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.
The Session Initiation Protocol (or SIP for short) is the basis for a true VoIP solution since it plays well with others. With the wide choice of open source clients available, users don't have to both have to work with closed source clients in order to connect with each other.
In the spirit of the open source movement, VoIP connection and call costs based on SIP are far less to the end user than closed source or proprietary protocols. Furthermore, the end user has flexibility in choosing the ways they wish to make and receive calls either with software phones or actual SIP compatible handsets.
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.
To transmit digital information over the IP network provider, analogue voice signals are converted into data packets. This opens up several benefits to using VoIP phone systems like the ability to do 3-way and conference calls, plus extremely cheaper international calls.
VoIP can be set up in a number of ways. You can use a software-based phone or a hardware IP phone that plugs straight into your broadband connection or local area network. A soft-phone represents the cheapest way to get connection and requires appropriate computer hardware in place which in order to work relies on everything being turned on. Alternatively, an IP phone can be connected to your Internet connection at all times removing the need for a computer although can incur more cost and take longer to set up.
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.
The Session Initiation Protocol (or SIP for short) is the basis for a true VoIP solution since it plays well with others. With the wide choice of open source clients available, users don't have to both have to work with closed source clients in order to connect with each other.
In the spirit of the open source movement, VoIP connection and call costs based on SIP are far less to the end user than closed source or proprietary protocols. Furthermore, the end user has flexibility in choosing the ways they wish to make and receive calls either with software phones or actual SIP compatible handsets.
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.
To transmit digital information over the IP network provider, analogue voice signals are converted into data packets. This opens up several benefits to using VoIP phone systems like the ability to do 3-way and conference calls, plus extremely cheaper international calls.
VoIP can be set up in a number of ways. You can use a software-based phone or a hardware IP phone that plugs straight into your broadband connection or local area network. A soft-phone represents the cheapest way to get connection and requires appropriate computer hardware in place which in order to work relies on everything being turned on. Alternatively, an IP phone can be connected to your Internet connection at all times removing the need for a computer although can incur more cost and take longer to set up.
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.
About the Author:
Learn more about Voice-Over-IP. Stop by Spencer Stern's corporate site where you can find out all about VoIP Phone Systems and what it can do for you.. Also published at Unanswered Questions Into VoIP Phone Systems Revealed.
No comments:
Post a Comment