, which in turn ensures reduced costs for moves, adds, and changes.
Improved customer responsiveness is also a key benefit of IP telephony. The success of any business organization depends on the way you satisfy your customers. Good communication is also vital for maintaining customer reliability. Since IP telephony enables for options for business firms to effectively communicate with their customers, it not only allows for improved communication but also for reaping benefits of low cost infrastructure.
Key benefits of IP telephony also include:
- Ability to concentrate on core business functions
- Automation of routine administrative functions
- Riddance of intra-site long distance expenses
- Reduced administration as well as network costs
- Effective optimization of existing resources
- Elimination of risks associated with vendor lock-in
- Integrated applications
- Simplified administration in connection with telecommunications infrastructure
- Enhanced efficiency of IT resources
- Guaranteed service delivery
- Enhanced operational efficiencies
- Effectively bring together mobile and remote employees
- Add innovative features including hardware
- Reduced telecom cost via toll by pass
- Increased mobility, ie, with the introduction of this technology, employees are no longer tied up with the phone in their offices. This in turn has enabled the workers to communicate on business matters from home or even from the road
- Benefits of virtual workforce, ie, this system enables it allows call centers and other business desks to operate independent of physical boundaries
- Effective as well as efficient management of your fax, voicemail, and email messages
- In most cases, IPT environment is safe and secure
- Above all, IP telephony system aids for future business growth
From the aforesaid discussion, it is evident that IP telephony is an inseparable segment of today 's challenging as well as rapidly growing business environment.
Nowadays, scores of service providers are in the scenario to provide world-class, managed services for IP telephony. Many of them render lifecycle support and management for IP telephony environments, thereby allowing business organizations to concentrate on their prime revenue generating business activities.
Deploying Voice Over IP
How much do you know about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions, like IP Telephony (IPT)? Do you believe they're primarily for home users interested in free long-distance calls or inexpensive international calls? Or, do you believe its primary benefit is the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of managing all of your business communications over a converged network?
The interesting thing about VoIP is that in many ways the end user is driving the technology to the business world. Individual users have helped accelerate the VoIP revolution with the acceptance of Vonage and Skype in their homes as well as VoIP prepaid calling cards with reduced long distance rates. In the past, you may have considered deploying VoIP in your business as a way to drive down toll charges between offices, but you were hesitant due to poor voice quality in early deployment models. Today, as the business world continues to deploy robust VoIP networks, you may now be investigating your own options with renewed vigor.
In fact, both large and small enterprises are taking the plunge and making decisions about VoIP. According to research analyst Frost & Sullivan, "Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) will account for approximately 75% of world 's voice services by 007." This is staggering when considering that in 00 , worldwide total voice revenue was more than US $1 trillion. Why are so many companies jumping on the VoIP bandwagon? And, what did they consider when making the switch? This paper looks at VoIP with small-to-medium size 3 businesses in mind, and we'll address some of these issues.
Where do we begin?
The first undertaking is to understand and agree with the strategy that converged networks will reduce toll charges, while making your network easier to manage because you are only managing one network rather than two separate ones. Ultimately, your company 's total cost of ownership (TCO) will be lowered, and you will benefit from a host of new and integrated applications that are available when you combine your voice and data networks. So if you agree that VoIP can provide you with a reduced TCO of your voice and data networks coupled with a flexible business communications system that is easier to administer moves, adds and changes, then let 's proceed to build the business case.
What 's the correct approach for my business?
Dimension Data recommends that you commence any discussion about VoIP by looking at your business communication requirements as well as by examining your existing voice and data networks to determine how "convergence-ready" you are. In other words, how prepared is your data network infrastructure to handle a mission-critical application like voice, and possibly video? Once you've gathered information from key personnel, identified your business communication requirements and looked at your future initiatives and existing systems, you're ready to begin the process.
Is a gradual implementation best?
If you're thinking about implementing a VoIP platform, "rip-and-replace" is not your only option. Once you make a decision to implement VoIP in your business, you can begin to incorporate a strategy in your network hardware purchases. For example, if you're purchasing a new router, make sure it has voice and security features integrated rather than purchasing a conventional data-only router. If you proceed to purchase network hardware and upgrade existing equipment, you've begun the process of a gradual migration to VoIP, by laying the foundation for a converged network. If you buy an integrated services router, it can also function as a LAN switch and an IP-PBX when you're ready to move to VoIP. It may add a few dollars to your router purchase, but it extends the life of the router by being "convergence-ready".
Also, look at the cost of support for your existing router. If you've depreciated your router or purchased it outright, remember to add in the cost of support. An old router that adds $7,500 in support charges each year isn't free. If you're purchasing a switch, make sure to invest in one that has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, which enables IP phones to be powered by an Ethernet cable when you migrate to IPT. This basic approach to upgrades and network equipment purchases, extends the value of the gear and positions you for the future. If you're not ready for VoIP today, this approach will provide you with a gradual migration to a VoIP platform in the future.
How do I assess my IT environment?
Once you've made the commitment to buy "convergence-ready" network gear, begin your VoIP assessment. Understand your business drivers, assess your current infrastructure, perform "what if" scenarios so you analyze different options from every perspective - technical, business and financial. This approach will allow you to get the maximum value from your VoIP network when you're ready. If possible, partner with a full-service IT solutions provider, like Dimension Data, who can help you recognize potential issues and recommend solutions that can enhance the platform.
Take small steps at first. Choose a pilot with a few users before rolling out your project throughout your organization. Or, start with a small office or Greenfield location, enabling you to roll those locations into the main sites when you migrate the remainder of the organization to VoIP. As you begin to enable your locations with VoIP, you also begin to build in redundancy and resiliency in your voice platform as individual sites can serve as disaster recovery sites for other locations within your organization.
VoIP platforms are becoming an integral component in the corporate telecommunications environment. A well-designed VoIP system can complement an existing TDM PBX environment and gradually replace it when the legacy equipment is no longer serviceable and doesn't meet the company 's requirements. This hybrid environment benefits both the company and the users because a company can easily migrate to VoIP when the time is right, and users can gradually enjoy the features VoIP brings. By taking small steps, the end users will become familiar with VoIP and its benefits and the overall implementation will ultimately be much smoother.
The interesting thing about VoIP is that in many ways the end user is driving the technology to the business world. Individual users have helped accelerate the VoIP revolution with the acceptance of Vonage and Skype in their homes as well as VoIP prepaid calling cards with reduced long distance rates. In the past, you may have considered deploying VoIP in your business as a way to drive down toll charges between offices, but you were hesitant due to poor voice quality in early deployment models. Today, as the business world continues to deploy robust VoIP networks, you may now be investigating your own options with renewed vigor.
In fact, both large and small enterprises are taking the plunge and making decisions about VoIP. According to research analyst Frost & Sullivan, "Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) will account for approximately 75% of world 's voice services by 007." This is staggering when considering that in 00 , worldwide total voice revenue was more than US $1 trillion. Why are so many companies jumping on the VoIP bandwagon? And, what did they consider when making the switch? This paper looks at VoIP with small-to-medium size 3 businesses in mind, and we'll address some of these issues.
