Equipment Options For VOIP Communication

The marriage of computer and telephone technology goes by the funny name of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). But the cost savings are no laughing matter.

The Simplest Solution -- Headphones

Attach a headset to your computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs sound card and you can try VOIP for free!

Download any one of the many VOIP software packages -- Skype, Gizmo, Free World Dialup, and Net2Phone are some of the big names. Install and invite your buddies to install the same software. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs that easy to set up. Special features like call display, call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calls are also free as long as both parties are using computers.

It's even easier to use. Just click on a name to start a call. Most of these so-called "soft phones" allow you to place and receive calls at no charge to and from anywhere in the world, so long as you are not connecting to cellular or landline phones.

Internet Phones

The next step up from headsets is Internet phones. They plug into the USB port or sound card of your computer.

Because you still need VOIP software installed on your computer to make and receive calls, these phones are also considered soft phones. But they seem more like "real" telephones because they ring, have regular number pads and are used like conventional phones.

Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)

Progressing up the VOIP ladder, ATA is next. It allows you to connect a regular analog telephone to a broadband modem. It is usually free when you sign up with a provider, similar to signing up with a telephone company. There is a monthly charge for this service, and you may have to sign a contract committing you to that provider for a specified period.

Using an ATA for Internet phone calls is straightforward. You pick up the phone and dial a number. Anyone calling you wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt even know that you are using VOIP.

A computer is not needed for this kind of link. It connects to either a DSL modem linked to your phone line or cable modem attached to your cable television connection. Any traditional telephone can also be plugged into an ATA.

You can even take your ATA with you when youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre traveling and receive phone calls from anywhere by connecting it to any broadband modem. Calls to your home phone number will be routed to your ATA (which has a unique identification) at the same cost as the call to your residence.

IP Phone

The final VOIP option is an IP phone (not the same as an Internet Phone). IP phones plug directly into the modem; Internet phones plug into the sound card or USB port of your computer.

An IP phone is a handset that has all the hardware and software built into it. You connect an IP phone to a broadband modem, then make or receive calls the same way that you would with an ATA. The advantage of an IP phone over an ATA is that it is a completely integrated unit. You donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need an extra telephone to plug into it. Another IP phone advantage is that your phone numbers are all stored and the display screen provides information about incoming calls.

There you have it: 4 choices that will all add up to substantial telephone savings.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit voip-solutions-now.com to learn more about this subject.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

VoIP - More Basic than a Basic How To

Have you not even heard the expression VoIP or Voice over internet protocol. It provides the ability to make phone calls over the internet at very low cost or even free. But what is it all about and how do you use it?

VoIP has several different ways in which it can be utilized. The first method is known as a softphone which basically means you download some software from a provider like Skype or VoipStunt, connect up a headset, set up the account and away you go. In other articles I have written I have provided comparisons of several providers including Skype, VoipStunt and Vonage.

The second method of making phone calls over the internet is by having an account with a VoIP provider such as Vonage or Skype (or Engin in Australia) and utilizing a piece of hardware known as an ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. This connects to your internet connection through an Ethernet connection to your ADSL or cable modem and allows connection of a standard telephone being normal, cordless or DECT. Often you can also connect a fax.

Methods of Operation
There are varying methods of operation. You may only wish to make outgoing calls through VoIP which means you will not need a รขโ�ฌห�normalรขโ�ฌโ�ข type phone number. If you wish to receive incoming calls from landline telephones, ie the caller isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt calling over the internet using VoIP, you will need to have that service ability with your provider and a number to go with it.

It is possible that you can retain your fixed line and have both VoIP and normal PSTN to the ATA which will mean both will ring at the same time. Additionally if there is a blackout or power failure you can still connect to the PSTN.

You will need to review your providers conditions to work out costs of calling outside of the VoIP network. In many cases this can still be free or very low cost indeed, including overseas calls. Often there is a flat rate for local and long distance calls but again this varies from Voip provider to provider. As mentioned earlier, previous articles I have written compare some of the services offered by the larger VoIP players.

There is an issue to consider around emergency calls. Skype and VoipStunt openly include in their terms and conditions that they do not provide access to emergency services calls. For this reason they are realistically utilized as a second phone service. However certainly in Australia, Engin provide access to emergency services through the triple zero 000 emergency number. Many people now have mobile phones so access to emergency services is much more available anyway.

Equipment
From earlier in the article you can see that equipment needed and relevant costs can vary from a headset, to an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. These are not overly expensive and often available for free or cheap when joining a VoIP provider. A google search or visit to eBay will provide ability to get updated on current costs however it does not cost a fortune to commence accessing cheap or free phone calls.

Summary
This article has looks at the absolute basics of VoIP and how to get started. Further articles, information about VoIP products can be accessed by reading previous articles I have written.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.

How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones?

A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is "How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?"

First of all, Bandwidth is defined as the ability to transfer data (such as a VoIP telephone call) from one point to another in a fixed amount of time. The higher the bandwidth speed you have, the more data you can send over your Broadband Internet connection.

There are two types of bandwidth at your location: upload bandwidth and download bandwidth. The Upload Bandwidth is the amount of data you can send to the Internet and download bandwidth is the amount of data you can receive from the Internet. The more Internet bandwidth you have from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) the better.

In most cases, the normal VoIP telephone call will use up 90 Kbps (kilobits per second). If you have a Broadband Internet service provider that doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt offer much bandwidth then most VoIP providers give you the option to lower the VoIP voice quality by lowering the bandwidth used for VoIP calls to 60 Kbps or, to really conserve your bandwidth, 30 Kbps. Most people can't tell the difference between the three settings. We suggest you use the high sound quality setting (90 Kpbs in most cases), if bandwidth is not an issue. High VoIP voice quality is generally the default setting but if you are running into a situation where your bandwidth is limited then you can adjust your VoIP bandwidth to one of the lower settings. Some consumers with 128 Kbps upload connections can receive less VoIP service quality due to a poor quality ISP (Internet Service Provider). By selecting a lower quality VoIP bandwidth setting, this problem can be avoided.

If you plan on using a VoIP service provider, should you get a DSL or a Cable Internet access provider? In general, DSL upload bandwidth starts at 128k where as Cable Internet upload bandwidth starts at around 600k. Cable Internet is a little bit more expensive, but it is also about 4-5 times faster than residential DSL and a bit friendlier to a VoIP telephone call. Having said that, both DSL and cable modem high-speed services provide sufficient broadband Internet access bandwidth to support any of the top VoIP service providers. If you are experiencing low Broadband Internet Service provider bandwidth, we suggest you try Packet8 VoIP. Packet8 VoIP boasts an advanced compression technology in which each active voice line uses approximately only 23Kbps of total data throughput, upstream and downstream.

The amount of bandwidth that a VoIP provider requires to make a quality telephone call is only one thing to consider when choosing a VoIP service provider. In fact, there are many things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. An educated consumer generally results in a satisfied consumer.

Please see VoIP things to consider article (http://www.voipchoices.com/voip-considerations.html) to find a list of more things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. You can also compare VoIP providers side-by-side by price and features at www.VoIPChoices.com

Chris Landry is the foremost authority on residential and small business VoIP providers. Chris is the founder of http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris has prequalified several high-quality VoIP providers and compares them by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com

Chris can be reach via email at Chris@VoIPChoices.com.

Alarm Systems & VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Phone Lines

An astounding and unexpected number of people are dropping their (POTS) plain old telephone system, for the latest trends in phone service, VoIP. According to Frost & Sullivan there were 100,000 VoIP users at the end of 2003. Just halfway through 2004 the number jumped to more than 500,000.

The draw to such a change is most often cost related. Traditional phone companies charge use fees and by the minute charges, coupled with long distance fees. VoIP companies are charging a flat fee somewhere between $15.00 to $30.00 US per month, for unlimited calls to anywhere in the US and Canada.

VoIP works by digitizing voice signals from your phone and sending them over the Internet via your home or business computer. While people are scrambling to make the switch and begin to count the money they are saving, they may not realize that there is a good possibility that they are cutting the link between their alarm system and the monitoring station. Another link that is lost in most cases is traditional 911 services, as VoIP does not capture data for emergency response.

When your alarm goes off due to an attempted break in, is no time to find out that the monitoring response that you have been faithfully paying for is not available for you. The Alarm Company has no way of knowing that you switched services. You should be sending a test signal monthly, to assure yourself that the system is working properly, no matter who you are connected through. Be advised that if you are using VoIP and the signal goes through, it does not mean that it will always be as clear. The volume of traffic on the Internet can and will vary the quality of the digitized signal it sends.

If you find yourself intrigued by this revolution in phone services and are dependent on alarm system dispatch as part of your security plan, you should consider the pitfalls and options.

* If power fails to the premise it is likely that your VoIP will fail also, unless your PC has a backup power source.

* You may not be able to use 911 services.

* Your signal may go through giving you a false sense of security, as it may not work next time.

* You may have already switched to VoIP and not realize that your alarm is not being monitored.

