Of the numerous technologies that have been developed for Internet use, none is as practical or innovative as Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. Even at this early stage, it is already well on its way to modifying the entire industry.

What is VoIP?

In simple terms, VoIP means that instead of using your telephone to make a call, a VoIP service provider will install some equipment in your computer that will allow you to call using your existing Internet connection.

Benefits of VoIP

There are several reasons why people are turning to this technology, and foremost is that it is much cheaper compared with traditional phones, both landline and cellular. The rates, for both local and international calls, are also significantly reduced.

The other advantage is that it allows you to use your phone number regardless of where you are in the world. As an example; an executive in New York who is on a business trip in Vienna only has to bring his VoIP adapter with him and plug it in a PC in the hotel room; now he can call using his own phone. This not just lowers the cost, but also saves him from incurring any additional bills from the hotel.

The VoIP Process

This is how VoIP works; you contact a service provider, and they will give you an adapter. You, or a technician can place the adapter on your telephone. If you prefer, you can link all the phones in your residence so that they are all VoIP enabled. The best thing is that there is no need to upgrade your phones. Just put in the adapter, and you can start using it.

Almost all VoIP service providers also provide the functions that traditional phones do, such as caller ID, voice mail, three way calling, repeat dialing, forwarding etc. The only difference is that with VoIP the costs are reduced.

Some even provide toll free numbers, fax service and options for linking up your laptop so it can be used with VoIP. Reduced Cost for Businesses

For businessmen, the gains from using this technology are enormous. By using the Internet to make all phone calls, there will no longer be any need for subscribing to a costly telephone service. For ordinary telephone users, the savings can go up to hundreds of dollars; for companies it will result in savings of thousands of dollars. If you are running a multinational company, integrating the entire phone system so that every office uses VoIP, then the savings would be even more.

The money saved here could be used for other projects, leading to greater productivity and increased profits.

International Calls

Almost all phone companies charge overseas calls on a per minute basis, and it is often prohibitive, cost wise. There is no need to put up with that anymore, because VoIP offers the same service without the high cost. Other features of VoIP are the capability to save voice messages in WAV format, making it easier than ever to deliver them as one would an ordinary email.

Peter Garant is writing articles about VoIP phones for a site about the VoIP solutions and software.

Article Source: VoIP: The Future of Telecommunications

Tags: phone, contact, Benefits, example, voip service providers

With the ever-tightening credit crunch it is imperative that businesses evaluate all possible ways in which costs can be cut so as to preserve profitability in these troubled economic times. In this article we evaluate the cost saving ability of VOIP, or voice over internet protocol, and the effect it could have on your business.

Given that VOIP is a relatively new phenomenon and one which is yet to take off as widely as is predicted, it is perhaps sensible to start with a brief introduction to the technology. VOIP is actually a protocol designed specifically for the optimised transfer of voice through the Internet. However, the abbreviation is most often used to refer to the practice of using the Internet to make telephone calls rather than to identify the protocol that facilitates the making of calls. At its heart, VOIP is designed to deliver a cost saving to the consumer by using bandwidth already available but otherwise left unutilised. With more and more domestic consumers either switching to or implementing VOIP alongside traditional copper-wire telephony, large corporations are now waking up to the its potential.

So what are the benefits of VOIP? In a small business setting or home office scenario, the primary benefit is the ability to add an extra telephone line at little or no cost. This is especially true as broadband connectivity becomes ever more widespread. A further benefit is that VOIP providers do not generally charge extra for functionality (such as caller ID and automatic redial), which is often costly on traditional telephony networks. The actual cost of calls is also significantly cheaper, with many domestic calls being made for free! A further benefit, especially in large organisations where employees may be geographically dispersed is that VOIP allows for free conference and video calling.

Just imagine the implications for your business if you are frequently sending employees on business trips which involve travel and accommodation expense; in certain situations, it may be possible to eliminate these costs by utilising video conferencing within your offices. There are huge savings to be made if inter-department business trips are restricted to a strictly necessary basis!

