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Understanding VoIP
Monday, May 15, 2006
Big Business has discovered voip. In fact, Integrated Research's 2005 IP Telephony survey showed 78% of large companies have turned to voip for their telecommunication needs. Consumers, on the other hand, have been much more reluctant to make the switch. Why? Lack of information, questions about new technology, and fear of the unknown are all likely factors, or, maybe it's simply their lack of an in-house tech guru.
If you don't understand the terminology, it's hard to see why you need to invest in a new technology. For the next couple of days, we're going to explore some of the key features of voice over internet protocol.
Enhanced 911 (E911) allows 911 operators to identify the caller's name, the location they are calling from, and their callback number. Since your voip internet phone number is attached to an adapter, instead of your house, this information isn't always automatically available. Additionally, your call may not go to the nearest emergency call center. E911 ensures emergency personnel will have automatic access to this critical information and that your call goes to the right center. All voip providers have to offer this service, however some may charge you an extra fee.
Number Portability for voip lets you keep your old phone number when you switch from one provider to another. Even if you're moving from a traditional phone service to voip. voip providers can tell you if your number is eligible.
SoftPhone is a software program that lets you use your PC or laptop as if it were a regular phone. You'll use a headset connected to the computer to make and receive calls or check your messages. USB phones can also be used.
Anonymous Call Rejection lets you eat your dinner in peace. Callers, like telemarketers, who have blocked their Caller ID information from being displayed will hear a recorded message that you don't accept calls when the caller's identity is blocked. You can make exceptions for your friends who are not telemarketers.
Do Not Disturb turns your ringer off and sends calls directly to voicemail. You can have your phone alert you to incoming calls with a micro ring using the Ring Reminder feature.
Next week we'll talk some more about voip's features and then get into comparing providers. See you on Monday!
p.s. Don't forget to check out the How VOIP Works!
