Gregory Burrus asked:


It seems that each year in this age of the internet, that every day there is a new technology being introduced. If you are like most of us, you are looking for technology to work for you not against you? Have you heard of Voice over internet protocol but not sure if it is worth your time and energy to explore the possible benefits to your business?

In this article we will demonstrate that Voice over internet protocol is a very powerful technology that transcends your normal latest greatest technical tool that is being introduced but you can't see how it applies to you. As the voice component of IOVC strategy and technology, we will list capabilities that you can use to reduce your business expenses and improve your ability to attract customers using just this one technical component.

Voice over internet protocol is a well known technology in some areas and in others it is relatively unknown. However as one of the internet, office, voice and customer management technologies, IOVC, it is a voice over internet protocol technology, which you may not realize, can work wonders for your business. Voice over internet protocol to most people know it as tool that can reduce their phone bill but not necessarily as a tool to help improve and grow their business. But you can use voice over internet protocol technologies:

1. As your phone service and eliminate your current traditional phone service

2. To reduce your phone bill and save some money in your pocket

3. As a marketing tool and let it help you brand your business

4. To run Teleseminars for a very low cost

5. To record audio messages and talk for you when you are not available

6. As your instant support tool and show your customers you are very customer focused

7. For voice mail when you can't be available

8. To open up international office and do this all in 5 minutes

9. For your call forwarding service and let voice over internet protocol enable you to go mobile now

10. As an office extension especially if you need to build a bigger office or add on staff

11. To pay your bills as a convenient way to send money to your Paypal contacts

12. To integrate with Microsoft Outlook and save time, money and energy

As you can see from the list of Voice over internet protocol capabilities above, this voice technology has many beneficial capabilities. It is one of the reasons this IOVC technology is starting to garner more attention in the small business community.

Most people as you can imagine only use Voice over internet protocol as phone replacement technology. But now that you know it can help you market your business, or help you present your business, even when you can't be there in person. The fact it can help you pay your bills while on the road should show you this can be one powerful tool The fact that most of this comes for free should really excite you.



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Phil Lam asked:


Asterisk, complete PBX software, runs on Linux, Windows, BSD and OS X. Asterisk does VoIP in four different protocols, and is able to interconnect with almost all telephony equipment which is inexpensive.

Asterisk provides many features like Voicemail services with Directory, Call Conferencing, Interactive Voice Response, and Call Queuing. It includes three-way calling, caller ID services and Skinny.

You will not need additional hardware to implement Asterisk. But it does expect a non-standard driver that implements dummy hardware as a non-portable timing mechanism. Single or multiple VoIP Providers can be used for incoming and outgoing calls, though incoming calls can be handled by different VoIP Providers.

For use of digital and analog telephony equipment, Asterisk supports a number of equipment most notably is Asterisk sponsored hardware Digium. Their FXO and FXS cards are popular for small installations.

Full features of Asterisk Open Source Edition include Full PBX Capability, Switched or Packet Data, VoIP Capability, TDM Capability, Converged Telephony, Voice Mail, Unlimited-Seat Conference Bridge, SIP and IAX Support and Asterisk-centric Poundkey Linux.

Asterisk also includes the Business Edition, where it includes other features like Asterisk Technical Manual, Quick-start Guide, Commercial License with Legal Protection, 240 Simultaneous Calls, Tech Support for Install and Bug Resolution, Free Upgrades and Tech Support for One Year, Access to Business Edition Portal for One Year, Special Offers for Partner Products and many others.

Asterisk allows people to communicate using the internet. It is one of the cheapest ways to talk. The PC clients connect to each other through an Asterisk server which uses a Linux/Unix OS. Asterisk calls are passed through different channel protocols. The most popular forms of calls are H323, SIP, IAX or Zap. Depending on the type of channel you use, the user must have the appropriate software to handle the call type.

Let’s say, if are a registered on an Asterisk PBX (or other PBX) as a SIP user, you are required to use a SIP phone client such as X-Lite or SIPPS. Or, if you are registered as an IAX user you must use an IAX phone client such as iaxcomm. SIP/IAX Client Configuration allows you to register SIP and IAX users. This includes the adjustment of all Asterisk and client phone settings.

To make calls with Asterisk telephone system you should connectivity to an Asterisk PBX for call handling and users using PCs with SoftPhones for calling internally and externally. All configuration information for the Asterisk PBX knows is written to the conf files located in /etc/asterisk.

All information for SIP users is stored in sip.conf and for IAX users in iax.conf. Numbers are read from extensions.conf. Voicemails are stored in voicemail.conf etc. To place a call through Asterisk, registration to Asterisk is not required. However, you do need a username and password which will allow you to call someone who is registered. To receive a call, you must be a registered user and have an extension.