I myself have elected to utilize VoIP to save money on long distance. I also maintain a standard limited use phone line to take care of my security communications, 911 and phone backup should power fail. The (limited use) phone line, cost me less than $15.00 per month and is offset by the savings on my long distance bill.

Cellular communicators are available that will make your alarm call over any available cellular network. The device will have to be purchased for about $200.00 to $500.00, and an additional fee of approximately $10.00 per month is added to your monitoring bill.

Some alarm companies offer radio signal transmitted monitoring services, which do not depend on phone lines of any sort to transmit your alarm signal. The availability of such services is limited and depends where you live.

Alarm companies of all sizes are working with manufactures and providers of VoIP services to find ways to properly integrate Alarm Systems with these phone communications industry changes. I would expect many changes in the near future as this does not seem to be a passing fad. Be on the lookout for information on these changes, so that you can always make an informed decision.

Matthew Francis Alarms@expertsknow.com

22 year veteran of the alarm industry Installer, salesman, licensed alarm company owner, monitoring station designer, promotions and marketing director with one of the worlds largest security dealers. He now works as a consumer advocate, teaching consumers how to buy or get systems for free (without being taken). He is committed to being unbiased.

His web site is http://www.expertsknow.com

VoIP - The Future is Now

Have you ever experienced any anxiety about making that phone call to that friend you have on the other coast but thought better of it and decided to not do so at all because you are worried about that telephone bill? Is the price of a relevant phone call the number one problem you are thinking about now, instead of the conversation you are wishing to have with family or friends or significant other who are on the other side of the globe?

Believe it or not, there is a way around phone companies and the excessively high phone bills they churn out. The fact is they do not need to tell you who youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre going to call or how long you are supposed to make that call. You and only you should have the power to decide the calls you want to make.

Thanks to the magic of technology, there is now a very effective and a lot less expensive way to make phone calls. It is called VoIP. The following are the basic features of VoIP.

What is VoIP?

If this concept sounds new, relax. It basically is. VoIP is actually short for Voice over Internet Protocol. This is a new way to convert voice analog signals รขโ�ฌโ�� basically the kind usually heard over the phone between talking parties รขโ�ฌโ�� into data that is digital รขโ�ฌโ�� basically the kind which could be transmitted through the internet.

Is VoIP useful?

VoIP is practically useful because it allows anyone to call just about everyone through the wires of the internet. This is because the number you are calling really has no need to have similar VoIP features or functions. Plus, the cost of availing VoIP is a lot less inexpensive than the usual phone line features.

How could one avail of VoIP?

First things first, one should call a company that provides a service such as VoIP. Once the service has been ordered, the company would then provide you with a router as well as a phone adapter with VoIP functions.

Then, the telephone should be connected to the phone port adaptor. Always be aware that updates are always available for downloading. Such downloadable are automatically put on the phone as long as the phone and the ISP is plugged and connected. Check to make sure there is a dial tone on your phone. If there is one, installation is done and making calls is just as easy as one two three.

VoIP additional tips

Before availing the services of VoIP, one should make sure that the phone one has is VoIP capable. Basically, there must be a readily available internet broadband service. But if there is no dial tone present, try to check if the internet broadband connection is still working. If it is, unplug the adapter of the VoIP for at least thirty seconds. After which, try applying power again.

There are VoIP provider companies that let its clients choose as much as a second and a third virtual telephone number. Of course, these have an additional charge per month. Believe it or not, via these numbers, you could have รขโ�ฌโ�� for instance รขโ�ฌโ�� a west coast telephone number even if you live in the east coast. But anyone who calls you on that particular number will be charged the rate of a call made locally in the west coast.

A speed of something a little less than 256k in your VoIP is really not that advisable especially for phone functions such as three-way calling.

VoIP warnings

Make sure that you check with the company that provides you with VoIP service regarding the availability of the 911 service function. There should be a 911 available service. There are VoIP companies that do not provide this automatically.

Use a power supply that is basically un-interruptible. This avoids any lag that might occur during interruptions in power. Just make sure though that the provider of the broadband is similarly protected from power electrical failures.

Also, make sure that the actual amount of the phone bill per month is clarified with the VoIP provider since there are instances that the bill amount to be paid is advertised in a low rate, but there is a "regulatory additional recovery fee" noted in the bill that is a bit costly. For your information, such an add-on fee is legally not allowed and mandated by the federal government.

In summary, VoIP is the best thing that communication could offer. It makes reaching out to anyone and everyone easily accessible as well as practical.

Blake Turner is the webmaster at http://www.articlesvoip.com he has been involved with internet based technology solutions for the last ten years.

Eliminating the Phone Bill With VoIP

I expect Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm part of the majority when saying my communication costs seem to have grown exponentially. Expenses for phone, fax, cell phone, high-speed internet, cable, satellite, etc., have all combined to seriously raise the bar on what I can get done, but at a correspondingly higher cost. Seems like I ought to be able to get rid of something! I could get rid of my phone bill (landline) by relying on my cell phone. A lot of folks do just that and it works great for them. However, some of us still need something like a landline - usually for business.

Another alternative Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve been watching evolve, is Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short. This basically means using the Internet to talk on the phone. This has been around for a while now, but until recently, required one or both parties to be logged onto a computer. It was kind of novel, and having free long distance was a definite plus, but for day to day use, was obviously a pain.

However, VoIP is finally coming into the mainstream, offering serious competition to traditional carriers by providing VoIP using your regular hand-held phone. Keep in mind you need a broadband connection to utilize these services - either DSL or cable, but since Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve already got cable, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a no-brainer. Savings over my last phone bill is $64 a month, which goes way past what I need to satisfy my Starbucks habit! Even better, is since I bundled high-speed internet service with my existing cable, I cut that cost by about $30 a month. Yes, life is good!

Several providers offer their broadband service starting at about $15 a month for their basic plan. That usually includes about 500 minutes of local and long distance calling throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, along with all the expected features like caller id, call waiting, call forwarding, yada, yada, yada. For unlimited calling, premium plans cost about $25 a month. Plus, most offer decent international rates, and no contract commitment.

There are several players to consider, including Vonage, Verizon VoiceWing and AT&T CallVantage. They all have similar plans in the same price range, some with additional features. Existing customers of specific providers can sometimes save more costs by combining other services. As youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll observe when researching, most of the major players, are now starting to compete in this space, and they bring serious credentials, which will translate into stability and reliability going forward.

One of the biggest motivators for me, after price and reliability of course, is that all these providers disclose all the taxes and fees up front on their websites รขโ�ฌโ�� try getting that out of "ma bell" รขโ�ฌโ�� like pulling teeth. And, those taxes and fees are minimal รขโ�ฌโ�� like a couple bucks compared to over $10 with the "other guys". Do yourself a favor and take a look รขโ�ฌโ�� you might save some bucks.

John Allen writes on a wide range of topics. Visit his blog to read more or obtain feeds. He can also be reached through his website which focuses on finding unique gifts.

Five Tips for Selecting a VoIP Provider

Choosing a VoIP provider can be a daunting task. There are several VoIP service providers from which to choose, making the decision a sometimes head-spinning adventure.

To find a provider that's right for you, think about the following:

1. Price -- What do you want to pay each month for your VoIP service? Most monthly fees range from $8 to $30. The lower the monthly fee, the less likely you are to get extra features. Sometimes, less expensive plans don't allow users to call outside the service provider's network.

2. Features -- Is Caller ID important to you? Do you want voicemail? These features and others are not universally offered on all VoIP service plans, so make sure you know what options you want when deciding on a provider.

3. Emergency services/E911 options -- Not all VoIP service providers currently meet federal standards for E911, the system used to automatically determine the location of someone who's dialed 911. If your VoIP telephone is your primary phone, you may want to select a plan that supports 911 dialing. If you feel comfortable using your cell phone for emergencies, a VoIP provider's E911 capabilities may not be important.

4. Technical support -- Some VoIP service providers charge for technical support; others don't. Most of the larger companies -- Vonage and Time Warner, for instance -- do not charge for technical support, some smaller companies do. Check with the VoIP service provider to find out if they charge for extra help.

5. Number portability -- Do you want to keep your current landline telephone number? Some VoIP service providers will "port" your current number to your new VoIP telephone, while others will give you a new telephone number. If you like your current number, find a provider who'll help you keep it.

Howard is the owner of http://www.voip-resource.com where you can get information about finding a VoIP service provider and other VoIP related news and articles.

VOIP is Good, But

VOIP รขโ�ฌโ�� the new Internet phone รขโ�ฌโ�� stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. What this means, is you use your broadband internet connection to make phone calls. Sounds really good, especially since it has free long distance and its only $25 a month. But there are 2 major drawbacks.

911 Service doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work like a landline phone. In some areas, it doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work at all. There are severe risks to consumers thinking 911 can save them in an emergency, but the internet phone doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work that way. Be careful or review your plan to make sure you understand how the 911 service works. The FCC has been on these companies to straighten this out or inform consumers of the risks.

