VOIP-Voice Over IP at Home: Is it Right for You?
By Andrew Kelly.
VOIP AT HOME What is VoIP? Chances are you've heard of VOIP, or "voice over Internet." If not, you will soon, as major phone companies are now trying to get in on the action. Why? VOIP allows users to make phone calls using their high-speed Internet connection. This essentially translates into "free" long distance, or, depending on set-up, unlimited long distance for a low set price for the service. When using VOIP, the traditional phone company is left completely out of the loop--literally. The concept is much the same as email; for the price of an Internet connection and provider, you can send unlimited email messages.
VOIP Pros: VOIP is an affordable method for long distance calling, and depending on where you live, you may be able to transfer you current phone number to a VOIP system. VOIP is easy to use, and depending on the service and method you choose, installation can be as easy as downloading software or attaching an adaptor to your computer. For the most part, sounds exactly the same as with a traditional telephone line. If you are using VOIP and the other person is not, they will not know the difference.
VOIP Cons: Some areas do not yet have this availability, but it is still possible to transfer long distance only to VOIP--it just means that you'll have a separate number for long distance calling. This may be a slight inconvenience, but the savings may offset the cost--it all depends on your needs. Also, some users report hearing an echo when using VOIP. There can also be a slight delay at the beginning of the call. One primary issue regarding VOIP is the ability to dial out for emergencies. Some providers work to place 911 calls (by configuring your service), and some do not. If you will be replacing your landline or mobile completely with VOIP, this is something you will want to research before choosing a provider and service.
Is VOIP Right for Me? Deciding to choose VOIP depends on your needs. If you make a large number of long distance calls, it may be well worth looking into. VOIP services are often much less expensive than traditional providers. When comparing VOIP to cell phone programs, it again depends on needs. Most VOIP packages are considerably less than cell phone unlimited calling plans, but of course, VOIP is not as flexible (yet) as far as portability and other features you may not want to give up on your cell plan.
How Do I Get Set-up for VOIP? Technical requirements for VOIP depend on the service and method you choose to use. There are three types of VOIP options. • ATA stands for analog telephone adaptor, and it's very simple to use. You connect it to your computer or Internet connection, plug in a regular phone, and you're ready to go! Providers such as Vonage and AT&T CallAdvantage use this option. • IP phones are special phones that look like traditional phones, but they connect with an Ethernet connector. A similar phone in the works is one that operates with Wi-Fi, which means that when you take your laptop to the local coffee bar to access wireless Internet, you could also make a long distance call. • Computer-to-computer is an easy way to use VoIP and long distance calls are free; you only pay for the software. To use this method, you will need to download and install the software and be equipped with a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a high-speed Internet connection such as DS or cable.
Aside from the software, the only fees are those for your monthly ISP. You'll need a high-speed Internet connection to use VOIP, such as DSL or Cable. Most VOIP options are easy to install. Providers of ATA, for example, will usually send you the adaptor you need when you sign up for the service. If you have a standard Internet set-up, you should be able to easily install the adaptor and software yourself, and be on your way. The process is very simple and straightforward, and once installed, the service is immediate (no waiting 3-5 business days for your phone service!).
Connecting an IP phone is equally easy, and computer-to-computer simply requires the downloading and installing of software. Andrew Kelly is a Technology Consultant who helps keep businesses at the leading edge of technology.
VOIP-Voice Over IP at Home: Is it Right for You?
by Jean Beardsall
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Thursday, August 14, 2008
for 6 Voip Features That Attract People
VOIP is an advanced technology which has surpassed the telephone companies and the mobile companies. Its popularity is increasing enormously with an increase in its network coverage. It has proved to be an astonishing invention which has created a new mode of telecommunication by using internet. VOIP is an abbreviated form of Voice Over Internet Protocol.
Salient Features Of VOIP
The VOIP technology possesses many salient features which have attracted a large section of people towards itself.
1 - With the introduction of VOIP technology, the making of calls has become easy and cheap. You can easily make local, long distance, and international calls by using a broadband net connection which is a high-speed net connection.
2 - Its one of the significant advantages is the capability of directing the incoming calls to the VOIP service and one can easily get the details of incoming calls from any computer possessing internet by using VOIP system.
3 - It is a network that follows you wherever you go therefore you will never miss any of your important calls even if you are out of town.
4 - It has helped a lot in cost reduction because of the cheap call rates, the monthly telephone bills have cut down. Therefore, setting up of VOIP is very much beneficial economically.
