VoIP - A Layman's Look - Should You or Shouldn't You?

VoIP - A Layman's Look - Should You or Shouldn't You?

by Dennis Schooley, BBA, CA

So what's all this VoIP hype anyway? I mean we all know that our voice can be delivered to the four corners of the globe over telephone lines. (Actually, I missed that part of second grade math where they taught us that a ball has corners, but everybody says it, so I'll accept it). Alex G. Bell, the second most famous resident of Brantford, Ontario, right after Wayne Gretzky of course, led us down the voice transmission path. solution voip

We're also fully aware of the Internet. Otherwise where would we get our sports scores, weather reports, horoscopes, and genealogy fixes. So why do we care about the real-time transmission of our voice, in telephone quality, using Internet protocol (VoIP)?

Presumably the whole concept was created to deliver some benefit to us techno-ignorant dwellers of the house of the masses. As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute cat food, or we evangelize, but should we be considering VoIP? Will it make us money, or save us time? Will it make us more efficient as a Manufacturer, Distributor, or Evangelist? If the answer to those questions is no, then we shouldn't even think about it. So let's explore those questions. After all, it's all about results. solution voip

Geoffrey Moore introduced the concept that a product must cross the chasm of market acceptance in the 'Technology Adoption Life Cycle' in his book Crossing the Chasm. In his next book, Inside the Tornado, Moore talks about the tornado of market acceptance that lies like a siren beyond the chasm. It appears that VoIP is clawing up the far wall of the chasm, but we don't know for sure whether it will find that toe hold to crawl out, and catch the swirling tornado winds of fortune. All indicators are that it's going to happen. Dorothy and the Tin Man are holding their breath. solution voip

Perhaps the most significant indicator is that the 'business-prevention specialists', a title I usually reserve for lawyers, but in this case is applied affectionately to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), have begun the task of investigating what should be regulated in the world of VoIP. The FCC has already delivered a ruling on a VoIP product offered by AT&T. That fact in itself should make us all take notice that there must be something good coming, or they wouldn't be showing up at the dance to make sure the band isn't too loud. solution voip

Larry Stocker, of Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants in Kansas City says, "if my clients' interest in VoIP is any indicator, then I think there will be a big increase in the provision of the service. We have quadrupled our number of assignments in the last six months alone, for clients that wish to select the right VoIP service, at the right price, from the right supplier. That seems to be a good indicator of market acceptance." solution voip

Another good indicator would be the number of suppliers, including the tier-one Telco's that have entered the fray to provide VoIP in their own particular flavor. That fact should cause us pause. It should cause us to challenge the original premise that 'talking over the Internet will be free', and that there will be no long distance cost any more. If that were the case, would all of these big companies - the renowned leaders in the telecom world - be scrambling to get to market to provide the service? Maybe it's just their way of giving back to society. I'm more inclined to think there are huge profits at stake. solution voip

And now you say, 'but I've already got the Internet, why isn't it free'. Well first of all, you'll need some kind of device that delivers 'telephone quality' over the Internet. Remember, I said 'real time'. Those $20 microphones just don't do it. In addition, have you ever tried to put someone on hold on the Internet, or call forward, or take a voice message - you know, the things that businesses do everyday.

Presumably that's what all these suppliers are running the relay for - to sell you that 'stuff' at the end of the race. Whether they sell it to you outright, or whether you rent it from them for a monthly service fee isn't the point. The point is that there is a cost to get access, as well as proper business applications. Included in the cost, which will be recovered through charges to you, are signaling, routing, protocol, and interface technologies. Oops, that's not layman's talk. solution voip

In addition to the access 'stuff' as a layman would say, there has to be access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or I would never be able to call my mother. VoIP calls have to terminate on everyday telephone sets because I'm pretty sure my mom doesn't have a VoIP set up at her house. She doesn't have a bankcard, won't stay in a hotel that doesn't have 'real keys', and still loves her dial phone (definitely in Moore's technology buying group called Skeptics or Laggards). There is no way I'll be talking to her over her Internet connection - she doesn't have one, and never will. So this VoIP thing will have to access the normal phone system. That's where the FCC and CRTC step in. Their position is that if the PSTN will be accessed, then access fees will have to be paid by the providers. And up goes the cost.