Where do we begin?
The first undertaking is to understand and agree with the strategy that converged networks will reduce toll charges, while making your network easier to manage because you are only managing one network rather than two separate ones. Ultimately, your company 's total cost of ownership (TCO) will be lowered, and you will benefit from a host of new and integrated applications that are available when you combine your voice and data networks. So if you agree that VoIP can provide you with a reduced TCO of your voice and data networks coupled with a flexible business communications system that is easier to administer moves, adds and changes, then let 's proceed to build the business case.
What 's the correct approach for my business?
Dimension Data recommends that you commence any discussion about VoIP by looking at your business communication requirements as well as by examining your existing voice and data networks to determine how "convergence-ready" you are. In other words, how prepared is your data network infrastructure to handle a mission-critical application like voice, and possibly video? Once you've gathered information from key personnel, identified your business communication requirements and looked at your future initiatives and existing systems, you're ready to begin the process.
Is a gradual implementation best?
If you're thinking about implementing a VoIP platform, "rip-and-replace" is not your only option. Once you make a decision to implement VoIP in your business, you can begin to incorporate a strategy in your network hardware purchases. For example, if you're purchasing a new router, make sure it has voice and security features integrated rather than purchasing a conventional data-only router. If you proceed to purchase network hardware and upgrade existing equipment, you've begun the process of a gradual migration to VoIP, by laying the foundation for a converged network. If you buy an integrated services router, it can also function as a LAN switch and an IP-PBX when you're ready to move to VoIP. It may add a few dollars to your router purchase, but it extends the life of the router by being "convergence-ready".
Also, look at the cost of support for your existing router. If you've depreciated your router or purchased it outright, remember to add in the cost of support. An old router that adds $7,500 in support charges each year isn't free. If you're purchasing a switch, make sure to invest in one that has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, which enables IP phones to be powered by an Ethernet cable when you migrate to IPT. This basic approach to upgrades and network equipment purchases, extends the value of the gear and positions you for the future. If you're not ready for VoIP today, this approach will provide you with a gradual migration to a VoIP platform in the future.
How do I assess my IT environment?
Once you've made the commitment to buy "convergence-ready" network gear, begin your VoIP assessment. Understand your business drivers, assess your current infrastructure, perform "what if" scenarios so you analyze different options from every perspective - technical, business and financial. This approach will allow you to get the maximum value from your VoIP network when you're ready. If possible, partner with a full-service IT solutions provider, like Dimension Data, who can help you recognize potential issues and recommend solutions that can enhance the platform.
Take small steps at first. Choose a pilot with a few users before rolling out your project throughout your organization. Or, start with a small office or Greenfield location, enabling you to roll those locations into the main sites when you migrate the remainder of the organization to VoIP. As you begin to enable your locations with VoIP, you also begin to build in redundancy and resiliency in your voice platform as individual sites can serve as disaster recovery sites for other locations within your organization.
VoIP platforms are becoming an integral component in the corporate telecommunications environment. A well-designed VoIP system can complement an existing TDM PBX environment and gradually replace it when the legacy equipment is no longer serviceable and doesn't meet the company 's requirements. This hybrid environment benefits both the company and the users because a company can easily migrate to VoIP when the time is right, and users can gradually enjoy the features VoIP brings. By taking small steps, the end users will become familiar with VoIP and its benefits and the overall implementation will ultimately be much smoother.
The Benefits of Using VOIP
VOIP has become a buzzword in recent times, but it 's really more than a buzzword, because there are many advantages of it at home. Do you know the benefits of using VOIP?
First let 's make sure you understand what VOIP is. VOIP or voice over internet protocol is a way of taking [traditional telephone signals] and turning them into digital data that is broadcast across the internet.
This internet technology takes your standard internet telephone and turns it into a free phone service. By using VOIP software, you can actually bypass a telephone company, since you really don't need one to have an internet connection.
VOIP is revolutionary and it has changed the way the world 's phone systems can operate. There are several providers but Vonage has probably become the most recognized name in the industry. In the near future voice over IP will probably catch regular phone systems, and possibly pass them in popularity.
There are actually three different ways that VOIP can be used. ATA is the easiest method using a device called an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. It 's basically a little box that connects your phone to the digital connection coming into your house.
IP phones are specialized telephones that look just like a regular phone but rather than the traditional phone jack they have the Ethernet connector and they connect directly to your router. Computer to computer is the easiest and is already in common use. It requires a microphone, speaker, and sound card and you can talk to anyone that has the same.
Now that you have a good understanding of VOIP let 's have a close look at the benefits of using it.
Savings On Long Distance
Almost all of the VOIP providers offer excellent packages ranging from 100 minutes to unlimited minutes every month. With most VOIP providers there is no differentiating between long distance and local. The minutes count the same.
Many Area Codes
VOIP customers can choose any area code they want no matter where they live. So for example you may live in California but want a Washington area code - no problem. This is a very handy feature for anyone that does a lot of business outside the area they reside. So using the previous example, you live in California, do business in Washington and you have a Washington phone number, which means your clients from Washington pay no long distance.
Free Functions
You get all kinds of functions for no charge- call forwarding, call display, answering machine, and plenty of other value added features.
Cheap Second Line
Most VOIP providers offer you a second line for a very affordable price. That means you can get a second phone line for the kids and not go broke doing it.
Port Your Number
If you have a telephone number you would like to keep you can use porting which transfers your traditional number to a VOIP number.
No Charges
Many of the VOIP networks do not charge a roaming fee and they also offer free calls home. This is a nice feature especially for travelers or sales people that spend a lot of time on the road.
Free Network Calls
Some VOIP providers offer no charge calling to anyone that 's on the network. This is really very beneficial if everyone has the same provider. In fact it 's something to take time and plan out so that all of you sign up to the same provider and then can save a bundle.
VOIP is a lot cheaper than traditional telephones. Even long distance charges if they are separate are very competitive. VOIP offers you all those added features for almost nothing, and with so many great minute plans why not try it.
First let 's make sure you understand what VOIP is. VOIP or voice over internet protocol is a way of taking [traditional telephone signals] and turning them into digital data that is broadcast across the internet.
This internet technology takes your standard internet telephone and turns it into a free phone service. By using VOIP software, you can actually bypass a telephone company, since you really don't need one to have an internet connection.
VOIP is revolutionary and it has changed the way the world 's phone systems can operate. There are several providers but Vonage has probably become the most recognized name in the industry. In the near future voice over IP will probably catch regular phone systems, and possibly pass them in popularity.
There are actually three different ways that VOIP can be used. ATA is the easiest method using a device called an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. It 's basically a little box that connects your phone to the digital connection coming into your house.
IP phones are specialized telephones that look just like a regular phone but rather than the traditional phone jack they have the Ethernet connector and they connect directly to your router. Computer to computer is the easiest and is already in common use. It requires a microphone, speaker, and sound card and you can talk to anyone that has the same.
