What is a SIP trunk?
A SIP trunk uses new or existing broadband Internet connectivity as a supplement or replacement for traditional telephone company circuits connecting business telephone systems to the outside world.
Labels: SIP trunk
Linksys LVS 9000
Linksys offers an IP telephony solution called the Linksys Voice System 9000 (LVS 9000). It includes an IP PBX/Key system, a wide range of IP desktop phones, an Analog Gateway for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network and a selection of authorized Internet Telephone Service Provider (ITSP) offerings for the small business to choose from. Used together with an ITSP voice service, the LVS 9000 provides a complete IP telephony system for small businesses with up to 16 users.
Broadband - Swithcing to VoIP
For years we’ve relied on the telephone in order to keep in contact with one another, which is particularly useful for those with family in other countries or serving in the forces.
Now as technology moves on, so does our method of communicating with each other. Now the trend of communication appears to be switching to the online world, with handsets slowly being phased out by headsets and microphones.
With more of us now having access to cheap broadband technology many are now choosing to make the switch to using Voice Over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) in order to make calls.
The process seems simple enough; check your connection (and perform a broadband speed test) then download and install one of the many VoIP clients out there.
All that’s left to do then is decide on the price plan that suits you, connect to the service, slip the headset on and chat away to your heart’s content.
Many of these programs allow users to call each others’ computers through their usernames for free, but for a small fee you can call landlines and mobile phones.
Broadband connections are now widely available across the UK (and indeed the world) – and with many companies now investing in ultra-fast fiber optic technology to replace the existing copper wire system, the possibilities for communication over the Internet are endless.
VoIP technology can be particularly useful if you decide to combine your usage with that of your mobile phone. Many now choose to phone landlines through VoIP technology and make use of the free minutes on their mobile phones to call others.
Businesses too are making use of VoIP technology to conduct meetings – utilising webcams in order to conduct meetings whilst still keeping the element of face-to-face communication. Many are finding this method extremely beneficial, particularly those who have departments in other countries.
Rate this Article: Article Tags: Broadband, Cheap Broadband, Broadband Speed Test
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/voip-articles/broadband-switching-to-voip-407586.html Author: David Collins
Now as technology moves on, so does our method of communicating with each other. Now the trend of communication appears to be switching to the online world, with handsets slowly being phased out by headsets and microphones.
With more of us now having access to cheap broadband technology many are now choosing to make the switch to using Voice Over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) in order to make calls.
The process seems simple enough; check your connection (and perform a broadband speed test) then download and install one of the many VoIP clients out there.
All that’s left to do then is decide on the price plan that suits you, connect to the service, slip the headset on and chat away to your heart’s content.
Many of these programs allow users to call each others’ computers through their usernames for free, but for a small fee you can call landlines and mobile phones.
Broadband connections are now widely available across the UK (and indeed the world) – and with many companies now investing in ultra-fast fiber optic technology to replace the existing copper wire system, the possibilities for communication over the Internet are endless.
VoIP technology can be particularly useful if you decide to combine your usage with that of your mobile phone. Many now choose to phone landlines through VoIP technology and make use of the free minutes on their mobile phones to call others.
Businesses too are making use of VoIP technology to conduct meetings – utilising webcams in order to conduct meetings whilst still keeping the element of face-to-face communication. Many are finding this method extremely beneficial, particularly those who have departments in other countries.
Rate this Article: Article Tags: Broadband, Cheap Broadband, Broadband Speed Test
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/voip-articles/broadband-switching-to-voip-407586.html Author: David Collins
Business VoIP: Friend or Foe?
Author: Kirrily Dear
With the emergence of business grade, open source VoIP, business telephony is moving to an entirely new level. We interviewed Maria Padisetti from Digital Armour to find out if this emerging technology is a friend or foe for business owner - operators.
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is basically making telephone calls over the internet. ‘Personal’ VoIP tools such as Skype and Engin are common features on desktops these days. They can save time and money. However, with the emergence of business grade, open source VoIP, business telephony is moving to an entirely new level. Telephony is no longer just about making telephone calls it can now become one of the most powerful systems in your business.
Business Grade VoIP
Business grade VoIP looks like a typical PABX but with a lot more features that can make a difference to your business. If your existing PABX is performing well then VoIP can be a simple add-on. It can also be used to fully replace an aging PABX.
Is VoIP the SME’s friend or foe. We interviewed Maria Padisetti from Digital Armour (www.digitalarmour.com.au) to find out.
