Saturday, January 31, 2009

Make More Long Distance Calls, Pay Lesser With PC to Phone Calls

The PC to phone calls technology is one innovative method to make calls and mitigating phone bills. Callers having a computer and when connected to high speed Internet connection to enable making calls through Internet via their phones as people call through conventional method. Users can get connected to both land line phone or a mobile phone from their computer and enjoy calling at the cheapest rates.

This way of calling through broadband connection or any speedy Internet connection is known as Voice Over Internet Connection or globally popular as VOIP. Because of inclusion on Internet connection, this method has also been termed as IP telephony. The billing is estimated by taking account of each second of calls. However, still the rates of VOIP or PC to phone calls are incredibly cheap.

There are more advantages to PC to phone calls than its most commonly acknowledged cost cutting benefits. In the communication system of PC to phones, subscribers are often provided calling cards or even set virtual numbers for calling up only pre-specified numbers. These virtual numbers are meant to provide access VOIP service provider in order to get direct calling facility . Direct calling facility enables subscribers to enjoy instant connection as and when they need to make a call.

Another widely loved facility of PC to phone calls is facility of free calls. Therefore, no matter whether you need to call your acquaintances located just a few blocks away from yours or anybody from different cities, states or even countries or continents - you will be able to enjoy chat with them free of cost and as long as you want. Therefore, using this VOIP calling services, you need to call India more frequently, you can keep in touch with your associates for as long as you need to without worrying about long distance calling rates to India. Inclusion of conferencing facility to the VOIP services, subscribers can not only talk to one person, they are able to include multiple people into conversation and conduct an online conference without having to pay anything at all.

The PC to phone India users are able carry on multiple tasks in their hand while making calls to their destinations. Because these VOIP calls are made through Internet connection, that's why they need to stay connected to Internet all the while. Therefore, they can take up all the works they need to complete using Internet connection while calling over PC to phone. That means, as you are calling, you are at the same time able to browse various websites, transfer any kind of files like videos, audio or images, share file with the person you are talking to, sending messages or mails. Even their PCs are connected to the web cam, VoIP users can view the people they are talking to.

Another highly significant quality of VOIP services is enhanced quality of voice or sound. These phone facility excludes all probable disturbances pertaining to listening and voice clarity faced by the people especially when are making long distance or international calls. This VOIP technology includes a combination of that hardware and software that is effective enough to handle issues related to voice quality, noise suppression, cancellation of echo of voice, delay management and other issues like jitter or buffer.

Many service providers also offer unlimited PC phone calling account. Through this account, users can also recharge PIN online, maintain history of their calling and monitor over the amount of bills paid and estimate the amount of bills by taking account of their calls, access e-statements and also can use this account no matter if they are traveling or have shifted to other locations in this world.

Friday, January 30, 2009

PC to Phone Calls - The Perfect Solutions For Communication

The Internet has started a revolution of sorts in the industry that has changed the way of communication. Apart from accessing information, music, emails, games and images on the Internet, now the users can enjoy PC to PC or PC to phone calls at low rates. With easy and cheap mode of communication, the users can be in touch with relatives and friends who are staying abroad. The users can talk to them without any hassles. The best part of the PC calls is that the users will never have to worry about interrupted phone calls. While making PC phone calls, one can also send messages and see the person to whom the call is being forwarded.

The PC to phone calls can be made instantly by simply dialing the number to the destination where the calls are to be terminated. This service has made it possible for the users to make long distance calls. It is also important that the services offered by the PC to phone calling allows the people to reach out to people at distance places of the world. It is becoming popular among the people and users feel delighted to make good use of the services offered by the PC phone calls. Calling from PC to phone is very cheap and users can easily avail the services offered by the system. PC phone calls are now being made by lots of users all over the world with the emergence of many service providers and the resultant launches of so many websites that offer this wonderful service.

The Internet is regarded as the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to communicate. The voice over Internet protocol has registered a fantastic growth within a short period of time. One can enjoy making international as well as long distance calls via personal computer with the help of the Internet. One another interesting feature of the PC to phone call is that it can be used for transferring unified content in addition to voice signals. These personal computer calls allow the users to share video, images and other kind of data with others quite easily. Apart from this, the Internet calling overcomes all lapses of the traditional means of connectivity.

