Broadly speaking, VoIP systems are of two types. You install soft phone (a piece of software) that runs on your PC. You speak with the aid of a microp...
Broadly speaking,
VoIP systems are of two types. You install soft phone (a piece of software) that runs on your PC. You speak with the aid of a microphone attached to your computer and listen to the other party through headphones /computer speakers.
The second type of VoIP largely resembles the conventional system that you are already accustomed to. Here, you can use a standard telephone, or a special phone known as IP phone. Either one is hooked up to your broadband connection.
A VoIP facility can be implemented in several ways:
1.Dedicated VoIP phones that connect directly to the IP network using wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi. They are patterned after the traditional digital business telephones.
2.An analog telephone adapter will connect to the network and implement the electronics and firmware to activate a traditional analog telephone attached through a modular phone jack.
3.A soft phone is application software installed on a networked computer that is fitted with a microphone/speaker or a headset. There is a dial pad and display field to the user to operate the application either through mouse clicks or keyboard.
There is a variety soft phone available and most of them are offered as freeware to customers. But the limitation is the freeware versions of soft p-hone will let you to communicate only with those who have the same software on their computers.
You select the person you want to communicate with from a drop-down list on your computer screen or you enter the IP number of their computer. Even assuming you opt to use a freeware soft phone, you will still require a reliable broadband connection.
Of course, some soft phones have the provision to call other recipients on their regular phones but this is invariably a chargeable system and you pay by the minute. If you are using a soft phone with your computer, you may use a special VoIP headset for better voice quality instead of your computer's speakers /microphone.
The PC-based soft phone is simple to use and you require no extra hardware. The interface is simplistic and resembles a telephone keypad on your computer screen.
For a business organization, you can avail of a VoIP system for your entire communication needs. In fact, most VoIP service providers are targeting small and midsize businesses with attractive plans because larger corporations may choose an IP PBX.
Though VoIP can be an excellent tool for communication as also to reduce mounting phone bills, it may not be right for every business. Here are a few factors you should ponder over before opting for VoIP:
1.Check if your organization regularly makes long distance phone calls.
2.Find out if your present ISP has provision for a VoIP as not all ISPs offer it yet.
3.Ascertain the cost of VoIP offered by your ISP which should include any hidden costs such as hardware, networking, training and tech support.
4.Is your small/midsize business already on a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) which enables setting up VoIP and reduces the initial set-up charges?
