Important Indicators of a Good VoIP Provider

If you are shopping around for a good VoIP provider, learn to identify the important indicators of a quality candidate. Voice over internet protocol or VoIP has come a long way in recent years. Quality of sound and the ease of technology have improved exponentially to the point where many VoIP candidates are in the market of selling these services. So how do you make your choice?

Price of Service

The good news is that the VoIP market is primed for consumers right now. Thanks to better technology, there is an abundance of providers that can service you, so prices are going to be quite competitive. The best thing you can do is compare companies that offer similar services to what you require. Just remember - the cheapest price tag is not necessarily the best choice for you.

Quality Service

The quality of service should be the defining factor when shopping for a VoIP provider. Voice quality should be clear and without lag time, even when simultaneous calls are transmitted through the IP routers used by the VoIP providers. In addition, your telephony communications provider should schedule quality control checks of your VoIP equipment such as the modems and transmission units.

Multiple Features

Your provider of VoIP technology should offer plenty of functionality. From simple person to person calling to more involved usage such as call forwarding and conference calling, the more versatility offered, the better it is for you. Even if you don't need some of the more complicated applications, they would be available to you as your calling needs grow.

Portability is another aspect of features that can be important to you. What if your company moves offices? You want your VoIP communication features to go with you. This way, you do not have to worry about purchasing new equipment or go through the hassle of changing phone numbers. Security is a top concern when it comes to trusting VoIP services. Does the provider have protection in place to elude hackers and outside network attacks? Are encryption techniques used for the routers and other equipment to protect you and other customers? Good security is a must and should be considered.

Breaking a Tie

Often, there are several providers that can offer you competitive pricing, good service, quality equipment and security. What do you do to narrow down your choices? Customer service is typically the final quality that separates the good from the excellent candidates for your IP telephony services. If the VoIP provider is easy to reach, handles your questions professionally and has great attention to detail, then you have found the right choice for your communications needs.

Need a voip provider? Zamir Telecom at http://www.zamirtelecom.com/ is one of the very few termination providers with direct contracts with local incumbent telecom operators across the globe.

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Hosted VoIP PBX - Connects Mobile Workers

Hosted VoIP PBX phone system keeps workers connected wherever they are. In modern-day business, workers are constantly on the move and have to even travel to international destinations. With a PBX phone system in place, a business can connect efficiently with distant clients and employees on the go.

With this phone system in place, your mobile employee just needs a broadband connection (DSL, Cable, or FIOS) to connect to your corporate phone system (PBX). Ethernet can be used to connect to their home network.

Hosted VoIP PBX - Stay Connected Round-the-clock

Most small business enterprises switch to hosted VoIP PBX phone systems to make their business communications smooth and efficient. In a hosted VoIP phone system, voice calls are converted to packet data. This web interface makes the call redirecting process simpler and easier. Calls can be efficiently redirected to multiple offices and mobile workers in an efficient manner. If you are not in your office, calls can be transferred to personal phone lines without any delay.

PBX Functionalities for Added Connectivity

The PBX system has special call routing facilities so that calls can be easily connected to your cell numbers, home phone or other given numbers when you are not available at your workplace. The main business office, branches, mobile workers and even international offices can all be connected as one unit.

Mobile workers can make use of the voice mail boxes of the phone system, which gives them the convenience to record their voice messages when their calls go unanswered. The extension dialing system, mailboxes, groups, conference rooms and call queues are some of the call management facilities that provide mobile workers with seamless connectivity.

Stay Connected at Minimum Expense

The VoIP PBX system infrastructure is maintained by the service provider and services offered to the business office at a nominal rent. The system is extremely flexible and scalable as the users can increase the number of phone lines across a greater number of users as their needs expand.

Hosted VoIP PBX system comes with a range of features including auto attendant, voice mail, fax to email and call forwarding. AccessDirect is a leading service provider of hosted PBX system.

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Main Advantages of Managed VoIP Services

With technological advancements in place, the VoIP networks have replaced the traditional phone systems. However the cost of implementing and operating the VoIP can be overwhelming. The price range can be hefty for a small size company. Also people are required to know how to operate the system including software and above all the ever evolving network infrastructure. Hence when qualified candidates are recruited for the managing the system, it becomes a time consuming and costly endeavor.

Managed VoIP services are a solution for all these dilemmas. Here a third party service provides would offer all the equipment, software, operations facilities and technical expertise. Thus a company can easily utilize the benefits of an IP enabled phone system without the costs, risks and headaches of an on premise VoIP.

The service package included in managed VoIP would be the design, integration and deployment of the telephony equipment and software. In addition the services would also maintain and manage the existing telephony solutions and the new VoIP network. Remote fault monitoring with network surveillance would be the vital thing in network management and maintenance. There would be service level agreements based on customer needs for response and resolution. Certain percentage of network uptime would be guaranteed by service management and there would be comprehensive customer reporting along with moves and changes. Small scale companies don't have to bother about the price as it may range from usage based to a fixed flat rate depending on the needs and specifications. Mostly there would be regular reports that help in monitoring the cost of operation.

There are many specific benefits of managed VoIP. Most importantly the services would be handled by experienced and well trained staff whom can be assessed round the clock. They would work according to the unique business needs of the company. There would be several market opportunities available for your business and it can be utilized if you migrate to VoIP in a rapid pace. If you are deploying a third party provider, an aggressive product development cycle would be assured and the company would surely get access to latest technology available and the equipments would be constantly updated. The managed services have great innovation properties.

The companies no more have to bear the cost of acquiring expensive equipment and software while at the same time deploying a scalable solution. This is the low up front capital expenditure feature of the managed VoIP. Also the service allows the clients to use the existing technologies along with the new system. It has often considered as a guessing game predicting the costs of VoIP services. On the other hand in managed services, there would be contracts based on monthly charges or fixed and flat rate billing. This would help the companies to plan the budgetary accommodations.

As a service level agreement is reached, the companies can be assured of performance even at peak levels during security threats and disaster recovery. Flexibility is yet another feature of the services as it easily scales down a solution for accommodating the company's growth, seasonal peaks and even unexpected economic downturns. There are also some special features like availability of mobility, communication and productivity applications.

To get more information about VoIP Services as well as finding more information about Toll Free Number and 800 numbers.

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5 Reasons Why It's Time to Dump the VoIP ATA Adapter and Go WiFi

Like many early adopters of VoIP, back around 1995 I first started experimenting making internet calls using a headset plugged into my desktop computer and using a Windows program I can't remember the name of. Anyway, dialing the keypad on the screen with my mouse and making the home phone ring was absolutely amazing. Of course, in 1995 doing pretty much anything other than reading websites on a computer was pretty incredible.

Anyway, not much later I decided to sign up with a service that sent me their own branded ATA and hook it into my home cordless phone. WOW. Hearing that simulated dial tone emanate from that little white box sent shivers down my spine. I got multiple phone numbers in cities and countries around the world so people could call me as if they were local, and I never had to pay for call waiting, call forward an other similar services again. The only problem was that unless I was at home, all these great conveniences and cost-saving VoIP technologies ended at my front door.

Fast forward to 2010 and the technology crammed into a 3oz WP04 WiFi VoIP Phone or any of the other VoIP and Dual-Mode phones available. There is no longer any reason to operate an ATA or any style of cordless phone with a built-in ATA. In fact, here's 5 reasons to dump your ATA or cordless-style phone for a VoIP WiFi phone:

1. VoIP Ends When You Leave The Home or Office -- With a VoIP WiFi phone your deep discounted inbound and outbound calling goes with you. Take a VoIP WiFi phone on the road with you and you're in your VoIP Zone in any open WiFi hotspot like a hotel, office, library, park, hospital, coffee shop etc etc.

2. Pages and pages of VoIP & IP settings -- Current VoIP WiFi phones have only a few setting to enter like account, password and VoIP server IP address. Codec settings, echo, etc are mostly automatic and self adjusting. You can be up and running in no time at all with nothing complicated to enter into the device.

3. Only 1 or 2 SIP Providers can be stored -- VoIP WiFI phones have at least 4 SIP provider account settings so you can switch from one provider to another as you need them. Use one for inbound domestic, another for free inbound, and another for international calling. Of course you can simply use one provider for all your inbound and outbound needs.

4. All your calls are being converted to analog -- Dropping the ATA and going dedicated WiFI VoIP means your digital call will no longer be converted to analog for your home cordless phone. Even if your cordless phone is digital, the digital transmission is between the phone and base. The ATA converts the call to analog and your cordless converts it to digital and back again. Long trip for a cordless call. Switch to 'all digital' and you and your callers will notice the difference.