5 - There are many value added services offered by the various VOIP service providers. For example, there is voice mail facility, 3-way conference, speed dialing, call forwarding, simultaneous ring, call waiting, caller ID, call return, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, an interesting feature of do not disturb, and last number dial. All these services are mostly free of cost in their basic service plan.
6 - There is a facility of managing your VOIP account online from any corner of the world if there is an availability of a broadband internet connection.
Drawbacks Of VOIP Technology
The dark side of using VOIP technology has made the customer to reach the state of dilemma whether to go for VOIP technology or not. The major disadvantage of VOIP is that a problem can be cropped up by using VOIP technology and text messaging because it has been found that the use of this technology can lead to many security flaws.
Experts are working on the problem of security flaws, but have not come to any results yet. Therefore, one cannot rely completely on the use of VOIP technology. In terms of security, VOIP is not also completely supportive for their encryptions. Because of this weak point, it has become easy for the cyber attackers to impede the communication system.
How To Call Without VOIP
It is also very easy to make calls without possessing VOIP service by using an adaptor. This adaptor will be hooked up to a regular phone and to your VOIP in order to utilize the residential VOIP phone which can be a VOIP phone, landline, or cell phone. This adapter has proved to be very much useful for those who do not want to make investment in VOIP service.
Residential VOIP
Residential VOIP is a type of software which permits the downloading of technology on your computer to chat with anyone across the globe. In this system of communication, computer will be solving the purpose of the telephone. There is one specification in using residential VOIP service and that is the person whom you want to contact should also need to possess the software with same technology on his computer.
Therefore, after considering the both positive and negative aspects of the VOIP technology, you should come to an apt and appropriate decision whether to opt for it or not.
6 Voip Features That Attract People
by M. Jedediah
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
Salient Features Of VOIP
The VOIP technology possesses many salient features which have attracted a large section of people towards itself.
1 - With the introduction of VOIP technology, the making of calls has become easy and cheap. You can easily make local, long distance, and international calls by using a broadband net connection which is a high-speed net connection.
2 - Its one of the significant advantages is the capability of directing the incoming calls to the VOIP service and one can easily get the details of incoming calls from any computer possessing internet by using VOIP system.
3 - It is a network that follows you wherever you go therefore you will never miss any of your important calls even if you are out of town.
4 - It has helped a lot in cost reduction because of the cheap call rates, the monthly telephone bills have cut down. Therefore, setting up of VOIP is very much beneficial economically.
5 - There are many value added services offered by the various VOIP service providers. For example, there is voice mail facility, 3-way conference, speed dialing, call forwarding, simultaneous ring, call waiting, caller ID, call return, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, an interesting feature of do not disturb, and last number dial. All these services are mostly free of cost in their basic service plan.
6 - There is a facility of managing your VOIP account online from any corner of the world if there is an availability of a broadband internet connection.
Drawbacks Of VOIP Technology
The dark side of using VOIP technology has made the customer to reach the state of dilemma whether to go for VOIP technology or not. The major disadvantage of VOIP is that a problem can be cropped up by using VOIP technology and text messaging because it has been found that the use of this technology can lead to many security flaws.
Experts are working on the problem of security flaws, but have not come to any results yet. Therefore, one cannot rely completely on the use of VOIP technology. In terms of security, VOIP is not also completely supportive for their encryptions. Because of this weak point, it has become easy for the cyber attackers to impede the communication system.
How To Call Without VOIP
It is also very easy to make calls without possessing VOIP service by using an adaptor. This adaptor will be hooked up to a regular phone and to your VOIP in order to utilize the residential VOIP phone which can be a VOIP phone, landline, or cell phone. This adapter has proved to be very much useful for those who do not want to make investment in VOIP service.
Residential VOIP
Residential VOIP is a type of software which permits the downloading of technology on your computer to chat with anyone across the globe. In this system of communication, computer will be solving the purpose of the telephone. There is one specification in using residential VOIP service and that is the person whom you want to contact should also need to possess the software with same technology on his computer.
Therefore, after considering the both positive and negative aspects of the VOIP technology, you should come to an apt and appropriate decision whether to opt for it or not.
6 Voip Features That Attract People
by M. Jedediah
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
VoIP System Implemented At Long Eaton Health Centre, Derbystire County.
A new voip telephony system from NEC phillips unified solutions is now being used in the long Eaton Health center, a multifunctional clinic in Derbyshire country PCT. The new system goes for about $65,000 and is capable of helping the clinic to cope with the 1,500 patient calls and inquiries being received daily.
