VoIP PBX Solutions For Businesses - What to Look For

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Eliminate or reduce intra-office toll charges

- Avoiding service and support contracts on existing PBX hardware

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

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

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

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

- Reduce user training and learning on phone and messaging systems

- Cost-effectively implement unified messaging

- Improve security

- Reduce systems downtime and improve performance

Additional benefits for call centers.....

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

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

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

Cost considerations....

- VoIP telecommunication hardware and software

- IP phone sets or soft phones

- Network upgrades for possible quality of service and performance upgrades

- Implementation labor and professional services

- On-going support and administration labor

- Support and maintenance contracts

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

- IT Training

- User Training

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

Potential project risks......

- Quality of service/performance

- User training and adoption

- Administration and support skill levels and resources

- Proprietary vs. open systems interoperability

How Does The Solution Work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outbound calls.......

Caller A, who is located in the corporate headquarters, wants to make a call

to Caller B, who is a company customer.

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

The VoIP PBX server searches its internal database and obtains call routing

information about the VoIP carrier, who should terminate calls to Caller B's area code.

The call is routed to the VoIP carrier.

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

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

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

Inbound calls.....

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

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

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

Caller A dials Caller B's extension.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mini 3.5mm Flexible Microphone for PC/Laptop/Skype

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Is VoIP Internet phone service right for you?

Thousands of people each month are VoIP service subscription and have your regular disconnected phone line. Internet phone service is big business for us, the consumers, as it gives us a super cheap alternative to traditional phone service and gives us something very important: CHOICES! Perhaps for the first time in our lives, we are no longer forced to use our telephone services - local phone company is not that great?

VoIP is not for everyone.There are some requirements and disadvantages for the internet that can or can not influence their decision to cambiar.Mayoría people telephone service considers the potential problems associated with VoIP to be children and find that the characteristics of low cost and free broadband phone service outweigh any negatives.

In order to understand the disadvantages of VoIP, it helps to understand a little about what is and how it works.

A brief introduction to Internet phone service

VoIP stands for more popular used to describe the internet telephony service. Voice Over Internet Protocol, means that it is a technical term that describes a set of rules that define how the voice signals are transmitted via standard internet. Some other common terms used to describe VoIP are "broadband phone service" and "IP phone service". As the term implies VoIP, INTERNET SERVICE IS REQUIRED in order to use VoIP.

A small device called a "VoIP adapter" is used to perform complex functions necessary to make possible the voice signals to convey on the internet. The adapter is wired network to your modem router or broadband, and another cable is connected directly to your phone.There are other hardware configurations, but this is the more básica.No phone connectors are required.

During a phone call, the conversation goes through the VoIP adapter and is routed on the internet to its final destination. Why VoIP is so cheap - telephone network are not dependent on expensive companies and switches. With VoIP phone service internet, you can call any phone anywhere in the world. The person you are calling must not also be using an internet phone.

Potential problems with VoIP

Although internet phone service seems and acts like Service regular phone, there are some technological differences that may cause problems with your service from time to time.

E911 dialing is a "must have" for anyone using VoIP as their main phone line. This allows emergency calls to the path to the nearest 911 dispatch Office and identifies its location to the emergency operator. While in 2005 the FCC mandated that all VoIP companies provide E911 service to all subscribers, not all VoIP companies are offering this yet. Is important to choose a provider that you have available in your area service E911 - VoIP your life may depend on it. You are responsible for maintaining your current E911 address to this service to work properly. If you move and forget to change your address with your VoIP provider emergency services will not be able to locate you.A "live" internet connection is required to use VoIP, because calls are transmitted over the internet.This can present a problem when your internet service is down. Broadband is also required by most vendors of VoIP, because internet phone service you need to have enough bandwidth to work properly. Be sure to have on a trusted provider reliable broadband internet service if you are planning on using VoIP as their primary phone. Energy is needed to use the service for internet telephony. Without energy, cable/DSL modem will not work and will not function VoIP - adapter will not have any telephone service.If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, this could be a big problem for you. Existing telephone cabling is not going to work with your new VoIP service unless you make some traditional telephone modificaciones. It's is designed to transmit from the carrier, not the internet switch. If you want to use their existing phones and phone with VoIP you need to disconnect and redirect phone cable connectors entering your house. This is a fairly easy task, but beyond of the scope of this article. Yes using an expandable cordless telephone with VoIP system however, it completely eliminates the need to cheat with any wiring.

Is it right to phone-based broadband for you?

These are some of the most common issues that you need to take into account before VoIP. With an internet phone service switch occurs with most things, there is usually an easy solution that can minimize or prevent any problems.With over 10 million VoIP subscribers in the United States only, it is clear that the disadvantages of VoIP is not keeping people from using it. Yes we take into account the tremendous cost savings, free long distance calls and all free calls features that you get with internet telephone service, more are finding that it's no problem to deal with a few occasional inconveniences.

Ready for VoIP?-compare VoIP providers
Get my free report: what every consumer should know before you subscribe to VoIP
Telephone Internet - the future is here!

Dialog Phone

Miglia Technology Dialog Phone - USB VoIP wireless phone. Are you ready to take on the world? Miglias Dialog Phone lets you call anyone anywhere in the world for free. Dialog is a wire free phone that offers perfect Skype and iChat AV integration, letting you chat for as long as you want to anyone in the world. Gone are the days of watching the clock when making a long distance call. Now you can call your family and friends every day and chat for hours, because every minute spent on the phone is completely free.This stylish and elegant phone is so easy to use that you will be wondering how you ever managed to live without it.
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How is the call quality of VoIP? What are the best providers?

