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.

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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!

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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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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