Where to Begin With VoIP Phone Systems?

The Internet and the phone system have managed to keep apart from one another in terms of use and purpose. A new technology has appeared in recent years that is about to change that. It is known as Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, and it works by transmitting voice data over an Internet connection as digital signals. VoIP is much faster and much more efficient than traditional telephony because VoIP wastes much less data. VoIP is already beginning to revolutionize telecommunications as the Internet and phone service are starting to combine at last.

A lot of telecommunications providers have started to either offer a VoIP option or simply runs their telecoms services via a VoIP systems. VoIP holds great promise for professional and personal applications alike. Businesses can reap great rewards from using VoIP because of the dramatic cut in costs it affords them, which gives them a competitive edge since the result is they can charge lower prices. Free VoIP programs have started to revolutionize how people communicate by largely eliminating traditional phone services from their homes. As you might imagine, this has led to people questioning whether they ever need to pay for their phone services again in light of the fact they can communicate for free over the internet.

VoIP has already changed how many professionals and executives communicate. One example of this is that mobile phone calls can also be routed through a business VoIP network thus practically eliminating mobile phone charges except for the cost of the handset and fees. When traveling internationally, customers of regular cell phone plans often find that the cost of service has skyrocketed. VoIP users need not worry about this as software is available that will enable them to make international calls through VoIP network and drastically cut and charges.

As traditional phones are still available, a special adapter can be used to integrate the two technologies. This adapter interfaces between a regular analog phone and a digital Internet connection. Any touch tone phone can now connect to phones and computers via the internet, which enables users to talk to one another from anywhere in the world, since the adapter essentially carries home phone numbers wherever users go.

In addition to connecting by a VoIP system, a user can also purchase an IP phone. These phones can connect direct to an internet connection rather than through a VoIP Network. Wherever they may be in the world, a user can then talk to any other VoIP-enabled phone. This obviously offers a massive benefit for businesses that employ traveling executives. VoIP will change telecommunications forever as it becomes widely adopted.

John Horace is a freelance writer trying to eek out a living from content writing. The Alcatel 4018 is a great way of keeping the cost of communicating down. The Alcatel 4018 also makes for the perfect small business phone, with features like loud speaker and caller ID display.

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VoIP Phone Systems

As small and medium sized companies continue to reevaluate cost, a rising number of business are realizing significant savings without sacrificing convenience or productivity by replacing traditional land line phone systems with Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP phone systems. VoIP, one of the fastest growing technologies, converts a voice signal into a digital signal so that it can be transmitted over the internet as data. Then the signal is converted back to a voice signal on the receiving side so that users can speak to someone with this or any other kind of phone. This gives you the ability to use the internet as a huge global phone network and eliminate many additional service and long distance fees along the way.

Traditional phone systems have high costs associated with employee moves, adds and changes. This is a growing problem as more offices and work stations are virtual. As long as you have access to a broadband connection, you can use your VoIP system anywhere, such as in a hotel room or at home. Customers and employees can stay in touch just by calling your regular business phone number. Many VoIP phone numbers can be configured to simultaneously ring on multiple devices including a cell and landline phone before rolling to voice mail. To move an IP phone (or traditional phone with a VoIP adapter) to a new location or different broadband network just locate the network jack and plug it in. Since these systems are not tied to a specific location you can often chose your own area code which can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to do business with companies in another area.

In addition to the cost savings there are more functional benefits to using VoIP. Because it goes through the data network and is run on a server, VoIP can integrate with other applications making your service highly flexible. Just to name a few, you can talk on your laptop using a headphone, microphone or unit connected to your computer. This is helpful during online meetings and webinars. Also, with this service you won't miss any important phone calls while working online from a remote location. Forward your voice mails and faxes to your email inbox so that you receive all correspondence in one easy place and easily archive or forward them to others.

Before implementing a new system consider the following

1. You should not notice a change in sound quality in a VoIP solution if you are using a broadband connection. It should be identical to that of a traditional land line or better.

2. Check with your current provider to make sure you know when your existing contract (if you have one) ends and what the penalties would be to terminate the service earlier. This is likely to affect your start date with a new system.

3. Address your network security. There are many other important reasons to make sure that your network security is up to date and functioning properly but because VoIP is increasing in popularity it is also attracting the attention from hackers looking to digitally intercept VoIP signals and rendering the system useless. If you haven't already, this is a good time to address any security issues.

4. Rather than switching everyone simultaneously test the services with a few users. Once you are satisfied and have a chance to address any potential issues you can include all employees in the plan. You may also consider keeping the old system during the transition for backup or you may decide that a VoIP solution is a compliment to your traditional system instead of a replacement.

VoIP is an excellent solution for small and medium size companies because of its flexibility and low cost. It allows smaller businesses to take advantage of the advanced communication tools without integrating large systems with significant setup costs. However, no single solution is right for every business. The best system for your business is one that can address your current needs and have the ability to grow and change as your needs evolve.

Alex Famili is the co-founder and principal of Twist Solutions, LP. Twist Solutions is a Dallas Computer Support Company specializing in computer system management, IT support and a full range of Computer Services.

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VoIP Phone Systems - What Types of Businesses Can Use Them?

Choosing between the wide variety of business phone applications that are available on the market can be rather difficult, and can actually be quite a stressful experience for those who do not know where to start. After all, there are so many different types of business telephone systems on the market that it can be rather head spinning. One of the most common types of phone technology today is VoIP. VoIP phone systems are found the world over, in just about every type of office. For those who don't know if their business needs this type of phone system, there are a few things to take into consideration.

The first thing to think about is whether or not you have employees who work offsite. If so, it is wise to ensure that the phone setup you look at incorporate VoIP, as offsite employees can simply take their phone with them and connect via an internet connection, no matter where they decide to work. This can keep all of your employees connected, and is one of the most useful functions of The other most important thing to consider is whether or not your business can afford to upgrade to VoIP. In some situations, it's possible to implement a VoIP system for less than it would be to have a landline. This usually holds true for companies who work with employees that spend time working offsite. On the other hand, if you are not in this situation, it can sometimes cost a bit more to go with VoIP. The difference in usability and overall quality, however, is generally considered to be more than worth it.

VoIP business phone systems are also useful for business that schedules a lot of conference calls. VoIP can make conference calls far easier to deal with than traditional business phone systems, and can make the overall experience much less stressful. For businesses that schedule conference calls on a regular basis, VoIP phone systems are crucial.

Remember that while a VoIP setup can occasionally cost a bit more money than traditional business phone equipment, they are generally considered to be superior. If you feel like your business could benefit from this type of phone system, start looking into it now.

Jack Jenson is a freelance writer who frequently writes about Business Technologies such VOIP Phone Systems. For more information on VOIP Business Phone Systems please visit:
http://www.americominc.com/shoretel-digium-nec-2/boston-business-phone-systems/

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