5. One person on the phone ties up others -- An ATA does the same job as a single line phone jack in the house. I've got a friend who has 3 WP04 VoIP WiFi phones in his house. He set up 3 sub-accounts (for free) with his VoIP provider. Now he essentially can never have a busy line at home. How? Remember, unlike dialtone lines VoIP is setup to work as a path. So he, his wife and his daughter can all be on their VoIP WiFI phones at the same time, they can all receive incoming calls at the same time, and all setup conference calls at the same time. As long as his internet connection (most DSL and Cable lines can handle even more than this) is up and running, it sounds like he's running a full-fledged PBX at home, but he's not. Oh, and he's spending around 90% less than if all 3 of them were each using a family plan cell phone.

If you'd like the best of both worlds such as VoIP and a cell phone, then look no further than a dual-mode VoIP phone with a full login browser. This way, you can use VoIP at home or at the office and when you need to take a call on the road or when you're not in a WiFi hotspot, you're still using the same phone.

For More Info check out the full selection of WiFi VoIP and Dual-Mode phones at Yippz.com.

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Choosing Business VoIP Phone Service Wisely

The Business VoIP Challenge - Affordable Quality Service

Let's face it; business phone service is mission critical. It's simply not acceptable to sound like Darth Vader, a jar of crickets or have dropped calls and other quality issues.

In fact this was much of the reason for slow adoption of internet phone service to begin with. And herein lay the reason -- the internet.

You know, internet connections have come a long way in the last 10 years. Working for the phone company back in 1999, we were selling a T1 to the Internet for almost $2,000 per month, now they are only about $450 for a decent circuit, maybe less in some areas.

Where we had dial--up at 56/k before, now we have 12 Mbps cable modems (like a zillion -- yes a zillion times faster than dial--up) that can support dozens of PCs and maybe even a few small office VoIP business phones.

So, many of the VoIP quality issues have ironed themselves out. But not all of them.

We still have the challenge as a business decision maker of understanding exactly how this technology saves us money, why we need a good, I mean a really good internet phone service provider AND a good internet connection. We need to make sure we don't end up dropping perfectly good phone service from Ma Bell and maybe even paying a bunch of money on expensive equipment to get cheap phone service.

Fundamentals - How VoIP Works

So we take our voice calls and turn them into 1s and 0s - that's right analog voice from our mouth to data on our PC or IP handset. Then we squirt this data over an internet connection and on to our Internet Telephony Services Provider (ITSP) and viola -- internet phone services!

Problem is it sounds great, and we just know; really know it should save us money -- right?

But it doesn't always work... Why? Because not all internet connections are created equal, and VoIP phone service as a "real time" data stream requires a really good internet connection. Without a superior VoIP ADSL or cable modem connection, we risk having terrible service problems, and perhaps numerous customer and employee complaints.

So let me give you an example what happens when we ASSUME we have a nice, big Internet connection and it should be good for VoIP, but it might still not fit the bill.

You have a plane to catch, and you hop on the huge twelve lane highway out by your place to the airport. You know it's only going to take about 15 minutes, because its 10PM at night and no one is on the road. Plus you have a twelve lane highway, right?

So the twelve lane highway is your 12 Meg cable modem, or your 6 Meg ADSL connection. You simply know this is a lot of bandwidth, right? I mean it is, and it only cost about $60 or so a month, so this is a good deal, surely we're gonna save a ton of money by moving to VoIP -- right?

OK, now you're coming home from the airport a few days later after your trip. You arrive and it's 4:30PM on a Friday afternoon. Same twelve lane highway, same car, same everything, except its rush hour!

How long is it going to take to get home? Does it matter you're on a twelve lane highway? Of course not. You're going to creep along, with starts and stops, and if you're a VoIP conversation, we call this jitter, packet loss and latency. And VoIP hates all this stuff, see?

So what's happened here is that what many times is an OK ride to the airport isn't OK when we have to SHARE the road with others, right? Same thing with VoIP and "best effort" internet connections. There is simply no guarantee that when we need a big, clean pipe for good VoIP, we won't end up sharing the bandwidth with other internet users.

What Do We Know? What More Can We Learn?

The lessons here are:

* Internet phone services can save money by converging voice and data onto a single connection. We then can fire the phone company, and get rid of these expensive phone lines.

* We cannot assume our existing internet connection will support one or more VoIP phone service telephone calls, all day, every day, day in and day out, 365 days a year. In fact, the more CONCURRENT calls we have the more challenging it is to assure we have high quality calls.

* We need to know how to pick not only the best VoIP phone service provider, but also the best Internet Service Providers (ISPs) so as to assure "business class" internet phone services.

* This may seem somewhat complicated and it needn't be. But we cannot leave our business phone services to chance. We must assure we understand the issues, and make informed decisions to benefit from the adoption of VoIP phone service in the business environment.

So do your homework, and test any existing internet service BEFORE porting your published business phone numbers to an internet phone service provider. If you're a larger business and want assistance, get with a professional like http://www.thetelecombroker.com they many times can help you understand your needs, then design the VoIP phone service network or solution before shopping the market for you.

Got VoIP questions? Visit E-Dude!

Visit http://www.Business-VoIP-Phone-Service.com and get simple answers to Voice Over IP questions and choosing business VoIP phone service wisely.

Copyright: you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.

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VoIP's Drawbacks - Should They Be Holding You Back?

Though VoIP is a wonderful and convenient option for business phone systems in many respects, it does still have a few problems. Discussing the issues rather than the advantages may help you decide whether or not it's worth taking the plunge and committing your office to a VoIP phone system.

The main problem with VoIP is that it's dependent on more external resources to continue operating. There is no VoIP phone that will work without both the internet and electricity, while landline phones will continue operating as long as the phone line is fine (and you have a corded phone which does not need a power source). If your internet goes down, you are basically unable to continue business while waiting for it to be repaired. Similarly, electricity is required to power the servers and keep your phones live.

For many of us, though, this is a reality of life; work cannot continue without internet access any longer. We are too dependent on the internet for research and communication; many careers are completely internet and PC based. If you can't work without your email either, it isn't a huge risk to put your phone line over your internet as well. In that case, the savings are probably worth it. If your work is mainly offline, however, or you work in an area with unreliable broadband access, you may find that it makes more sense to stick with a traditional phone line.

Sound quality is also considered by many to be a disadvantage of VoIP services. Again, however, this is completely dependent upon your individual set-up. Those with slower broadband services or lower quality wire, which limits broadband speed, will always suffer with call quality more than those with the highest quality lines and the highest allowance internet packages. In both cases, however, VoIP is still a completely viable option; occasional echoing is not going to disrupt your phone calls enough to make them inoperable.

Another disadvantage is that each and every phone needs to have a computer or at least a server running for it to work. They must all be hooked up through Ethernet ports or through a PC which is accessing the internet. Individual requirements vary but if your office doesn't have a PC for each person who needs a phone, you may be forced to buy extra hardware. Again, most offices do have a PC for each and every person, so this should not be a problem in the modern office.

Lastly, a serious disadvantage of VoIP is that it has no emergency calling function. Simply put, your VoIP phone is not in the security network and cannot be relied upon to reach emergency numbers. Emergency responders will also be completely unable to determine your location from your phone number, which they can and will do in an emergency with a regular landline phone. It's essential that every office running on VoIP has one landline phone in case of emergencies.

While VoIP has a few drawbacks, it does provide exceptional cost savings and convenience for many potential users. Consider carefully whether these disadvantages seriously harm VoIP's distinct advantages for your company.

Meghan Burton is a professional copywriter. She recommends Octavia IT Services for implementing business VoIP phone systems and IT support.

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Why It Pays To Have Hosted Unified Communications

Every business demands a strong and efficient communications structure in order to function properly. It could be observed that more and more organizations are going "virtual," which means more than their physical addresses they also make use of decentralized communications tools such as fax, emails and instant messaging to name a few. Notably most of these communications services are powered or facilitated online. However, although these communications tools are individually effective, they still remain technologically and economically lagging and inefficient.

What if you could integrate all these tools in a single service or minimum hardware? It would be possible for you to receive your work-related email via your phone even while you're playing golf, or you can respond to your client's voicemail in the form of text messages. Hence, it would be easier to get in touch with your clients and business partners anywhere or anytime of the day. Thanks to unified communications (UC), these flexibilities are now possible.

Unified communications (UC) is a contemporary technology that brings in together real time and non-real time communications services into a single entity or hardware. To make things easier, UC eliminates the gap between VoIP and other communications technologies. Through UC, different communications tools can be tailored according to the needs of a specific organization. For example, software like Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook can be used to deliver messages even when the intended recipients are not in front of their computers.