Now that you have a good understanding of VOIP let 's have a close look at the benefits of using it.
Savings On Long Distance
Almost all of the VOIP providers offer excellent packages ranging from 100 minutes to unlimited minutes every month. With most VOIP providers there is no differentiating between long distance and local. The minutes count the same.
Many Area Codes
VOIP customers can choose any area code they want no matter where they live. So for example you may live in California but want a Washington area code - no problem. This is a very handy feature for anyone that does a lot of business outside the area they reside. So using the previous example, you live in California, do business in Washington and you have a Washington phone number, which means your clients from Washington pay no long distance.
Free Functions
You get all kinds of functions for no charge- call forwarding, call display, answering machine, and plenty of other value added features.
Cheap Second Line
Most VOIP providers offer you a second line for a very affordable price. That means you can get a second phone line for the kids and not go broke doing it.
Port Your Number
If you have a telephone number you would like to keep you can use porting which transfers your traditional number to a VOIP number.
No Charges
Many of the VOIP networks do not charge a roaming fee and they also offer free calls home. This is a nice feature especially for travelers or sales people that spend a lot of time on the road.
Free Network Calls
Some VOIP providers offer no charge calling to anyone that 's on the network. This is really very beneficial if everyone has the same provider. In fact it 's something to take time and plan out so that all of you sign up to the same provider and then can save a bundle.
VOIP is a lot cheaper than traditional telephones. Even long distance charges if they are separate are very competitive. VOIP offers you all those added features for almost nothing, and with so many great minute plans why not try it.
If You Go With a VOIP Phone, Consider This
It 's not easy to find the right VOIP service provider. Often times people get themselves into situations that they don't want to be in because they didn't take the time to choose their service provider wisely. Here you'll find several things that you should consider before choosing which VOIP service provider you will go with for your service.
One of the first questions you should ask your VOIP is about the cost, and make sure that you tell them to give you all of the costs. If you've seen a really good price advertised, be careful. Many times, a service provider will hide all of the additional costs behind a deceiving advertising number. So when asking questions make sure that you get all of the details.
One question you should ask is "will there be any further costs after the setup and equipment?" This question is where many customers fail. Next, ask them if you will need anything other than what they have proposed to you. You need to make sure that you'll be receiving all of the necessary equipment with your initial purchase.
I've often seen cases where the provider did not mention that after the initial purchase the buyer still had to go and make further purchases elsewhere. Next, ask them if it is necessary for you to buy the phones themselves, or if you need to rent them. And lastly, make sure you find out the difference between local and international rates, and differences in pricing from region to region.
You should comb through the contract with care, and give attention to the policy on termination. You may not know now, but it is very common for service providers to sneak a cancellation fee into the contract. What if you don't like the service? Make sure that you know whether or not you'll need to pay a hefty fee to terminate your contract just in case.
In most cases, companies will demand a minimum of one year for any contract.
Find this out before signing kind of agreement.
Also, the time may come when you need to call the company for technical support in the event that your phone malfunctions, or breaks.
Basically, you should just make sure to ask them if they will provide you with a telephone number or a website for you to contact someone in the even that this should happen to you. Technical support can come in handy, but if you don't have any to help, you may find yourself up the creek without a paddle. If possible, getting your problem solved in person is much better than having to go online to a website, or even calling to sort it out over the phone, so a local support option is the best.
If you plan to use VOIP in your business, you should check as to whether you have analog phones or not. They work just as well with an IP phone, but it will most likely depend upon the service you go with. This can save you money if you use your analog phones instead of new IP Phones. Considering that one new VOIP Phone can cost more than a hundred dollars. So when choosing a service, check with them on the possibility of using your regular phones before buying new ones.
One of the first questions you should ask your VOIP is about the cost, and make sure that you tell them to give you all of the costs. If you've seen a really good price advertised, be careful. Many times, a service provider will hide all of the additional costs behind a deceiving advertising number. So when asking questions make sure that you get all of the details.
One question you should ask is "will there be any further costs after the setup and equipment?" This question is where many customers fail. Next, ask them if you will need anything other than what they have proposed to you. You need to make sure that you'll be receiving all of the necessary equipment with your initial purchase.
I've often seen cases where the provider did not mention that after the initial purchase the buyer still had to go and make further purchases elsewhere. Next, ask them if it is necessary for you to buy the phones themselves, or if you need to rent them. And lastly, make sure you find out the difference between local and international rates, and differences in pricing from region to region.
You should comb through the contract with care, and give attention to the policy on termination. You may not know now, but it is very common for service providers to sneak a cancellation fee into the contract. What if you don't like the service? Make sure that you know whether or not you'll need to pay a hefty fee to terminate your contract just in case.
In most cases, companies will demand a minimum of one year for any contract.
Find this out before signing kind of agreement.
Also, the time may come when you need to call the company for technical support in the event that your phone malfunctions, or breaks.
Basically, you should just make sure to ask them if they will provide you with a telephone number or a website for you to contact someone in the even that this should happen to you. Technical support can come in handy, but if you don't have any to help, you may find yourself up the creek without a paddle. If possible, getting your problem solved in person is much better than having to go online to a website, or even calling to sort it out over the phone, so a local support option is the best.
If you plan to use VOIP in your business, you should check as to whether you have analog phones or not. They work just as well with an IP phone, but it will most likely depend upon the service you go with. This can save you money if you use your analog phones instead of new IP Phones. Considering that one new VOIP Phone can cost more than a hundred dollars. So when choosing a service, check with them on the possibility of using your regular phones before buying new ones.
VOIP PHONES
VOIP PHONES
VoIP has created a revolution in the telecommunications industry by drastically reducing telecommunications costs. One can benefit from cost-effective internet telephony by using Siemens Gigaset C470IP with a VoIP Service. This offers you the convenience and ease of multiline VoIP and fixed-line calls without the need of a connected PC. Moreover the wireless DECT VoIP phone even connects and supports advanced messaging services offered by numerous service providers.
This VoIP phone comes with dual mode functionality that allows you to switch between internet and fixed-line calls at the touch of a button. You can make internet calls without a PC and access up to 6 SIP accounts from different VoIP providers directly through the handset. It allows you the freedom to make 3 parallel calls by using additional Gigaset handsets that wirelessly connect to the same base. Two of these calls can be VoIP calls and one a fixed line call. Finally, its simple and modern design matches any interior or sophisticated d�cor.
The Gigaset C470IP boasts a handy e-mail notification feature, bringing you alerts of new messages on the set. The details will include the date, time and subject line of the mails. If you happen to be away from home, you can program the Gigaset C470 IP to alert you of any missed calls by sending you an SMS to your cell phone or another external number.
The VoIP phone also provides information services like weather forecasts as screensaver. For multi-taskers with busy lifestyles this phone is a great convenience as its hands free feature allows you to carry on with whatever you happen to be occupied with or just lie back on the couch with your hands behind your head while you enjoy a relaxing chat in brilliant sound quality.