Posted: September 24, 2010 at 9:45 am | Tags: best, call, providers, quality, voip

I am thinking about switching from Cox to a VoIP provider. I have had Vonage and Sunrocket. I loved Vonage, but then I heard about Sunrocket and it was cheaper, so I switched. Sunrocket was horrible, so I switched back to Vonage and it was really bad. I switched back to Cox and that is what I have right now. I am thinking about AT&T Callvantage, but they don’t have an agreement to transfer numbers from Cox. Would it be worth it for me to transfer my number from Cox to Verizon and then to Callvantage or should I find another VoIP provider? If you think I should find another provider which one should I switch to? I live in Rhode Island.

Answer by Roger Vadim
I got Packet8, and I love it!!! but if you had problems with the other ones, you will have trouble with it too….a new provider will not halp you , most problems have to do with you high-speed provider…..here is a guide what and how to do it!!!

Connecting to your VoiP adapter to your network to avoid issues:

1. Connect voip adapter to a vacant port on your existing network router/switch

2. Give your adapter a static IP address from your router/switch. i.e. for a Linksys wrt54gs router, assign the adapter a static IP address of 192.168.1.130, gateway will be 192.168.1.1 (That’s the linksys IP address), subnet is 255.255.255.0 and the dns is whatever your isp uses. If you don’t know it, you can use a dns from level 3. e.g. 4.2.2.1

3. Now, go into your router and look for the DMZ setting. Turn this on, and input the static IP address of the adapter you just made. e.g. 192.168.1.130

4. For those of you who are a bit more knowledgable of networking and MUST use ports instead of the DMZ, the ports for Packet8 are dynamic. They are ever changing. You will need to forward ports UDP 5060-65534 and TCP 8889

5. If after using Packet8, you realize that their is some echo or possibly 1 way conversation, or possibly that you are losing internet connection to your adapter, go back into the router and turn OFF any firewall or SPI settings. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you might have to go back to factory defaults on the BPG510 and place it BEFORE your network router/switch. Placing a 310/410 adapter before the router is NOT an option

That is it. Now, the ports are all open to allow your adapter to work without any issues, HOPEFULLY. LOL!!!

Some notes: If using the BPG510 adapter, to make changes, connect a computer to it initially, and type in 192.168.88.1 then it will ask for a password. The password is “admin” without the quotes. Then change the WAN IP address to what it listed above as an example. You DON’T want to change the LAN IP address. Put in the static IP address in the range of your router like I suggested. When you connect it to the router and all is done, then a computer can be connected on a different port of the router, and still access the BPG510. Instead of the 192.168.88.1, it will be the new wan address you gave it. e.g. 192.168.1.130 . You still have the capability of connecting a computer directly to the lan port of the BPG510 and doing the 192.168.88.1 if you like.

If using the 310/410 adapters, there is no WAN settings. You would change the LAN settings for the IP address you want from your router.

View the original article here

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Ideal for PC communications: Including voice & video chat, music, gaming, movies and voice recognition.



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The Advantages of VoIP Over Traditional Landlines

You have probably heard about VoIP technology, as there is a lot of "skype hype" out there and praises screamed from mountaintops about similar services. For those of you who do not already know, VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voice Over Internet Provider)However, as it is with anything new, you probably have a lot of questions which you need answered before you make the decision of investing in VoIP, or even switching over completely from land line telephone services to VoIP.

Do you remember in the not so distant past when only some us had cell phones, and those of us that did just kept them in the glove compartments of our cars, and used them only sparingly? Remember how expensive they used to be? Now look at us! We can't leave home without them, and can barely function in this day and age without even having one. Well, the same kind of development and sudden demand that existed in cell phones is now prevalent in the VoIP industry - in fact, in a few short years, VoIP may replace not only conventional land line phones, but cellular phones as well. VoIP services represent an excellent savings for your pocket, and the efficiency with which VoIP services operate are unmatched when compared to any other type of telephone services. This is why it is of utmost importance for you to understand all of the advantages to VoIP now, rather than later, and get in on this new technology while the price is still right.

The Advantages of VoIP over Conventional Land line Telephones

VoIP technology provides its users with a wealth of benefits. If you already have a computer with a broadband connection, a router, a microphone, and/or headset, then you are already set up and ready to go with VoIP - you're only halfway there. Having all of this set up ahead of time will prove to provide you with additional savings, which you can use to put towards VoIP service, and add any extra features you may want to your desired service package.

Without further ado, here are some of the most popular advantages of VoIP services which have been shared with us in the past, and enjoyed by people just like you all over the world.

There is no need for a land line telephone anymore - While it is not absolutely necessary for you to pull out your conventional phone lines and throw them in the garbage, you will soon find them unnecessary, as VoIP will eliminate the need for any long distance services you will have. While these services are expensive and no longer necessary, you can save money by dropping long distance services from your land line telephones, or drop land line service altogether, as you will not have much more use for it while you are using VoIP. This benefit alone can cause you to become addicted to VoIP.

