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What Is VoIP

by Je Dunn

VoIP stands for; Voice Over Internet Protocol. What VoIP does is it converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. This means NO phone charges! And this is why VoIP is such a buzz word today. VoIP presents businesses and consumers a like with an option to save on their phone bills. It is very simple to set up and use, and requires very little equipment. For instance...If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. Internet Voice can allow you to make a call directly from a computer. If you make a call using a phone with an adaptor, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have,and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using special equipment. What Do You Need To Get Started? A broadband Internet connection is required to make VoIP calls. Some services allow you to use a regular telephone, as long as you connect it to an adaptor. Some companies allow you to make calls from a computer or a VoIP phone that doesn’t require an additional adapter. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone. More and more companies are entering the VoIP arena everyday. The two most popular are Vontage and SKYPE. For a low monthly fee you can make unrestricted calls anywhere without incurring any long distant charges. As you can see VoIP can be a real money saving opportunity for smart consumers and businesses. It is important to compare plans when considering a VoIP provider. Depending on the plan you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, a long distance, or an international number. What Are Some Advantages of VoIP? Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broad band Internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls. About the Author: Discover more ways to save by using VoIP in your home or business by visiting Free VoIP Facts at: http://www.voip-3.com www.isnare.com

Voip - Voice Over IP and Business: Is It For You?

by Andrew Kelly

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