The device SOPHO 2000 IPS will make a hybrid IP communications infrastructure available for long Eaton, the equipment is also capable of permitting a smooth movement towards fully scalable local IP telephony, reducing the health centre’s call charges.
Long Eaton also intends to reduce the number of enquiries being neglected and increase the number of calls being resolved more effectively and quickly, with the aid of the call queuing facility.
The long Eaton health centre is relatively new, it started operations only last may and it is owned and financed by the Southern Derbyshire Local Improvement Finance Trust Company (LIFTCo), it offers a broad range of primary and community health services like pharmacy, a GP practice, child health clinic, occupational therapy and language and speech therapy.
Ian Guest, the marketing manager of NEC Phillips revealed to E-Health inside primary care that long Eaton desired a system which provides resilience and call traffic management. The device (IPS) offers both analog and digital functionality and its IP infrastructure we build applications around it and configure it according to the clients requirements.
Calls can be managed using presence information, with the new system. This enables the receptionist to identify the specific calls going to certain numbers and this enhance better handling of calls, more flexibility and visibility are therefore provided for the centre.
Information and communications technology for Derbyshire country PCT is being handled by Derwent Shared Services . According to Christian Somers, the telecommunications manager, “The new building which was meant to make a big difference to the community, and its health care services delivery methods needed a new telecommunications system. The call queuing facility makes the difference”.
Somers also asserted that both the patients and users are increasingly appreciating the benefits of the system. The device is connected to desktops and it enables receptionists to effectively field more calls with the presence management functionality, making the arrangement of calls according to recipients status easy.
”Initially most patients complained about finding it difficult to get through one first time and a lot of callers experienced an engaged tone were only able to speak to someone after several attempts. But, presently users and patients have given a positive feedback and we anticipate working with NEC phillips to continue moving forward with the benefits of IP telephony, somers added.
In Guest’s opinion ”we knew long Eaton’s biggest need to be – handling calls in an improved way and make more information available to its employees. Our collaboration with the centre was to ensure that, the new system correctly direct calls and that patients would not have to wait long for a call response. Employees are trained on the new system in a day or two and to date. The response has been very encouraging, making two other LIFTCo’s to enter into similar agreement for such systems with us.
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
The device SOPHO 2000 IPS will make a hybrid IP communications infrastructure available for long Eaton, the equipment is also capable of permitting a smooth movement towards fully scalable local IP telephony, reducing the health centre’s call charges.
Long Eaton also intends to reduce the number of enquiries being neglected and increase the number of calls being resolved more effectively and quickly, with the aid of the call queuing facility.
The long Eaton health centre is relatively new, it started operations only last may and it is owned and financed by the Southern Derbyshire Local Improvement Finance Trust Company (LIFTCo), it offers a broad range of primary and community health services like pharmacy, a GP practice, child health clinic, occupational therapy and language and speech therapy.
Ian Guest, the marketing manager of NEC Phillips revealed to E-Health inside primary care that long Eaton desired a system which provides resilience and call traffic management. The device (IPS) offers both analog and digital functionality and its IP infrastructure we build applications around it and configure it according to the clients requirements.
Calls can be managed using presence information, with the new system. This enables the receptionist to identify the specific calls going to certain numbers and this enhance better handling of calls, more flexibility and visibility are therefore provided for the centre.
Information and communications technology for Derbyshire country PCT is being handled by Derwent Shared Services . According to Christian Somers, the telecommunications manager, “The new building which was meant to make a big difference to the community, and its health care services delivery methods needed a new telecommunications system. The call queuing facility makes the difference”.
Somers also asserted that both the patients and users are increasingly appreciating the benefits of the system. The device is connected to desktops and it enables receptionists to effectively field more calls with the presence management functionality, making the arrangement of calls according to recipients status easy.
”Initially most patients complained about finding it difficult to get through one first time and a lot of callers experienced an engaged tone were only able to speak to someone after several attempts. But, presently users and patients have given a positive feedback and we anticipate working with NEC phillips to continue moving forward with the benefits of IP telephony, somers added.
In Guest’s opinion ”we knew long Eaton’s biggest need to be – handling calls in an improved way and make more information available to its employees. Our collaboration with the centre was to ensure that, the new system correctly direct calls and that patients would not have to wait long for a call response. Employees are trained on the new system in a day or two and to date. The response has been very encouraging, making two other LIFTCo’s to enter into similar agreement for such systems with us.
Enjoy to talk with VoIP !
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