The 2nd problem seems minor compared to the above, but I donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt like being tied to my PC when making a call, even if Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm wearing a headset. www.ipero.com makes a real cool $30 phone that plugs into my USB and works like a regular phone. Its lightweight has a mute and speed dial, and the sound is great. Its compact and I can take it on the road with me. Many VOIP phones only work with PCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs, but this one works with a Mac, too.

There are still some concerns with VOIP technology, but once the companies get around them, the consumers will have a great product. Besides, at $25 a month, you can overlook a lot of issues.

Stuart Simpson http://www.voip-telephony-review.com/

VegaStream - The Benefits of IP over TDM

Circuits on an IP network can carry more traffic than circuits on a TDM network. Strategically, it costs significantly less to deliver calls over IP than it does TDM. The laws of economics are driving us inexorably towards VoIP. However there are a number of other benefits that are specifically useful for businesses.

TDM technology has evolved over a century and was primarily developed at the behest of the old nationalised post, telegraph and telephone companies (PTTs) such as the UKรขโ�ฌโ�ขs GPO before it became BT. Therefore the TDM network is rigorously engineered and very robust. We take it for granted that when we pick up a phone and punch a dozen or so buttons, another phone will ring just about anywhere in the world. When that phone is answered, we (normally) have a clear and uninterrupted conversation. This is not surprising given that multiple layers of switches and wires between the two phones create a complete end-to-end 56Kbps circuit between them.

In the modern, highly flexible and mobile work space this marvel of technology has one drawback. You donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt call a person, you call a phone. Therefore, you assume that the person you want to talk to is going to be close enough to that phone to answer it, or has put a machine in place to take you call, or is willing to pay extra for it to be forwarded to another device. Meanwhile, in an IP world, you connect to the network from any IP device and if you are connected to the internet, then the Internet can tell those trying to reach you where you are. VoIP will allow you to call a person, not a phone.

The other drawback of the TDM connection is that the circuit has a fixed bandwidth that was originally designed to support a phone conversation and nothing else. Dial up data communications and fax technology are essentially technical compromises. Anyone who struggled to surf the web over a dial up connection will recognise this. The essential technical difference between IP and TDM technology ensures that a VoIP conversation makes better use of that bandwidth. Furthermore, with the ubiquitous availability of DSL, the Internet is now a multi-megabit, broadband network that breaks free of the 56 kilobit shackles of the TDM network. The result is that we can have far "richer" conversations with IP.

These conversations can include video images, instant messages and data รขโ�ฌโ�� all over the same circuit. Voice over IP is but one application on this converged communications platform. Ebayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs acquisition of Skype is a good example of the creation a converged applications. Ebay is an on-line auction house that provides its bidders images and data about items for sale as well as conducting the auction over the web. Skype is an internet telephony service. Combined, the two businesses will offer a service whereby someone bidding for a particular item can click a button on the screen and talk directly to the person offering the item for sale. It does not take too much imagination to envisage similar applications driving improved efficiency and productivity across all shapes and size of business.

In summary, the three key advantages of VoIP over IP versus TDM are cost, flexibility and better, richer ways of communicating.

Formed in 1998, VegaStream is one of the most experienced players in the industrial VoIP market. The company supplies gateway CPE to both traditional telecommunications carriers and the new generation of Internet telephony service providers. VegaStream also serves the enterprise market through a global network of distributors and resellers supported by regional offices in the UK, USA and Australia. VegaStream is a non-listed UK company. Investors include the management team, Pace Micro Technology PLC and MTI Partners.http://www.vegastream.com

The Best VoIP Service - Sunrocket vs. Vonage and Packet8

Sunrocket internet phone service is one of the best VoIP deals available today for those looking for quality service at an inexpensive price. Once a very small player in the broadband phone game, Sunrocket has been growing by leaps and bounds and is now considered one of the best VoIP companies. With call quality comparable to top of the line broadband phone service providers Vonage and Packet8, Sunrocket is the leader when it comes to price.

Currently at $199 per year for unlimited local and long distance calling, Sunrocket will save you $100 a year compared to Vonageรขโ�ฌโ�ขs annual price of $299.88. Annual savings over Packet8รขโ�ฌโ�ขs 12 month price of $239.88 is around $40. With call quality being about equal among these three VoIP providers, if youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre looking for cheap unlimited local and long distance domestic phone service without a lot of extra bells and whistles, Sunrocket is the way to go.

Comparing VoIP Plans

All three providers include free Canada calling with their unlimited plans, online account management and billing, voicemail, voicemail to email, three way conference calling, call forwarding, call waiting, call return and speed dial. These basic features are pretty much standard among all VoIP service providers, and are included free. For most average telephone users who are used to land line service, these features are a nice "bonus", as most POTS (plain old telephone service) users have to pay extra to get these enhancements.

Sun Rocket offers very low international rates, with many calling locations as low as .03 per minute. As a special promotion that has been running for some time, Sunrocket gives new subscribers a free cordless phone when they sign up via a referral.

At $24.99 per month, Vonage offers a larger set of features as well as unlimited international calling to most of Western Europe. Vonage has more enhanced features than Sunrocket, such as caller ID with name, call transfer, ring lists, international call blocking and click to call computer calling. International rates are very competitive.

For $19.99 per month, Packet8 also offers a larger set of free features with their unlimited local and long distance plan including caller ID blocking, anonymous call blocking, simultaneous ringing on multiple phone numbers, and a "find me, follow me" feature that can be set to ring different phone numbers one at a time until someone answers. Packet 8 also offers an optional video phone plan that is used with the video telephone they sell. This allows you to make videoconferencing phone calls with other video phone users. As like most VoIP providers, Packet 8 offers very competitive international rates. An unlimited international calling plan is available for an additional fee.

When comparing VoIP providers, you can see that all digital phone service plans are not created equal. If low cost is your primary goal, you make little to no international calls and you are happy with basic features, Sunrocket is a great choice. If you make frequent calls to Western Europe and want some extra features, Vonage is the option for you. If you want extra features, primarily call within the U.S. and Canada, or want to use video conferencing, Packet8 is an excellent choice.

No matter which internet phone service provider you choose, as long as you stick with a highly rated VoIP company that has a reputation for good voice quality of calls, you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt go wrong. Broadband phone service is the future of telecommunications, and you can save a lot of money on phone bills by switching to VoIP. The only requirement is a broadband internet connection. For home or small business users, cable internet service will provide the biggest savings, as most DSL service requires a land line telephone service account.

To learn more about Packet8 VoIP service, visit http://www.savewith8.com. For more information on VoIP internet phone service, visit my blog: http://www.djvoip.blogspot.com Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) - An Overview

You've probably at least heard of the word "VoIP", even if you didn't quite understand what all the excitement is about. VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and is going to change the way you think about making long distance phone calls. Basically, VoIP technology turns analog audio signals (i.e. the sounds you hear when talking on your regular telephone) into a digital signal (which is then transmitted over the Internet.)

So why is VoIP revolutionizing the industry?

Because it means that by getting your hands on some of the free software that's available right now, you can totally bypass your telephone company, and start making long distance phone calls for free! This revolutionary technology has the ability to totally change the phone system of the entire world! Perhaps you've seen television commercials for one of the pioneers of VoIP - Vonage. Vonage brands itself as the "broadband telephone company" and offers enticing perks to customers who switch to it's VoIP service such as low-cost 800 numbers and very cheap international rates (fees are waived from the U.S. to Canada, and international calls are as low as .03 cents a minute to overseas locations such as Paris). But Vonage isn't the only company who is interested in harnessing the power of VoIP. AT&T is setting up VoIP calling in several areas of the U.S. and there are other major VoIP players on the scene as well, such as Skype, who is relying on viral advertising to get the word out. Even some regional cable television companies are now offering VoIP telephone service at deep discounts to their customers.

One of the interesting components about VoIP is that there's not just one way to make a VoIP call. There are actually three ways to make a VoIP call:

1) VoIP via ATA: is the most commonly used VoIP method right now. Using the ATA (analog telephone adaptor), you connect your regular telephone to your computer or Internet connection. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter and it takes the analog signal from your phone and converts it into digital data and transmits it over the Internet so you are able to make VoIP calls. This is how Vonage and AT&T's CallVantage handle VoIP calls. The ATA is free with their services. And using an ATA for VoIP is so simple that anyone can do it. Open the box, plug the cable from your phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and you're ready to begin making VoIP calls. Depending on your computer, where you live, and what type of Internet connection you have, you may need to also install VoIP software onto your computer, but this shouldn't be too difficult for most people.

2) VoIP via IP Phones:VoIP phones look just like a standard telephone. They have a handset, cradles and buttons. But an VoIP phone uses an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors. VoIP phones connect directly to your router and all the hardware and software is already built inside to handle your VoIP calls. Look for Wi-Fi IP phones to be available in the near future, which will allow you to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hotspot. This will allow you to take your VoIP phone with you when you travel, and stop in at any Internet cafร�ยฉ, hotel or other location where you can use your Wi-Fi laptop, and you can use VoIP technology to "phone home" from anyplace in the world.