It is important to note that an experienced firm who can evaluate the best possible system and manner in which to integrate the changes alongside your existing technology should carry out the implementation of VOIP technology. Although this can require an initial investment, VOIP technology is one which is definitely here to stay and a small outlay now can quickly deliver remarkable savings, savings which may well give you that ever important competitive advantage.

John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including telecoms & VOIP. For more about voice over IP see Damovo UK.

Article Source: The Cost Benefits Of VOIP: The Sensible Choice?

Tags: Benefits, internet, telephone line, effect, profitability

Telephone service that started out as linked, twisted, and insulated wires for voice communications have been replaced by advanced technology, such as VoIP phone systems. IP telephone technology called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP technology has opened new technological ways to work from your on computer and link voice and data communications. VoIP phone service utilizes your computers transmission methods to send voice communications that are offered at a low monthly access fee and includes free long distance calling and other features such as voicemails that are converted to text messages.

Traditionally, long distance service flowed over to "trunk lines" and a hefty charge was incurred to cover costs. Now unlimited long distance may be included in a reasonable flat fee as part of your VoIP phone service, utilizing your computer and even many mobile phone services offer nationwide long distance free of charge due to use of satellite signals.

Voice over Internet Protocol phone service uses a broadband Internet connection and IP phones to transmit conversations in data packets and convert them back to voice communications, coming through your computer or a telephone. IP telephone service offers free or lower cost connections using Wi-Fi hotspots and because it flows through your computer, includes free long distance access as well.

Mobile phones are capable of allowing you to browse the Internet and read emails and are a portable communication device. VoIP phone services flow voice communications through a computer and is similar to the satellite connectivity that has transformed many non-telephone electronic devices, into multi-tasking, hand-held telephone and data devices. Through VoIP technology, home telephone service may cease to exist in the form of landlines, as we know it today.

VoIP technology can be used in remote areas that have wireless access or hotspots to the Internet. Because it uses an IP address connection, all of your data and voice communications can be consolidated into one low monthly bill that saves you the long distance charges. Many VOIP Phone service plans have also reduced international calling plans.

The cost savings of landline charges and long distances are the primary reason that many people are switching to VoIP phone services, due to it being far more affordable and reliable. As technology has advanced, there are ultra-portable laptops that use mobile broadband networks and VOIP phone service can be integrated in much the same way. VoIP is a way that communications of all kinds can utilize internet connections to transmit data packets of voice communications, photos or data.

As wireless internet hotspots become more popular and widespread, it is possible to get a VoIP phone service that utilizes these for coverage whether at home or away, through your IP address. New technology that takes advantage of these lower cost signals is becoming widespread through many products and services. The advantages of VoIP phone systems are many, but the cost savings can be dramatic, depending on the amount of long distance usage and line charges you have been incurring with traditional phone services.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For business communication solutions, he recommends Intech Telecom, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of VoIP.

Article Source: The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems

Tags: distance, cost, use, advantage, business

VOIP is a new-age Internet technology that helps in transferring of voice data over the Internet. It stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol." It has various advantages from the aspect of web hosting and also for business profits and enhanced customer satisfaction. But before, we go on to understanding the role of VOIP in web hosting, let us have a clear idea about web hosting itself.

Web hosting is an Internet technology that helps to serve as a host to the website created by an individual or business. For the website to go live over the Internet, it needs to be marketed properly and most importantly, when people get to know of your website, the host server should be able to handle the traffic smoothly. A minimum amount of bandwidth and storage space is must along with a database server and other facilities like domain name, sub-domains, add-on domains facility, support of software like PHP, RoR, CGI, etc. Now, web hosting is mainly used for business purposes, though it is also used for individual requirements; hence profitability, level of competence in the market and customer satisfaction is what is counted.