When any change is made in conf files from /etc/asterisk/ or changes that relate with some of these files, you must type 'reload' in the Asterisk Command Line Interface (CLI) to make the changes effective.

It is possible to implement only the Open Source Edition for your corporate business. You will only need a Linux OS computer and Asterisk has to be installed.



VOIP Security made Easy

Michael Talbert asked:


As technologies mature and more households gain access to high speed Internet, consumers will come to realize that it is simply more efficient and cost effective to send packets of voice over the Internet than over a point to point circuit switched land line. Long distance charges become a thing of the past, and international calls are pennies a minute if not free to some countries.

VoIP solutions are readily available to anyone with a high speed Internet connection, and the only hardware needed is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a phone. For most consumers, utilizing a calling plan from a VoIP service provider is the best solution. Most VoIP service providers will provide the ATA hardware (or software) for free, and monthly charges range from free on up.

Peer to Peer VoIP

The least expensive VoIP solution would be using a computer on a peer to peer network. Offered from such VoIP service providers as Skype or the Gizmo Project, the software is free to download and calls within the network are free worldwide. Calls to PSTN numbers are charged at a low VoIP rate. Peer to Peer VoIP is a software solution, meaning that no ATA is required, and your phone is a pair of earplugs and a microphone plugged into your computer. The downside is that call quality is lacking compared to some of the hardware VoIP solutions available.

The "Pure Play" VoIP Service Provider

Over the past few years, a new generation of upstarts has introduced themselves into the residential VoIP arena. Probably the most successful (at least popularity wise) would be the VoIP service provider Vonage. Thanks to their lavish spending on advertising, the technology of VoIP is becoming mainstream, and the general public is beginning to realize that if the circumstances are right, Voice over IP can be a viable cost saving alternative to the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS).

Vonage, Packet8, and SunRocket are just a few of many companies that are pure-play VoIP service providers. They have no interest in selling you cable TV, conventional telephone service, or cellular minutes. Monthly plans range anywhere from $7.00 to $40.00 and calls are free in the U.S., Canada, and in some cases Europe. International rates vary with many countries as low as 2-3 cents a minute.

These are the companies that have pioneered residential VoIP for the consumer and with their low monthly calling plans, the companies that will keep the giants in the Telecommunications Industry honest.

Telco's as VoIP Providers

Just as deregulation and the advent of cellular technology in the past, VoIP is poised to revolutionize the Telecommunications Industry. And the large telephone companies, even the cellular phone companies are entering this new era kicking and screaming.

Telco's like AT&T, the regional Bells and others are happy to provide broadband internet access through DSL, but very few are willing to unbundle the internet service from their conventional telephone services. They could do it technologically, and a few local phone companies are offering DSL on the "local loop", without the wire with the dial tone. The fact is, having a broadband connection that requires you to also buy a conventional telephone connection pretty much defeats the purpose, thus making VoIP through DSL impractical for most people.

That said, the Telco's see the writing on the wall and are slowly beginning to implement Voice over IP telephony. AT&T and Quest Communications offer residential VoIP solutions starting at $25.00 and $30.00 respectively, just slightly higher than a pure VoIP service provider. All of the basic features such as call forwarding, speed dialing, and 3-way calling are included, and premium services like virtual phone numbers, conference calling, and call filtering can be had for an additional charge. International rates seem to be somewhat higher than pure play rates, though only by pennies.

VoIP and Cable Companies

If anyone is in a position to win the Telecommunication wars, it's the cable companies. Massive consolidation in the cable industry has led to huge privately owned networks that in many cases make it unnecessary to route calls over the public Internet. Quality of Service issues can be handled in house, and after all, companies like Cisco Systems pretty much built the Internet and are largely responsible for the development of Voice over IP Telephony.

Cable companies as VoIP service providers have the ability to bundle voice with high speed data and digital cable TV, and are even now running introductory offers of all three for 99.00 a month in some markets. But be careful, introductory offers end and VoIP plans with the cable companies are some of the most expensive to be had.

While VoIP service providers like Comcast and Time Warner generally receive good reviews for sound quality, monthly calling plans cost $40.00 and $45.00 respectively. Not bad when looking at a $70.00 phone bill from Bell South, but over twice as much as a pure-play VoIP service provider. No doubt, a good reliable broadband connection through a cable modem is the ideal VoIP solution (wireless notwithstanding), but you don't have to use your cable company for VoIP.

