SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol)
Talk
is Cheap with VoIP
by Jeff Cohen
You
can talk for cheap with VoIP. VoIP stands for Voice over
Internet Protocol, and this technology is making waves and
changing the face of telephony. The first major area undergoing
a makeover is price. With VoIP, talk is cheap! VoIP
is the technology of taking audio and transmitting it as
data over the Internet. This is known as Packet
Switching networks. This is in contrast to Circuit Switching-
the network used by standard telephones. Basically, Packet
switching is cheaper than Circuit switching. If you want
to talk cheap, then VoIP is your answer.
When
VoIP first surfaced during the middle part of the 90’s,
there were many companies that offered free VoIP services
over the Internet. Today, many of those companies
are no longer 100% free, but charge a small monthly fee.
However, there is still a form of VoIP that is not only
cheap but also absolutely, unequivocally free. This is
Instant Messaging. Many Instant Messaging programs are
now combining VoIP for free. This allows Pc-to-Pc calls.
Instant Messaging calls also allow for conferencing, so
you don’t have to limit your conversation to two people.
Some of the most popular free Instant Messaging programs
that allow free VoIP Pc to Pc calls include: Skype, Yahoo,
AOL, MSN, ICQ, I Connect Here, Glo Phone, Buddy Talk, and
Babble.
These
programs are an excellent way to talk with friends and
family members for no cost whatsoever. Even downloading
and installing the programs are free. Now that VoIP is
gaining in popularity, we can expect to see many more users
joining our buddy lists. All that is required to use Pc
to PC Instant Messaging is the program, speakers, a microphone,
and of course, your buddy. While it doesn’t seem that many
Pc to Phone services are going to come back and offer free
services, you can always utilize Pc-to-Pc instant messengers.
They allow users to call worldwide and have no limits on
talk time.
Not
only is Pc-to-Pc instant messaging cheap, but many
residential customers are discovering that VoIP main services
cost considerably less then standard telephone services. Most
companies offer unlimited free long distance when you choose
the unlimited monthly plan for your service. International
rates are also extremely cheap. It is important to do your
homework and browse various plans before selecting the option
that is right for you.
Another
cost effective reason people prefer VoIP is that many
of the calling features often provided for a fee with Circuit
switched networks are provide free of charge with VoIP services. These
include Voice mail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding,
and *69. You will need to check with your VoIP service provider
for an exact listing of features available with your selected
plan.
Businesses are
also discovering that talk is cheap with VoIP. Not only are
the business services cheap, but the cost of wiring an office
or complete building compared to VoIP integrated services
is much higher.
For
Call Centers, VoIP is a much more cost-effective
choice. Many call centers are choosing to outsource their
work to employees overseas. VoIP can make this a reality.
By creating a virtual call center, employees can be based
anywhere, worldwide, and still be connected to the main
center. Home employees also benefit from the virtual call
center. Customer service representatives also appreciate
the software packages that are made possible with VoIP.
Interactive Voice response and Desktop Computer telephony
applications are greatly enhanced by VoIP. Customers can
have their needs met in real time transactions. Also, call
transfers can be made much more efficiently, increasing
customer satisfaction and overall company productivity.
Overall, VoIP provides tremendous savings for employers.
Mobile
employees also benefit from the cost efficiency and flexibility
provided by VoIP. For employees who travel a lot,
work out of mobile offices, or in sales, cell phone charges
can be very expensive. Especially if they move out of their
network range and are hit with roaming charges. By using
VoIP, mobile employees can stay plugged in to their head
offices, but they will always have a phone, wherever they
have a high speed Internet connection. This means if they
are staying in a hotel, all they have to do is connect
their telephony adapter to their modem and telephone, and
they will instantly have their phone working. This avoids
all roaming charges and increases productivity.
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