There Is No Limit To Your Communications - Generally, if you choose to have your VoIP services with one of the more well known companies, they will put you on a flat rate where you can have unlimited communications with whoever you want anywhere throughout the world. For example, if you have a business partner or friend in Germany, and you live in Pennsylvania, there is no need to keep looking for a cheaper way to do so. Most VoIP service providers will charge nothing extra for this service, and in the event that such fees may apply with a particular VoIP provider, the charge is minuscule as compared to conventional land line phones and cellular phones.

With flat rate VoIP services, there is no need for you to not call a loved one over the concern of applicable long distance charges. VoIP eliminates that completely and you are able to talk as long as you want.

You Can Have Multi-Party and Conference Calling - Virtually all VoIP providers offer a service better than the conventional 3-way calling service found with land line and cellular phones. Instead of being limited to only 2 other people in the conversation, you can have as many as you like, because using the internet as the method of delivery with this technology is multidimensional, as opposed to the others which are 2-dimensional. With VoIP, you can use it for conference calls and teleseminars with relative ease. VoIP is an excellent idea for businesses, especially those who transact with others overseas.

No Additional Cost For Internet Services - Most VoIP providers offer service packages which allow you to save money on paying for broadband service from your ISP, as VoIP services can provide you the same quality service as a part of your VoIP plan. By doing this, you'll save more money from this unneeded extra expense. To be sure, always ask your VoIP service provider if this valuable option is available.

VoIP is Extremely Inexpensive: Even the most expensive of all the VoIP internet providers are much less expensive than costly conventional service. Because there are not a whole lot of middlemen or channels which help provide VoIP services, this brings your costs down dramatically, as no one in the "assembly line" needs to get paid. Also, Because your connection is maintained and established through the internet connection, it has no need to go through land based wiring systems, which need constant maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. VoIP operates using your computer's broadband technology, connecting it instantly to who you need to talk to, with no one between you and the party on the other end. There may be some small charges when calling a land line or cellular phone with VoIP, depending on your VoIP service provider. Although these costs are fractional, consult with your service provider for exact rates, if applicable.

VoIP has Many Free Services - With many VoIP providers, there is no charge to use their VoIP services at all. If someone you know is in England and has VoIP, and you need to speak with them from Australia, all you need to do is activate your VoIP service and talk away. Generally, computer to computer calls are free, but check with your VoIP service provider to determine rates, if applicable. By making these calls over the internet, there are no rental fees for cellular towers or land line phones. This is one of the main reasons why conventional phone services cost much higher than VoIP services.

VoIP Services Travel With You - No matter where you go in the world, VoIP follows you, because the internet is accessible worldwide. Any computer in a coffee house, internet cafe, library, hotel computer room, etc., with a broadband connection is suitable for using VoIP. This is extremely advantageous, as if you need to make an overseas phone call, or even a phone call overseas within the country you are in, you can make a phone call at a very small price per minute if calling a land line or celluar, and possibly free if the other party has VoIP service. This works out to be drastically cheaper than hotel room rates, cellular roaming and long distance charges, and conventional long distance charges. Think of all of the places in your home country where there are broadband or WiFi, or wireless, "hot spots." Where these exist wherever you go, you can use your VoIP service, just pull out your headset and microphone and you're ready to connect. There are also VoIP phones, which resemble cellular phones that can be used for this purpose by tapping into the signal provided. Sometimes, these special phones are provided with your VoIP package. With these nifty things, anywhere a broadband connection exists, you can use your Portable VoIP phone, as everything is configured automatically, once the signal is detected.

VoIP Comes With Loads Of Free Features - Features which you would normally pay extra fees for on land line and cellular services, such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, three-way calling, and voice mail, etc. These features are very easy to use and are completely set up and ready to go upon purchasing a package with a VoIP provider. Most people never use these features when associated with the other types of telephones as they came with additional fees. Once experienced with VoIP, these features are nearly indispensable. As with conventional phones, your particular VoIP package company you choose to sign up for can determine which services are included and which ones are not.

VoIP is Data Capable - That is, VoIP is more than capable of making data calls, such as faxes. Using your broadband connection, you can send an international fax at a much lower cost, and much quicker than you would with a cell phone or land line phone. As some of us know, the fax capabilities with a cellular phone were spotty at best. VoIP works just the same in this regard to downloading a file from the internet.

Here are some comments we have received from satisfied customers who have purchased VoIP service and have written into us. Read what they have to say about the tremendous benefits of VoIP service

"Wow! That's all I can say! I was at a convention in Milan, Italy and needed call my wife in Cincinnati. If I had used my cell phone, it would have cost me $1.06 per minute. With VoIP, that cost me next to nothing! Thanks for the recommendation." - Robert J., Cincinnati, OH USA

"This is totally cool. Thanks for turning me onto this. I can now talk to all my chat friends online through VoIP rather than sit in front a monitor like all day typing. Cool Beans!" - Sally D., Decatur, GA USA

"With my contacts in America, I can do whatever I need to do with at 75% of what my previous costs were. Whether it be a fax, a phone call, or even a conference call. Can you imagine the money I save each year now just in travel alone, thanks to the teleconferencing features in my VoIP plans?" -- Ian Mc., Dublin, Ireland

"I would have thought that the service would have been spotty, or sounded like you were talking in a bucket or something. But, to my surprise, I noticed no difference in quality of the phone calls I make as compared to the phone calls I make on my mobile or land line phone. This VoIP stuff is amazing! I'll even go out on a limb and say that the quality is a tad bit better than my land line service!" - Meghan P., Ontario, Canada

In reading these testimonials I'm sure you can see that these satisfied customers are already reaping the priceless benefits of VoIP in their business lives and personal lives alike.