The Gigaset VoIP phone also incorporates the new energy saving ECO DECT technology, which consumes up to 60% less energy than our conventional cordless phones. Like all Gigaset cordless phones, it also variably reduces transmitting power from the handset to base station according to the distance; it also goes further in a number of other ways. Choosing ECO Mode on this model reduces the base station 's transmission power by 80%. It is an energy-efficient way of staying connected with your world.
The Gigaset C470IP phones can be combined with an Asterisk PBX to shape an unbeatable wireless VoIP telephony solution for small or very small business or even for hosted PBX and distributed PBX environments. More robust and reliable than a Wifi phone, the Gigaset C470 IP DECT VoIP phones are perfect when wireless freedom is required in business environments.
The Gigaset IP phone can take great advantage of the features that the Asterisk PBX has to offer, especially for setups requiring more than 6 extensions. Finally the phones can be incorporated with more advanced messaging platforms and services that can be integrated with the Asterisk PBX. These subscription services such as RSS feeds and weather information can then be accessible directly via your Gigaset handset.
The Asterisk PBX brings small to medium enterprises a feature-rich, cost-effective, reliable telephony solution. The implementation of the Asterisk allows one connect and make calls between a wide range of different SIP-enabled VoIP phones and soft phones. The software in Asterisk offers a wide variety of simple and advanced telephony features, codecs and trunking options. Asterisk implementation is fairly simple when using available GUIs like Asterisk NOW, but its deployments can get more complex.
Combining the Siemens Gigaset C470IP with the Asterisk PBX can create a powerful, robust and flexible solution.
VoIP has created a revolution in the telecommunications industry by drastically reducing telecommunications costs. One can benefit from cost-effective internet telephony by using Siemens Gigaset C470IP with a VoIP Service. This offers you the convenience and ease of multiline VoIP and fixed-line calls without the need of a connected PC. Moreover the wireless DECT VoIP phone even connects and supports advanced messaging services offered by numerous service providers.
This VoIP phone comes with dual mode functionality that allows you to switch between internet and fixed-line calls at the touch of a button. You can make internet calls without a PC and access up to 6 SIP accounts from different VoIP providers directly through the handset. It allows you the freedom to make 3 parallel calls by using additional Gigaset handsets that wirelessly connect to the same base. Two of these calls can be VoIP calls and one a fixed line call. Finally, its simple and modern design matches any interior or sophisticated d�cor.
The Gigaset C470IP boasts a handy e-mail notification feature, bringing you alerts of new messages on the set. The details will include the date, time and subject line of the mails. If you happen to be away from home, you can program the Gigaset C470 IP to alert you of any missed calls by sending you an SMS to your cell phone or another external number.
The VoIP phone also provides information services like weather forecasts as screensaver. For multi-taskers with busy lifestyles this phone is a great convenience as its hands free feature allows you to carry on with whatever you happen to be occupied with or just lie back on the couch with your hands behind your head while you enjoy a relaxing chat in brilliant sound quality.
The Gigaset VoIP phone also incorporates the new energy saving ECO DECT technology, which consumes up to 60% less energy than our conventional cordless phones. Like all Gigaset cordless phones, it also variably reduces transmitting power from the handset to base station according to the distance; it also goes further in a number of other ways. Choosing ECO Mode on this model reduces the base station 's transmission power by 80%. It is an energy-efficient way of staying connected with your world.
The Gigaset C470IP phones can be combined with an Asterisk PBX to shape an unbeatable wireless VoIP telephony solution for small or very small business or even for hosted PBX and distributed PBX environments. More robust and reliable than a Wifi phone, the Gigaset C470 IP DECT VoIP phones are perfect when wireless freedom is required in business environments.
The Gigaset IP phone can take great advantage of the features that the Asterisk PBX has to offer, especially for setups requiring more than 6 extensions. Finally the phones can be incorporated with more advanced messaging platforms and services that can be integrated with the Asterisk PBX. These subscription services such as RSS feeds and weather information can then be accessible directly via your Gigaset handset.
The Asterisk PBX brings small to medium enterprises a feature-rich, cost-effective, reliable telephony solution. The implementation of the Asterisk allows one connect and make calls between a wide range of different SIP-enabled VoIP phones and soft phones. The software in Asterisk offers a wide variety of simple and advanced telephony features, codecs and trunking options. Asterisk implementation is fairly simple when using available GUIs like Asterisk NOW, but its deployments can get more complex.
Combining the Siemens Gigaset C470IP with the Asterisk PBX can create a powerful, robust and flexible solution.
Overcoming The Disadvantages And Improving the Quality Of VoIP
VoIP is a great way to communicate with family and friends at a very low price. However, there are a variety of hindrances with switching to VoIP. This article goes over many of the disadvantages of VoIP, which may have experienced. Additionally, this article will explain how you can improve the quality of VoIP phone service.
Disadvantages of VoIP
Although there are many advantages of VoIP, there are also quite a few disadvantages. Below are four of the most common disadvantages of VoIP.
1. Maintaining a Dependable VoIP Internet Connection
If for any reason, you lose your internet connection, you will not have phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.
2. 911 Access
When you place a 911 call, the location cannot be immediately determined. Unlike PSTN, you must register your phone number online so that should you need to make a 911 call from your VoIP, emergency services will know your location.
3. Networks Have a Large Number of Computers Connected
If your network has a large quantity of computers connected and they are all using the internet at the same time, your VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.
4. VoIP Poor Quality
Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voice communication. If the quality is not up to par, then there is absolutely no point to all of the bells and whistles that come with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. In the next section, we will address this issue more thoroughly.
Even with all of the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.
Six Ways to Improve the Quality of VoIP
Poor audio quality (disadvantage #4) along with dropped calls, are all complaints that user of VoIP tend to make. Below are six ways the setup of your VoIP can affect the overall quality. By following these simple steps, you can easily improve the quality of your VoIP service.
1. Internet Connection
One of the first recommendations is a high speed internet connection. There are companies which offer VoIP for dial up users. However, the connection can result in poor audio quality. Eventually, you will grow to dislike your VoIP. However, it is not the VoIP, but rather the internet connection. Even if you have DSL, there are occasions when the connection may be slow and your VoIP quality will suffer. Therefore, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.
2. External Factors
Weather conditions, such as thunder storms, heavy rains and snowstorms can all can an increase in static on broadband lines. In some instances, simply turning rebooting the VoIP can solve the problem. Another solution to reduce the static is for the VoIP service provider to replace the cables with a higher quality cable.
3. Compression Software
The technical details of codecs are a bit too much for this article. If you would like additional information, you can go to Wikipedia. Here is a quick overview of codecs as it pertains to VoIP. When sending data, VoIP compresses it. This is simply because if the data is too large, transmission can be extremely slow and ineffective. Codec is a software program that can be used for data compression. However, a poor quality codec will lead to poor audio quality.
4. VoIP Location and Hardware
The hardware you choose for you VoIP can affect the audio quality. Most of the most important pieces of hardware is the ATA/Router. The VoIP ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, brings ordinary phones to the networked world. The adaptor connects a phone handset to an Ethernet adaptor and therefore connects regular, analog phones with VoIP networks. If you are looking for additional information on ATA, check out Wikipedia.