In his book, Implementing Voice Over IP, Bhumip Khasnabish, says "The goals of VoIP implementation are to achieve (a) significant savings in network maintenance and operations costs and (b) rapid rollout of new services."

O.K., so it's not free but there should be 'significant savings' if that holds true. Assuming those savings will be passed on, it should make me more money through cost reduction. Presumably these 'new services' will be designed to save me time, make me more efficient, or provide easier access to my target markets. Just think if one step can be eliminated in the manufacture of shin pads, if distribution channels for cat food are more streamlined, or the Evangelist can find more heathens to convert.

Bill Webster, another Schooley Mitchell consultant in Calgary, Alberta says, "the key is to assess the reliability and quality of service. If the quality is what you need, and by the way, it's improving every day, then a cost-benefit analysis is required comparing your current access to VoIP. Often times VoIP is the winner. As new services with VoIP become available over time, that win will be even more evident for the regular business person."

So there you have it. Should you or shouldn't you, as the title queries? It seems that the answer is akin to; should I or shouldn't I, when Alexander Graham introduced the telephone concept in the first place. I'm pretty sure that everyone, at least those that are alive today, eventually got one. Bell had to deal with laggards too. solution voip

It seems that this is the way the market will develop if the supply and regulatory indicators hold true. VoIP is not out of the chasm yet, but when this many suppliers enter the arena, then functionality is driven up to deliver the 'better mouse trap', price is driven down through competitive alternatives, reliability (the bugs are worked out) is driven up by the same forces, and you have emergence. solution voip

It seems that if you take Webster's advice and prepare the proper cost-benefit analysis, you're likely going to be getting your kite ready for the VoIP tornado. solution voip

VoIP Captures New Markets

VoIP Captures New Markets

by Donald Wilson

Close to 1200 companies are now providing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service in the US and Canada. Despite this figure more and more cable companies, DSL operators, and telecom majors are moving to this technology, most likely because they realize that VoIP is the future of telephony. They also likely realize that the market is still wide open, making now the best time to capture it.
The success of VoIP services can be boiled down to two factors. Cost is the first factor. Unlike conventional telecom companies, VoIP companies do not need to invest in expensive infrastructures because the Internet serves this function already. This means they can start and run a phone service at a tiny fraction of the cost of a conventional telecom company--a savings that can be passed on to the consumer.

This allows VoIP companies to make a profit while charging rates that are comparatively very low. In fact, some VoIP companies offer call plans starting as low as $9 a month. Furthermore, most of VoIP companies offer unlimited calling across the US and Canada. The end result is a phone bill half that which the average phone subscriber is likely to pay for conventional telephone service.

The second factor to the success of VoIP services is all the low-cost or no-cost added features. The average VoIP phone comes with a plethora of useful features. These features likely include caller id, call-waiting, three-way calling, call blocking, distinctive ring, international call forwarding, call waiting disable function, repeat dialing, return dial, call filtering, sequential ringing, secondary virtual phone number, additional service lines, toll-free numbers and Web-based management.

This is a massive improvement over the features offered by most conventional services, and since they are usually provided at no additional charge by VoIP services the customer is getting a phone service that not only costs less, but also offers more features. More and more Americans and Canadians are switching to the VoIP services for just this reason. The only additional expense is the up-front cost of the installation of a broadband cable connection or a DSL line, which of course many already have for their computer connection.

Initially the VoIP services were limited to the geeks of the world, who used telephony software that was available free on the net and ran on a computer. This option never gained popularity because the voice quality was usually poor and the service only allowed calls to be made from computer to computer. The requirement for both users to be online and in possession of similar software in order connect over VoIP was a serious limitation.

Once the infant VoIP software was modified to allow connection to specialized or standard phones through adapters it became possible to call from one phone to another. It was then that the potential of VoIP was realized. When companies like Vonage launched an aggressive campaign to woo traditional phone subscribers the technology got a significant further boost. After that the market absolutely exploded.