As you can see, VoIP will be the new wave in telecommunications in the future. There is no doubt that the time is now to secure a VoIP service for yourself whether you are in business, or even for personal use. Not doing so now will only leave you living in the dark ages, and catching up can take longer than we sometimes imagine. Before you sign another cellular contract or make a commitment to land line phone service, look into VoIP, sign up for its cost-effective services and reap the benefits immediately.

By not doing so now, you are voluntarily giving phone companies money that you could be putting towards your savings or something else you may be dreaming of. Why give phone companies any more money than you have to for service which is not 100%?

Sign up for VoIP today, put these troubles behind you, and stay in touch with the world, rather than yourself alone.

Read more about Phone Power and other VoIP information at the author's website: Fire Your Phone Company.

Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service

Ooma VOIP Telo offers VOIP service for those homes that have access to DSL - Cable - Broadband Internet Service. Using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and an optional Ooma Handset you can make phone calls across the United States for virtually free. International calls cost pennies. The base station interprets calls from the handset to your Internet service and calls are transmitted over Internet service protocols and connections. With its sleek design and loaded features, the only thing that's not high-end about the Ooma Telo is the price tag. The Ooma Telo connects to your high-speed Internet and existing home phones, allowing you to enjoy free home phone service, free US calls, and exceptionally low international rates.
Easy set-up - Ooma is a highly intuitive set-up. Most customers are up and making free calls in about 15 minutes. 911 Service - When you dial 911, emergency personnel will automatically have your registered address. Landline Backup Option - Be backed up during power outages or Internet outages to make 911 calls if you also choose to keep a landline connected to your Ooma Telo. Low cost international calling - Make international calls starting at pennies per minute. My Ooma - Hear messages, check call logs and control your preferences online. Online call log - Check your calling history from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device. Free in-network calling - Call another Ooma customer anywhere in the world for free. Dect 6.0 Support for Ooma Telo Handset - Get superb sound quality, security and range without interfering with your Wi-Fi network or other home electronics. Advanced network/firewall configuration - Get a high-performance firewall router, with QoS support, that allows you to setup home-based servers and other network devices.
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Why is my voice over IP phone service not clear?

Posted: September 24, 2010 at 12:45 pm | Tags: clear, Over, phone, Service, voice

I use Net Zero Voice and lately I have been getting complaints that my voice is not clear. What is the deal? Is it the service? The head set that I am using? Or? What is the cost to get a converter to use a regular phone? Will this help make it more clear?

Answer by Randy W
No it’s the internet connection that you have.
It may provide high speed, but it’s not a reliable and steady signal.
In order for VoIP to work well you need at least a 90Kbps upload rate. That a sustained rate, and at that rate you are still only getting a 80% signal quality.
To test this try making a call either really later at night like after midnight or before five am in the morning.
There are some thing that you can adjust to help but 9 time out of 10 is the connection.

View the original article here

Review: Unlimited US Telephone Calling With Ooma VOIP?

Recently new to the market, newcomer Ooma has debuted offering unlimited US calling and no monthly fee.

What's different about Ooma from other services that offered yearly unlimited calling or no monthly fee service is that Ooma is setup to offer premier services, which they do charge a monthly fee for, as well as overseas calling.

What do you get with Ooma?

Ooma is a hardware device that allows you to make and receive calls through your high speed internet service. Basically, you plug in the hub to your router and plug your phone into the hub. That's basically it.

Each hub also comes with a 'scout', a smaller version of the hub, that you can plug in at other locations in your home. You basically plug it in between the wall jack and your phone and it will work with the Ooma service.

The basic service also comes with a free 60 day trial of the premier service.

With the basic Ooma service you get:

• Unlimited US calling: Call anyone, anytime, anywhere in the U.S.
• Phone number flexibility: Choose a new number anywhere in the U.S. or transfer an existing number for a one-time fee
• Caller-ID: See the name and number of who is calling (caller-ID compatible phone required)
• Call-waiting: Switch to a new incoming call when you are already on the line
• Call-waiting caller-ID: See the name and number of a new incoming call before you switch over
• Voicemail: Access your messages remotely from any phone or web browser
• Voicemail notifications: Receive notifications via email or text when incoming messages arrive
• Broadband Answering Machine™: Listen to messages hands-free with the built-in speaker
• ooma Lounge™: Hear messages and control your preferences online
• Call Logs: Check your calling history online; filter and sort to find the call you are looking for
• Enhanced 911: Emergency personnel are automatically given your registered address when you dial 911 (subject to availability)
• Free in-network calling: Call another ooma customer anywhere in the world for free
• Outbound caller name: Have your name show up when you call out (other party must have caller-ID with name feature)
• Caller-ID blocking: Use *67/*82 to block or display your caller-ID/name for outgoing calls
• Call return: Return the last incoming call by dialing *69
• Landline backup: Automatic fallback during power/Internet outages or 911 calls (requires basic landline to be plugged-in)
• Prepaid international calling: Make low-cost international calls starting at only a penny per minute
• Directory assistance: Make 411 calls at $0.99 per call
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty

For a monthly fee of $12.99 (currently), you can get these additional services:

• Free number porting: Transfer an existing number for free with an annual subscription to ooma Premier
• Multi-Ring: Simultaneously ring or forward your ooma number to your mobile phone, or any number you choose
• Message screening: Screen your calls by listening in as a caller is leaving their message
• Voicemail forwarding: Have your voicemail automatically forwarded to email
• Instant Second Line™: Make a second call even when someone else is on the phone (requires ooma Scout)
• Enhanced call-waiting: Answer an incoming call even when someone else is on the phone (requires ooma Scout)
• Three-way conferencing: Conference two lines together at a push of a button
• Send to Voicemail: Transfer a call to voicemail at a touch of a button
• Do Not Disturb: Transfer all incoming calls directly to voicemail at a touch of a button
• Personal numbers: Select additional phone numbers in any calling area in the US
• Directed ringing: Create private extensions which are dedicated to a personal number
• Private voicemail: Create private voicemail and Lounge accounts dedicated to a personal number
• Distinctive ringing: Control the ring pattern based on a personal number

How does it compare with other VOIP services?

Everyone I've heard from has had excellent experiences with not only the service, but easy setup. But the main difference most users are enjoying is the lack of a monthly fee. The call quality has been reported to be excellent without any choppiness or echoes sometimes experienced with other VOIP services.

It's also been highly recommended in the media, reviews and by existing users.

While voicemail is available with all VOIP services standard, Ooma offers unique access to your voicemail directly from the hub and scout units making checking your voicemail messages easy and much more convenient than any other VOIP service I've found. The voicemail feature is quite flexible offering the option to record your conversations as well as standard voicemail features offered elsewhere.

What are the down sides?

There don't seem to be many cons to Ooma. You do have to pay $39.99 to keep your existing number (transfer it to Ooma) and adding a fax line is not guaranteed to work. You can set up an additional dedicated phone number as your fax line to get around that, but Ooma tells you you may need to turn your fax on manual answer to not interfere with their multiple line calling system. If you need a dedicated fax, you may want to check into this further. An alternative is using an email fax service which is much more cost effective, flexible and environmentally friendly as well.

Bottom Line

If you're looking to save a significant amount on your telephone service and you already have high speed internet access, Ooma looks like an excellent choice to switch to. Unless you need additional features like distinctive ringing, forwarding voicemail, message screening and private numbers, you can stay with the basic service package and enjoy free telephone service. Although even if you opt for the premium service, at $12.99 a month, it's a small price to pay and most likely much less than any other true VOIP service on the market today.

Learn more about Ooma.

Resources:

> Buy.com currently has the lowest price on the Ooma

Compare Complete VOIP Small Business Telephone Solutions

I recently found out how many different small business telephone solutions are available today when I was asked to help recommend and install a phone system for a small company.

In my research, I chose to focus on VOIP solutions for several reasons:

1. low cost
2. ease of installation
3. convenience of online management

After much background research and comparisons, I narrowed my search down to two providers, Packet 8 and RingCentral.

Here are the benefits of each:

Packet 8

Packet 8 offers both VOIP telephone equipment and service for a reasonable monthly cost. The phone equipment is well designed, fairly easy to use and plugs in using normal RJ11 telephone jacks. High speed internet access is required and the routers connect your telephone lines to your cable modem.

All phone lines are managed online through a control panel, which is a bit confusing at first, where you can modify your settings, phone extensions and system functions.

You can also add dedicated voip fax lines as well by adding an additional router you can purchase from Packet 8.

All plans include unlimited calling in the US, advanced call forwarding, outlook integration, and an auto attendant option that basically manages your incoming calls and routes them to any phone in your system. Each physical phone has a direct number as well as an extension that is available through the attendant.

You can either rent the telephone equipment or purchase it outright.

There are many service plans that start at $39.99 (auto attendant and single phone) depending on where you'd like to call and whether you want to rent or purchase the telephone equipment.

Customer service is available Monday-Saturday during working hours.

RingCentral

RingCentral is setup differently by providing all services except VOIP digital telephone through an online control panel allowing you to get started within minutes of signing up. RingCentral is basically a virtual PBX where you either setup a new business phone number in area code available (or transfer an existing number) and allows you to setup how your callers will be directed without any hardware or equipment.

You can have extensions going to phone numbers anywhere in the world, setup custom greetings, voicemail, setup rules based on time of day, dial by name directories, call forwarding, call screening, music or personalized recorded messages on hold, call screening, caller id, click to call from your web site, outlook integration, call logs, fax on demand, email fax, calling card function and many more.

Service plan costs start at $9.99 a month although you'll most likely end up with the more robust plan at $24.99 which is very reasonable for the features offered. VOIP digital telephone service is available for as little as $4.99 a month and is available in addition to the RingCentral Virtual PBX service.

A 30 day free trial is currently available without obligation. It's one of the only services I found where you can try it and if it's not for you, you can just cancel and walk away.

Support is available 24 hours a day and is quite helpful.

Bottom Line

In comparing these two services I took the following into consideration.

The company I was helping already had phone lines and numbers active in their office and had many contractors working with them throughout the country. The office was small and the principals often worked from home and traveled.

With these factors the RingCentral plan made the most sense for their company. I recommended the Digital VOIP service for their physical office and the RingCentral virtual PBX service that would manage all their incoming calls through one phone number. They could choose to add a toll free number (currently RingCentral is offering 800 numbers at no cost) or user their existing business telephone number.

The positive testimonials and press that RingCentral has received is hard to overlook and gave me comfort in making the recommendation.