For organizations that would require specialized set of communications platform, such as health care and education, it would be necessary to have hosted unified communications in order to achieve such specialized platform. Today, there are vendors and service providers that offer different UC applications for both small and large businesses that could help them become more competitive in their fields. Hosted UC was put in place in order to provide solutions to the limitations of traditional business communications. Aside from this one however, this technology offers a whole lot of benefits especially for small businesses.

Hosted unified communications can lower expenses. Small businesses can reduce travel expenses as they can replace in-person meetings with web, video and audio conferencing. Although the initial investment to establish hosted UC can be a bit pricey, this expense would be worthy in the long run as companies can totally diminish the use of unnecessary and redundant resources. Technological upgrades and maintenance fees would not be necessary any more.

Hosted unified communications improves employee efficiency and promotes high levels of customer satisfaction. This is because UC lets you do your business from any location, without missing any calls or messages. Features like routing your office phone call to your cell phone or voice mails showing up as emails reduces the time wasted from phone tags. Generally, UC can be contemplated as the closest thing to a universal communications system available today.

Hosted unified communications can change the pace of your company. To learn more about it, visit Broadcore.

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Low Rate International Call

With the advent of the new technological era, instant communication has become a must. Although chat and email are much in use, phone communication is still the most preferred ways of communication as it is the fastest mode invested so far.

BPO is one domain wherein international call making is a mandate; in such a field, cheaper the price rate, better the deal. Also, there is a large chunk of population frequently traveling abroad; in order to stay in touch with their near and dear ones, it is important for them to have a cheap international call service provider. There are a large number of companies which provide lucrative offers with cheap international call service. With the increase in competition the number of such companies has increased further.

You can use Prepaid Phone Cards to call overseas. They can be used by dialing local or a toll free access number from a phone. Prepaid Phone Cards can be cheap but often are of poor quality. Most of them require caller to dial PIN or account number while making a call. However it is important to note that some of the Phone card marketers advertise low rates per minute, actual rate on the other hand turns out to be comparatively higher because of the extra taxes and fees.

Another option for calling is VOIP. This option gives consumers as well as small businesses ample as compared to the other phone service options. This requires a broadband internet connection. Many time they come with additional features as well as cheap prices. Technology used in this case is quite different as a result you save on your expenses.

You can find a number of companies providing substantially lower call rates for those who want to call abroad. Such companies also offer very good customers services to aid you with issues if any. The services also allow you to make international calls through VoIP through your iPhone or iPod directly. The same is beneficial as you do not need to dial Access Numbers or PINs.

The best part about these kinds of services is you have no roaming charges; no carrier minutes charges, no requirement of Wi-Fi and no hidden charges.

It is not hard to get free international calls for very cheap rates through internet today. There are various companies who are which offer. You can easily find such a company in Google and get information through their customer's service number.

Davis Johnson has been associated with callingo.net since last 2 years;his areas of expertise for services includes international calling cards and voip calling iphone. His company, callingo.net has been known to provide low Rates international calls worldwide.

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Finding the Best Internet Phone Services - Breaking Down the Choices

The trick of course lies in knowing how to navigate through all the different choices that you have. Without some kind of criteria to break down those choices, you'll find that it's easy to become overwhelmed.

Start With The Basics When You Start Looking For These Phone Services

It's important to remember when you're looking through VoIP providers that you find one that adheres to some of the more traditional values like customer service. It's important that you're able to get in touch with any of these companies through more than just an e-mail address.

It's essential that they supply some kind of customer service number for you on top of an e-mail address so that you have two different points of contact that you can use to call them.

The reason here is simple. You want to be able to have the option of getting in touch with their technicians whenever you have a question or concern. That generally means that you want to be able to get in touch with them 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Look For The Latest Technologies Too

You'll also want to keep in mind that signing on for this kind of phone service is actually a state-of-the-art maneuver so you want to be sure that you understand and can take advantage of all the latest technologies that it offers.

For example, VoIP phone calls will soon include software that will allow mobile users to take advantage of this technology. It's important that you look for a company that is able to keep up with all the changes in the industry as well as provide outstanding customer service.

Of course it's also a good idea for you to look for the best plans possible. When you live in a metropolitan multicultural city like Toronto, it's a good idea for you to look at long-distance calling features that will allow you as many minutes as possible to offshore locations like India.

Look For Different Plans As Well

The best of these VoIP phone providers will also supply you with choice. You should be able to find long-distance calling plans for both small business and residential users. The best of these providers also supply several different kinds of long-distance plans that allow you different options.

It's important when you're looking for the best Internet phone services that you are able to break down the choices in a logical manner so that you can find the one that suits both your needs and budget. It's important to be able to break down the choices especially when you're dealing with the number of providers on the Internet.`

http://www.bramatelecom.com

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Getting Great Internet Based Long Distance Calling Providers - What You Need to Know

Because there are many VoIP phone providers on the Internet today, the savvy consumer can have their choice of outstanding long-distance calling features when they know what to look for in the right VoIP service in Toronto or any other city.

Here are a few of the things that you'll need to keep in mind as you shop so that you can find a service that combines excellent long distance calling plans with a price that suits your budget.

Some of the services that will place one of these VoIP phone providers ahead of the competition include:

* Ease of use. You'll want to be sure that you're not signing on with any contracts or membership fees that will slow you down. The whole idea behind an Internet phone is to be able to make long-distance calls quickly and easily. It's a red flag you should avoid if the company you are thinking of using has legal mumbo-jumbo that will slow you down.

* As many features as possible. Like anything else that you buy, you want to be sure that you get as much as possible for your money. That applies to long-distance calling on the Internet and you should be able to get some of the same features you do with a landline like call waiting and call display.

* Great international rates. Of course it makes sense the idea behind a getting one of these phone services that uses the Internet is to be able to make long-distance calls cheaply. If you live in a multicultural city like Toronto you'll want to shop around to make sure that you can get unlimited long-distance calling at a good price.

Once you have a checklist of the criteria that you will want to use while shopping for a long-distance calling service on the Internet, you're almost ready to get started. It's important to remember here when you're looking for a VoIP service in Toronto there will be many choices for you on the Internet.

It's a good idea to narrow down those choices by asking friends and relatives who they use to make VoIP phone calls back to their country of origin. You can also ask people at a local community center or colleagues at work which of these VoIP phone providers they favor.

Once you get started you'll realize quickly there's quite a bit of choice on the Internet so you shouldn't be hesitant to shop around to get the best service that's right for you. Remember to that you want to find a place that supplies the right kind of phone adapter so that you can plug in to your computer and get started.

Getting the best in internet based long distance calling providers is all about shopping with the right criteria.

http://www.bramatelecom.com

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7 Best Practices in Web Conferencing

Web conferencing is truly a modern marvel. Companies and individuals who have the ability to carry out Web-based meetings are empowered to talk, show gestures and facial expressions, and share their screens with each other - no matter where each attendee is situated in the world. As long as everyone has access to an Internet connection, their personal computer, or special dedicated video conferencing hardware (depending upon the system being used) - they can participate.

For anyone who has ever participated in a Web conference for anything other than informal or personal chats, it is clear that some conferences go well while others do not. Sometimes, it is hard to put one's finger on exactly what makes for a successful Web conference, but everyone knows one when they experience one.

If you are considering a Web conferencing solution for your company or if you are already using one to conduct meetings and make presentations, here are 7 best practices in Web conferencing to help you have a good one every time:

1. If you are the presenter, make sure everyone knows the goal of the meeting before it starts:

The human mind has an uncanny ability to prepare itself at the subconscious level when it is given the proper cues. When it comes to your next Web conference, send out a short description of the meeting beforehand. Be clear especially in terms of the goal of the meeting, as well as anything that is expected of participants. If you do, they will show up much better prepared than if you limit your stated meeting purpose to the vaguest of terms.

2. Show up to online meetings on time:

This is one of those that we all learned in kindergarten - and yet in today's busy business climate even the most seasoned person can forget to observe it. Remember, everyone's time is valuable. By encouraging everyone to show up on time, you avoid having to make the presenter start over every time somebody joins late. Bonus tip: if this is the first time for any of the attendees to use your particular conferencing solution, have them logon at least 10 minutes early to sort out any technical issues that might arise.

3. Prepare your thoughts on the topic before the meeting begins:

Whether you are presenter or attendee, everyone should spend a few moments visualizing the goal of the meeting and whatever is expected of them (see #1 above). Even a minute or two of forethought can greatly increase the efficiency of the meeting because it encourages everyone to be fully present.