Know more about VoIP solutions

Know more about VoIP solutions

by Kristen Kiya

Voice communication has dramatically transformed the way companies used to conduct their business around the world. By knowing deeply about the benefits and usage of IP telephony, businesses are rapidly moving from traditional mode. Today, tremendous growth and potential opportunities in Voice Over IP has changed the way companies communicate in providing better cost control and productivity enhancement compared to PSTN. The quality of voice on VoIP is better than Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) over long distance and international calling. VoIP or Voice Over Internet protocol is used for transmitting voice, video and data over an IP network i.e. high speed broadband connection.

The telecommunication industry is flooded away with VoIP solution providers; but if you are looking for the best services then go for the thorough search and research. You must select the voice over ip provider that offers wholesale carrier services, reseller programs and business solution to their clients from various sectors of the industry. While opting for business VoIP solutions, user must look into the features that supports;

1. Functionality: user can do multifarious job while doing one; like calling and checking the mails simultaneously.
2. Reduced cost: Voice Over Internet protocol drastically cut down the communication cost as it is based on packet switching technique.
3. Quality Network: User must opt for provider that provides quality network to ensure an enhanced communication.
4. Reliability and Security: This feature satisfies the customer that there data or communication is saved.
5. Scalability: VoIP provides user to call and carry the phone anywhere around the world.

For handling VoIP quality, user must opt for high speed broadband connection as well as look for an availability of required bandwidth. Well, for making cheap calling through voice over Internet protocol, user requires a computer, broadband connection, Analog Telephone Adaptor or ATA and latest voice over IP services. This allows the user to make calling as normal using standard phone lines. The function of ATA is to converts analog voice signals to a digital signals that Internet can understand. It sends the signal over IP networks to reach the specified destination. Before reaching at receiver's end, ATA reconverts digital data into analog voice.

User must look in for the cheapest and the best VoIP solutions which offer benefits like unlimited long distance and international calling at minimal cost. These solutions are designed depending upon the requirement of various organizations. So, before opting for the best solutions user must keep in mind the factors like speed, voice quality, call tariff network integration, feature richness and so on. Internet Telephony is catering the growing demands of companies, business houses and residential users with their innovative VoIP solution.

Choosing A VOIP Provider

Choosing A VOIP Provider

by Ron King

There are 2 basic VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider options: free services or paid providers that charge a monthly fee. Making that choice depends on how you plan to use VOIP.

If you just want to chat with friends and family over the Internet, a free service may be adequate. If you're looking for a true alternative to normal phone service, however, consider a VOIP service with a paid package deal.

Package Choices

There are so many choices. To determine which is the best service for your money, you must decide which services you need, and whether you want to quit your existing telephone service completely. Most VOIP providers offer package plans with free calls to a designated geographical area. Nearly all providers offer free call waiting, call display, and conference call services.

Even though the basic package for a similar fee is the same with most providers, there is a great rivalry between VOIP service providers, with each striving to offer services that set them apart from their competitors. To make the right choice, you'll have to check several packages to find the best for your needs.

For example, if you make a lot of overseas calls, a package that includes international calls makes sense. Or if you receive most of your calls from a specific city, get a package that offers a specific phone number that allows people to call you at that local rate.

Service and reliability are other critical factors when selecting a VOIP provider. This information is available from reviews on the internet or by asking your friends which providers they use. One suggestion is to find a provider offering a money-back guarantee.

Find out how much bandwidth is required for a particular VOIP service. If the information is not available from the company's web site, send an e-mail to verify that your broadband connection is suitable for their VOIP service. Usually 128 kbps on the upload side is sufficient.

Problems

Emergency calls are 1 of the technical drawbacks with VOIP, because it's hard to determine your physical location on VOIP calls. 911 calls may not be routed to the correct call center, and if they are, operators can't establish your location if you are unable to communicate. The Federal Communications Commission, in the United States, is demanding that VOIP service providers find a solution.

Providing phone service during a power outage is another technical problem. Since VOIP requires electrical current to operate modems, in a power outage the VOIP phone line goes dead. One solution is to use a computer with a battery backup. Another is an electrical generator to provides emergency household electricity.

Finally, you may want to retain your existing phone service after signing up for VOIP. Not all providers offer this service, so if it's important, verify that ability in advance.