If the company was new and didn't already have existing equipment, the Packet 8 service may have been a cost effective alternative, depending on how many 'virtual' employees or contractors were involved.

MagicJack Makes Calling Cheap with Unlimited Plan

The MagicJack looks like a simple USB thumb drive for your computer, but plug a standard telephone into the other end and for $40 the first year, $20 a year thereafter, it allows you to make unlimited phone calls in the U.S. and Canada. That includes calls you make to the U.S. and Canada even if you happen to be overseas. It also offers some of those nifty premium features you'll find from more established online phone services like Vonage or Skype, like virtual voicemail and a system to find you when you're not at a computer.

“If this is unplugged or if your computer is turned off, you program in up to three numbers to find and when someone calls the phone number associated with this it finds that other number,” says Mel Arthur of Magic Jack.

Source: News14

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits. VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone.

VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.

Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.

Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited, flat rate calling plans. There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.

You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones. Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs.

Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are slightly more expensive then mobile phones and are now becoming popular options for consumers. They are a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.

Another form of VoIP is a hybrid service that is more like a softphone application, making and taking calls directly from your computer (no handset) as well as providing an extensive voicemail system with additional features. PrivatePhone is one example of this service and includes additional features like 'call me back', downloading and posting voicemail messages online and many more. It's an effective choice for classified ad replies, advertising, lead collection and private phone calls.

VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones. There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.

The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.

New Directory for Skype Users

A new community of Skype users has been introduced with the goal of building a directory of Skype users contact information. Like a yellow pages directory strictly for individuals and business that can include your phone number, description, location and Skype name. Great idea.

Visit the site at: ListBlue.com.

If you aren't a Skype user, you can grab the software - for free - here and keep in touch with friends, family and even business associates at no cost.

Happy VoIPing!

Mark
Review VoIP Plans and Services

Ten Reasons To Go VoIP

Why go with VoIP? Many people today are asking the same question. VoIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is also commonly referred to as VoIP, IP, Digital Phone, Broadband Phone and Internet Telephony. VoIP is basically your voice traveling over the Internet as opposed to PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network.

VoIP offers many benefits and advantages over PSTN networks. Here are the top ten reasons why you should go VoIP:

1. VoIP Saves You Money

Overall, VoIP is much more inexpensive then PSTN. You simply pay for your Internet service, and then whichever VoIP provider you choose. For a one time monthly fee, you can have unlimited local and long distance phone calls. You will need to check with the VoIP service provider that you choose for exact details on their rates. Sometimes, your VoIP service provider will allow free calls within the world to another computer, yet there may be a fee for calls worldwide to a landline phone. Always check with your chosen service provider for exact details regarding your chosen plan. But overall, the average cost of VoIP is considerably less when compared to the cost of PSTN.

2. Talk with Multiple People at no Extra Cost.

With VoIP, you can talk with more than one person without paying extra for services such as three way calling. With VoIP you can have more than three people on the phone at once. VoIP is the perfect solution for those who want to explore the features of conference calls.

3. Greater Flexibility with VoIP

By using VoIP, you can take your VoIP equipment with you whenever you travel. Your VoIP service provider will send you a converter that will allow you to use your converter with any standard telephone. The converter comes programmed with your telephone number, allowing you to take your phone and phone number with you worldwide. All you will need is a high speed Internet connection and you can use your VoIP phone service.

4. Save Money for Family and Friends by Choosing Your Own Area Code

Many VoIP service providers will give you the option of selecting your own area code number. This is a tremendous benefit to family and friend members who can call you locally, if you select the same area code number. This is especially beneficial when regularly calling friends or family overseas if you can select a local number in their country.

5. For Businesses VoIP allows Real Time Interaction

If businesses and their customers were both using VoIP technology, troubleshooting customers problems would be much easier. They would be able to communicate on the computer and on phone at the same time.

6. The Integration of Audio and Data

VoIP combines audio and data, allowing users to interact with data while using audio capabilities. This has unlimited potential when it comes to business users. Statistics show that the combination of audio and data is not only popular, but on the rise. For example, many people love the camera/cell phone.

7. VoIP includes many Features At No Cost

Many VoIP services include features that normally cost money with standard PSTN. These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Blocking, Faxing, and Toll Free Calling. You will need to check with your VoIP service provider for an exact offering of the services that are available for free with your plan.

8. VoIP Saves Companies Money

Many companies have advanced telecommunications needs. Due to the fact that VoIP integrates data and video with voice, many companies are opting to go wireless. This is cost effective and more productive overall. They are able to integrate their systems with the Internet as well, leaving them more room for flexibility with clients and enhancing their customer service centers.

9. Reduce In-house Phone Lines

VoIP does not require additional phone lines for multiple users. This saves money. For basic PSTN networks, additional phone lines can cost $100 or more to install. You can save money by using VoIP services throughout your entire house with an additional costs.

10. VoIP Can Build a Faster Network

For companies that need to build a large network, will VoIP incorporate data, audio, video, and web features, but you can build a faster network over the Internet then you can with PSTN. The key to implementing your fast network is to use accurate assessment tools. By using software tools instead of hardware tools, your network may be assessed at any time, anywhere, and without testing individual equipment but by using a central program.