In the end, it all depends on whats important to you. If all you need is to call a friend in China on the same network, then a peer to peer VoIP service provider is for you. If you live in an area where it's offered, a telecom VoIP solution promises lower bills than their conventional connections, provided you can drop the land line.

For those that have cable modems, the choice of VoIP service providers is vast. For the monthly cost of another broadband connection, cable companies will come out to install the equipment and rewire every jack in your house. And they are just a service call away. Alternatively, the pure play VoIP providers offer the lowest rates around, and the quality is usually just as good.

Just remember, it's all in the pipe. Calls will be as clear as your VoIP service providers' network is uncongested.



Protect your VOIP network

Armstrong C asked:


Hosted PBX with cutting edge technology helps start-up companies to project themselves as big businesses. Advanced hosted technology helps you to communicate effectively with your customers and associates, regardless of your location. The improved technology of hosted systems is far above the traditional PBX system, and it provides full control to the user. The business can benefit from a cutting-edge technology service without capital expenditure.

A virtual PBX system can route calls to any number in any location. It can easily connect your remote offices and mobile employees. With cutting-edge technology, the hosted PBX allows to set customized professional greeting messages and multiple extensions for departments and employees. Sophisticated features include automated call answering options, call transferring, call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail and online fax functionality. Automatic call forwarding will route callers to all phone extensions including home, office or mobile. With efficient voice mail notification service, you will never miss an important voice mail. Voice mail alerts can be sent to one’s email or cell phone.

With a hosted PBX, there are no hassles or costs of maintaining PBX hardware. All the services are provided through advanced VoIP technology. No additional phone line is required to get the hosted phone features. The virtual system can also connect faxes and voice mail to the main business number. Customers can contact you without paying long distance call charges.

A hosted PBX system can be set up and activated within a short time. Users can easily customize communication features through the Internet. There are many service providers offering advanced hosted PBX services in a cost-effective manner. Hosted PBX service providers can integrate advanced calling features to your local phone number or toll-free phone number. Some providers offer free trial service plans. Another advantage is that, you have to pay only for the services you need. You can opt for the right hosted PBX service that suits your business communication requirements.



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Amy Nutt asked:


Asterisk phone systems are an excellent, fully integrated VOIP PBX solution for businesses of all sizes. The set up eliminates the tremendous cost of setting up a traditional PBX system. This high cost often eliminates the possibility of using PBX for small businesses, but with Asterisk, even the smallest business can have all of the benefits of PBX in their office without spending money they do not have.

What Is Asterisk?

Asterisk is an open source software PBX that can be used by businesses and individuals alike. It is designed to run on Linux, but it can run on other platforms as well, including Windows. Asterisk was developed by Digium, Inc., who also sells the hardware necessary to set up Asterisk phone systems. Compared to other PBX options, Asterisk is incredibly affordable and has many features that are hard to find elsewhere.

Benefits of Asterisk in the Office

Besides the fact that it costs thousands of dollars less than a traditional PBX system, Asterisk provides its users with numerous other benefits. Since Asterisk phone systems are VOIP PBX systems, they use broadband connections to connect the telephone network to the traditional global telephony network. Calls can still be made and received in the same manner that they are with a traditional PBX system. Additionally, because the connection is made through the Internet and not the phone line, employees that work remotely can be connected directly to the office PBX through their Internet connections. When someone calls your office and chooses extension 10, that extension could actually be your home-based worker, and the customer would be none the wiser.

For large businesses that have locations in several geographical areas, using asterisk will allow the various offices to connect over the network. This can eliminate much of the expense of conference calls a company spread over several states usually faces. Additionally, employees who must travel frequently can stay connected to the office PBX system as long as they have an Internet connection.

Asterisk phone systems allow every extension to have its own voicemail box. These voicemail boxes are connected to the employee's email accounts, so no one will ever miss a message again.

If you should ever have a problem with your Asterisk system, you can easily get help directly from Digium. They have friendly Asterisk consulting professionals that will help you get the system up and running as quickly as possible. You can call to ask questions about bugs that you find, and they are happy to help, as this type of feedback helps them improve the software for future users.

Asterisk supports a variety of VOIP protocols. Among the protocols it accepts are MGCP, H.323, and SIP. The program can connect IP phones to the traditional phone line easily. This flexibility makes the system easy to integrate into established businesses.

If needed, Asterisk phone systems can interface with traditional telephone lines. The product comes with several high-end features, such as voice recognition system integration, call data record, and text-to-speech system integration. All of these features make it one of the best PBX products available.