3) VoIP via Computer-to-Computer:This is arguably the easiest way to use VoIP. There are no fees for long distance calls and there are several companies offering free or low-cost software right now for you to make use of VoIP technology. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a broadband or cable DSL Internet connection, and you can start using VoIP service right away. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is no charge for any computer-to-computer VoIP call, no matter how far away they are. www.skype.com is one such VoIP service. Chances are, you've already been using the VoIP technology without even being aware of it, any time you've made a long distance telephone call recently. Many of the major phone companies are already using VoIP technology to reduce their own bandwidth. It's a simple matter of routing thousands of phone calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. Once received on the other side of the gateway, the VoIP calls are decompressed, reassembled and routed back to a local circuit switch.

VoIP telephony is the wave of the future.

VoIP technology makes sense in terms of ROI, from both an economic and infrastructure point of view. It may take some time, but eventually all of the current circuit-switched networks that are in use today will be replaced by packet-switching VoIP technology. More and more businesses are already installing VoIP systems, and as VoIP technology makes its way into our everyday language, our lives, and our homes, it will continue to grow in popularity. According to Forrester Research, nearly 5 million U.S. households will have VoIP phone service by the end of 2006. The two biggest advantages of VoIP for home users are price and flexibility. Currently, most VoIP providers offer calling plans similar to that of cell-phone companies, which are commonly called "minute-rate" plans, for as little as $30 a month. And as with cell-phone plans, you can also get unlimited plans for around $79 a month.

With the elimination of long-distances charges, unregulated charges, and all the freebies that come standard with VoIP service, it can actually amount to a significant savings for you. For example, you may be paying extra for features like:

ร�ยท Call waiting
ร�ยท Three way calling
ร�ยท Call forwarding
ร�ยท Caller I.D.
ร�ยท Repeat dial
ร�ยท Last call return with VoIP

These services come standard. Plus there are some advanced features that make VoIP something worth looking into. With some VoIP carriers, you can set up call-filtering options and actually have some control over how calls from certain numbers are handled. For example, you can:

ร�ยท Forward the call to a particular number
ร�ยท Send the call directly to voicemail
ร�ยท Give the caller a busy signal
ร�ยท Play a "not in service" message with most VoIP services.

You can also check your voice mail on the Internet, or attach messages to an email that is sent directly to your computer or handheld. (By the way, if you're interested in any of these features, not all VoIP companies are created equal, so do a little shopping around first, because VoIP prices and services do vary).

The second benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP you can make a call anywhere you can get broadband connectivity. Since the VoIP phones or ATAs broadcast information over the Internet, they can be administered by any provider. For business travelers, this means they can take their VoIP phone or ATA with them on the road and never miss a home phone call.

VoIP FAQ:

How does VoIP / Internet Phone Work?

VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer. If you make a VoIP call using a phone with an adaptor, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll 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.

Does My Computer Have to be Turned On for VoIP to work?

Not if you are making VoIP calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP internet phone, however your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP providers offer their local service for free, normally only charging for calls to non- subscribers to the VoIP service. Some VoIP internet telephony providers charge for long distance calls to numbers outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes. Your VoIP internet telephony provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means that if your VoIP provider charges for long distance, then charges could be based on whether you call within your area code rather than geographic area. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

Can I Take My internet Phone Adapter with me when I Travel in order to use VoIP?

You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a broadband Internet connection available. In that case VoIP service would work the same as in your home.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call?

The phone will ring like any other call.

Additional Considerations for VoIP service:

If youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible considerations you should be aware of: Some VoIP services will not work during power outages and the VoIP service provider may not offer backup power. It may also be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 emergency dispatch center or to identify the location of VoIP 911 callers. In May 2005, the FCC ordered providers of Internet-based phone calls to certify that their customers will be able to reach an emergency dispatcher when they call 911.

Dispatchers also must be able to identify the caller's phone number and location. You can review additional information about VoIP and 911 considerations at www.911voip.org VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings. Aspects of these considerations may change with new development in Internet Voice technology. You should always check with the potential VoIP service provider to confirm any advantages and limitations to the VoIP service they offer.

To provide reliable VOIP information, David Dunlap has created a comprehensive resouce directory at http://voipservicepro.com where all of your VOIP questions can be answered.

5 Steps to VoIP

So youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre 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.

Make the Decision

Yes, it is new technology, and sometimes we are scared of the unknown. VoIP technology is on the rise and many high profile computer companies are already switching to VoIP and in return are becoming service providers. AOL, Sprint, and Verizon are offering VoIP as well as Internet Messaging services such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL IM. First you must come to the decision that VoIP is best for you, your family, or your business needs. Research VoIP on the web and its providers. Talk to people that you know have already made the switch. Once you have made your decision to switch to VoIP, you are ready for the next step.

Choose the Plan that is Right for You

A good idea is to make a written list of your needs, wants, and features in a phone. This will help you compare different plans and choose the service provider that will best fit your needs. If you are looking for residential or business service, make sure that you note that in your list. Residential plans usually come in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes) and unlimited (which will give you unlimited local and long distance talk time). Business plans can include amenities such as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater unlimited calling plans, business features bundled with your plan, faxing and voicemail to your computer capabilities, and extras such as yellow page listings. Check with the company to find the plan that meets your requirements.

Setting up the System

Some service providers will send you the equipment that you need to begin using VoIP. You will first need to make sure that your computer system is compatible with the VoIP service. You will also need to have high speed Internet already installed with your computer. If you are using VoIP for a business or for a call center, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. Installing VoIP for a residence or home office is typically simple enough for most residents to do themselves.

Choosing your Phone Number

One of the best features that VoIP has to offer is the freedom to select your own telephone number. If you just want to transfer your old number to your new VoIP system, check with your service provider before making your final decision. Many VoIP providers will allow you to transfer your phone number.

If you want to select a different area code, this option has many advantages. First, for friends and family members who donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have unlimited long distance calling, selecting the same area code as them can save them money. They will appreciate being able to call you as if it were a local call.

This strategy is also very beneficial for those whose businesses are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company, yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Florida. By selecting the Tampa, Florida area code, they can increase sales and productivity by having a local number for customers to call. This also reduces the need for a toll free number.

Install your Features and Accessories

VoIP comes with many features included in your service plan. For residential customers these include Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always check with your service provider for a detailed listing of the features included with your plan. For Small businesses, amenities such as multi phone users, free fax lines, and integrating your VoIP and web features are all available. VoIP also contains many of the same features bundled with basic plans as well. When you are choosing a provider, compare their business plans and select the one that best fits your business needs.

As VoIP technology continues to advance, a new array of accessories appears on the market. Today you can choose from VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera incorporating video with your audio.

Olivia Tan is co-publisher of All VoIP Solution. She provides tips and review on VoIP conference software and VoIP PhoneService.

VoIP Saves Money and Brings Loved Ones Closer

Many people have friends and family scattered all over the country (or the world for that matter), and keeping in touch via telephone can become pretty expensive. Most of my loved ones live far away, so to avoid long distance charges I always saved my calling for the weekend when cell phone minutes are free.

Although I love the portability of having a cell phone and will never give it up, I really hate the thought of paying $40 a month (or more) for a secondary phone service. Even though there are plenty of monthly minutes on my plan, I think about overage charges every time I use the darn thing. Waiting for the "free nights and weekends" time to make long distance calls saves money, but itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs really inconvenient. I wanted to be able to call anyone at any time and not have to worry about minutes or fees, so I gave internet phone service a try.

I cautiously subscribed to broadband phone service a few months ago, thinking "$20 a month for unlimited local and long distance calling sounds too good to be true". My main concern was the call quality, since I tried VoIP a few years ago and found it too choppy and cumbersome to bother with. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Within the first week of using Packet8 internet phone service, I called the phone company and had my land line telephone disconnected. My internet phone acted and sounded just like my old "ma bell" service, and I could make all the long distance calls I wanted (any time I wanted) for no additional charge! My first monthรขโ�ฌโ�ขs minutes totaled over 2000, and I still only paid around $23 ($19.95 + taxes and fees).

Broadband phone service has changed my life. I call long distance friends and family nearly every day now, and talk as long as I want to. I no longer worry about long distance charges or cell phone minutes, and actually saved more money by reducing my cell rate plan down to the bare minimum. I no longer have to plan my long distance calls around "nights and weekends", and Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve become much closer to my family because we talk more. As an added bonus, I can use the conference calling feature and talk to two people at once! Thanks to my VoIP service, everyone I call saves money. When someone wants to talk to me, they call and let my phone ring once. The free caller-id tells me who called and I call back using my "unlimited long distance". A good friend recently told me that her long distance bill is now under $20 a month thanks to my internet phone.

Internet phone service isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt for everyone, but if you make frequent long distance calls it will pay for itself immediately. VoIP is saving me around $45 a month (over $500 a year!). As an added benefit, you can spend so much time talking to far off loved ones that it feels like they live next door!