There are many types of calling plans available in the market. Depending upon the need, the users can get the best services to call their friends across the world. This cost-effective method of calling is gaining huge popularity among the users around the world. The PC phone calls can be accessed from any place. Importantly, for establishing call, the users are required to have Internet connection and a phone. After gaining popularity in the small and big organizations, these pc to phone call services have reached a large number of home, across the world. With the international calling plans, one can take advantage of making unlimited calls to domestic as well as international locations. The best part of PC to phone software is that while communicating with near and dear ones, quality of speech remains very clear. Call PC to phone at cheap rates and enjoy its multiple benefits.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

VOIP Compatible Hosted PBX System

A VOIP compatible hosted PBX system effectively manages phone calls in a business environment. Without any high capital investment, you can utilize this system to improve your business functions.

Features of a VOIP Compatible Hosted PBX System

A VOIP compatible phone system functions with the interface of a traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and the internet. The term hosted PBX system suggests that it is operated from the service provider's premises. From a single service provider, local as well as long distance calls can be made easily. Apart from being economical, these office phone systems come with a number of easy-to-use features which include auto attendant, voice mail, fax to email, find me follow me call forwarding and personal voice mail box options. The Automatic Caller Distribution (ACD) system helps the users to set up a contact center for customer care services.

Advantages of Utilizing a Hosted PBX Phone System
  • No additional hardware need be installed
  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Easy to handle
  • Multiple call transferring system
  • Quick to setup
  • Immediate call attending service
Phone System with Minimum Complexities

VOIP phone systems are equally beneficial for one-person businesses as well as small business firms having a number of extensions. This phone system comes with disaster recovery capability. Any damage to the public telephone network has minimum impact on this system, as it functions through a web-based interface. In addition, it enables the users to work irrespective of location. It eliminates the need of hiring additional staffs for handling multiple calls to the office. All the functions of a live staff will be performed by the auto attendant provided in the system itself.

Providers and Services

Most of the providers offer services at affordable rates. The users are left with a variety of service plans to choose from. They need to pay only for the services they utilize. A VOIP compatible hosted PBX system not only saves money but also enables entrepreneurs to focus more on their business matters.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

What Do You Like Or Dislike About VOIP?

VOIP still means a lot of things to different people. Most often it is a marketing label.

I'd first like to make the distinction between a customer premise VOIP system where there exists an IP PBX that runs VOIP over your internal network regardless of what type of phone service you have ..... and then there's internet VOIP which people most commonly refer to as a "Vonage" type service.

Internet VOIP service in my opinion is not yet an enterprise solution since there is typically no SLA's or quality of service offered, but the savings are there which has prompted its adoption amongst small businesses that don't demand an "always" reliable service.

There exists dozens of open source IP PBX systems on the market many of which have varying levels of reliability, quality, and redundancy. When engineered flawlessly, the most reliable, flexible, and scalable IP PBX is plain old Asterisk.

If you have the right IP PBX internally, there really isn't much of a downside except the fact that IP PBX systems can be expensive. IP PBX systems also do not live as long as TDM phone systems purely because of the difference in technology running behind the two. To successfully deploy VOIP internally, just make sure that you have the infrastructure to do so which includes Cat5 or greater wiring and an appropriate data network. Ideally you want to segregate your voice and data network but many companies do not because of the cost... but if you can do it.. you should.

As far as VOIP phone service goes, we're talking about phone service which is delivered over your existing data connection. Like I said, not really a business grade product but the fact that you can use an existing data connection for voice means that the savings can be pretty enticing. The problem with internet based VOIP service is that you're tied to a single point of failure. If data goes down, you have no voice service.

Another issue, which not all users will experience, is problems with call quality. Because your phone call is running over the internet, the company providing you with phone service usually is not the same company providing your internet connection and therefore can not control, monitor, or fix your connection .... nor can your VOIP provider control all the facets of the internet. What this means is that your VOIP provider has no ability to prevent packet loss which in turn can produce static on the line, jitter, and dropped calls. Again, not everyone experiences these problems but many do and they are an inherent risk with hosted VOIP service.

To minimize this risk, I recommend that a company purchase their Hosted VOIP service from the same company that is delivering their data connection. There are many technical and infrastructure related reasons why this is a better service which I'm not going to get into it now .... but I can guarantee that if your ISP is legit, they should offer decent hosted VOIP as well.

So all in all .... there's quite a few things that you need to consider when looking at VOIP. Unfortunately companies who are in the business of selling VOIP systems and VOIP service manage to get away with selling half ass'd and janky solutions which can result in poor voice quality and many other "bad" things. What this means is that just because someone is in the business of selling something VOIP, it doesn't mean it'll be a good product. All I say is that you should make sure that the company you get your IP PBX or Hosted VOIP service from is a solid business with lots of customers and positive feedback.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Call Day and Night With PC Phone

The arrival of internet has completely changed the way people communicate with one another. Once, owning a telephone was a very big thing but now people do not even think of buying telephones or mobile phones. There is one thing that matters to all. It is none other than huge telephone bills. This is the age of globalization and people have to move from one place to another. There are times when a husband and wife does not stay with each other due to professional reasons. How do these people maintain their relationship? These people must be taking the help of mobile phones and would also have been paying huge telephone bills.

