There are many benefits and advantages to switching from 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 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 MSN, Yahoo, 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.
1. VOIP is Cost Efficient
Whether for your residence or business, VOIP is just plain cheaper then other telecommunication applications. You can reduce 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 various companies to see how far their unlimited local and long distance calling areas serve. 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.
2. VOIP will Integrate your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.
VOIP systems can integrate your telephone needs 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.
3. 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. 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 much travel.
4. 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, whenever they choose, and they will not have to pay long distance charges. Their calls will be local. 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.
5. VOIP offers Features for Free
Features that typically cost extra with PSTN phone services are usually bundled with VOIP unlimited calling plans. These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Return, Call Block, 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.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
VOIP - What You Really Need to Know
For the past ten years, the Internet has played a huge role in every one's lives. From computer games to managing finances and new flourishing industries, the World Wide Web has been thriving in every one's eyes. Now that it has entered all of our homes, it has started to take over our phone lines as well. Of course this is no surprise, as Internet phone calls have always been in the background. However, recently, VOIP has finally caught thousands of people's attention.
For those who don't know, VOIP has become the latest way to connect with others. In simpler terms, it is a phone call that comes directly from an Internet connection. It is not only going to be the future of the telephone industry, but it will attract thousands of consumers because it comes with a lot of different advantages. No matter how budget conscious you are, you will most likely love VOIP's affordability. We all have experienced long distance fees and extravagant monthly bills. For this reason, many telephone subscribers feel that VOIP is a blessing in disguise, as the prices and fees are twice as low. On the other hand, there are some downsides to this form of service. Unfortunately, businesses are going to have to deal with downtime and the possibility of a bad connection. After all, the Internet always has occasional issues, and may require extra attention and additional fees. Nevertheless, as long as they give it a try for a few months, the benefits are usually overwhelming. Regardless of potential problems, large firms like IBM have embraced it with open arms.
In order to use VOIP, all you need is a computer, a microphone, speakers an Internet connection and a VOIP program. Surprisingly, many VOIP programs are free or very affordable to buy. With a pair of speakers and a phone number to dial, you are easily on your way to using VOIP. Due to the popularity of wireless Internet, anyone can place a phone call, no matter where they are. It is a convenient alternative, especially if you are displeased with regular telephones. For this reason, there are already thousands of users becoming regular VOIP users. In the future, most home owners will be a customer.
If you do not want to use this form of VOIP, there is another alternative. There are specialized VOIP phones that often come with video conferencing. This is a great product for any business that has long distance clients or other offices. Companies like IBM love the fact that they have a VOIP system, because it offers such affordability and convenience. No matter what type of package you are looking to get, VOIP offers it all. It is not only going to be a bargain for people who are dying to save money, but soon everyone will be using this new form of technology.
For those who don't know, VOIP has become the latest way to connect with others. In simpler terms, it is a phone call that comes directly from an Internet connection. It is not only going to be the future of the telephone industry, but it will attract thousands of consumers because it comes with a lot of different advantages. No matter how budget conscious you are, you will most likely love VOIP's affordability. We all have experienced long distance fees and extravagant monthly bills. For this reason, many telephone subscribers feel that VOIP is a blessing in disguise, as the prices and fees are twice as low. On the other hand, there are some downsides to this form of service. Unfortunately, businesses are going to have to deal with downtime and the possibility of a bad connection. After all, the Internet always has occasional issues, and may require extra attention and additional fees. Nevertheless, as long as they give it a try for a few months, the benefits are usually overwhelming. Regardless of potential problems, large firms like IBM have embraced it with open arms.
In order to use VOIP, all you need is a computer, a microphone, speakers an Internet connection and a VOIP program. Surprisingly, many VOIP programs are free or very affordable to buy. With a pair of speakers and a phone number to dial, you are easily on your way to using VOIP. Due to the popularity of wireless Internet, anyone can place a phone call, no matter where they are. It is a convenient alternative, especially if you are displeased with regular telephones. For this reason, there are already thousands of users becoming regular VOIP users. In the future, most home owners will be a customer.
If you do not want to use this form of VOIP, there is another alternative. There are specialized VOIP phones that often come with video conferencing. This is a great product for any business that has long distance clients or other offices. Companies like IBM love the fact that they have a VOIP system, because it offers such affordability and convenience. No matter what type of package you are looking to get, VOIP offers it all. It is not only going to be a bargain for people who are dying to save money, but soon everyone will be using this new form of technology.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Pros and Cons of VOIP
Pros
One advantage of using VOIP is the cost of the service. Phone service using VOIP costs less than similar service offered from traditional phone services, especially in regards to long distance telephone calls. Long distance calls through VOIP are offered at flat rates, which will ultimately benefit the consumer. Also, VOIP allows the consumer to share its voice and data equipment, which means that the costs are also shared. In other words, if you have an Internet connection already in place, VOIP can be used at almost no extra cost, and any network capacity that you are not currently using can be used for making calls. Another key benefit of using VOIP is the fact that incoming calls can be automatically routed to your VOIP phone regardless of where you are connected to the Internet. This is especially important for those who go on business trips. VOIP phones can also be integrated with other Internet services, such as videoconferences and file transfers. A user can send or receive messages or data while on their VOIP phone.
Cons
One cause for concern with VOIP is emergency 911 service. Before the government stepped in, 911 was not an optional feature for VOIP service providers, and 911 calls made after-hours were not guaranteed to be routed to the local areas emergency call centers of the caller. Another disadvantage of the VOIP service is the lack of encryption, which means that it is relatively easy for someone to eavesdrop on a VOIP call and even change the content of the call. There are a few solutions to this problem, but they do not guarantee full security of any calls. Airtight security would require the user to utilize encryption and cryptographic authentication, which are not yet readily available to consumers. A third drawback is the inconsistent sound quality of the calls made with VOIP. The sound quality is oftentimes fickle and calls often have delays and echoes as well. This means that some calls made with VOIP might not be as smooth and natural as calls made over landline phones.
One advantage of using VOIP is the cost of the service. Phone service using VOIP costs less than similar service offered from traditional phone services, especially in regards to long distance telephone calls. Long distance calls through VOIP are offered at flat rates, which will ultimately benefit the consumer. Also, VOIP allows the consumer to share its voice and data equipment, which means that the costs are also shared. In other words, if you have an Internet connection already in place, VOIP can be used at almost no extra cost, and any network capacity that you are not currently using can be used for making calls. Another key benefit of using VOIP is the fact that incoming calls can be automatically routed to your VOIP phone regardless of where you are connected to the Internet. This is especially important for those who go on business trips. VOIP phones can also be integrated with other Internet services, such as videoconferences and file transfers. A user can send or receive messages or data while on their VOIP phone.
Cons
One cause for concern with VOIP is emergency 911 service. Before the government stepped in, 911 was not an optional feature for VOIP service providers, and 911 calls made after-hours were not guaranteed to be routed to the local areas emergency call centers of the caller. Another disadvantage of the VOIP service is the lack of encryption, which means that it is relatively easy for someone to eavesdrop on a VOIP call and even change the content of the call. There are a few solutions to this problem, but they do not guarantee full security of any calls. Airtight security would require the user to utilize encryption and cryptographic authentication, which are not yet readily available to consumers. A third drawback is the inconsistent sound quality of the calls made with VOIP. The sound quality is oftentimes fickle and calls often have delays and echoes as well. This means that some calls made with VOIP might not be as smooth and natural as calls made over landline phones.
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