ร�ยฉ 2005 Debbie Jacobsen, all rights reserved.

To learn more about Packet8 VoIP service, visit http://www.savewith8.com. For more information on VoIP internet phone service, visit my blog: http://www.djvoip.blogspot.com Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here.

10 Reasons Why VoIP is Great for Business

I've used VoIP technology for the past few years for my home line, and recently made the switch to using VoIP for my business, as well. For those who may not know, the acronym VoIP stands for "voice-over-ip", and, essentially, means that our phone calls can now travel over data lines, much the same way our email does.

If you follow telecommunications at all, you may remember the early days of this kind internet telephony: users needed a computer, an internet connection, and a headset with microphone in order to make and receive calls. The amount of equipment required was rather cumbersome, and one could only make calls while sitting at the computer. Now, though, the communications landscape has changed, as VoIP can be utilized in much the same way as a traditional land-line-- you can use a wireless phone and take VoIP around the house, or you can get a so-called "soft phone", which enables you to take your calling around the world.

VoIP plans are less expensive than traditional calling plans, and come standard with desirable features such as call-waiting, call-forwarding, 3-way calling, and voicemail. In fact, you can even have your voicemail delivered as an audio file to your email account, saving you the time and hassle of calling in to retrieve messages.

Aside from the cost savings, calling features, and convenience, (reasons 1, 2, and 3) VoIP is great for business in seven other ways. First, you can choose your area code. So, for example, if you have clients in Los Angeles, but you work from New York, you can obtain a Los Angeles area code so you seem to be right next door. This can be a good way to create a business presence in multiple cities very cost effectively. Next, you can order toll-free lines for less than traditional carriers. Having a toll free line makes your business seem bigger. Also, you can take your calling plan on the road when you travel, and can use your 'softphone' to make calls to/from hotels. No more paying exorbitant fees for local calls, which saves you money (reason 6)

The higher end VoIP plans allow you to place an unlimited number of calls for one set fee. This can help you budget your business expenses more effectively. You can forward calls to any number when you're out of the office, meaning more flexibility. VoIP also allows you to call internationally for very low rates, so you can expand your business reach and influence across the globe. (reason 9). Setting up a VoIP phone system is easy, and can often be done in less than five minutes, provided you have high speed internet and an IP-usable phone (reason 10).

So, for all these reasons, VoIP is great for business. It's affordable, convenient, and simple to use. As the world of business gets more complex, it's nice to know your telecommunication systems doen't have to follow suit.

Jane Perkis is a technology enthusiast who uses VoIP for home and business. Please visit http://www.voice-over-ip-advice to learn more about VoIP for your home or office.

Security/Privacy for Home VoIP - Don't Just Think VoIP

Much disussion has centred around the security and privacy aspects of VoIP as well as significant issues in relation to emergency calls. This article will focus on the importance of considering the wider implications of security in the context of utilsing VoIP.

There are numerous security concerns with VoIP with two common ones being the privacy aspect of eavesdropping in on a conversation and a second being the hacking into and use of a VoIP users account.

It is arguable that focus in relation to security aspects of VoIP technology has and continues to be improved and addressed. Even if this is not the case are there bigger holes elsewhere? Most VoIP users are operating on something other than a dedicated VoIP computer, network, broadband link. That is they are using an existing computer and everything that goes with and on it as well as a broadband link utilized for general internet purposes.

Thus the same risks and concerns in relation to security of personal computers and data transmissions therefrom is extremely relevant to the VoIP world. This is especially relevant if using software applications as a telephone rather than a standard telephone through an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA).

In the case of software on a home PC it would therefore be vital to secure the PC and operating system to the highest level possible by use of firewall(s) and anti virus software for starters. This should be obvious but how many users donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt keep their firewall and anti virus software updated along with the operating system as new security exploitations are encountered and security upgrades supplied?

Additionally consider all things wireless. Anything wireless means a radiocommunications transmitter at the departure point and a receiver at the other allowing the possibility of interception somewhere inbetween. For example users of a Wireless LAN such as one compliant with the 802.11 standard would need to consider security in relation to the wireless or radiocommunication transmission aspect.

Whilst things have come a long way from the days of non encrypted cordless phones and analog mobile phones that could be intercepted on a commercially available scanning receiver, along with Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) decoders meaning not only could conversations be listened in on but PINs, account numbers etc entered via the keypad could be decoded, you do not want to be the car with the mobile phone visible on the front seat or the house with the door or window left unlocked.

By examining, assessing and addressing the basic security aspects in relation to PC/server setup along with increasing security for the Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, it is hoped that the analogy could be drawn that so many others are more vulnerable that you will either go unnoticed or not be targeted due to the availability of much easier and worthwhile targets.

Summary
Whilst many questions still surround security of certain aspects of VoIP usage, there are other basic security considerations which if left unaddressed will definitely leave the user vulnerable in not only the VoIP sense but with all data storage and transmission aspects.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.

VegaStream - Connecting VoIP to Existing Telephone Systems

A misconception because after all, VoIP and Internet Telephony use a completely different signalling system to traditional telephony. Therefore a different device must be required to convert those signals into the sounds that make up a telephone conversation. However, it is now possible to install a device; a VoIP gateway between the IP network and existing phone systems that converts the signalling from one to the other.

The VoIP gateway has two distinct roles. The first is to convert the signal so that a person using an IP device can talk to one on a traditional TDM device and vice versa. The second role is to manage the network signalling and routing.

For example, all IP devices, including phones, have an IP address while traditional telephones, even extensions on a company phone system, have their traditional telephone number. If a company has connected its traditional telephone system to an IP network, then incoming calls from the IP network will be looking for an IP address. The gatewayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs job is to recognise the traditional telephone to which that IP address has been allocated and route the call accordingly.

This is just one simple example. Professional-class VoIP gateways, will translate all the sophisticated functions that have been developed in the traditional phone systems such as call forwarding and conferencing.

The better VoIP gateways also feature "pass through". This function recognises the fact that for all its functional advantages and ability to save money, IP telephony is susceptible to catastrophic failure. For example, IP telephony requires a discrete power source, unlike the phones that will keep working even when the lights are turned off. For emergencies, therefore, an enterprise will want to keep at least one phone in each premise attached to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). For example with VegaStream's "pass through" this phone is connected the IP network until that network fails at which time it automatically connects to the PSTN.

The Benefits

Cost

With a VoIP gateway, a company can make telephone calls between sites at no cost using the IP data wide area network that it has installed to connects its computer systems. It can also use a gateway to connect its existing telephone systems to an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP). ITSPรขโ�ฌโ�ขs use the Internet to radically reduce customersรขโ�ฌโ�ข telephone bills. In both scenarios, employees would use their telephones as normal. There is no training costs, just a significant reduction in the phone bill.

Flexibility

Enterprises are beginning to recognise the advantages of a fully converged communications solution. This is where all electronic communications รขโ�ฌโ�� voice, data, video, instant messaging and email รขโ�ฌโ�� all pass over a single network. This technology allows for highly efficient and content rich collaboration and interaction and is becoming the de facto standard in customer facing contact centres.

However, while there may be a strong business case for converged communications in the contact centre, the same may not be said for the broader organisation where the significant costs of the existing telephone system may yet to be written off. In these scenarios, the VoIP gateway will provide the solution for a company that wants to make a partial, and gradual, commitment to new converged technology, for example the company can mix and match traditional and IP telephone systems yet all use the telephones as usual.

The VoIP gateway is the essential bridge between todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs telephone system and the future of converged communications.

Formed in 1998, VegaStream is one of the most experienced players in the industrial VoIP market. The company supplies gateway CPE to both traditional telecommunications carriers and the new generation of Internet telephony service providers. VegaStream also serves the enterprise market through a global network of distributors and resellers supported by regional offices in the UK, USA and Australia. VegaStream is a non-listed UK company. Investors include the management team, Pace Micro Technology PLC and MTI Partners.

http://www.vegastream.com

Voice Over Internet Protocol - A Few Things You Need To Know First

Unless you have had your head in the sand lately you will have heard of VOIP. Everyone seems to be talking about VOIP, but you can be forgiven for probably not knowing much about it. VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and if you believe the media hype this new phone service is about to revolutionise the telecommunications market. As with a lot of new technological developments there are a few causes for concerns that you probably will not hear the marketing campaigns talk about.

What is it?

Just to give you a bit of background lets take a look at how VOIP works for those of you that are unsure. You will need to have a broadband Internet connection and to then open an account with one of the many new VOIP providers. By having an account with a VOIP provider you will be able to make a telephone call through your computer and its Internet connection. Many VOIP providers will allow you to call another user on their system for free or phone a standard telephone number for a low cost. Without getting too technical, VOIP works by converting your voice into lots of small packets of data. These data packets are then routed through the Internet to your VOIP providerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs servers, and then onto the person you are calling. The reason people are raving about this new service is the cost. It is much cheaper than a standard fixed line telephone and you will also get all the same services.

Is there a downside?

