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5 Steps to VoIP
So you're ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and
lower monthly phone bills. Well, before you make the switch,
here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is
best for you.
1. Make the Decision
Yes, it is new...
Eight important factors to consider when getting VOIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is becoming the
alternative to the high cost of local telephone service. The
primary advantage is the savings on local and long-distance
calls. There are also savings for all the extra features that
are...
VOIP Technology - Coming To A Phone Near You
VOIP Technology Coming to A Phone Near You
In the last couple of years, Voice Over Internet Technology
(VOIP) has spread like wildfire. VOIP is a great technology that
allows a person with a broad band connection to call a person
any where...
VoIP vs. Analog
Many people today prefer VoIP to Analog phones. Analog or traditional phones are losing the battle against VoIP when it comes to cost effectiveness, standards, quality, and ease of use. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and VoIP is the...
Why My Business Chose VOIP
My world got smaller, my business grew five times over, and I got talking.
I'm a web designer and I work wacky hours, push buttons on a computer, talk to a lot of people, send out email, drink coffee, like the Discovery Channel and enjoy...
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Voip - Voice Over IP and Business: Is It For You?
VoIP allows users to make phone calls using their high-speed Internet connection. This translates into free, or very low cost long-distance calling. Because VoIP uses the power of the Internet, traditional phone companies are left completely out of the loop. Of course, now that the idea of VoIP is catching on more and more, traditional phone companies are developing and offering their own VoIP options so as not to be left out. From the consumer's point of view, this competition is keeping options open and pricing low. For businesses, this is particularly good news, since many VoIP providers will want the business of business--this is a huge market, which providers are aware, of, so the savvy businessperson will take advantage of this, conduct thorough research, and seek out the best possible option to meet the company's needs.
What are the Pros to Using VoIP?
Cost is a number one factor. If your business does a high volume of long distance calling, this can be an extremely affordable way to go. Another positive is that the future of long distance calling is VoIP. As time passes, more and more options will be available and the market will become even more competitive. It is also easy to use, although a business set-up will be more complicated than a home set-up.
What are the Cons?
One disadvantage that many users report is that there tends to be an "echo" when using VoIP. How much of a disadvantage this is may depend on the user. There can also be a slight lag at the beginning of the conversation.
Another potential disadvantage is that the technology is fairly new. As VoIP becomes standard, improvements will take place. In the meantime, it is up to each business to determine if this is a way to go.
Also, because VoIP operates through your Internet connection, should you lose Internet service for whatever reason or power, you will not have phone access until the service or power is restored.
Is VoIP Right for my Business?
As with any business decision, you should examine your needs and available services before making a purchasing decision. VoIP may produce substantial savings, but it could also produce substantial headaches. Whether or not your company can navigate potential glitches with
minimal interruption is something you need to determine. Many traditional service providers offer competitive pricing, and the security of the existing structure may not be worth the potential problems with VoIP. It is also necessary to price and compare the technical requirements; will your existing structure support VoIP, or will the investment in technology offset the potential savings?
VoIP Business Options
On the bright side, because VoIP is a growing service, many companies provide business solutions and the offers and pricing are competitive. One thing to consider as you compare options is contract terms. Because the technology is expanding, it is wise to avoid any long- term contract, as a better option may come along in the meantime. A variety of companies offer business solutions. The following list is just a few:
•Sprint: http://www.sprint.com/business/products/categories/voip.jsp
•Lingo: http://www.lingo.com/voip/business/unlimited_internet_phone_ service.jsp
•Quest: http://www.qwest.com/largebusiness/products/voip/
•Pipex: http://www.pipex.net/products/voip/
How to Get Set Up for VoIP The technology required will depend on the service you choose. There are three types of VoIP methods.
•ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor. It connects to your computer or Internet connection and uses regular phone.
•IP phones are special phones that look like traditional phones, but they connect with an Ethernet connector.
•Computer-to-computer is an easy way to use VoIP and long distance calls are free; you only pay for the software. While this method can work in a business setting, it may not be the best solution, even though it is very cost effective.