VoIP Quality

VoIP was not known for great quality when it first appeared on the market. Thanks to technological advances VoIP has been holding their own against telephone heavyweights for quite some time in the area of voice quality. To get the most out of your VoIP connection you will need to invest in an up-to-date computer. If your computer is running on a slow processor or a very old operating system, your computer may not be equipped to handle VoIP and producing the high quality audio needed to have a great conversation. You should always check with your VoIP provider and see what their computer requirements are before signing up. You should make sure that your computer is fully prepared to adequately handle a VoIP connection. At the least, a high speed internet connection and a computer runnning the latest operating system with adequate memory and hard drive space is recommended.

Another step in producing great audio quality and VoIP is your soundboard. If you have a shabby soundboard and speakers, you will not experience the full range of VoIP. Your computer should be well equipped before considering taking the dive and unplugging your telephone wires.

VoIP operates by transmitting audio as data (in the form of Packets) across the Internet. The Packets can be transmitted to another computer or to a standard PSTN phone. If it is transmitted to a PSTN phone, the packet will be reassembled for the other hearer. All of this takes place in the blink of an eye and produces a conversation comparable to other service providers.

For VoIP to produce great quality audio, you will need to make sure that you have a High Speed Internet connection. This can be either DSL or Cable Modem, but VoIP will have conflicting issues with Dial Up. When you subscribe to your VoIP subscriber, you will be given software to install upon your computer. This will also include audio Codecs. Audio Codecs will enable your VoIP with high quality audio and great sound capabilities. There is no reason to believe that you cannot have excellent sound with VoIP.

VoIP is providing customers with not only great audio, but also with great features that are usually only provided for a fee with standard telephone service providers. Features such as Voicemail, Call waiting, Call forwarding, Caller Id, and Call Transferring are typically included free of charge with your VoIP package.

Many small businesses are opting to use VoIP for their telecommunication business needs due to the fact that VoIP offers great quality for a lower price. Small businesses are recognizing that the ability to handle all of their data, voice, and web applications with one service is of incredible benefit to the productivity of their company. The ability to interact with customers in real time, while utilizing E-mail, audio, and web applications is well worth the switch to VoIP.

Call centers are also taking advantage of VoIP services. In the early years of telemarketing history, call centers were comprised of one central office where hundreds, if not thousands, of employees gathered together to handle customer service calls. Now, by utilizing VoIP, call centers can exist anywhere worldwide. Many business owners are now outsourcing their business overseas, and with VoIP technology, agents can be hired around the globe, and in different time zones, allowing companies to have cost effective labor, that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are other benefits for small businesses incorporating VoIP service. It is a great way for mobile employees to stay connected to their main offices and they can take advantage of the affordable rates. Mobile employees can also benefit from the fact that VoIP can be used anywhere there is a High Speed Internet connection. That means that if an employee travels a lot, they can receive business calls on their current work number via their laptop. This is an incredible savings not only of dollars, but of valuable business calls that may other wise be lost.

All in all, VoIP has increased to a viable alternative to traditional landline phone service. The quality has developed to the point that VoIP is a viable competitor against major telephone companies. As products and services continue to develop, we can only expect that VoIP will increase in quality, service, and standards. People value the nature of VoIP for its flexibility; cost effectiveness, ability to increase business productivity, and overall simplicity of design.

VoIP, Now a Proven Alternative

Telephones have been plugging in for over 100 years. Today, thanks to new technology and the way people are thinking of telecommunications, people are literally pulling the plug on their telephones.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and this technology is taking the world by storm. More American homes are including computers with High Speed Internet connections, and with high tech homes, exposure to all of the options available to home users are changing the way people think about communication.

VoIP offers many benefits to both home residential users and businesses worldwide. In America, people are opting to go with VoIP due to the beneficial savings on local and long distance phone charges. Other reasons people prefer VoIP is that many of the calling features that are included for free with VoIP services are offered for a fee with standard telephone services.

VoIP originally was given away for free over the Internet. Programs such as Dialpad, Skype, Gizmo Project and other Instant Messaging services would allow users to make free long distance calls over the Internet. Now that user demand as increased for this service, free VoIP programs are harder to find. However, many Instant Messaging programs are enabling VoIP and allow users to download the program for free, make phone calls (anywhere in the world) and talk as long as they like.

Instant Messaging programs that are offering VoIP include Yahoo Messenger, AOL, MSN, and ICQ. Google has just recently released their first VoIP enabled instant messenger, GoogleTalk (Gmail account required to use).

Other than these free VoIP services, many VoIP providers will charge a monthly fee for the use of VoIP. It is recommended to research various VoIP providers before selecting the plan that has the amount of minutes you need, (many offer unlimited local and long distance calling) various calling features: such as Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and Three Way Calling, and whether or not they provide a phone adapter of a VoIP enabled phone.

VoIP providers are wide and varied. Each will offer a different set of services and products for a different rate. However, you are certain to find a VoIP provider that will best meet your needs and budget.

It isn't hard to use VoIP- simply using VoIP with and Instant Messaging service proves that. In fact, as long as you have a High Speed Internet connection, Microphone, Speakers, and an up to date computer, you are in business.

A phone adapter will connect to your Internet connection (typically by an Ethernet plug) and there will be a phone jack that will allow you to plug in one of your standard telephones. With this phone adapter, your new VoIP service is fully functional with your telephone.

You may also opt for a VoIP designed phone. These phones can come with many features built in such as multi lines, mute, hold, programmable display buttons, and speakerphones.