Now we do not want to put you off setting up a VOIP service, but we think you should know a couple of things before you do. Obviously low cost telephone calls is a very attractive offer, but there are drawbacks to VOIP. One a major issue you need to be aware of is that a VOIP service requires you to have a power supply, as it requires your computer to be on. This means should your electricity be out you will not be able to use your phone. In some circumstances this could just be a minor inconvenience, but in an emergency situation it may be much more serious. In heavy storms and natural disasters electricity power is often lost first. Would you really want to be without a phone?

Should your PC decide to stop working for whatever reason, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll be left without a phone. Computers are prone to crashing and should this happen, you will not be able to make any phone calls. A concern of a different issue, is one of security. Because your phone calls will be transported as data via the Internet, you will be opening up the possibility of having your phone system hacked into. A scary thought, especially for business users.

As we said previously, it is not our intention to put you off VOIP. We actually think it is a great service with so much going for it. It is something that you should look into setting up, and you can find out the most current developments from our website (link below). We just want to give you the full picture though so you can make an informed choice.

Take a look at VOIP Basics top ten things you need to know.

VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol.

VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is a new way for you to make a telephone call.

You will need to get yourself a broadband internet connection in order to set up a VOIP service.

There are more and more companies setting up VOIP services. Skype is probably the most known.

VOIP works by converting the sound of your voice into tiny packets of data and then transmitting these via the internet.

Your PC needs to be on in order to use a VOIP service, which could be a drawback should your electricity be off.

VOIP services provide extremely cheap calls.

Think about the possible security issues as your internet connection could be hacked.

Should your PC get a virus this could stop you using the phone if you are on a VOIP service.

Many VOIP providers will allow you to call another of there users for free anywhere in the world.

Seymour Brown writes articles for http://www.voip-basics.com

Call Accounting for VoIP and Analog Communication Systems

There was once a time when there were no telephones, facsimile machines, personal devices, computers or the Internet. Today most people cannot phantom such a primitive existence. Communication is the link that allows our world to function at its torrid pace. Business must continually adopt modern technology to successfully compete in a world that demands instantaneous results. The proper management of communication infrastructure is crucial in the success of any organization.

The entry points into every organization usually include a combination of auto attendant, custom call routing (CCR), voice mail, interactive voice response (IVR), automated call distribution (ACD), wireless and countless other devices. Many organizations are turning to communication servers over conventional PBX systems to deploy VoIP based pipelines that reduce cost and maximize flexibility. Voice and data communication can now co-exist and flow freely through the same bandwidth. Calls can easily be configured to simultaneously ring multiple devices, hunt to wireless or home phones, route to voice mail or forward to another call center.

Communication management is now a multi-pronged approach that combines statistics from various facilities to identify billing irregularities, misuse, bottlenecks, inactivity, productivity or workforce expense.

Billing reconciliation is often overlooked since carriers always bill based on contracted tariff plans, right? According to analysts at Gartner, "Organizations can routinely save more than 10% of their annual telecommunications expenses by systematically checking their carrier bills against equipment and services in use." But it is no longer effective to look exclusively at your traditional telephone invoices and compare them to the call accounting system in the back room.

The old adage rings true today "you cannot manage what you cannot measure". Call accounting is no longer the killer application of current times but it is certainly a necessary component. Leading edge communication management systems now collect system logs, Internet usage reports, router statistics, voice mail logs, CCR, hunt group information and various device-dependent logs as well as traditional call detail records (CDR).

Have you ever called your favorite electronics store to inquire about the latest digital cameras but got trapped in a series of never-ending prompts about store hours, hard drive specials and video games? Many companies are taking advantage of communication management systems (CMS) that study activity from automated attendant and custom call routing trees. These reports help pinpoint whether calls are being prematurely dropped, abandoned or misdirected. It is imperative that customers are quickly and efficiently routed to their desired destination. The customer experience with your communication facilities will dictate whether they return.

Cost allocation to various corporate levels has been a basic functionality of most robust call accounting system for years. The downward trend of long distance expenses due to falling carrier rates, bundled services and VoIP competition has lessened the importance of this feature. This has resulted in the misconception that call accounting is no longer relevant. However many companies forget that there are many hidden costs that can be highlighted through proper use of call accounting or communication management software.

If Jimmy in sales spends half his time talking on the phone, management might be thrilled at his dedication. However if Jimmy is spending half his time talking to his girlfriend, perhaps management should take a second look. Call Accounting can be a key indicator of misuse and employee productivity. Employee productivity recovery is one of the primary reasons to own a system today!

Often fraudulent calls may be routed through corporate facilities without the knowledge of the company. Hackers can find faults in improperly designed networks, infrequently used extensions, voice mail ports and tandem trunks. A call accounting watchdog should always be monitoring activity for irregular patterns. Modern call management systems utilize SMS, pager, email and web interfaces for instantaneous reporting.

Communication management is imperative in providing the proper metrics for migrating to IP. Most companies do not even have a proper migration strategy. Call accounting can help ease the transition by highlighting traffic volumes, peak hours, grade of service, abandoned calls, blocked calls, calls to reception and various other peg counts. These statistics will help determine the bandwidth needs and requirements for auto attendant, wireless, IVR and other services.

Some communication management systems have been established interoperability with major manufacturers such as Nortel, Cisco and Avaya. These systems often provide more tight knit integration through third party call control. These solutions often enhance the hardware by adding such features as: forced and verified account codes, call trace, set locking and real time emergency notification.

Often companies forget about the need for pinpointing the source of a telephone call in case of an emergency. Many call accounting systems have built-in real time alarm triggers that will alert authorized personnel of an emergency call. This feature is crucial when seconds could mean life or death.

Call accounting has definitely evolved and matured into communication management. The need for this software is more important than ever.

References: Call Accounting for Every Enterprise (http://ezinearticles.com/?id=86399), Rito Salomone, October 2005 Better Management of Telecom Expenses, March 15, 2005 Additional Reference: What Great Telecom Managers Know, Roger Yang, Avema, June 2005

Rito Salomone is the president of Resource Software International Ltd. (RSI). He has 17 years experience in the field of communication management solutions.

For more information you can review: http://www.telecost.com or contact the author at rsalomone@telecost.com

Need for VOIP

VOIP or voice over Internet Protocol is the ability to transmit voice over the Internet to either a receiving computer, telephone or even a mobile phone. VOIP offers an inexpensive alternative to traditional telephones and keeps you away from huge bills. VOIP helps you save money, especially for long distance calls. It also enables you to talk to several people simultaneously. It offers different services with developing technologies. VoIP enables you to send any type of data at higher speeds of Internet.It is increasingly becoming a great choice for residential and business customers.Many providers offer unlimited plans, that will give the subscriber unlimited long distance, free calling with VOIP.

VOIP promises cost savings over traditional phone lines and thus allows you to save on your monthly phone expenses.VOIP is one of the coolest advancements youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve ever been blessed to experience. VoIP allows you to make phone calls over the internet, using your computer, to pretty much anywhere on the planet. the technology with VoIP has yet to progress to the point where you will consistently experience crystal clear sound over slower internet connections.If you currently live in an area that hasn't been wired for broadband, you shouldn't have to wait too long for the technology to progress to where you can enjoy a quality conversation over a slow internet connection.

However, the quality can suffer without a high speed internet connection. VoIP services cost less than residential phone service and much, much less than most monthly cell phone plans.If your broadband internet company just happens to be one of companies that currently offers VoIP services, then its better because it would cost you higher if used an independent or outside company for your VoIP phone service. If your internet connection goes down you wouldn't be able to make or receive phone calls.Due to lack of signal strength,your calls can also get dropped.Although it has some drawbacks, but once you use it, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll not want to loose it, especially with your bills getting lower each month.

With many people discovering the benefits of VOIP by switching from using their land line telephones to VoIP service, VoIP phone service providers are increasing in popularity. People are now aware that VoIP phone services costs significantly less than standard phone service.In todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs advanced technology world, VOIP is expected to have a great future ahead.

Alen

UK mobile phone directory

Broadband Phone Technology - Top 5 Reasons You Should Take Notice

For the uninitiated, the term broadband phone is loosely used to describe the technology currently available where one can make telephone calls from a telephone system that sends the voice signal over your internet connection. The call may terminate at a regular phone line or another broadband phone.

Until recently, the technology was not being used widely because of its perceived limitations, including lack of features available. The primary issue however has been that of poor call quality.

Now, continuing improvements in the industry and increased competition pushing the development of the technology have resulted in significant progress, to the extent that some analysts now predict that broadband phones (really Voice over Internet Protocol technologies) will dominate the long distance calling market by 2010 - maybe sooner.

Here are some specific reasons why you may find broadband phones a good fit at this stage.

Reason #5: Portability and Ease of Use

The equipment provided by the broadband phone companies can be used wherever you have access to a high speed connection. Most broadband service companies do not restrict you from traveling with your phone. As long as the network that you are plugging into will "automagically" assign your broadband device an internet address (IP address) - and most will - you are up and running.