Benefits of Asterisk for Customers

Your employees are not the only ones who benefit from Asterisk phone systems. Your customers will benefit as well, both directly and indirectly, when you implement this system. It has features that are found in the most expensive products on the market, such as on-hold music that supports both MP3 and streaming media. Customers will have shorter wait times because the call queues allow agents to monitor the queue while they take the incoming calls, so they can shorten the calls if needed.

Asterisk phone systems offer the best of both worlds to their users. They provide a plethora of features to the business at a fraction of the cost of their traditional competition. There are other VOIP PBX options out there, but Asterisk is the oldest and most well established, making it the preferred choice among many business owners.



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Angela Hayden asked:


With ultimate flexibility, mobility and security, the VoIP services are particularly ruling the traditional audio mode of telecommunication. In advanced voice over IP services, users tend to make long distance or international calls at affordable costs with excellent voice quality. As a matter of fact, users can make calls to mobile phones, landlines, or overseas numbers for a lot of less. With loads of features, VoIP is catering to people and entities from different spheres.

Depending upon usage and operation, the VoIP solutions have been found to cut down on monthly telephony charges by up to 50%. As a matter of fact, Internet telephony is based on packet switching protocol; this revolutionary technology allows users to share data, voice and video over a single line. With an IP telephony service in place, one can reduce the cost of calls as well as enhance call productivity. Moreover, users can add additional phone connections and extensions in their systems. Moreover, IP solutions have overcome constraints like locality and mobility that were faced in traditional PSTN services.

For availing benefits of virtual PBX, a basic architecture of PBX server has to be set up. This VoIP PBX system includes one or more SIP phones, VoIP phones as well as VoIP gateways. The benefits attached with using an IP PBX system includes:

1. Reduction of call costs

2. Easy and efficient long distance or international calls

3. Easy addition of phone connections and extensions

4. Add-on advantages such as hot desking and roaming

The IP PBX phone systems are easy to install. They provides hassle-free usage and functionality over the traditional PSTN services. Importantly, with virtual PBX, users can reduce long term operation and maintenance cost. Users must opt for IP PBX providers, who offer feature rich benefits like voice mail, call forwarding, call transferring, 3-way calling, call conference, DID Management as well as customised reporting.



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A Nutt asked:


The day has come in which Asterisk-driven systems have become available for the technological savvy business. Being that the telephone and the internet have become very important for any business, it was just a matter of time before the two found themselves joined together in a lifelong union. It started with landline telephone systems many years ago and now other options have come about. One of those options is VOIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This allows people to speak over the internet just like they are on the telephone. As a matter of fact, many individuals and businesses are switching to VOIP because of its low cost and the high degree of convenience.

Factoring in PBX

Factor in PBX with your VOIP and you have something quite incredible. PBX stands for private branch exchange. This is more or less a phone system owned by the business and not any carrier in particular. If this were factored into a regular landline, this would be quite expensive. However, combine it with VOIP and you have VOIP PBX. VOIP PBX is the new way in which businesses are communicating with the world and it is much more affordable than trying to combine PBX with a landline. This is what birthed Asterisk phone systems.

Asterisk phone systems take away that reliability that businesses had on phone companies to ensure consistency in communication. If something happened with the phone lines, the business would be at the mercy of the phone company to ensure it would be fixed. Sometimes phone line repairs can take days or even weeks if new parts have to be ordered. VOIP PBX is privately owned by your business, so you're at no one's mercy. You have total control.

Installing Asterisk phone systems

When it comes to installing Asterisk phone systems, Asterisk consulting is something that is needed. These consultants are individuals who help deploy and customize this VOIP PBX system for your business. Without them, the process can be quite difficult. Fortunately, they do offer on-site service that makes the process much easier for your business. Asterisk consulting firms make it a priority to ensure that you're up and running and that the chances of you having downtime are very slim. The idea of Asterisk phone systems is to have no downtime and to allow your company to have complete control over your phone system. This has become quite the affordable alternative for many businesses, which is why so many are switching.

Another reason why so many are switching is because internet systems have become more reliable than a lot of landline phone services. If landline service is interrupted, your business is still able to communicate because you're not operating on landlines. As phone lines age and malfunction, VOIP PBX is new and is something that is built to last. These are things to consider when looking for a viable communication option for your business.

The convenience

The convenience of Asterisk phone systems is quite evident. What's even better is that you don't have to worry about the installation and the customization of your VOIP PBX on your own. Asterisk consulting firms can take care of that for you, answer your questions, and have you up and running in no time. It is not something to be afraid of. Simply ask any business that has already implemented the system and see what they have to say about what it has done for them. They're going to tell you that it has made a difference in their communication, which has made a difference in their productivity. It has also made a difference in their bank account.



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