VoIP requires a high-speed Internet connection, and for business purposes, your set-up needs to be able to handle the additional use that VoIP incurs. Essentially, there is no "one size fits all" set-up guide for business VoIP options. The service you choose and your company's individual requirements will determine what you will need.
About the Author
Andrew Kelly is a Technology Consultant who helps keep businesses at the leading edge of technology. For more great tips and resources on everything voIP visit: http://www.voipvoiceoveripcenter.com
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Voice over IP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Encyclopedia article with background information, technical details, and the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP. |
en.wikipedia.org |
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Voice-Over-Internet Protocol |
An overview of VoIP from the Federal Communications Commission. With news, FAQs, factsheets, and findings. |
www.fcc.gov |
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voip-info.org - voip-info.org |
A wiki that covers VoIP software, hardware, service providers, reviews, configurations, and standards. |
www.voip-info.org |
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Howstuffworks "How VoIP Works" |
Voice over Internet Protocol lets you make free long-distance phone calls using your computer. It’s essentially a phone network that uses the Internet ... |
www.howstuffworks.com |
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VOIP.ORG.UK - The UK resource for IP telephony |
UK resource with the emphasis on small businesses and home users. Includes news, reviews, and forums. |
www.voip.org.uk |
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Packet8: VoIP Internet Phone Service Provider and Voice Over IP ... |
Packet8 offers VoIP Internet Phone Service and Voice Over IP Telephony phone systems. |
www.packet8.net |
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Voip |
1-800-TRY-VOIP; Voip.com: do more, pay less. Use a broadband connection and your voip.com adapter to make and receive calls using a regular phone. |
www.voip.com |
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Vonage - Leading the Internet Phone Revolution |
Use your high-speed Internet connection to make all of your phone calls with Vonage digital phone service. Plans start at $14.99 per month. |
www.vonage.com |
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VoipBuster - The Free* Calls Company |
Free* phone calls with the VoipBuster. Call your online friends for free as well as a special selection of popular international destinations. |
www.voipbuster.com |
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The VoIP Weblog |
OK, VoIP customers, the $24.99 a month party is just about over. ... The issue definitely kept me from switching to a VoIP service for over a year because I ... |
voip.weblogsinc.com |
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IVR Platforms / IVR Hosting / IVR Development |
Get to market quickly with our A to Z VoIP platforms and services >> ... Our IVR and VOIP hosting, turnkey platforms, and developer services - powered by ... |
www.voxeo.com |
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VoIP |
Connecting a business to a VoIP network doesn’t require a big, expensive integration overhaul. Quintum’s VoIP access solutions are designed with “integrated ... |
www.tmcnet.com |
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VoIP - Internet Telephony |
voip, Internet Telephony Magazine. ... Internet Telephony is the leading VoIP magazine in the world covering all topics VoIP. ... |
www.tmcnet.com |
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Convergence & VoIP - Network World |
The Convergence & VoIP research center is your source for the latest convergence and VoIP news, analysis and research links from Network World. |
www.networkworld.com |
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VoIP News - Enterprise, Carrier, Small Business VoIP Information |
VoIP news, trends, experts, product reviews. Carrier and enterprise-class voice over ip. |
www.voip-news.com |
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O'Reilly Network -- What Is VoIP |
Ted Wallingford looks at why the VoIP technology, the key ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other technology products, ... |
www.oreillynet.com |
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What is VoIP? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer ... |
This page describes the term VoIP and lists other pages on the Web where you can find additional information. |
www.webopedia.com |
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Access >> VoIP | CNET News.com |
EarthLink expands VoIP service. Eight more cities will get access to Net phone service that requires no ... Verizon sues Vonage for VoIP patent infringement ... |
news.com.com |
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Pages tagged with "voip" on del.icio.us |
All items tagged voip ??? view popular ... SunRocket Internet Phone Service · save this. by dbrogdon to VOIP ... saved by 18 other people ... 3 hours ago ... |
del.icio.us |
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VoIP (Voice Over IP) Solutions - AudioCodes |
VoIP, VoP Chip Processors and Voice over IP packets solutions developed by AudioCodes, leaders in the VoIP market for VoIP equipment and VoIP technology. |
www.audiocodes.com |
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