In general, ATAs should have support for security and firewall, as well as echo cancellation and compression technologies. Many technicians have discovered that certain VoIP equipment can interfere with each and possibly create feedback or buzzing noises and dropped calls. Although VoIP equipment and hardware should be places as close as possible to each other, ATA should not be placed near the broadband internet router. The audio quality can be decreased if they are placed too close together.
5. Computer Maintenance and Hardware
There are a variety of different things that can affect the quality of your VoIP service. Therefore, computer maintenance is extremely important in improving the service 's quality. Make sure that you de-fragment your computer on a regular bases. As well, make sure that you have sufficient memory for the computer and high quality microphone and speakers.
6. VoIP Phone Type/Frequency
The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone 's frequency is, the better the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better. You may want to try a phone with a lower frequency if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
Disadvantages of VoIP
Although there are many advantages of VoIP, there are also quite a few disadvantages. Below are four of the most common disadvantages of VoIP.
1. Maintaining a Dependable VoIP Internet Connection
If for any reason, you lose your internet connection, you will not have phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.
2. 911 Access
When you place a 911 call, the location cannot be immediately determined. Unlike PSTN, you must register your phone number online so that should you need to make a 911 call from your VoIP, emergency services will know your location.
3. Networks Have a Large Number of Computers Connected
If your network has a large quantity of computers connected and they are all using the internet at the same time, your VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.
4. VoIP Poor Quality
Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voice communication. If the quality is not up to par, then there is absolutely no point to all of the bells and whistles that come with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. In the next section, we will address this issue more thoroughly.
Even with all of the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.
Six Ways to Improve the Quality of VoIP
Poor audio quality (disadvantage #4) along with dropped calls, are all complaints that user of VoIP tend to make. Below are six ways the setup of your VoIP can affect the overall quality. By following these simple steps, you can easily improve the quality of your VoIP service.
1. Internet Connection
One of the first recommendations is a high speed internet connection. There are companies which offer VoIP for dial up users. However, the connection can result in poor audio quality. Eventually, you will grow to dislike your VoIP. However, it is not the VoIP, but rather the internet connection. Even if you have DSL, there are occasions when the connection may be slow and your VoIP quality will suffer. Therefore, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.
2. External Factors
Weather conditions, such as thunder storms, heavy rains and snowstorms can all can an increase in static on broadband lines. In some instances, simply turning rebooting the VoIP can solve the problem. Another solution to reduce the static is for the VoIP service provider to replace the cables with a higher quality cable.
3. Compression Software
The technical details of codecs are a bit too much for this article. If you would like additional information, you can go to Wikipedia. Here is a quick overview of codecs as it pertains to VoIP. When sending data, VoIP compresses it. This is simply because if the data is too large, transmission can be extremely slow and ineffective. Codec is a software program that can be used for data compression. However, a poor quality codec will lead to poor audio quality.
4. VoIP Location and Hardware
The hardware you choose for you VoIP can affect the audio quality. Most of the most important pieces of hardware is the ATA/Router. The VoIP ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, brings ordinary phones to the networked world. The adaptor connects a phone handset to an Ethernet adaptor and therefore connects regular, analog phones with VoIP networks. If you are looking for additional information on ATA, check out Wikipedia.
In general, ATAs should have support for security and firewall, as well as echo cancellation and compression technologies. Many technicians have discovered that certain VoIP equipment can interfere with each and possibly create feedback or buzzing noises and dropped calls. Although VoIP equipment and hardware should be places as close as possible to each other, ATA should not be placed near the broadband internet router. The audio quality can be decreased if they are placed too close together.
5. Computer Maintenance and Hardware
There are a variety of different things that can affect the quality of your VoIP service. Therefore, computer maintenance is extremely important in improving the service 's quality. Make sure that you de-fragment your computer on a regular bases. As well, make sure that you have sufficient memory for the computer and high quality microphone and speakers.
6. VoIP Phone Type/Frequency
The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone 's frequency is, the better the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better. You may want to try a phone with a lower frequency if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
VoIP Advantages and Disadvantages
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been out for some time now but still has not yet received the proper attention from either household users or businesses. Many people have yet to discover the advantages of VoIP compared to the regular phones.
VoIP is a technology that has been commercially available since Level 3 introduced its "softswitch" 10 years ago. In the early years the technology was new and many shortcomings were stopping people from widely adapting such solutions. Lately VoIP has matured a lot and it is a worthy competitor to a regular phone service. Minimum you need a fast internet connection and a PC in order to take advantage of VoIP. Companies might go for more advanced services which include the service to be running to what appears like a regular phone receiver.
Advantages
1. Free or very heap phone calls. Most VoIP providers offer free phone calls to users within the network and the rates to regular analog phones are almost free. Rates for local calls and calls to mobile phones are generally high but still lower than standard phones. International call rate is were one will see the most savings when using VoIP telephony. No more monthly fixed charges of the local telephone companies.
2. Per second charging. Most VoIP companies will charge you for the exact amount of seconds used and they will let you know how much you have spend on each call at the moment you are making it.
3. An international phone. A VoIP phone does not have country boundaries. You can take it with you wherever you go. And the same rates apply regardless of where you are when you use it.
4. 3-way calling, call forwarding, callback services and caller ID are usually standard features (free) with VoIP companies. Those are normally charged extra for, by the traditional telecommunication companies (telcos) .
No system is without its disadvantages
1. Depended on a high speed Internet connections. When the Internet is congested or the connection is slow, phone call quality can be deteriorated and of course when there is no Internet connection a VoIP call cannot go through.
2. VoIP voice quality is in general lower than standard phones. Internet connection speeds determine how fast the voice packets can be transmitted, computer processor speeds determine how fast the packets can be compressed and uncompressed, the choice of codecs used for the compression also take a part in the general quality of the service. As a rule of thumb the faster the connection and the fastest the computer (together with good compression codecs from the VoIP company) will make up for a service that is generally regarded as acceptable.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not just a fab that is going to go away. Its not just for kids to talk to their friends on their PCs. Many companies that depend on international communication are already making use of such services in order to lower their operating costs. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
VoIP is a technology that has been commercially available since Level 3 introduced its "softswitch" 10 years ago. In the early years the technology was new and many shortcomings were stopping people from widely adapting such solutions. Lately VoIP has matured a lot and it is a worthy competitor to a regular phone service. Minimum you need a fast internet connection and a PC in order to take advantage of VoIP. Companies might go for more advanced services which include the service to be running to what appears like a regular phone receiver.
Advantages
1. Free or very heap phone calls. Most VoIP providers offer free phone calls to users within the network and the rates to regular analog phones are almost free. Rates for local calls and calls to mobile phones are generally high but still lower than standard phones. International call rate is were one will see the most savings when using VoIP telephony. No more monthly fixed charges of the local telephone companies.
2. Per second charging. Most VoIP companies will charge you for the exact amount of seconds used and they will let you know how much you have spend on each call at the moment you are making it.