This means that you can be in a hotel in Japan and still be accessible at the same phone number - your kids or staff don't need to know the hotel's number.

Reason #4: Long Distance Savings

Broadband services typically come with lower long distance rates than you can get from most traditional carriers. This calculates into immediate cost savings. Some services allow you to add one or more virtual numbers to your main phone number. This means that your phone may be able to receive calls from 2 or more different area codes. This virtually eliminates long-distance phoning charges for anyone calling within those numbers' area codes.

Reason #3: Freedom from Tariffs

For the time being, calls made over the internet are not subject to a lot of the tariffs that afflict your regular phone bill. How long will this persist? There are different opinions on this in the industry, but right now it's a nice advantage that makes for an even lower phone bill.

Reason #2: Availability of High Speed Internet

All the cost saving and convenience reasons already mentioned would not do much to propel the growth of the broadband phone market if consumers did not have access to high speed connections at their homes. Broadband phones perform the best when using cable or DSL highspeed internet connections.

Reason #1: Clarity of Sound

The top reason why broadband phone services are currently making swift inroads is that the call quality has significantly improved. All of the major players now offer services that work satisfactorily for residential use and some can consistently meet the most stringent business requirements for clarity.

Finally, considering the initial small investment that may be required to get a broadband phone account up and running, the volume of savings you are likely to experience within a short period is very significant. The flexibility, ease of use (technical know-how not needed) combined with improvement in quality definitely makes this bandwagon a good ride.

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About the Author
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Sabrina Hinds uses experience gained through implementing and supporting technology in corporate environments to help you implement telecommunications and technology that works for you - whether in residential or business environments. Visit http://broadband-phone.connection-store.com/ for more information about broadband phone services.

[You are free to use this article as long as you include the section "About the Author", including live hyperlink where at all possible.]

Support Your Remote Workers and Telecommuters with a VOIP Hosted PBX

For several decades executives have recognized the significant cost and productivity advantages associated with remote workers. In the 80s and 90s, the expense of providing full support and integration of telecommuters into the corporate environment offset much of the projected cost advantages.

Today, with the high penetration of broadband in the home coupled with advances in internet-based telecommunications systems such as Hosted PBX solutions, migrating employees from office workers to remote workers is not only cost-effective, it has also become a high priority with a large percentage of companies. Getting employees out of the office workspace and into their home office workspace can yield immediate savings according to a study by the International Telework Association and Council. If you walk into almost any business office, you can generally find empty desks. An empty desk is a sure sign that you have a remote worker candidate. The study by the Telework Association found that a company could save about $10,000 per year for each recovered desk space.

Businesses with remote worker initiatives also benefit from increased productivity and improved employee satisfaction. The European Unionรขโ�ฌโ�ขs รขโ�ฌห�SusTelรขโ�ฌโ�ข (Sustainable Teleworking) study, the largest European investigation to date into the impact of remote working, was conducted between 2002 and 2004 in five European countries. The study revealed that two-thirds of remote workers felt they achieved higher productivity, and that the quality of their work had improved. The study also showed that absenteeism was reduced by 70%. In Germany, 94% of BMWรขโ�ฌโ�ขs remote workers reported increased job satisfaction, and in the UK, around 90% of remote workers said they had an improved quality of life despite working longer hours.

Telecommunications is an important ingredient in the creation of a successful remote workforce. Most experts agree that the best system to support a remote worker environment is a VOIP Hosted PBX. This system's architecture allows geographically separated employees to work together as if they were in the same physical workspace. A VOIP Hosted PBX breaks down the barriers of isolation and enhances the sense of belonging to one corporate culture, and also serves as an enabler to promote teamwork and cooperation.

In addition to hard dollar savings, increased productivity, and enhanced job satisfaction, the business case for deploying a remote workforce becomes almost insurmountable when you also consider that telecommunications expenses drop by about 40% when a traditional PBX is replaced with a VoIP Hosted PBX.

For businesses thinking about remote workers, the best departmental candidates for a VOIP Hosted PBX supported remote workforce are: Sales, marketing, and call center staff.

VOIP Hosted PBX Call Center is a powerful tool that can tie together employees across multiple locations under one unified call center. Incoming calls are held in queue and routed to the next available agent รขโ�ฌโ�� regardless of their geographical location. Nightly reporting is available on both the agent and overall group level showing average hold time, average time spent per call, number of minutes an agent was logged in and logged out, plus other management features.

Advanced VOIP Hosted PBX features that surpass those available on a traditional PBX also support each remote worker. These features include such things as a custom auto attendant, unlimited local calling, long distance minutes, directory Assistance calls and reserved DID phones numbers. All remote workers receive their own phone number so callers donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to worry about busy signals or getting an outside line. Each remote worker on a Hosted PBX system also receives advanced calling features like simultaneous ring, Find-Me/ Follow-Me, Click-to-Call computer-assisted phone handling, and Outlook Integration.

Even though most companies initially begin investigating a remote workforce initiative in order to generate cost savings and rely upon ROI as the pivotal decision point, in reality it is the soft dollar benefits created by a Hosted PBX solution that ultimately generate the greatest expense reduction over the life-cycle of their investment. The VoIP Hosted PBX solution integrates widely diverse remote workers into a seamless, supervision-friendly work environment that is comparable to that of workers collocated in the same office space or building.

If you are seriously considering a remote workforce, or if you are merely looking for a better way to integrate existing remote workers into your business environment, then you should definitely investigate the advantages offered by a VoIP Hosted PBX solution.

Bill Casey is the VP of Marketing for Reignmaker Communications, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Reignmaker has over 11,000 business VoIP Hosted PBX installations and provides true end-to-end support

Packet8 VoIP - User Review

I have been a Packet8 VoIP user for several months, and have logged over 10,000 minutes of calling time on this service to date. During this time, I lost my dial tone 3 times and had around 6 incomplete or dropped calls. Two times, the person I was talking to said I sounded like I was in a "tunnel". Other than that, the call quality has been excellent and I have no complaints. Other than the "tunnel" sound that happend twice, the other problems were due to my local network setup and had nothing to do with Packet8 at all. Since the length of my average call is about 45 minutes, I've used Packet8 for around 220 calls so far. With only 2 of these calls having quality issues that I can attribute directly to Packet8 service, I can safely say that Packet8 VoIP service has proven to be over 99% reliable.

With unlimited local and long distance calling for $19.95 a month, Packet8 unlimited local and long distance service with +99% reliability is the bargain of the year!

My Packet8 experience has been absolutely wonderful so far. When I received my Uniden 1868P VoIP adapter/telephone combo device, I was able to install it in minutes due to the excellent instructions that were enclosed. After making the necessary cable connections, I lifted the receiver, dialed the special code that was provided, and had an email confirming my activation within minutes. I made my first "live" internet phone call within 15 minutes of unpacking the adapter. As an IT professional, I have installed hundreds of new hardware devices and have never experienced a setup as quick and easy as this one. Installation is so simple that I firmly believe anyone can do it!

Most questions can be answered by reading the technical support postings on the Packet8.com website. For issues that are not covered, you can call a customer support number and talk to a "real person" or send an email. I emailed a question regarding the password to my VoIP adapter device, and had an answer within 10 minutes. This is perhaps the quickest response I have ever had from any company's tech support! Packet8 is also very good about keeping subscribers informed of upcoming changes via email. I get an informative email from them every 3-4 weeks, telling me about enhancements they are adding to services or upgrades that are available for my adapter/phone combo device.

All account management can be done through the user section of the Packet8 website. I can logon and see invoice history, download updates and manage my services. The simple online control panel allows me to tailor services to meet my needs. I can set the number of rings before voicemail picks up, change my voicemail password, and turn voicemail on/off. I can also turn call waiting on/off or forward all my calls to a number of my choice if I'm going to be away from home for awhile. Beginning November 2005, I'll be able to enter an email address that voice messages will be forwarded to. This is a great service that I think I will use often; voice messages will come to me via an email attachment that can be forwarded to anyone I wish.

The features I get for free with Packet8 are awesome - call waiting, call forwarding, caller id, distinctive ring (this is a feature on the Uniden 1868p phone), 3 way conference calling, call blocking and voicemail. I never paid the extra price for these features with my old land line service, but I sure do enjoy them for free! I think voicemail is one of the best features with VoIP. I was able to get rid of my answering machine and I can now check my voicemail from anywhere with a toll free number that Packet8 provides. If I want, I can add an 800 number or "virtual numbers" in another area code for a few dollars per month, and the distinctive ring service will tell me which phone number is ringing.

Needless to say, I am totally satisfied with Packet8 VoIP service and highly recommend this provider. Their main competitor is Vonage, who offers comparable service for about $5 more per month. If you want high quality, VoIP service for $60 less a year than Vonage, Packet8 is definitely the way to go.

To learn more about Packet8 VoIP service, visit http://www.savewith8.com. For more information on VoIP internet phone service, visit my blog: http://www.djvoip.blogspot.com Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here.

