VoIP Blog54676

What is VoIP

VoIP is an acronym for voice over internet protocol, aka voice over ip phone. A VoIP, in essence, is a computer phone that allows you to make phone calls from your computer to anyone in the world, e.g., PC to PC, PC to phones landlines or cells.

The voice signal converts to data packets and travels across the internet through a VoIP platform, and then converts back to voice at the receiving end of the communication exchange. Leading telecom experts are projecting that 75% of the worlds communications will be done on VoIP within the next several years.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

You will need a computer with internet access and an inexpensive microphone if your computer does not have one built in. Although most VoIP voice over ip phone providers require high speed internet connections, there are a few that can be used on dial-up connections.

How Can I Place a Call or Receive a Call?

Basically, the same way you would a regular phone, except on your PC. When you download a VoIP voice over ip phone line on your computer, a phone usually appears on your screen. The computer phone acts like any other phone in that you can dial numbers on it from a pad, or click on a contacts pre-programmed name, and press the call button. You will then hear the phone ringing to the party you have called and can talk to them when the59Dy accept the call.

When receiving a call, the phone will ring on your computer and you can click to accept the call and talk, or let it ring (based on the number of rings you have set up) and forward the caller to your voicemail.

What Kind of Features Does a VoIP Phone Have?

Typically a VoIP voice over ip phone not only has audio capabilities, but also three-way calling, text messaging, and contacts list. Some VoIPs even have webcam capabilities. In addition, there is usually a button to click that can indicate to others when you are available, unavailable, away, or off line.

Who Can I Call Using a VoIP Phone?

Most reputable VoIP computer phone providers limit PC to PC calls among their own subscribers for privacy purposes so that the quality of sound is not compromised.

Most reputable VoIP voice over ip phone providers have their own patented technology.

Some VoIP solutions providers require limiting PC to phone landlines or cells to their own subscribers, while others do not.

Advantages of VoIP

With VoIP computer phones, you have unlimited talk time to anyone in the world from PC to PC for a flat monthly rate

Most VoIP voice over ip phone providers offer drastically reduced costs for calling PC to landlines

Most VoIPs offer reduced costs for calling PC to cell phones, however, prices often vary depending on the cell phone carrier.59F

Savings of up to 80% off current phone bills.

What are the Costs for VoIPs?

Typically there is an activation fee which varies between $20.00 to hundreds of dollars, although some are hidden. Monthly fees, after enrollment, varies between $5.00 per month to $99.95 per month. If you do not have a microphone on your computer, you would have to purchase one. Cost is between $5.00 to $40.00.

Things to Watch Out For with VoIP Services

Hidden costs

Unsecure lines - meaning anyone can listen to your conversation because of shared servers or open platforms, thus making you vulnerable to viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and unscrupulous hackers, which ultimately can corrupt your computer and create a costly computer crash.

Inability to be used with dial-up connections

Public listing of your name and/or phone number

Many VoIP services have spyware.

# posted by voip71722 @ 10:41 PM 0 comments

When I entered the fledgling cable TV industry in 1979, a newly minted college grad, I remember thinking, WOW, everyone should be in this business. Even discounting those ignorance-on-fire days, the feeling of being in an industry poised to take off like cable did is one I'll never forget.

It's the same feeling I have now, marketing the rapidly emerging broadband voice technology VoIP, and creating a vibrant new revenue stream for my business. Only this time, it's not a new product introduction - the residential, landline voice market in the US alone represents hundreds of billions of dollars in existing consumer spending. It's consumer spending previously held captive by a relative thimbleful of companies due to technology and regulatory constraints. Now this market share "deck of cards" h5A8as been tossed up in the telecom whirlwind, with enormous opportunities for individuals and small businesses to tap into huge, recurring, monthly income streams.

The market research firm IDC says more than 10 million residential phone customers are now using VoIP services, and it predicts that the number will grow to 44 million in 2010. The Harvard Business Review, in a recent article predicts not only rapid growth for VoIP but also profound, beneficial changes to the way businesses operate, as a result of VoIP deployment. The impetus for such a rapid, mass shift in market share is simple: Lots more features and functions for about half the price the Bells (over)charge for unlimited local & LD.

And it's getting bigger. My company is already marketing VoIP video phones, and flat-rate global calling plans that the big phone companies can only dream about. And we represent the only VoIP provider in the US currently offering VoIP service in Puerto Rico...WITH Puerto Rican phone #s. Also, right around the corner is IPTV, internet-based video entertainment which promises the same market share impact on the cable & satellite TV business.

Here's some of the things being said about VoIP:

"VoIP will irreversibly alter the world of communications. VoIP is the most significant paradigm shift in the entire history of modern communications since the invention of the telephone."

-- Michael Powell, Former5A4 FCC Chairman, Fortune Magazine - July 2004

"VoIP will be the largest transfer of wealth ever in American business history.

-- Business Week magazine, 2004

"There will be 50 million new subscribers to this service by 2008"

-- Harvard Business Review, September 2005

# posted by voip71722 @ 7:55 PM 0 comments

A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system requires the use of VoIP phones and there are several different types from which to choose. There are software based Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)/VoIP phones, USB VoIP phones, and hardware SIP phones. This is the new market for phone service. Providers of both telephone and Internet service have begun to offer their customers the opportunity to experience the new VoIP phone systems. They offer competitive packages and most have plans that give you the choice between limited and unlimited calling in the United States and Canada along with low International rates.