Businesses are also choosing to pull the plug. Employers are quickly recognizing the benefits that VoIP has to offer not only their productivity but also the benefits available to their employees and customers as well.

VoIP offers a cost effective solution to many telecommunications applications, provide flexibility for employees, and increases customer service response by nearly 50%. It is much more inexpensive for an office building to wireless and rely upon the High Speed Internet connection that they have previously installed in their buildings. Mobile employees can stay connected and save on call charges by using VoIP, and customers can have their needs more efficiently met by using VoIP integrated systems.

Call centers are also making the switch to VoIP and pulling the plug on standard telephone networks. While many companies are choosing to outsource their work to countries where they can hire inexpensive labor, VoIP makes that possible. Not only is VoIP a perfect solution for overseas outsourcing, it is also paving the way for home workers as well.

Customer service applications are greatly enhanced by VoIP. Companies can have Integrated Voice Response systems that will handle calls and efficiently transfer them to the appropriate department. All of this can be done while still enabling real time interaction with E-mail, Audio, and Web Control features. VoIP has proven that it's a viable alternative to standard PSTN telephone networks.

New WiFi VoIP Phones Are Coming

Looks like going VoIP will now be going wireless.

If the announcements from the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas are any indicator, WiFi VoIP phones are the next big trend.

Several manufacturers including Panasonic, Uniden and Motorola have announced cordless VoIP phones that have built-in adapters preset to popular VoIP services like Vonage and Skype. The phones will not only work on your home or office wireless network, but at wireless hotspots found in airports, hotels, coffee shops, malls and other locations.

Vonage previously has bundled service with several phone systems including the VTech IP 8100-2 (pictured above) which has received excellent reviews.

Currently about 5 million users have VoIP and that number will increase to approximately 20 million over the next 2 years according to analysts.

Great news for those of us using VoIP. Keep innovating!

Happy VoIPing

Mark

Call Santa Free on VoIP

Vonage is offering a nice service for children of their service... a free call to Santa. Kids of all ages can call and listen to Santa and leave a message with the Christmas wishes.

If you have Vonage, just dial *101.

Best wishes for a happy VoIP holiday!

Mark

5 Benefits To Choosing VoIP

There are many benefits and advantages to switching from a standard phone line (Public Switched Telephone Network). VoIP technology is growing and changing every day. Major corporations are transferring their business needs over to VoIP and households worldwide are making the switch. VoIP is produced by transferring voice into digital data over the Internet. Because the data is smaller compared to a standard electric unit, VoIP users save on valuable bandwidth as well. If you have a high-speed connection in your home, then you can utilize VoIP. You may need to purchase some equipment, such as a VoIP phone adapter. The phone adapter will allow you to use all of your telephones with the VoIP technology. You may also need to purchase a router. Most of your VoIP service providers will supply you with the hardware that you need. You even have the option of purchasing phones designed for VoIP as well as Videophones that will display images while you speak.

VoIP is certainly the wave of the future. Many major computer companies have already begun to incorporate VoIP with their Instant Messaging programs. Yahoo has also recently purchased the VoIP Company, Dial Pad. Now, Instant Messaging programs such as Yahoo, MSN, Google and AOL allow pc-pc phone calls. The world is making the switch to VoIP, but in case you are still unsure if VoIP is right for you, here are five benefits to adding VoIP to your home and business.

VoIP is Cost Efficient

Whether for your home or business, VoIP is just plain cheaper then other telephone options. You can reduce the cost in your home by saving on long distance and local telephone calls. Many VoIP service providers have plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling. You will have to check with several companies to see how their unlimited local and long distance calling areas compare. You also save money by using VoIP throughout your house. You won’t need to install additional phone jacks and wires, you just add on to your VoIP system through your cable or dsl internet connection.

VoIP Integrates your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.

VoIP systems can integrate your telephone with your computer applications such as E-mail, Fax, Web conferencing, and Video Phone needs. This saves money and energy by combining all of these services into one basic application. You can use your phone and access all of your other programs at the same time, allowing greater freedom and is a simpler way for the home owner to utilize all of these different products.

VoIP Provides Flexibility

VoIP allows users tremendous flexibility. For instance, many VoIP users can take their phone adapter with them, and use their telephone number anywhere they have access to an Internet connection. This includes traveling overseas, while staying in hotels, or even camping. If you have high speed Internet, you will be able to take phone calls on your regular number anywhere you travel. This is a much better solution for those with active lifestyles compared to the expense of cell phones as well as being the perfect solution for mobile employees and those whose jobs require a good deal of travel.

VoIP Users Can Choose their Own Area Codes

VoIP providers allow users to choose their own area codes. This is a fantastic option for those whose friends and family all live in one particular location, and they are out of state. By choosing your family and friend’s area code, you are allowing them to call you by making a local call, whenever they choose, and they will not have to pay long distance charges. Some providers extend the area codes to other countries. This would be extremely beneficial to someone whose friends and family are halfway across the world where you can get a local number and save your family the international long distance rates.

VoIP offers Free Features

Features that typically cost extra with standar phone services are usually bundled with VoIP unlimited calling plans. These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Block, Call Return, and Do Not Disturb. Because of the integration between VoIP and the Internet, many service providers will allow you to access and control all of your VoIP phone features through the Internet. With VoIP, users have greater access to control all of their phone features as well as save on charges.

Choose VoIP and enjoy!

Mark
http://broadbandphonespot.blogspot.com