4. Be an active listener:

Give lots of verbal feedback like "Uh-huhs" and such to the presenter. Be present. Everyone will notice the difference.

5. Ask 1-2 good questions to the presenter during the meeting:

Even if you are bored by the topic or don't feel it really concerns you, do everyone a favor and ask a question or two anyway. If it is worth your time to be in the meeting, it should be worth it to you to ask some questions. The presenter will appreciate it, as well.

6. If using video, maintain good posture and keep your attention on the meeting:

The added layer of video in Web meetings can be a blessing and a curse. It is great for formal presentations and high-level meetings, but in day-to-day meetings the video dimension can actually get in the way of people focusing. Reason: they are too conscious of how they are coming cross visually to others. To do your part in minimizing this effect, sit up straight and keep your eyes forward when you are on camera.

7. Set clear next steps at the close of the conference:

At the close of the meeting, designate one person to summarize the proceedings and call out next steps and action items. Make sure they name specific people, actions, and deadlines for each action item. This tip can actually have the effect of doubling the success of the meeting because it connects it to actions outside of the meeting in concrete ways.

Consider these 7 best practices in Web conferencing for a better meeting or presentation.

Get more tips and compare secure web conferencing services at: Secure Web Conferencing Advisor.

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Hosted IP PBX Small Office Phone Service

The telecommunication system of a business contributes a lot to its overall productivity and growth. Likewise, with hosted IP PBX phone service, small offices can easily reap greater benefits in terms of productivity and revenue. The system comes with several advanced functionalities and is specially tailored to meet the unique demands of small offices.

Hosted IP PBX enhances Professionalism

A hosted IP PBX phone service functions over a public switched telephone network. The system can be implemented in any setting with a broadband Internet connection and a dedicated phone line. This single phone connection can easily and efficiently handle several extensions within the small office network.

The hosted IP PBX phone service has several value added features including automated attendant, call conferencing, automatic call distribution, find-me/follow-me call forwarding, voicemail, music on hold, call waiting, voice to email, fax to email and much more. The auto attendant provides callers with a professional communication experience. They are greeted professionally and presented with menu options such as dial by name, dial by extension and so on. Based on the option selected by the caller, calls are instantly routed to the appropriate extensions. It manages numerous calls incoming together with superior efficiency.

Managing Business from Distant Locations

The find-me/follow-me call forwarding facility enables business calls to be transferred to alternate numbers, including home landlines, and cell phone numbers. Unattended calls are directed to the voicemail system, enabling the callers to leave voice messages. Voice messages are forwarded to email accounts as audio file attachments and new message arrivals are instantly notified on cell phones as well. Therefore the small business can keep in touch with its customers round-the-clock and from even distant locations.

Hosted IP PBX Lowers Small Office Expenses

Since the hosted IP PBX phone service fully functions on server-based platforms, installation chargers and maintenance costs can be avoided. It carries no upfront investments, infrastructure expenses or maintenance costs. The service provider maintains the necessary hardware and offers the full featured PBX virtual telephone solution using broadband Internet or telephone networks at an affordable monthly rent.

Hosted PBX - AccessDirect, a renowned hosted communication service provider, offers small business phone systems including: voice mail, toll-free and local phone numbers, fax-to-email service, and more.

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Hosted VoIP Means Freedom To Entrepreneurs

Hosted VoIP systems are becoming especially popular with entrepreneurs. The costs and features of hosted voice over IP systems fit perfectly within and entrepreneur's budget and the way they run their businesses. Here is what hosted VoIP means to an entrepreneur:

Hosted means freedom. A hosted system allows an entrepreneur to get features that a standard voice over IP system does not allow. One such feature is Call Forwarding. This feature lets entrepreneurs route calls either directly to their voice over IP phone or to any other phone number, many times their cell phone. The hosted VoIP system will even let them to pre-program their call forwarding for certain times of day and days of the week where they can be reached. This flexibility is vital for entrepreneurs that need to be mobile and can't afford the loss of productivity while chained to their desk waiting for the phone to ring.

Hosted means within an entrepreneur's budget. Hosted VoIP is an inexpensive way to get all of the features of a PBX without a huge investment. A hosted voice over IP system does not require the purchase of expensive equipment and servers. Depending on the existing infrastructure, most businesses will only need to purchase the voice over IP phones. There are a variety of voice over IP phones available and many within a small business budget. With a hosted VoIP solution, an entrepreneur does not need to pay someone to maintain the equipment as it is all taken care of by the provider.

Hosted means flexible. Entrepreneurs plan for growth. Most hosted VoIP services are month to month with no long term contracts. Because of this, an entrepreneur can have a phone system that grows with them as their business grows and expands. They simply add another phone to their system and plug it in. The flexibility offered with a hosted service also means that a business can have employees working outside the office, from home, across the country, or even in another country, and still be connected by one central phone system. Hosted VoIP phones can be taken to any location, plugged into an Internet connection and instantly be connected to the network. The user can simply log in to their phones and it is as if they are all sitting in a brick and mortar office somewhere instead of spread out all across the globe.

Hosted VoIP systems are so popular with entrepreneurs because of what they mean to them... an inexpensive, yet business grade, phone solution that allows them the flexibility and freedom that they need to grow their business. Click hosted Internet VoIP to learn more about using it in your business. Or for a FREE consultation on the right VoIP solution for your business, visit http://www.VoIPConsultant.com today.

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VOIP Telephone - An Efficient Way to Call Freely Anywhere In the World

VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, also referred to as IP telephony, is a telecommunication system that uses internet or other internet protocol network or packet-switched networks to transmit telephone calls i.e. delivery of voice communications over IP networks. It helps in the conversion of voice into a digital signal, which can be sent over the internet. These signals are then compressed and translated to IP (Internet Protocol) packets for transmission, but if the user wants to call on a normal phone, then also they are also converted to a regular telephone signal.

There are lots of benefits of using VOIP over telephone system. One of the major advantages of VOIP technology is that it is cost efficient which results into savings of consumers and companies using it. Some research and studies prove that using VOIP as compared to PSTN can potentially make you save up to 40% on local calls, and up to 90% on international call. Due to this great feature, user can freely make low cost calls anywhere in the world from any place. It also facilitates Wi-Fi technology and these Wi-Fi spots may include airports, cafeterias, hotels, and various other locations.

Using VOIP, more calls can be handled on one access line by setup a conference with a whole team communicating in real time, as it compresses data packets during transmission so that it causes more data to be handled over the carrier signal. There are various features which are included like caller ID, contact lists, voice mail, extra-virtual numbers, etc. It also supports fast response to customers that will provide better quality of service to customers.

In short, by using VOIP also means benefiting from its abundant features which can make your VOIP experience very rich and sophisticated, both personally and for your business by supporting for better globalization efforts.

Author is Kevin Meaney. He is an online marketer in the Ireland based company. He loves to write on different topics. Now he is sharing information on VOIP telephone and IP phone systems. Please visit telecommunicationphonesystems.com for more information about this topic.

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How to Make Cheap Calls Using VoIP Service Provider MediaRingTalk

We discussed about MediaRingTalk soft phone, almost a year ago, that allows you to make free phone calls to USA. These free phone calls were to be made from a pc thus it is a pc to phone call scheme. Additionally, the free phone calls were capped at 10 minutes per call. They now have four new offers for your local, long distance as well as international calling needs. Newest VoIP offers by MediaRingTalk. Mediaringtalk has recently added four plans to their already lucrative services. The prices are not the lowest that you can get but they are unequivocally very cheap. Moreover, the service is a pc to phone call, that is you need a computer to make calls. On the brighter side no long term contract is required along with no connection fee for any of these four plans. Let us have a look at the details of these plans.

Plan 1: Unlimited Call World Plan (phone calls to 40 countries)

Using this plan you can make unlimited calls to 40 countries for just $9.99 per month. The list of countries include Argentina, Denmark, Ireland, Peru, South Korea, Australia, France, Israel, Poland, Spain, Begium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Canada(Mobile Phone included), Greece, Japan, Puerto Rico (Mobile included), Taiwan, Chile, Guam, Mexico, Romania, Thailand (Mobile included),China (Mobile included), Hong Kong (Mobile Phone included), Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, Croatia, Hungary, New Zealand, Singapore (Mobile included), UK, Cyprus, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and USA (Cell Phones included).

There apply following conditions: Calls to landlines only are free for all the above countries. Only countries with Mobile Included have mobile phones included in plan. Only Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara landlines included Poland - Excludes Warsaw Only Moscow and St. Petersburg landlines in Russia For some of the countries, only calls to landlines in select cities are included.