3. An international phone. A VoIP phone does not have country boundaries. You can take it with you wherever you go. And the same rates apply regardless of where you are when you use it.
4. 3-way calling, call forwarding, callback services and caller ID are usually standard features (free) with VoIP companies. Those are normally charged extra for, by the traditional telecommunication companies (telcos) .
No system is without its disadvantages
1. Depended on a high speed Internet connections. When the Internet is congested or the connection is slow, phone call quality can be deteriorated and of course when there is no Internet connection a VoIP call cannot go through.
2. VoIP voice quality is in general lower than standard phones. Internet connection speeds determine how fast the voice packets can be transmitted, computer processor speeds determine how fast the packets can be compressed and uncompressed, the choice of codecs used for the compression also take a part in the general quality of the service. As a rule of thumb the faster the connection and the fastest the computer (together with good compression codecs from the VoIP company) will make up for a service that is generally regarded as acceptable.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not just a fab that is going to go away. Its not just for kids to talk to their friends on their PCs. Many companies that depend on international communication are already making use of such services in order to lower their operating costs. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
Is VoIP Really Affordable?
VoIP has been marketed as the affordable alternative to traditional land line calling since it first started being advertised in commercials years ago. As a stand alone product the pricing seems too good to pass up, especially with the promise of quality voice communications for less but is it really an affordable option that anyone can afford?
The technology of broadband phone typically allows for calls to be made domestically for one small monthly fee throughout the country on the most popular calling plans and usually has very low international rates associated with the plan as well. Technology has allowed for better voice quality so that you never even notice a difference between VoIP service and your old phone line. It is a great advancement for consumers and businesses worldwide looking to make calls for less, or is it?
VoIP is the abbreviated terminology for Voice over Internet Protocol. The keyword to look for in this definition of VoIP is Internet. The word Internet means that this technology cannot be accessed without an Internet connection and while it may not seem like much, the word Internet in relation to VoIP is everything.
The truth is, in reality it will only be as affordable as the Internet providers will allow. Your Internet connection or the lack of thereof is a pricing factor that must not be forgotten when considering the move from traditional phone service to broadband phone. You need a minimum of 90 Kbps upload and download speed to run VoIP from your Internet but if you use your computer for browsing the web with the service you may find you need a lot of bandwidth to function while talking over your service.
Some companies such as Packet8 use compression technology that better enable communications with less bandwidth usage meaning you may not need to beef up your broadband access to utilize the services. Some companies like Vonage however it is necessary to make sure you have the required bandwidth if not more to use services uninterrupted.
If you do not have Internet access then you will want to consider getting it and it is recommended you go high speed. The common problem with high speed is not usually the costs of Internet but what you have to purchase in addition to Internet.
Cable high speed Internet usually requires the purchase of television cable services as well. Do you watch much television or want cable television in your home? You might have to consider that option if you are wanting cable Internet.
With DSL the usual option requires a phone land line to your place of residency and that creates a whole new set of problems. You are wanting to replace your old service not combine it with VoIP. You end up paying for a land line and monthly broadband phone fees.
If you are a business and have many phone lines, you will find that if you previously subscribed to simple DSL services you may need to upgrade to a T1 or T3 line.
The costs can skyrocket dramatically when adding additional services to achieve the goal of just one. You will have to think it over before changing or you may find you are wasting extra money or paying more than you were before the switch. Gather your current bills together and do some price searching and find out if it really will make sense to switch to VoIP technology.
The technology of broadband phone typically allows for calls to be made domestically for one small monthly fee throughout the country on the most popular calling plans and usually has very low international rates associated with the plan as well. Technology has allowed for better voice quality so that you never even notice a difference between VoIP service and your old phone line. It is a great advancement for consumers and businesses worldwide looking to make calls for less, or is it?
VoIP is the abbreviated terminology for Voice over Internet Protocol. The keyword to look for in this definition of VoIP is Internet. The word Internet means that this technology cannot be accessed without an Internet connection and while it may not seem like much, the word Internet in relation to VoIP is everything.
The truth is, in reality it will only be as affordable as the Internet providers will allow. Your Internet connection or the lack of thereof is a pricing factor that must not be forgotten when considering the move from traditional phone service to broadband phone. You need a minimum of 90 Kbps upload and download speed to run VoIP from your Internet but if you use your computer for browsing the web with the service you may find you need a lot of bandwidth to function while talking over your service.
Some companies such as Packet8 use compression technology that better enable communications with less bandwidth usage meaning you may not need to beef up your broadband access to utilize the services. Some companies like Vonage however it is necessary to make sure you have the required bandwidth if not more to use services uninterrupted.
If you do not have Internet access then you will want to consider getting it and it is recommended you go high speed. The common problem with high speed is not usually the costs of Internet but what you have to purchase in addition to Internet.
Cable high speed Internet usually requires the purchase of television cable services as well. Do you watch much television or want cable television in your home? You might have to consider that option if you are wanting cable Internet.
With DSL the usual option requires a phone land line to your place of residency and that creates a whole new set of problems. You are wanting to replace your old service not combine it with VoIP. You end up paying for a land line and monthly broadband phone fees.
If you are a business and have many phone lines, you will find that if you previously subscribed to simple DSL services you may need to upgrade to a T1 or T3 line.
The costs can skyrocket dramatically when adding additional services to achieve the goal of just one. You will have to think it over before changing or you may find you are wasting extra money or paying more than you were before the switch. Gather your current bills together and do some price searching and find out if it really will make sense to switch to VoIP technology.
VoIP Service Provider: What To Look For?
The telephone is what people consider as a necessity in their everyday lives. Homes and businesses alike take advantage of this tool to communicate. In homes, you use it to keep in touch with your family and friends, and in business, you use it to keep in touch with business associates.
Telephones are definitely a must-have for every homes and businesses. However, long distance calls and extra features are too expensive in a conventional landline phone. However, you should consider the fact that because of the advancement in communications technology, another kind of phone system was invented and made available for consumers worldwide.
This kind of phone system offers great benefits to the user and increasing numbers of people and businesses are now getting rid of their conventional landline phones. This phone system is called VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. So, what makes people want to get rid of their conventional land line phones and replace it with such phones?
First of all, it is mainly because of the many advantages that such phone system offers to its consumers. With cheaper long distance calls and free local calls, more and more people are considering using it as their primary tool for communication. Another great thing is that it made different phone features available for free where conventional landline phones charges extra.
Features such as caller ID, three-way calling, call forwarding, call waiting, video conferencing, return call, and others are provided for free and as a standard feature in VoIP. In conventional telephone system, these features can mean extra charges that can be very expensive.
Another thing is that it enables you to transmit audio data at a much clearer quality and at a much faster rate. This is because instead of using wires and transmitting analog signals, it uses the internet to transmit digital signals. This is the reason why it is able to transmit signals at a much faster rate and at a much clearer quality.