VoIP and 911 Warning

Be leery of your VoIP phone system in case of emergencies. 911 services may not be available to you or will be limited. You should put local emergency numbers by or on your phone in case you have a problem until the providers get this sorted out this fall. The FCC has been after VoIP providers to fix this problem and just recently extended the deadline. But for you and me, that means we have to be careful in emergencies or be left stranded trying to dial 911.

Providers of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service have been told by the FCC to warn customers of potential problems of using 911 as an emergency number. The FCC told providers they should obtain acknowledgements from their subscribers and if they didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt, then they should turn off their service.

The VON coalition, a group of VoIP providers which include AT&T and MCI, were concerned of what would happen to their customers if they were cut off. Some portion of the subscribers typically wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt respond to a request. Is it in the publicรขโ�ฌโ�ขs best interest to disconnect these people?

There are about 1.7 million VoIP subscribers nationwide and this cut off from the FCC could have potentially disrupted service for 100,000 people. The FCC issued this decree in May after a woman was unable to get 911 help to save her dying daughter.

The FCC ordered all the providers to have full 911 service by November 28th.

Hereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs the quote from the FCC:

Specifically, the Bureau announces that it will continue to refrain, for an additional 30 days -- until September 28, 2005 -- from enforcing the requirement that VoIP providers obtain affirmative acknowledgements from 100% of their subscribers that they have read and understood an advisory concerning the limitations of their E911 service against those providers that meet the reporting requirements established below.

In addition to satisfying these reporting requirements, to be eligible for this extension, providers also must have filed a report on or before August 10, 2005 in accordance with the Bureauรขโ�ฌโ�ขs July 26, 2005 Public Notice. The Bureau will evaluate the sufficiency of the updated reports filed by interconnected VoIP providers and take subsequent action as necessary.

If you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt get anything from this article but this: Post all your local emergency phone numbers by your phone. Do it today. Emergencies arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt scheduled.

Stuart Simpson
http://www.voip-telephony-review.com

IP Telephony Around the World

New international telecommunications companies are popping up and offer IP telephony with big savings all over the world. Some companies like Kazil will only be marketed by their customers/distributors. If you know someone who is interested in the service, the companies will pay you for referral of new customers in a Network Marketing plan.

Using VoIP means huge savings on calling, especially for people who make international calls.

It is possible to make calls to other members for FREE in the global IP telephony networks.

Users can use a SoftPhone software solution installed on their PC, but in addition it is also possible to buy a converter. That way, users can use their รขโ�ฌห�oldรขโ�ฌโ�ข analog phones without the need of a PC that is turned on. The phone service can also be accessed from all computers connected to the Internet through a WebPhone.

Companies like Skype and Kazil offers a solution where users can rent a local phone number in order to receive calls from the PSTN network (normal old phone system). The smart thing is that a businessman, who has customers in different countries or areas, can get local numbers that is all connected to the same global number. I.e. you can have an office phone in New รขโ�ฌโ�� and even when you are at the Bahamas, you will be able to receive the incoming calls, i.e. on your notebook PC without expensive costs for diverting.

All incoming calls can be diverted for low cost to any mobile/cellular phone or landline phone in the world. That way you can also save the normal roaming cost.

Some companies also offers a call back solution where users can use there normal landline or mobile/cellular phone to call a PC (softphone), landline or mobile/cellular phone all over the world.

Lars Hansen has worked with global VoIP soulutions for the last 3 years. To find more information on VoIP and how you can start your own IP telephony business, visit http://www.1worldfone.com/ and http://www.voip-catalog.com/

VoIP Explained Easily

With the increased adoption of high-speed Internet across the U.S. and abroad, it has become much easier to send and receive large amounts of data without affecting bandwidth. What this means for consumers is that they can now download huge files quickly, browse multiple web pages simultaneously, and even make telephone calls over the Internet; an emerging technology known as VoIP.

VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol " and it is quite simply a way of using the Internet to make and receive telephone calls. The primary reason VoIP is becoming so popular is cost and convenience; as VoIP is significantly less expensive than typical local and long distance telephone service offered by the phone companies. Additionally, one high-speed Internet connection can serve for multiple VoIP telephone lines.

How does VoIP Work?

A normal telephone line would sit there and do nothing if it werenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt connected to a network called the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). This is how the traditional phone companies route telephone calls from one person to another. In VOIP service, the PSTN is replaced by the Internet as the network for routing phone calls, and is proven to be faster, more efficient and cost effective.

Using VoIP, a personรขโ�ฌโ�ขs voice is transmitted into digital data that is then sliced into small fragments called packets that are sent across the Internet at lightning speed. These packets are then reconstructed and heard on the receiving phone. Sounds like allot going on during a phone conversation, but most people who use VoIP phones donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt even know they are making telephone calls over the Internet; the call quality is that good.

In order for VoIP phone calls to have the same quality that consumers are accustomed to when using traditional phone service, a certain bandwidth (the amount of data that can be sent) is required. Broadband Internet access, either cable or DSL, provides the necessary bandwidth for VoIP phone service to be found acceptable by consumers.

The Features of VoIP

In addition to making high-speed Internet access more cost-effective, VOIP service provides subscribers with significantly cheaper local and long distance telephone service. Most VoIP providers charge between $20 - $25 per month and this includes unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, all the features that traditional phone companies usually charge for like voicemail, caller id, call waiting; three-way calling, simultaneous ring and the ability to choose your own area code are included in the price.

Another driver for using VoIP is that it is portable. In other words, consumers can take their phone number anywhere they move to; even if it is just on vacation.

Click here for more in-depth information about VoIP. Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Bored of Your Phone Bills? Try VoIP at Home or Business

Do you think that your phone bills are too big? Are you tired of big sums which you are to pay monthly for landline and long distance calls? Do you want your costly phone calls to become cheap phone calls? Then this article is for you. Here I'll tell you about IP-telephony which is also known as VoIP, IP phone, Internet Telephony or Broadband Phone.

As communication plays such a great role in our lives that we can hardly imagine them without cell-phones, faxes, regular mail services, emails and of course telephones, it's very important that our talks don't cost us too much. We are so busy, that sometimes don't have enough time to meet our friends. And sometimes when we even have time, our friends are far away from us. The cheapest and the easiest to use services like chats, ICQ, and forums, but they can't substitute personal touch provided by phone and his alternative - IP phone.

So, what is VoIP? Generally, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a system for transmitting voice over Internet, converting information from analog to the digital form when it comes across the network and then back to analog when it arrives to the receiver. Thus, VoIP is a modern technology used for making telephone calls via Internet. Using VoIP you can also send fax, not only voice through the Internet. Everyone who has a computer, which is connected to the Internet can use VoIP.

One of the main advantages of internet phone is that its users pay only for their usual Internet connection and fabulously small fee for phone calls. The other advantage is that with IP telephony you can communicate with every location on the Earth where the computer connected to the Internet is. Also, this kind of communication is pretty cost-effective, so you can use cheap pc to phone call worldwide. VoIP telephony can integrate with other services available over the Internet, including data files exchange, messages or video conversations.

To use VOIP you can:

a) Use a special digital phone;
b) Plug headphone with microphone to your computer;
c) Plug ordinary phone into a special adaptor or USB port.

Just connect PC to phone and enjoy all advantages of IP telephony.

There is a huge amount of internet phone services' providers. Providers of VoIP services have powerful servers, network and internet channels. Many of them don't provide service VoIP free of charge but still different free messenger programs based on VoIP technology such as Google Talk, Windows Messenger, Skype, Xlite and others are available.

Broadband phone may become a very useful thing if you travel a lot. It will save your money, 'cause it is much more cost-effective than cell-phone and even than traditional long distance phone through PSTN. Broadband Phone has become a major service for travellers and migrant workers. Just connect your PC to the Internet, and you can make and receive phone calls. And critical point is, you can bring your local phone number with you, yes, it is portable.

Using business VoIP services you do not only save your money but also a company's money. Business VoIP offers a lot of benefits, but cost far less for your company. Using IP telephony you can connect your office PBX to VoIP provider and decrease cost of company's calls dramatically. Using VoIP for business purposes may positively affect your career; VoIP is a useful tool for business communications and when you are in a business trip, your partners don't need to know the number of your hotel's phone 'cause they can call on your IP phone's number. Wherever you travel, to China or Zimbabwe, with VoIP phone you don't depend on local phone service, just be sure you are attached to the Internet.

VoIP is a kind of prepaid phone usually, so if you use IP telephony not thought the Internet but with the regular phone, you can make a local call, then insert your pin number and make long distance call for pennies at the expense of your prepaid account.

So, Voice-over-Internet-Protocol is a cost-effective, unbelievable flexible and handy way of communication. Try it and you'll not be disappointed. Don't waste your money on traditional landlines. Let's VoIP.

If you are confused by some abbreviations or shorts in this article, feel free to visit VoIP glossary - http://www.callsend.net/glossary/

Kevin Whales is VoIP industry expert, author of articles about Internet telephony for newbies. Brand new VoIP website is IP phone information