This plan reminds us of the CalltoPBX that gives you free calls to 80+ countries for just $9.99 per month.

Plan 2: Unlimited Call world Plan (phone calls to 60 countries)

Using this plan you can make unlimited calls to 40 countries for $19.99 per month. The same conditions as above are valid here too. Plan 3: Call 750 minutes to India If you do not talk a lot then this plan is for you. This plan offers you 750 minutes of phone calls to any Landline or mobile in India for just $9.99 per month. The effective call rate will come about 1.33 cents per minute. Plan 4: 750 minutes to India and USA This plan made us laugh a little. With Google Voice with SipGate (Recommended Read) hack that we posted at Free Calls Hub, who would want to opt for a paid pc to phone call service? Anyways, this plan offers 750 minutes of calls to anywhere in India or USA for $12.99 per month. We do not recommend this as you do not need such plan to call USA and for India plan 3 is anyways there.

Free Calls Hub is a fast growing VoIP weblog with news and reviews about VoIP services.

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Problems With VoIP and How to Work Around Them

We've discussed the advantages of VoIP in many different articles. However, it would be wrong to say that there are no problems with VoIP at all. Mostly this is because VoIP infrastructure isn't standardized and when a person's infrastructure isn't up to scratch, there are bound to be problems. Let's take a look at some of them below.

Voice Quality

We have seen before that VoIP delivers superior voice quality when codecs making use of HD voice are used. This however, only works when two conditions are satisfied. First, both phones have to support the HD codec - meaning that calls involving a PSTN based phone don't qualify. And second, the bandwidth that's being used to complete the call is sufficient to transfer the HD data.

Now most of the time, the second condition is met since customers have unlimited plans with Megabit speeds. When your voice traffic increases however, the demand for bandwidth goes up. If you're using the same Internet connection for your regular Internet needs as well, it's obvious how your VoIP traffic would be affected.

When there aren't enough resources, VoIP communication can get delayed and because phone calls are real time systems, it can really inconvenience the users. This isn't a shortcoming of VoIP per se, but a reflection of poor bandwidth management. Regular PSTN phone lines are dedicated - meaning they can't be used for any other purpose. Many large firms do the same for VoIP and ensure that their bandwidth is dedicated - or else they have sophisticated traffic control mechanisms to ensure that other traffic doesn't interfere with VoIP bandwidth.

Power Outages

Another disadvantage of VoIP is that if your electricity connection is cut off, so is VoIP access. This is because the modems, VoIP servers and the rest of the infrastructure depends on electricity, unlike the phone jacks which get their electric current from a separate source.

The solution of course lies in ensuring that there is redundancy and an adequate backup system to keep voice traffic flowing. Based on your location, you might decide to take the risk of a power cut for a few minutes every once in a very long while. It depends on the nature of your business.

As you can see, it's the infrastructure that VoIP is deployed on that's the culprit for most of the problems VoIP users face. With good management and adequate resources, VoIP delivers better performance than PSTN.

Bhagwad is an expert in advising small businesses using VoIP. He also specializes in reviews for VoIP Phones.

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About Spoofing Caller ID And Its Law

Caller ID spoofing is a technique that displays a different caller party number (CPN) on the recipient's caller ID system instead of the correct number of the caller. Although there are many legal reasons for using this technique, it is also done with fraudulent intentions and to bypass screening efforts. When people get pestered by persistent telemarketing calls, they normally screen those numbers and avoid those calls. In order to deceive such people into picking up the telemarketing calls, caller ID spoofing is used so that the recipient will think that the call is not from the screened number and will pick up the phone. The spoofing party only needs to use the right software to cause any telephone number to show up on the CID display.

Legitimate Uses Of Caller ID Spoofing

Spoofing of caller identification is not always illegal because it has many legitimate reasons for usage also. It is used by large companies in their call centers, and in their telemarketing departments. Caller ID spoofing is also used by bail bondsmen to locate people who have jumped bail, and by private investigators to locate people. Small business owners might want to display their office or business numbers when they are calling their clients from outside from their cell phone, and they do not want the clients to know their cell number.

Modern technology has now enabled callers to change their voice along with caller ID spoofing. You can have different preset voice pitches and choose the one that you want to use for a particular call. Most providers of spoofing also enable you to record the calls that you make. Some services also provide the facility of turning text to speech along with faking the caller ID. Similarly, a text message can also be spoofed with SMS spoofing. There are innumerable possibilities in this direction.

How Is Caller ID Spoofing Done

There are many ways of faking caller ID, but the most common way is to use Voice over IP or PRI lines. Another way is orange boxing, which uses software that generates an audio signal that connects to the telephone line during a telephone call. The other techniques are switching access to the SS7 network, and using the services of social engineering telephone company operators to make calls on your behalf from the phone number that you want displayed on the recipient's phone.

In view of the menace of some types of caller ID spoofing and in order to bring about relevant legislation, the US House Energy Commerce Committee has brought forward a bill for preventing telephone advertisers duping citizens with caller ID spoofing. The legislation is named "The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009", and is being sent to the US House of Representatives for a vote. Lawmakers have, however, endeavored to keep caller ID spoofing services intact for legitimate purposes, such as for law enforcement, national security, businesspeople and private citizens if they use them for legitimate purposes.

Several states have already passed laws similar to the above federal bill. These laws prevent spoofers from deceiving or defrauding the phone call recipients. Moreover, although caller ID spoofing is legal if it is used for the purpose of a joke, revenge, or prank they should not be harassing to the receivers. Facilities for recording of such calls are provided by the providers, but in some states it is illegal to record a phone call without the consent of all parties.

Caller ID spoofing has both legal and illegal usages. Faking caller ID is legal for law enforcement, national security and for business purposes, whereas it is illegal if it is used to harass people. Legislation in this regard is in the pipeline.

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Some Facts About VOIP

Have you heard about the VOIP? Well, it is nothing else but the voice over internet protocol. With the help of this, you can easily perform your phone calls as well as receive them whenever you require. You will require a broadband internet connection, which can help you out to dial the number of your choice. You will be quite surprised when you will go through the rates of these phone calls through Voice over IP. They are so less that most of the people do not realize or believe but this is the truth and this new technology has brought a revolution in the field of the telecommunication. There is no hidden cost and hence you should not be in dilemma that you would have to pay more. You can easily afford it.

You will definitely find out that all the details are being included in the monthly bill. If you are using Skype then you can use the monthly subscription and you will have to pay around 10 dollars to the minimum. In fact, you will have to buy the premium membership. Once you register then you can call anybody around the world and that too at reduced rates. You just need to keep in mind that you should use it properly. However, most of the users find them to be safe as the caller id is also being provided. You are being gifted with the call forwarding as well as caller id and the voice mail. As already mentioned, you will definitely find out that there is no hidden cost when you will go for it.

You just need to chose the plan and it depends upon the local as well as the long distance calls. The long distance calls are costly. However, you will definitely find out that they are not as costly as compared to your mobile bills. Hence, in any circumstances you are going to save a bulk of money for yourself as well. If you will look at the quality then you will find out that the quality is quite good and you will have a great time talking through this method. They are as reliable as some of the major mobile companies are. This technology is in fact a new revolution and hence you should definitely consider it for the use as it could be very fruitful for you.

You just have to hook the home phone with the telephone connection and then you can enjoy talking to almost anybody throughout the world and that too at the rates, which are the least. You can use this home phone service just after few minutes since you will only require few minutes to register for it. You can pay through PayPal and you will realize that you are in profit all the time.

You can save around 1200 dollars per year and this is a big amount. If you will go for the monthly payment then you can save around 100 dollars per month. However, if you are running a company then you can earn even more and the amount can be in thousands per month.

Hi, I am Srayanath Srinath and I feel that Hosting can be easier and you can find great India web hosting at Imid and PHP Hosting which comes with quality friendly customer support.

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Dial Cheap Calls to Pakistan

Compared to previous rates, right now the rates for dialing calls to Pakistan are much lower. However it will depend on what sort of plans you decide to use to call Pakistan. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is the most convenient way to make phone calls to this country at low charges. If you have a computer with internet facility, you can surely opt for the internet based VoIP for communicating with Pakistan. The per minute price are comparatively low.

To make a cheap call to Pakistan, one should opt for the recognized telephone service provider like Localphone which is much faster and easier to operate. You will have to download free software from the internet and select the most beneficial plan for making cheap call to Pakistan. How to call Pakistan? The most sought after answer is via Localphone. The best part of signing into Localphone network is that you will be able to talk to your friends totally free of cost if your friend opens an account with them as well. It will be much more advantageous.