Also, you will only need an internet connection and no separate phone line for you to have it in your own home. So, if you already have a high speed internet connection in your home, all you need to do is download a software program and install it in your computer or you can get an IP phone system and connect it to your computer or to your hub.
However, the quality of the service will also depend on the service provider you choose. Depending on the service provider, you will be able to take advantage of all the features that it provides. It is recommended that your service is also used by most of your family, friends, business associates, and acquaintances in order for you to fully take advantage of the free call. Try to find out which service provider is mostly used by more people in your country or more people worldwide.
Also, you have to look for a service provider that offers the most features for free. If you find a service provider that offers services, such as caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling and video conferencing at a certain fee, you should consider looking for another service provider that offers the mentioned features for free. Always remember that all of these features and a lot more are considered as standard features and this means that it should be available for free.
The provider should also be able to provide you with quality service. This is why it is recommended that the provider should offer you a test call to verify if the call provides clear audio and video, and has little or no lags.
When looking for a service provider, you should always remember that you should look for the things mentioned in order to give you the best kind of service available.
VoIP is one of the best innovations that man has ever invented. However, you should also consider that the quality of service will depend on your service provider. Make sure that they provide the best kind of service by testing their services before you subscribe.
So, in order to get the best possible quality for your phone system, you should always remember that it also depends on the service provider you subscribed from. Get the best service provider in order to provide you with cheap and quality service.
Telephones are definitely a must-have for every homes and businesses. However, long distance calls and extra features are too expensive in a conventional landline phone. However, you should consider the fact that because of the advancement in communications technology, another kind of phone system was invented and made available for consumers worldwide.
This kind of phone system offers great benefits to the user and increasing numbers of people and businesses are now getting rid of their conventional landline phones. This phone system is called VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. So, what makes people want to get rid of their conventional land line phones and replace it with such phones?
First of all, it is mainly because of the many advantages that such phone system offers to its consumers. With cheaper long distance calls and free local calls, more and more people are considering using it as their primary tool for communication. Another great thing is that it made different phone features available for free where conventional landline phones charges extra.
Features such as caller ID, three-way calling, call forwarding, call waiting, video conferencing, return call, and others are provided for free and as a standard feature in VoIP. In conventional telephone system, these features can mean extra charges that can be very expensive.
Another thing is that it enables you to transmit audio data at a much clearer quality and at a much faster rate. This is because instead of using wires and transmitting analog signals, it uses the internet to transmit digital signals. This is the reason why it is able to transmit signals at a much faster rate and at a much clearer quality.
Also, you will only need an internet connection and no separate phone line for you to have it in your own home. So, if you already have a high speed internet connection in your home, all you need to do is download a software program and install it in your computer or you can get an IP phone system and connect it to your computer or to your hub.
However, the quality of the service will also depend on the service provider you choose. Depending on the service provider, you will be able to take advantage of all the features that it provides. It is recommended that your service is also used by most of your family, friends, business associates, and acquaintances in order for you to fully take advantage of the free call. Try to find out which service provider is mostly used by more people in your country or more people worldwide.
Also, you have to look for a service provider that offers the most features for free. If you find a service provider that offers services, such as caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling and video conferencing at a certain fee, you should consider looking for another service provider that offers the mentioned features for free. Always remember that all of these features and a lot more are considered as standard features and this means that it should be available for free.
The provider should also be able to provide you with quality service. This is why it is recommended that the provider should offer you a test call to verify if the call provides clear audio and video, and has little or no lags.
When looking for a service provider, you should always remember that you should look for the things mentioned in order to give you the best kind of service available.
VoIP is one of the best innovations that man has ever invented. However, you should also consider that the quality of service will depend on your service provider. Make sure that they provide the best kind of service by testing their services before you subscribe.
So, in order to get the best possible quality for your phone system, you should always remember that it also depends on the service provider you subscribed from. Get the best service provider in order to provide you with cheap and quality service.
Selecting the Right Small Business Phone System
Choosing a phone system is not usually the first thing on a new small business owner 's mind. Even after your office is established and operational, your small business' phone system will likely function so smoothly that it will fade into the background.
But what do you do when you need to install a new small phone system or replace an existing phone system? Do you know the choices available to you and what every option means? Small business phone systems can seem confusing, but knowing the basics can help you buy the phone system that 's just right for your business.
The first thing to remember is that there are four basic types of commercial phone systems to choose from. The first, Private Branch Exchange (also known as PBX) systems, are known to most of us as the huge and confusing cabinets with dedicated operators. Luckily, there are smaller-scale PBX systems for your small business. Since many office workers are familiar with PBX systems, which are becoming more affordable every year, this is often the best choice for small businesses.
Another very popular option for small to mid-size businesses is the key system. This type of phone system consists of a key system unit that controls all of the other phones in the business. The KSU controls the features and functions of each phone, such as voicemail, and ensures that one line is never in use by more than one user at a time.
The key system allows in-system phones to dial each other directly via extension and lets the operator of the KSU supervise the operation of the entire system to ensure that all users' needs are met. The key system is also very expandable with new software.
These two types of phone systems have become very similar as technology has progressed. Features that were once available only on PBX systems are now readily available on systems that are referred to as key systems. Phone systems that share features of PBX and key systems are often called hybrids and offer the most features with the most expandability.
For very small businesses of two to 10 employees, a KSU-less system may be the most appropriate choice. A KSU-less system features phones that each contain the KSU-type technology so that they can provide the functions and features that key systems provide, but without the central unit.
One of the largest benefits to the KSU-less system is that it is not permanently wired into the building like other types of phone systems. Since the technology is contained in the phones, there is no complicated equipment to move when your business moves to a new building.
A newer technology in the small business phone system realm is voice over internet protocol, or VoIP. VoIP phone systems send voice calls over a broadband connection rather than phone lines. VoIP technology can facilitate your small business phone needs for a much lower cost and higher quality than traditional phone systems.
The type of phone system that you choose for your small business depends on your needs and expectations. The easiest way to see if a small business phone system is appropriate for you is to try it out. Just picking up the phones and pressing buttons can give you a feel for how the system operates. Make sure that features are easy to access and understand.
Any time you purchase a new system for your small business phone needs, remember to think of how your business will grow in the future. Ask the installer to give you much more wiring than you need currently to avoid having to pay for pricey future rewiring.
Keep your staff in mind. If you have a large staff, a KSU-less system probably will not be adequate for your needs; you will need to invest in a PBX or hybrid. Luckily, the prices of these sophisticated phone systems are coming down every year. If you time your purchase to coincide with the end of the quarter (when sales reps are hungry for sales), you may be able to get a new small business phone system for much less than you expect. Having the right phone system for your small business can make a huge difference in the way that you and your staff interact with each other and with your customers.
But what do you do when you need to install a new small phone system or replace an existing phone system? Do you know the choices available to you and what every option means? Small business phone systems can seem confusing, but knowing the basics can help you buy the phone system that 's just right for your business.