Internet and personal computers can be very helpful in reducing international call rates and to make PC to mobile phone calls via PC phone calling. That is why, PC Phones are in huge sales. People can buy these phones and by taking the VOIP call facility, they can save a lot on their phone bills. There are many opportunities around which people need to look and make use of them. Ads on VOIP calls are quite available through out the World Wide Web and they need to read all of these. They would definitely find the best VOIP call offers which can help them in getting access to reduced call rates.

Some people think connecting VOIP equipments to personal computers is very complex when it comes to PC to phone calls. It is not so. If people do not know how to connect these equipments, then they can take the help from service providers. When the whole setting is all done, then people can start communicating with any other people in any parts of the world.

Most of the people like to speak with the help of VOIP calls. With PC Phones, people can speak as well as see the other person. Isn't that exciting? This is really exciting as people get to see the other person while they speak. On the other hand, with mobile phones or landlines phones, this facility can never be found.

People should always buy PC Phones from online shopping sites which especially deal in advance telecommunication products. Apart from these shopping sites, they can get these from the service providers. There are many service providers which even let people get these phones free of cost.

Most of the companies dealing in VOIP call services entice customers by their attractive PC phone offers. People should try their best to get such offers at the initial announcements as these are always limited. These companies also let people enjoy free midnight calls. Such features on PC Phone calls can save lots of their money.

These internet phones allow people to make multiple calls. Sometimes, it happens that one receives two or three important calls at a time. With these phones, people need not to bother about missing any important calls.

Some telecoms companies provide poor PC Phones, when people apply for VOIP subscriptions. One should check out the kind of internet phones given to them at the very beginning. Otherwise, one would have to face a lot of problems while making important calls.

Friday, January 23, 2009

VOIP Terminology Explained

Chances are, you've heard something about Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology and that it can save you money on your monthly phone bills. But if you're like many people, you don't quite understand how it all works, or what you need to know in order to get the appropriate service for your home or business.

The following represents a dictionary of VOIP terminology that can help you understand this cutting-edge technology and make more educated purchase decisions.

VOIP Dictionary

Broadband - A broadband connection is one that transmits data at a rate of over 100kps. Broadband service is required in order to access the services of a VOIP provider.

Clipping - Term that refers to words or parts of a conversation being dropped when either two people attempt to talk at the same time over a VOIP line or due to a temporary loss of signal.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - One of the types of high-speed Internet access required to access a VOIP service.

Hub - A hub is a device that distributes communication data between different devices, such as a PC, printer, fax machine or VOIP set top box.

Internet Protocol (IP) - The method by which information is sent from one computer to another using the Internet. Computers have their own individual IP addresses that help differentiate it from other computers delivering information online.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - A company that, for a fee, provides access to the Internet. An ISP account is required to gain access to a VOIP service.

Internet Telephony - Refers to any means of voice communication transmitted over the web. For example, "VOIP is a growing method of Internet telephony."

Online - A term used to describe an individual who is currently active on the Internet.

Router - A router is a device used to connect computers on an Ethernet network and deliver data between them.

Set Top Box - A device that is installed near the PC and high-speed Internet connection that allows individuals to access their VOIP service.

T1 - A high-speed method of data transmission that is currently one of the most widely used forms of online communication in the United States.

WI-FI - Wireless internet technology that allows individuals to access the Internet without wires while in the vicinity of the signal.

WI-FI Phone - A WI-FI capable cell phone allows individuals to access their VOIP services without using a phone connected to their computer. As long as the VOIP service is active, and the individual is within range of the WI-FI signal, they can communicate as if using a standard cell phone.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Compare VOIP

VOIP allows for the combination of voice and information while unhinging the service from the network. In other words, the network operator that delivers the connectivity does not have to be the same service provider that delivers voice services.

The rise of VOIP permits other businesses that have not conventionally sold voice services to do so. A company recently broad casted a hosted service brand that let customers buy its telephony as a "service" more willingly than "wealth attainment." The service permits customers to buy IP telephony, messaging services, and contact centers on a pay-as-you-go, user-per-month basis.

This type of service is one of a kind, because it is the first traditional equipment manufacturer to offer its product as a service-imitating application.
Customers can expect to see many other types of companies that offer other services to enterprises offering voice services. Companies such as HP, IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo! could easily arrange voice communications and include voice and messaging services as part of their portfolio.