The Merits of VoIP

Furthermore, there is another plus point in using this network. You can opt for a free soft phone which will be effective to speed up the communication process through the internet based protocol. To be frank the popularity of the Localphone is shooting up. There is no monthly fee option or any extra hidden charge for making calls to Pakistan. In addition you will be able to send voice mail or SMS through the mobile network. The sophisticated technology has made it more profitable to call Pakistan. However there are other internet based telecommunication services which will come in handy at the time of making calls to this country.

Skype is another sophisticated and much profitable internet based tool which can be utilized to make calls to Pakistan. If you like to get the financial mileage, you need to make the comparison to collect different call rates/charges for calling Pakistan. You can make calls residing in any part of the world through this system. If you check the call tariff rates of Localphone, you will find that this VoIP service offers $0.06 per minute. Therefore, you must choose the right price plus the right service to benefit the most.

Jason is a telecommunication professional and in this business for over 10 years. He is a Asterisk consultant and runs a blog at Cheap Call to Pakistan. His goal is to teach individuals about VoIP technology and its benefits. At the moment it is recommended to use uVOIPit to call Pakistan.

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The Power of Voice Broadcasting

Are you looking or a powerful business tool? Do you need to try to secure more leads for your business? Are you hoping to increase your overall sales? If so then you may want to look into voice broadcasting. Voice broadcasting is really a wonderful asset for many businesses, and if yours has not explored it you are missing out.

What is voice broadcasting? Voice broadcasting is an automated call system that allows you to get out a message. The calls can be sent to a variety of recipients at different times. This allows you to customize who your message is getting to and when they are receiving it. The great thing about a voice broadcasting system is that you do not have to hire people to make these calls. Instead of having a team full of telemarketers on your payroll you could simply create a program that will make those calls with the click of a button. Not only is this easier, but in the long run it will also save you a lot of money.

One of the great pros of voice broadcasting is that the system will automatically reschedule calls that did not get answered or were met with busy signals. This is a wonderful feature because it means that your message will get through to those missed calls in the long run.

When looking for voice broadcasting systems there are a variety of options out there. Prior to committing to one company you are going to want to compare several different choices. Be sure that you look over what each contract offers you as well as any fees that may be hidden in the small print of your contract. Additionally, you ware going to want to look into what these services cost on a per minute basis. The average is really somewhere between 10-12 dollars a minute, but that is only an average. You may be able to find rates that are lower than that, but be aware that the cheapest option is not always the best option. Just be sure that you take the time to fully look at the details of your contract plan before signing on the dotted line.

A voice broadcasting system can also help you to generate leads. However, you do need to be aware that these leads may not be as receptive as ones that you call personally, but they may be a start or you. Additionally, given the number of leads that you are able to reach with a broadcasting system is exponentially larger than those that you could reach by simply calling them yourself.

PostCalls offers the most reliable Voice Messaging. Our Voice Messaging Service company is trusted by thousands of businesses nation-wide. To try our voice messaging services absolutely free, simply visit our website to begin your free trial.

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Count on Communication With Voice Broadcasting

Communication is vital in emergency situations, but sometimes when those emergencies set in your communication can fall short. Face the facts, when an emergency happens it could mean that power lines are down, streets are blocked by fallen trees, buildings are destroyed, and people can injured or even dead. When circumstances are this dire you need your communication to work quickly and efficiently.

There are many different communication systems for you to choose from, and voice broadcasting is one of the most popular choices. The truth is that you need to have this communication system in place prior to an emergency setting in. You want your communications to be able to withstand anything that it may come up against so that people can get the warning that they need in order to stay safe in a dangerous set of circumstances.

A voice broadcasting system is ideal because it will allow you to reach the masses in a matter of minutes. This means that your message will get to those who need it in the quickest period of time possible. When it comes to an emergency like a flood or a tornado that message could mean the difference between life and death. This will not only alert those in danger to the situation, but it may also be the one way that you have to get information out emergency services and where people can find help. The faster that your voice broadcasting message gets out the better.

Additionally, an emergency voice broadcasting system will help to free up the emergency workers like fire fighters and police officers who need to be dealing with the emergency at hand. Without a broadcasting system they would have to be working towards getting the word out themselves and dealing with the chaos that misinformation leads to. Instead, a voice broadcasting message can free up those emergency workers and create a bit of stability for everyone else in the emergency.

When you are putting together the prerecorded message for your voice broadcasting system you need to be sure that you are calm and clear on the recording. Be sure that the text of the message is simple and to the point. Additionally, when you actually record the message you want to be sure that you use someone with a calm and soothing voice. In an emergency people are already going to be moving toward a sense of panic. However, your voice broadcasting message can combat that by equipping the listener with the information that they need by presenting it in a calming and reassuring manner. That alone makes your emergency voice broadcasting system well worth the financial investment that you will have to make to put it in place.

PostCalls offers the most reliable Voice Messaging. Our Voice Messaging Service company is trusted by thousands of businesses nation-wide. To try our voice messaging services absolutely free, simply visit our website to begin your free trial.

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Making Calls From Your Computer - Why the VOIP Industry Is Blossoming

It's easy for everyone to see the impact of VoIP on the telecommunications industry. Even if one is not aware of the developments, one still uses VoIP unknowingly when a call to any professional call center is made. The reason is that customer service centers require specialized ways of working with incoming and outgoing calls and these needs are simply not met by traditional PBX systems. Even the telcos who sometimes fight tooth and nail against VoIP use a hefty amount of VoIP technology in their own centers.

The principle behind VoIP is simple. Calls are placed over the Internet instead of using dedicated voice lines to do the job. This is easy to understand once we realized that all information can be digitized and sent as a signal over a wire. In fact, this also happens with regular voice - your sound signals are encoded and sent over a wire. With the Internet, such things become easy and voice communication can happen in real time just as with a normal phone.

While it's true that there is quite a long way for VoIP to go before it becomes accepted as a mainstream communication channel for consumers, it's getting there fast. The primary reason for this is its cost. VoIP calls can be so cheap as to barely cost anything - or they can be completely free! In fact, network effects come into play here and the more people using VoIP, the greater chance of your call being as free as email!

Clearly this is a massive paradigm shift in voice technology. For decades now, people, corporations and the government have gotten used to paying for telephone calls by the minute or by the second. With consumer VoIP however, all the rules of the game change.

Businesses have an important role to play in the adoption of VoIP. Because of their size and complexity, they have a greater need for VoIP than consumers whose motivation is just the cheaper plans. Businesses are attracted to VoIP for its flexibility and its ability to improve relations with customers through a variety of techniques such as HD voice.

Hosted VoIP is one of the fastest growing industries. Because of its flexibility and scalability, businesses are beginning to make a rapid transition from traditional PBX systems. These are the companies that will lead the way to eventually bring VoIP to the masses in an easy and convenient manner.

Bhagwad is an expert in understanding a Hosted Business Phone Service. He also specializes in Hosted PBX systems in a business.

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VoIP Call Termination With Pulse

There are a lot of VoIP solution providers available in the market place that offer full features including call billing, call terminations, and computer to computer calls. One of the best VoIP solutions is called the Pulse. The Pulse specializes in offering high quality business solutions while minimizing the call costs. Their services vary depending on the needs of their clients. They will design and configure the call system for your business (getting a good call system setup is harder than it sounds). Their services can be extended to the Internet, mobile applications, business reporting services, and maintenance services.

The Pulse solution is accountable for coordination of the telephone numbers throughout the different departments in an organization. It also helps coordinate the different interfaces in the system. This solution includes installation and integration of all networking systems and ensures that there is a smooth flow of information process in the business. They also implement LAN and WAN designs and structures and wireless networking that is all integrated in a multi-platform and multi-vendor setting. This type of setup makes the call and information processing quite powerful for an organization. Above all the Pulse solution offers an expert team that provides services including data and voice communication, VoIP services and compression, interface conversion, call termination, and other wireless solutions.

The Pulse has the following features: it can be integrated with an H.323 gateway it is available both in the two or eight chassis environment, it has peripheral cards that can be interchanged, it has the ability to switch between VoIP and Tandem, it has SIP usability and support, it features a call routing server from Quintum and NMS server, and finally it has an IVR system that is multilingual.

This call termination service from Pulse provides cost effective voice communication services via the IP networks. It also supports call routing, also known as call termination, and a QoS package all in just one solution. It supports other necessary features such as VoIP termination and quality sound (we all know that most people are concerned with sound when it comes to dealing with VoIP).