And here comes the role of VOIP comes. VOIP is a great replacement to the regular telephone systems and IP voice communication devices.

Some of the benefits of VOIP are:
Cost reduction: Though the investment for the initial setup might be a little expensive. But as you are setting up a business, the initial cost can be afforded only when the long term benefits and savings are remarkable. You can also get the service at nominal rate from service providers which will help you save a lot on long-distance and international calls. If your business needs making many phone calls or if you have a business of voice communication, then VOIP is the suitable option.

Long-term investment: Alongside Internet, this is one of the fastest growing industries and the fact that it uses digital data transfer system makes it a viable option to go for. Incorporation of VOIP in web hosting can be a safe and helpful investment for future.

Adequate accessories: Though any standard phone can be converted into a VOIP phone, still it has a list of its own high-tech advanced accessories coming out in the market, which keep on improving day by day, and supports a lot of features our ancestors never even thought of.

Large-scale calling process: In many business processes large scale calling is a part of an inevitable program. VOIP is being integrated into their technical system, though a technical standard is still to be attained for the service level. This is indeed a better and quicker way to reach out the potential customers.

Easy conversion: The most important expectation from an Internet connection and a telephone service is easy and lucid conversation and you can avail this from the VOIP service. This is reason enough for a fast adaptation and switch over to the VOIP service.
Though VOIP has not been fully adopted into the businesses yet, we can clearly see it as the means of voice communication in the next generation.

Anand is a webmaster for Windows Hosting & Windows Host visit: http://hosting.b4uindia.com

Article Source: Contribution of VOIP in Web Hosting

Tags: level, voice data, investment, Web, space

There are many factors that make VoIP a great choice today. Whether you’re worried about the monthly bill, or need to make long distance calls, or run a business: there is something in VoIP for everyone. There are also many factors and situations in which you might want to consider using an internet phone service.

If you have to make calls abroad, VoIP is a must. The prices can range from free calling to low $.03 a minute calls to major countries. Even third world country rates are significantly cheaper. Many VoIP companies offer phone numbers in foreign countries. This means you could live in the USA, and have an Australian phone number, so anyone from Australia could call you locally, often free. Most second numbers are only $5-10 a month, and some companies such as SunRocket offer two free numbers. You can even have two phone numbers for the same phone. This means that if any of the two numbers ring your one phone at home will answer. SunRocket offers a distinctive ring so you can know which number is being called.

For a business, many of the VoIP offerings can help you cut down on expensive telecommunications bills. Many businesses have saved thousands by switching to VoIP. Companies like Packet8 offer Virtual Offices with all the features such as PBX, that you may have grown accustomed to with landline phone service.

The biggest bottom line for the average consumer may very well be price. While normal landline companies charge anywhere from $60 to $120 a month for phone service, VoIP services tend to cost $25 or less a month for their unlimited calling plans. This can easily lead to savings of up to $1,000 a year for the average American household. If you use a cell phone for your major calling like half of America, and only wish to use the home phone for minimal calling, plans such as ViaTalk’s $9.99 for 500 minutes a month may suit you.

Yet even if you desire the inexpensive, but reliable big-name service of Vonage, you will stay save hundreds of your phone bill. Vonage, perhaps the biggest brand name in VoIP, now offers unlimited calling to the USA, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, and the UK, all included in their for $24.99 a month unlimited plan.

So there are many reasons to use the internet phone. The international calls you need to make can be crisp, clear and inexpensive. The business expenses of companies all around America are drastically lowering because of VoIP. Or for the average household, lowering the monthly bill by $1,000 a year can be a definite advantage. There is most definitely a reason for everyone to switch to the internet phone.

Jonathan Baldwin is the owner of a VoIP Comparison site, VoIP Judge, which has reviews of Vonage, Packet8, SunRocket, and other VoIP.

Article Source: Why You Need VoIP

Tags: vonage, virtual offices, Spain, ring, voip services