Software based VoIP phones require that you download a program to your computer. You can then use the downloaded soft phone program along with your computers microphone and speakers to make and receive calls. You can also use a headset with microphone if you prefer. This is a great choice if you use your computer for the majority of your communications. The software is easy to install and integrates well with other applications such as Microsoft Outlook.

USB VoIP phones plug into a port on your computer. You can then use them with VoIP software. They look and act like your traditional phone the difference being that the voice signal goes through your broadband service and not the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN).

Hardware based SIP phones l5A1ooks like your traditional phone. The difference being that they connect directly to your broadband network. These phones have a mini hub, which enables them to share the network connection with your computer.

You can use your current phone with VoIP services and connect it to the network via an adapter. The adapter uses an Ethernet cable that you use to plug the phone into the adapter and the adapter into the computer. You will find that setting up a VoIP phone is neither difficult nor expensive. It is highly recommended that you have a high-speed Internet connection for the service to work effectively.

IP phones look just like standard phones with a handset, cradle, and buttons and come with the standard connectors that you are accustomed to seeing. They also include an Ethernet connection as well. The purpose for this is to allow the IP phones to connect directly with you computer or router. They include the hardware and software required to handle IP calls. If you prefer to use your computer directly, you can also use VoIP for computer-to-computer calling. Certainly, this is the simplest method but you may experience a lower voice quality than with using an adapter or IP phone.

# posted by voip71722 @ 4:44 PM 0 comments

VOIP's First Hurdle

With all the advantages of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), there is still 1 drawback -- it cannot give you total wireless phone communication like a cell5A8 phone. Cell phones and VOIP seem to be 2 different animals. True, you can have a wireless internet connection (including VOIP) with Wi-Fi hot spots, but they are of no use to your cell phone. Or are they?

In fact, dual mode phones are already reaching the market. A few companies (including Motorola) have introduced cell phones that can automatically switch to VOIP when they detect a WiFi hotspot. This is sure to be popular with consumers who want the reduced costs of VOIP. Yet it is likely to be grudgingly adopted by cellular phone companies, who stand to lose considerable profits.

Industry analysts, however, predict this kind of service will be widespread within the next 5 years. Cellular phone companies will have no choice but to offer plans which combine VOIP and cellular, otherwise they will lose business to companies that step in to fill the void.

And Then

The next step after cell/VOIP integration is the replacement of cell networks with wireless VOIP. A new wireless technology called WiMax is in the works: city-wide wireless networks that operate at much faster speeds than what is available today. Such a network would allow anyone in range to use a VOIP wireless phone. This technology could also be used to transmit video and audio, possibly replacing services like video rentals and radio.

WiMax is currently in the testing stage around the world. While it is a great idea, it may cause disr599uptions within several industries, such as movie theatres, DVD distributors and traditional phone companies -- all of which may lose if this technology becomes common.

Fortunately, it's difficult to hold back technological innovation. New technology usually presents challenges and opportunities to existing industries. The phone companies and entertainment industries will be challenged, but could potentially thrive in the new WiMax environment if they find the proper niche. For example, faster broadband will likely make VOIP video phones a common item. There will undoubtedly be many unforeseen applications to this new technology.

Did You Say FREE?

Another future trend to watch for is the possibility of free internet telephony. After all, we do not pay for regular data transmission over the internet, so why pay VOIP service providers $15 or so per month? Voice data is the same as any other data that travels over the Internet. Some observers predict that as VOIP is more universally adopted, monthly fees for telephone service will disappear.

Of course, there would still be a charge for the basic Internet connection, but as bandwidth continues to grow, a single internet connection could be used for telephone, television, e-mail -- and surfing the net.

Soon ET can not only phone home -- it'll be a free call.

# posted by voip71722 @ 3:02 PM 0 comments

AOL said earlier this week they will open up their VoIP platform for 3rd party development. I guess Skype and it's parent company eBay is making louder footsteps then AOL anticipated. AOL announced three tools which will become available for hardware and software developers.

1) An API to develop "ringback" tones or personalized ring tones

2) Another would allow hardware developers to create 5A6USB devices that work with the service like headsets, phones and speaker phones.

3) The last API would allow for call management features to be used with AIM VoIP platform.

AOL says they are excited about opening up the oldest on-line instant messaging program to the AIM Phoneline platform and giving developers the power to be creative and bring about new and unique voice communication services (what else would AOL say when coming to the game as late as they have).

AOL indicated some products will be available at the fall VON 2006 show in Boston, MA a semi-annual conference of VoIP providers and device manufacturers.

Products include iotum showing off an intelligent application to handle incoming calls and Ims. MyNuMo will unveil an on-line ringtone and ringback store for service and Mvox will announce wireless USB phones compatible with the AOL Phoneline platform.

To boot, AOL started a contest to spur development with a grand prize of $3,500 (although developing such products would probably cost a lot more!) so if you're the tinker type you've got till November to come up with something.

Article from: GetUSB.info
Permalink: http://www.getusb.info/?p=295

# posted by voip71722 @ 2:03 PM 0 comments