The first thing to remember is that there are four basic types of commercial phone systems to choose from. The first, Private Branch Exchange (also known as PBX) systems, are known to most of us as the huge and confusing cabinets with dedicated operators. Luckily, there are smaller-scale PBX systems for your small business. Since many office workers are familiar with PBX systems, which are becoming more affordable every year, this is often the best choice for small businesses.
Another very popular option for small to mid-size businesses is the key system. This type of phone system consists of a key system unit that controls all of the other phones in the business. The KSU controls the features and functions of each phone, such as voicemail, and ensures that one line is never in use by more than one user at a time.
The key system allows in-system phones to dial each other directly via extension and lets the operator of the KSU supervise the operation of the entire system to ensure that all users' needs are met. The key system is also very expandable with new software.
These two types of phone systems have become very similar as technology has progressed. Features that were once available only on PBX systems are now readily available on systems that are referred to as key systems. Phone systems that share features of PBX and key systems are often called hybrids and offer the most features with the most expandability.
For very small businesses of two to 10 employees, a KSU-less system may be the most appropriate choice. A KSU-less system features phones that each contain the KSU-type technology so that they can provide the functions and features that key systems provide, but without the central unit.
One of the largest benefits to the KSU-less system is that it is not permanently wired into the building like other types of phone systems. Since the technology is contained in the phones, there is no complicated equipment to move when your business moves to a new building.
A newer technology in the small business phone system realm is voice over internet protocol, or VoIP. VoIP phone systems send voice calls over a broadband connection rather than phone lines. VoIP technology can facilitate your small business phone needs for a much lower cost and higher quality than traditional phone systems.
The type of phone system that you choose for your small business depends on your needs and expectations. The easiest way to see if a small business phone system is appropriate for you is to try it out. Just picking up the phones and pressing buttons can give you a feel for how the system operates. Make sure that features are easy to access and understand.
Any time you purchase a new system for your small business phone needs, remember to think of how your business will grow in the future. Ask the installer to give you much more wiring than you need currently to avoid having to pay for pricey future rewiring.
Keep your staff in mind. If you have a large staff, a KSU-less system probably will not be adequate for your needs; you will need to invest in a PBX or hybrid. Luckily, the prices of these sophisticated phone systems are coming down every year. If you time your purchase to coincide with the end of the quarter (when sales reps are hungry for sales), you may be able to get a new small business phone system for much less than you expect. Having the right phone system for your small business can make a huge difference in the way that you and your staff interact with each other and with your customers.
Can VOIP Technology-Voice Over Internet Protocol Globalize Your Home Business?
As you work your business on a daily basis, you are probably wondering how yo can expand the reach of your business. Usually this means you need to build up the infrastructure of your business and you will need to increase your marketing efforts. One of services we will recommend you look at is the unlikely voice over internet protocol or VOIP Technology.
To increase your business expansion capabilities one of the first things you probably have completed is to determine how your product or service meets the needs of a particular market. That market being in a defined area means the people and or prospective customers have a particular set of biases and familiar ways of doing business. This usually means that you have to do the first rule of sales which is meeting the customer on familiar terms.
One of the ways to establish a presence in a remote area is creating a local presence in your targeted area. This would mean acquiring physical office space and a local address, etc. However In this day of the internet moving real people and equipment may not make sense. As this type of office expansion move can be expensive or impossible to do for the solo business owner, a business owner needs to look at the latest VOIP technology called voice over internet protocol or VOIP.
.Available as voice over internet protocol or voice over cable generically termed broadband phone service; VOIP services are dramatically different from the traditional services of the past. A detailed explanation of VOIP is more then we can cover here but one of the primary advantages of using VoIP services is that you can order up additional services without needing a person deployed to install service. A second advantage is that you also don't need regulatory body or local VOIP service provider to approve you entry into this remote area of your goals.
With VOIP you can obtain a local telephone number in almost any where because this type of mobility is allowed to occur no matter where you are because the VoIP adapter that you receive from the service provider is specially coded with your VoIP phone number. Alternately you cn also get a software driven type VOIP service right from your computer. Regardless of the type of service you get, this now means no matter where you go, your number goes with you.
Establishing business offices at multiple locations - VoIP Virtual Numbers allow multiple inbound telephone access numbers in different cities. With this feature, it is possible to establish your business in multiple locations by creating a "Virtual Presence" using virtual numbers.
These virtual numbers can be routed to any number that you specify. If you live in Chicago, you can have access numbers in New York, Houston and San Francisco all routing through to your number in Chicago.
With this feature, business addresses can be established in different cities and even countries. You can set up these virtual numbers based on the locations from where you expect to receive many phone calls.
Besides enhancing the image of your business, customers get the benefit of calling a local number which is less costly for them. You get to expand your business without physically entering a remote market and you do it at a low cost.
As you can see this is how to globalize a business and as you can see with VOIP software there are many possibilities when you take a different look at what seems to be a regular IOVC VOIP technology component. But as demonstrated, voice over internet protocol has many additional benefits including helping you globalize your business.
To increase your business expansion capabilities one of the first things you probably have completed is to determine how your product or service meets the needs of a particular market. That market being in a defined area means the people and or prospective customers have a particular set of biases and familiar ways of doing business. This usually means that you have to do the first rule of sales which is meeting the customer on familiar terms.
One of the ways to establish a presence in a remote area is creating a local presence in your targeted area. This would mean acquiring physical office space and a local address, etc. However In this day of the internet moving real people and equipment may not make sense. As this type of office expansion move can be expensive or impossible to do for the solo business owner, a business owner needs to look at the latest VOIP technology called voice over internet protocol or VOIP.
.Available as voice over internet protocol or voice over cable generically termed broadband phone service; VOIP services are dramatically different from the traditional services of the past. A detailed explanation of VOIP is more then we can cover here but one of the primary advantages of using VoIP services is that you can order up additional services without needing a person deployed to install service. A second advantage is that you also don't need regulatory body or local VOIP service provider to approve you entry into this remote area of your goals.
With VOIP you can obtain a local telephone number in almost any where because this type of mobility is allowed to occur no matter where you are because the VoIP adapter that you receive from the service provider is specially coded with your VoIP phone number. Alternately you cn also get a software driven type VOIP service right from your computer. Regardless of the type of service you get, this now means no matter where you go, your number goes with you.
Establishing business offices at multiple locations - VoIP Virtual Numbers allow multiple inbound telephone access numbers in different cities. With this feature, it is possible to establish your business in multiple locations by creating a "Virtual Presence" using virtual numbers.
These virtual numbers can be routed to any number that you specify. If you live in Chicago, you can have access numbers in New York, Houston and San Francisco all routing through to your number in Chicago.
With this feature, business addresses can be established in different cities and even countries. You can set up these virtual numbers based on the locations from where you expect to receive many phone calls.
Besides enhancing the image of your business, customers get the benefit of calling a local number which is less costly for them. You get to expand your business without physically entering a remote market and you do it at a low cost.
As you can see this is how to globalize a business and as you can see with VOIP software there are many possibilities when you take a different look at what seems to be a regular IOVC VOIP technology component. But as demonstrated, voice over internet protocol has many additional benefits including helping you globalize your business.
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