Introduction
The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have already changed. Take long distance calls, for example, many service providers are already using a technology called Voice over IP or VOIP for short. If you’ve never heard of VOIP before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance phone calls are made now and how all phone calls will be made in the future. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method of converting analog audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the Internet.
You may be wondering how this is useful. Well, think about it for a few seconds. If it is possible to convert analog signals into digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a method of making phone calls anywhere in the world virtually free of charge, except for your Internet service fee, allowing you to avoid phone companies entirely.
Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionize the way the world’s phone systems work. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around for a while and are constantly growing. Now, the world’s leading telecommunications operators are realizing the endless possibilities of this new technology, establishing VOIP call centers around the world and promoting sales of Voice over IP phone systems.
making a call
With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:
ATA (gateway) – The easiest way to make a VOIP phone call is by using ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), sometimes called gateways. These allow you to make use of your existing standard analog phones. Simply connect your standard phone to the ATA (gateway) and then connect the ATA to your computer or Internet connection, allowing you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analog signal from your standard telephone and converts it to a digital signal that is ready for transmission over the Internet. Some ATAs (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, allowing you to precisely configure it for VOIP.
IP phones – These phones look like normal standard phones. They have an Ethernet RJ 45 connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in. They connect directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost-effective entry into the world of Voice over IP.
computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use of VOIP technology. There are many companies that offer cost-effective software that you can use for this type of VOIP. Generally, the only charge you pay is the monthly charge from your Internet Service Provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card, and a fast Internet connection.
Most likely, you have already made a VOIP call without even realizing it. Major telephone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and to an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it reaches every business and home around the world.
VoIP features
Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATAs with them on the road and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.
Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop or laptop computer. Some even have an on-screen interface that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to make VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.
Most traditional phone companies charge you for additional features added to your account. With VOIP service providers, these usually come as standard. Features such as:
1. Caller ID
2. Call waiting
3. Call transfer
4.Repeat dial
5. Callback
6. Three-way dialing
Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using Caller ID information. You are allowed:
1. Forward the call to a particular number
2. Send the call directly to voicemail
3. Give the caller a busy signal
4. Play an “out of order” message
Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the Internet or attach messages to an email that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VOIP phone system providers and service operators exactly what features they offer, as prices for packages and services vary widely.
There are many other cost saving benefits that come from an optimized VOIP phone system network. For network administrators, a VOIP phone system means they only have to maintain one network instead of two. Portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC process (move, add, change) is made much easier and you won’t have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you do. All of this means lower ongoing costs for your business.
Another cost savings for businesses implementing a VOIP system is that because multiple offices, no matter where in the world they are seamlessly connected, can share many of the features that VOIP can offer, such as:
1. A single receptionist
2. Auto attendant facilities
3. Voice mail system
Choosing a VOIP phone system
If you’ve decided that a VOIP phone system is the right move for your business, next you need to determine which of your existing phone equipment you can keep. The potential cost savings that can be achieved by using any existing digital equipment are enormous. Many digital phone systems can be IP-enabled using minor hardware additions and software updates.
When looking at potential systems, you need to be sure what features they provide as standard and what are optional extra costs. You should also be sure of exactly what is included with the system. Many vendors claim to include everything you need, but standard components may vary from company to company. Therefore, you should be sure to compare equivalent systems when approaching potential vendors.
You should also inquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems can affect the implementation of any existing phone hardware.
You will also need to make sure that all devices such as fax machines, credit card processors, security systems, etc. can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system. You should tell any potential vendors about such devices so they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your requirements.
Finally, don’t try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember that VOIP is a new technology, so even equipment from the last few years is outdated. Also, the cost of installation will still apply whether the system is new or used, and service costs can be even higher due to reliability issues. Bottom line, it’s not worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will wipe out any potential savings.
Thank you for reading,
Jason