When it comes to VoIP solutions the Pulse can offer it to the company with the aid of their Quintum Tenor Carrier MultiPath Switch. This offers high quality services when it comes to voice communication via the IP network. It also support call routing and call termination companies so you can be assured that you can maximize the use of the VoIP system.

James enjoys learning about technology that can help others. He believes that VoIP termination services may be a great option for some individuals and companies. You can find answers to your questions like what is QOS for VoIP by visiting his websites.

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VoIP System Setup

VoIP systems are still in the developing stage today, although it is predicted that VoIP will be the future of communication. When working on the VoIP setup process it is necessary to know and understand all the components needed to make this all work.

The first component necessary for the VoIP system is the broadband internet connection. The system will work best with a fast and reliable broadband connection, satellite connection, or digital subscriber line (DSL). The ideal bandwidth in order to set up this type of phone system usually requires 128kbps to 512kbps or as much as possible. You will want to be on the higher end of this if there will be a lot of users on the network. Fast and reliable connections maintain quality communication between the caller and the receiver. Unfortunately slower connections can make communication difficult. Usually during the installation process, service providers offer a separate modem so that the communication process will be established between the computer and the internet.

The second component of the VoIP setup process is a subscription to a service provider. These are telecommunication companies that offer an internet connection and a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) line. There are a lot of VoIP service providers that offer both free and paid subscriptions. Sometimes local calls are free while international calls cost money. Plans differ depending on your provider.

The third component needed to setup VoIP is an audio input device that helps convert your voice into digital talk and then send it via the internet to be received by a conventional telephone. Some VoIP solutions have two setups including the basic and advanced VoIP setup. The basic setup offers cost effective solutions and this is usually ideal for users that are beginners and want to set up a computer to computer connection. The advance VoIP setup offers special phones and routers that are designed to call via the internet. This type of setup also produces high quality voice communication.

And the last component that is needed to make the setup process complete is a computer. Sometimes this is not really needed but most of the VoIP solutions require a computer in order to configure the VoIP installation process.

These four components are necessary when setting up the whole VoIP system. This type of phone service is usually cheaper than conventional telephone services. As long as the right VoIP service provider is selected and a reliable broadband connection is established, the VoIP system will work excellently at making phone calls for relatively low prices.

James thinks that the Internet technology available for communication purposes is amazing (not to mention useful). He believes that having a good VoIP setup is very important for individuals and organizations wanting to use this technology. Feel free to learn more from James about VoIP termination services.

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Beginners Guide to VoIP

With more and more people communicating in different places around the world, people are turning to VoIP to take advantage of cheap calls to landlines and low-cost mobile calling. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which enables users to make cheap calls to landlines or mobile phones through the Internet. If you are already paying for a monthly Internet connection, you can make free or cheap VoIP calls by using VoIP software such as Skype and MO-call from your personal computer, Macs or Linux computers. VoIP has been around for many years but with the access of high-speed broadband and Internet access, VoIP been more commercially available.

How you can use VoIP

• PC-to-PC - The most popular way to make cheap calls is through a computer. Calls are usually free or fraction of the cost of a normal telephone call and sound is usually near to CD quality. Users need to install relevant VoIP software such as MO-Call or Skype, access to high spend broadband or Internet connection, a microphone and speakers.
• IP Phone - Looks like a normal telephone but is connected to the Internet rather than the local telephone network using an Ethernet connection.
• ATA (Analog Telephone Adaptor) - is an adaptor/device that connects standard home telephones to a digital telephone system. This enables users to make normal telephone and VoIP calls.
• Mobile VoIP - With mobile phones getting more advanced and the popularity of mobile applications or "apps", mobile VoIP has become more useable. Installing applications offered from MO-Call or Skype enables mobile users to take advantage of low VoIP rates.

Benefits

• Cheaper local and international calls than conventional telephone and mobile networks.
• Voice, data and video can be integrated, which makes ways of communicating easier.
• You can assign one phone number for all locations such as a landline number, work number or your mobile phone.

Downsides

• VoIP calls are usually routed through your computer so a power outage would mean you can't make VoIP calls.
• Call quality is questionable with some VoIP providers but with faster Internet access now available, sound quality is not really an issue with some providers providing near to CD quality sound.
• As with any technology security is a concern but ensuring your Internet connection is secure should be sufficient.

Should you use VoIP?

If you are looking to reduce your communication and infrastructure costs than yes but you should consider the following:

• Shop around for tariffs or price plans that meet your needs and determine whether the VoIP plan will reduce your local or international calling costs.
• Check your Internet plan/speed and determine whether the plan is sufficient enough to take on the data that VoIP calling uses.
• Look at the costs needed to buy the relevant equipment you need to set up VoIP.
• If you have a smart phone, you can enjoy all the benefits of VoIP by installing mobile applications such as Fring, Skype or MO-Call.

Conclusion

It is clear VoIP can be very beneficial to users who are looking to reduce the impact long distance and international calls plays on people's monthly costs, particularly to people who frequently travel aboard as it reduces the costs associated with long distance and international calling.

PC-to-PC VoIP calling still remains the popular way to make VoIP calls and with the recent uptake of smart phones, VoIP providers are introducing mobile apps to push the mobile VoIP revolution forward. With mobile apps like MO-Call or Skype that are currently available, using VoIP on the move is becoming more of a reality. Such mobile apps make it possible for mobile users to avoid the expensive roaming charges that mobile operators charge when overseas or aboard.

It is hard to determine whether VoIP will completely re-define how we communicate but if it continues to bring down communication and infrastructure costs, VoIP will be difficult to overlook by customers and businesses. With the increase uptake of smart phones and the explosion of mobile apps available for mobile phones, it seems using mobile VoIP is the next big thing, which offers all the benefits of low-cost calling, cutting out the expensive roaming charges that mobile network operators demand.

For more information on how you can take advantage of low VoIP rates for your mobile, please take a look at MO-Call mobile app, which offers low-cost mobile calling.

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VOIP Phone Providers Untangled - The Differences

Portability

First off, you want to be sure that you can take the service where ever you go. It doesn't really matter whether you're in business or on vacation you need to be sure you get the right service that's portable in the sense that it works with any high speed Internet connection. For the most convenience, all you should need to take with you is your laptop and have a phone at the ready. When you consider the money that you'll save here, taking this kind of Internet with you is one of the biggest advantages for both the businessperson and vacationer.

Here you want to take a good look at the kind of adaptor the company uses. While some will offer you something as small as a cigarette lighter that you can plug into your USB port quite easily, other adaptors are quite a bit bigger and you'll need to take their size into consideration for travelling.

Unlimited Calling Plans

All the providers that you look at will have several different calling plans for you to choose from. Many will have one monthly rate for local calls in Canada and the United States, but you'll need to take a closer look at the international rates to see where you can get a deal there. Remember here that not all the rates are uniform like with a regular phone company, and by shopping around you'll pay less or more with different firms. However, you should strive to find voip phone providers that can supply you with unlimited calling for the rates in their plans.

Outstanding Calling Features

One of the other things that will vary from company to company are the calling features that you will get. Remember that it's important to get the ones that will mimic your home phone service as closely as possible.

One of the most convenient is the online account management that comes with some of the more sophisticated providers. As is often the case with people living in North America, they have plans that allow them to call other countries and friends and relatives back home.

Being able to keep track of how much money they have in their accounts for these international calls is both convenient and allows the user to make sure they don't go over any predetermined amounts. You'll want to find one of the companies here that will allow you to top up these accounts with prepaid cards. Avoid firms that bill you large amounts without giving you some kind of management option.

When you're looking for outstanding voip phone providers there will be some firms that rise to the top like URL here. They have outstanding services, great rates and serve as an example for the entire industry.

http://www.bramatelecom.com

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Skype Hype - 5 Differences Between Disruptive Technology & Parasitic Business Model

The news of Skype IPO was not a surprise as sooner or later any company owner with Skype's business model has to bail out! Whilst Skype presents itself as disruptive technology, I would argue that their business model is more of a parasitic approach to price arbitrage in the market. Once price arbitrage disappears, they are dead in the water as they have no USP other than price. Invest at your peril!

What is Disruptive Technology?

Disruptive technology is a ground breaking technology or novel use of existing technology that breaks away from the traditional methods and delivers a breakpoint in the life-cycle of a product or market. Take the Digital Camera, which revolutionised photography for the man in the street enabling everyone to feel like David Bailey! Using technology which was already available, this turned the market upside-down and left traditionally strong companies such as Kodak, Fuji, Agfa, Canon and Minolta floundering and play catch up to the newcomers such as Sony & Samsung. All of a sudden these traditional market leaders were facing a new challenge from companies with a different background, highly skilled in mass marketing and used to short product life cycle. Some companies such as Kodak, Fuji & Agfa watched their core business of chemical film and processing whipped out within a few years, and were forced to rethink their business, product line-up and future direction. Now you cannot get more disruptive than this!

