VoIP ("Voice over Internet Protocol") phone systems are not a new invention. They commonly exist already, for example, when using the voice chat functionality in MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, and even Skype. These systems don't talk (excuse the pun) nicely with each other since they are proprietary.
VoIP based on SIP (which stands for Session Initiation Protocol) is a ideal solutions because it talks nicely with others. So instead of using a closed source client, the end users can connect with each other using a wide range of open source clients.
Similar to the benefits of open source in general, VoIP connection and calls costs using SIP are going to be a lot more cost-effective than using closed source or proprietary protocols. Furthermore, the ways in which users can make and receive calls with either software phones or actual SIP compatible handsets is a lot more flexible.
VoIP uses special compression to send and receive audio over an IP network. The end user can make phone calls via the Internet using applications freely available on their portable and desktop devices. Calls made over the Internet using the SIP protocol are not only significantly cheaper than traditional phone lines they are also cheaper than proprietary VoIP systems to a lesser degree.
VoIP works by converting analogue voice calls into data packets which are then digitally transmitted over the IP network provider. From cost-effective international calls to 3-way and conference calls, these are some of the benefits to using VoIP phone systems.
Getting started with using VoIP can be done in a number of ways. From hardware IP phones that connect directly to your broadband or local area network to software-based phones. The most cost-effective way to get connected is to use a soft-phone which uses your computer's hardware, requiring that it be turned on in order to work. Conversely, an IP phone connects directly to the Internet bypassing your computer which may take longer to set up at more cost.
VoIP phone systems generally offer more control and scalability over the administration of call costs. For example, a company can see at a glance which users are making high volume calls at particular times during the month. Due to the nature of VoIP services using SIP specifically, billing is usually itemised on an ongoing monthly basis and unlike traditional phone services there are no long contracts to get tied into.
To summarise, the chief benefit of using VoIP versus a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is that wherever Internet access is available so can be your own phone line. When moving location you can easily take your phone line and number with you. In conclusion, the vast amount of call cost savings you will make over time makes no better reason to switch to a VoIP phone system.
VoIP based on SIP (which stands for Session Initiation Protocol) is a ideal solutions because it talks nicely with others. So instead of using a closed source client, the end users can connect with each other using a wide range of open source clients.
Similar to the benefits of open source in general, VoIP connection and calls costs using SIP are going to be a lot more cost-effective than using closed source or proprietary protocols. Furthermore, the ways in which users can make and receive calls with either software phones or actual SIP compatible handsets is a lot more flexible.
VoIP uses special compression to send and receive audio over an IP network. The end user can make phone calls via the Internet using applications freely available on their portable and desktop devices. Calls made over the Internet using the SIP protocol are not only significantly cheaper than traditional phone lines they are also cheaper than proprietary VoIP systems to a lesser degree.
VoIP works by converting analogue voice calls into data packets which are then digitally transmitted over the IP network provider. From cost-effective international calls to 3-way and conference calls, these are some of the benefits to using VoIP phone systems.
Getting started with using VoIP can be done in a number of ways. From hardware IP phones that connect directly to your broadband or local area network to software-based phones. The most cost-effective way to get connected is to use a soft-phone which uses your computer's hardware, requiring that it be turned on in order to work. Conversely, an IP phone connects directly to the Internet bypassing your computer which may take longer to set up at more cost.
VoIP phone systems generally offer more control and scalability over the administration of call costs. For example, a company can see at a glance which users are making high volume calls at particular times during the month. Due to the nature of VoIP services using SIP specifically, billing is usually itemised on an ongoing monthly basis and unlike traditional phone services there are no long contracts to get tied into.
To summarise, the chief benefit of using VoIP versus a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is that wherever Internet access is available so can be your own phone line. When moving location you can easily take your phone line and number with you. In conclusion, the vast amount of call cost savings you will make over time makes no better reason to switch to a VoIP phone system.
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Want to find out more about Voice-Over-IP, then visit Spencer Stern's corporate site on how to choose the best VoIP Phone Systems for your needs.