There are many small hosted voice service givers, some of them aiming at small businesses and others looking for any openings. It needs to be appreciated though, that the innovation to enterprising buyers will come from companies that know IT and trade challenges thoroughly. The previously mentioned companies are much more forceful with their product rollouts as they are not scared to provide innovative services. They would either have to withdraw these services if they were unpopular but if popular could give speed to rollout of quality services.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Is VOIP a Reliable Platform?

Voice over IP is considered as a reliable platform for sending and receiving video, voice and data through a single line over IP telephony. The data or information send through VOIP platform increases efficiency and productivity of telephony services. The Public service telephone network or PSTN is overcome by new IP service. VOIP services give more of reliability, continuity, scalability, security and quality network to its users. Well, that is because VOIP is based on packet switching mode of transmitting.

The VOIP is a process of converting analog voice signals into digital packets over IP network i.e. broadband internet connection. This process is reconverted before reaching receiver end i.e. digital data is turned back to analog voice. This makes the communication easier task for both sender and receiver. The packet switching allows seamless communication without any discontinuity. Moreover, user can listen to voice transmission without any hurdle in stream of packets.

For availing VOIP solutions and services, user has to install one additional piece of Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) to its computer. This equipment allows user to make longer distance and international calls at cheaper rates. Other than that, user can carry VOIP phones anywhere across the globe and enjoys calling at low rates. While opting for these services, user can carry varied jobs at same time like while talking with friend user can even surf the Internet. Services offered over IP telephony are inexpensive and considered as an efficient mode of communicating world wide. Thus, voice over IP services cut down heavy monthly telephone bills by 50 percent.

The VOIP platform provides seamless connectivity between sender and receiver. So, at both the ends, user enjoys high-voice quality communication anytime and anywhere. Today, with its benefits all PSTN users are planning to opt for VOIP services, as it is considered as reliable communication platform.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Worried About Your Phone Bills?

Looking for extra cash to pay monthly phone bills? Tired of paying larger telephone bills? Well, then switch your phone on to VOIP calling. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) provides its user to make cheaper phone calls over long distance and international calls.

This is so, because it allows it' s users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Considering the world as global village, with Internet telephony, user gains the potential for making ultra-cheap or free calls. Apart from that in telephonic communication, the latest telephony technology competes with the reliability of traditional PSTN systems.

With VOIP user can transfer or share voice, data, image or video through a single line. This makes communication easier and affordable. Compared to regular phones, voice over IP calls made through broadband connection allows longer distance and international calls at significantly cheaper rates. Besides that, VOIP services have gained momentum over features like usability, reliability, functionality, security and scalability when compared to conventional Public telephone Service Network(PSTN) in telephonic communication. In order to avail these services, user needs to require standard telephone and good PC installed with Internet telephony or VOIP software. However, Internet is flooded with free telephony software that can be downloaded for making calling an easier task.

Well, voice over IP opts for packet switching network services for transferring the analog voice. To give brief about VOIP process, analog voice is digitized over network and then sent over IP network. Before reaching receiver, digital packets are turned back to analog voice. Thus, packet switching allows lowering down the cost of calling and helps in improving an efficiency of resources like voice quality. Considering importance of these telephony services, commercial and residential users are opting for these services. By using advanced mode of talking, user can save monthly telephone expenditure to half.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Difference Between SIP Trunking and VOIP

Are you confused about what is the difference between SIP trunking and VOIP; how are they related and what are the differences? In simplest terms the practical answer would go like this:

1. VOIP "voice over IP" is a generic term used to cover all voice traffic over the internet protocol.

2. SIP trunking is simply voice over IP, using the SIP signaling protocol, but instead of using a single SIP user the service provider is providing many. Basically like a T1E1 link... but using VOIP with multiple trunks.

The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an application-layer control (signaling) protocol for creating, modifying, and terminating sessions with one or more participants. It can be used to create two-party, multiparty, or multicast sessions that include Internet telephone calls, multimedia distribution, and multimedia conferences.

Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VOIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.

SIP in some cases is a Type of VOIP.

Since SIP is Session Initiation Protocol, and is a form of VOIP it is used as a digital voice emulator/PRI replacement.

It gives VOIP service more capabilities, such as DID's (Direct Inward Dial numbers) The benefit of this service on the commercial level is the ability to avoid buying a PRI card (down the road--not right now in all cases) and just plug straight into the phone system.

Essentially, the power of PRI without the cost or limitations. SIP is only limited by your bandwidth, and carriers are coming up with some pretty interesting options.

This will be an area that many will need to become more familiar with, especially in the call center world.