What is Parasitic Business model?

A business that is reliant on price arbitrage alone and its sole purpose is to exploit the price differential. In general these business models are reliant on the continued existence of the price arbitrage (or price gap) within a market.

This is not a derogatory term but it is the best attempt to explain the simple fact that without the price differential they have no unique selling point. This is about the business model and not technology, and it is strongly the case with Skype.

Skype came to existence and continues to exist because it can offer calls for free or at an unrealistically low price using existing technology. For Skype pricing policy to work and generate profits for its shareholders, it must continue to have access to a Zero-Cost network and rely on carriers to continue to charge high prices for calls therefore maintaining price arbitrage. Should a carrier decide to meet Skype pricing or prevent Skype from accessing its network, there will be no business model left.

In essence Skype is taking advantage of high prices charged by traditional carriers for making calls. Carriers need to make investment in their infrastructure to deliver new services and compete with one-another. Skype gets a free ride on this investment without making any investment of its own. So whilst carriers continue to invest in their network, they need to charge higher price levels to retain their cash flow and get a return on investment.

Skype also uses their customers' PC as a hub and breakout point to route, redirect and deliver its traffic. Read your agreement with Skype, which you clicked as "I read and agree". You have given them permission to do so and no, just shutting your Skype application does not stop it from chattering in the background with the network!

What is the difference between Skype and EasyJet or any other no-frills price-lead Airline?

Of course EasyJet and other budget airlines do compete on price, but there are a few fundamental differences.

1. The basic premise of the budget price airlines is breaking down the function and services of airlines into smaller pieces, Taylorism at work within the service industry if you will. They have separated the basic function of getting passengers from A to B, from all the supplementary services and have assigned a value to each part. They have stripped the unnecessary, sheer indulgence and the luxury from air travel, and brought air travel within the reach of a larger consumer segment.

2. They have given consumers a choice. You can have priority check-in, checked-in baggage, priority boarding, drinks, food, entrainment, etc. but you have to pay extra for each element. Of course we all know about Ryan Air and their attempts at pushing this to its limit with toilets charges and next they will be charging for oxygen!

3. They have taken advantage of the labour cost differentials as they have no legacy contracts with unions. The average BA cabin crew earns in excess of £30k per annum whilst an EasyJet cabin crew earns less than €15k. This is a 50% reduction in your operating costs alone.

4. Most budget airlines have also taken onboard standardisation by using a single aircraft model therefore reducing maintenance, training and purchasing costs. Of course EasyJet did step out of this model by ordering Airbus aircrafts a few years ago after using Boeing for many years, but never-the-less their fleet is made up of just two types of aircrafts rather than 12 different aircrafts at BA.

5. Finally, budget airlines have created a new market and have invested heavily in their own infrastructure. They have made a great contribution to the wealth of the nation, their shareholders and tourism industry as well as the national GDP of countries they operate within. Parasite businesses do not achieve any of these contributions or make such investments.

How long will the Arbitrage Last?

This is the "How long is a piece of string" question. Despite the popularity and growth of Skype, it only has a tiny market share of the global traffic. Skype at best is an irritation to the giant carriers and at worst not even on the radar. However, the day they start to make an impact on revenues of the carriers, the response will be swift, deadly and terminal. Carriers could deliver their own competitive products if the need arises, and can price Skype out of existence should Skype becomes a revenue drain.

Would the IPO be successful?

Not withstanding the ridiculous trademark issue with the B-Sky-B, I am sure it will be a success given all the hype and marketing around Skype. The question is whether the business is sustainable. If Skype continues to market itself as "cheap or free" alternative to carriers, then it is heading to the same end as many dotcom companies of the 1990s. Cheap or Free does not last for long and is not sustainable business model if you are relying on everyone else to make the investment in the infrastructure you intend to use! To be successful in the long run, Skype needs to bring something else to the party.

Delivering USP and truly sustainable value proposition requires investment which means changing the business into an orthodox model. The question is can Skype operate and prosper within an orthodox business model? The past history such as boo.com, e-toys, pets.com, etc., put a big question mark over this. Welcome to the Stock Market and business reality!

Ali Zartash-Lloyd is Managing Partner at Cognisant Associates http://www.cognisantassociates.co.uk a business consulting partnership. He is a management graduate from the University of Leicester and was European Director for major US and Korean multi-nationals for over a decade.

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Role of VoIP Phone Service in Business

The internet has been playing a very vital role in the lives of people. It is considered an important part of every office and organization. Whether you work in an office or you are at home, you need access to internet for many reasons. Now, the inventors have come with the internet telephone service for the convenience of people. This internet phone service is known as VoIP phone service, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol service. This technology is widely accepted by the commercial and residential users throughout the globe. Through this service, the users can make and receive calls from anywhere to anywhere in the world. The technology of Voice over Internet Protocol actually allows the business people to expand their business by making contacts with people living across the borders. This connection does not require any additional equipment. The users can start using a VoIP service with a fast speed broadband internet connection. All needed is an adapter to make their VoIP connections work. Many people call it a cost effective service of making telephone calls all around the world. The VoIP service has revolutionized the world of telecommunication, as it does not require the purchase of any kind of phone jack or other network services.

The most important reason behind the popularity of VoIP services among the business people is that it is the most affordable calling service for making international calls. The corporate world has to make foreign contacts to boost up their business internationally. For this reason, they need to make international calls on regular basis, which is not possible with the traditional calling systems. The traditional system of calling makes them pay a lot and results in huge amount of billings. That is why more and more business entities are converting to the VoIP phone service. In older days, most of the companies purchased the phone and the internet services normally from the same company. Now, with the increased popularity of VoIP service, a number of companies are reducing their expenses by using the internet as a method of communication. The calls made through the VoIP service are always cheap because of their billing system. They actually produce bills using the digital rates per megabytes as compared to the traditional way of calling, which produce bills at per minute procedure.

One more reason that is attracting the commercial users towards the VoIP service is it's easy to use telecommunication method. It is not difficult to setup a VoIP connection at your home or office. A number of phones that are particularly designed to make calls via the internet are now available in the market. The VoIP phone service is portable. You can carry your phone around even when you are travelling. All you need is a high speed internet connection. That is why the business world is using VoIP phone service, which is easy to install, easy to use, and easy to pay.

Aziz, Online Marketing Manager of Axvoice, USA suggests that If you haven't replaced your traditional phone service with a VoIP Phone Service yet, you are surely at a great loss. Subscribe to Axvoice VoIP Phone Service right now and start saving on your long distance personal or business calls the very next minute.

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Mobile VoIP - Should Mobile Network Operators Be Worried?

VoIP (Voice over IP) started as a technology, which enabled users to make free or low cost local or international calls over the Internet. This required users to install a piece of software on their personal computers using popular VoIP applications. Such applications enabled users to make free VoIP calls to users, bypassing the traditional telephone and mobile networks for local and international calls.

With the surge in smart phone sales and the popularity of mobile applications or "apps" as they are commonly referred to, it was only a matter of time before mobile apps enabled mobile users to take advantage of low VoIP rates. Mobile VoIP apps essentially allows users to make local or international calls for free or for the fraction of the price of a normal call using any internet or Wi-Fi connection. For frequent travellers who wish to take the low VoIP rates with them, installing mobile VoIP applications is the sensible choice.

So should mobile network operators be worried? Simple answer is yes, as mobile operators have potentially lost revenue generated from the lower VoIP rates offered by VoIP providers. And with the popularity of smart phones and mobile apps, mobile network operators stand to lose more ground to cheaper mobile VoIP alternatives.

Another big worry is Google recently launched Google Voice, which is integrated with their e-mail service, Gmail. With Google Voice, Gmail users can make free calls to land lines and mobiles. At the time of writing, calls to the US and Canada are free, while calls to other countries will cost about 2 cents a minute. It has been reported that within the first 24 hours of the launch, over 1 million calls were made using Google Voice so no wonder why traditional telephone and mobile network operators are wary of VoIP providers.

The future? The likely tread is more and more people are likely to utilize VoIP or VoIP on their mobiles to minimise their calling costs, therefore cutting out the telephone and mobile network operators altogether.

For cheaper international calls or low VoIP rates, install MO-Call, which is a Mobile VoIP App that can save you up to 90% on international roaming calls.

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