1. What sort of businesses should be considering business grade VoIP?
Any SME that wants to save money on call costs. Small businesses typically can’t command discounts from telco’s like the larger players can. This is an opportunity to level the playing field. Also it’s an entry level option for those businesses that can’t afford a traditional PABX but want the benefits.
If the business has mobile staff, or if they want to give their people the opportunity to work from home, then this can simplify that process. You don’t have to worry about reimbursing call costs and it is cheaper between locations. It can also significantly reduce landline rental costs. Usually you can drop 40% of your landlines.
Professional services firms will see added benefits because they can get very accurate records of calls for time billing purposes.
2. How big does your business need to be to make it pay?
The smallest company where we have installed business grade VoIP has 6 people. The key benefit they’ve received have been getting the features of an expensive PABX at a fraction of the cost and it has enabled them to project an image of a much larger company.
The biggest ROI we’ve seen so far has been for companies with 25 – 50 people. One client got rid of everything to do with their traditional PABX and moved to VoIP. For an investment of around $9000 they will see service and equipment cost reductions of $46000 over the next 3 years and call costs are down 20%. There have been substantial productivity gains on top of that.
VoIP can be run on a PC so you don’t have to invest in telephones and other hardware. You also get rid of the maintenance costs of those systems. Most support can be delivered remotely so there are very few, if any, call out charges.
Companies less likely to see benefits are micro businesses (say 2 staff) that operate out of a single location with low call volume.
3. What are the key features a buyer should look out for?
To see productivity gains the “must have” features are:
Retrieve and process voicemail
Remote user capability
Ability to send voicemail to email
Automated call handling
Automated receptionist to back up the ‘live’ reception
The “nice to have” features that are also available:
Send and receive faxes
‘Click to dial’ from MS Outlook
Incoming screen pop up with caller information
Instant messenger
Presence (interface showing availability of staff)
4. What are some of the main brands?
Cisco and Avaya are 2 key brands that are primarily targeted at large corporations (www.cisco.com and www.avaya.com). As a ballpark you might be looking at around $120K for 60 users.
Zultys (www.zultys.com) is priced and designed specifically for the SME market. They’ve won a lot of awards. They are the only system that is “Open Standard” which means you’re not tied into buying their hardware with their systems. It’s a simple system so it’s easy to roll out. It’s very user-friendly.
Asterisk (www.asterisk.org) is the cheapest business grade option as it is “open source” software. That means you don’t pay for the software but there are costs associated with the installation, hardware and support. It is also very user friendly and it enables the customer to do a lot of the day-to-day administration on their own without consulting support.
5. What are some of the traps?
Ensure that all the IP PABX features are all ‘switched on’ as part of your initial package. Some companies charge you for the basic system which looks relatively cheap compared to others but the features you want are switched off. They then charge license fees to switch on other features, which causes a cost blowout and locks you into a long term contract.
Beware of the “free” IP PABX offer. They give the system to you for free and then lock you into a long term contract with inflated call costs. A PABX typically costs $5 - 10K so you have question why they’re giving it away for free.
6. What's the process of VoIP installation?
Find 2-3 local suppliers that can show you reference sites.
When looking at their reference sites ask the customers their experiences with aspects such as cut-over (when you switch from one system to the other) and after installation support.
Get the supplier to assess your needs and deliver a quotation on purchase, installation and ongoing support. Make sure they fully list what features are included.
Installation can take as little as 1 day and most are installed in under 1 week. Question lengthy installation timelines.
7. How much can I expect to pay?
Using Asterisk you can get a 10 user system installed typically for under $10K. If you already have IP handsets or want to operate over your PC’s then the cost will come down considerably.
8. Any final tips?
People shouldn’t be afraid of VoIP technology any more. It’s come a long way. There are a lot of very large corporations operating on VoIP but you just don’t realise it. For instance, Amazon.com uses Zultys. So it might be worth a re-look if you’ve considered it in the past.
About Digital Armour
Digital Armour (www.digitalarmour.com.au) is a full service IT & T provider in Sydney. Please feel free to call Maria Padisetti on 02 9420 0961 if you would like further information about business grade VoIP or have any other IT requirements.
About Author
Kirrily Dear is the Development Director of Eyes Wide Open ( http://www.eyeswideopen.com.au ) a company providing management consulting services to small and medium businesses. EWO's free monthly e-newslettter is packed with helpful tips for business owner-operators.
Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-kirrily-dear-1202.html
With the emergence of business grade, open source VoIP, business telephony is moving to an entirely new level. We interviewed Maria Padisetti from Digital Armour to find out if this emerging technology is a friend or foe for business owner - operators.
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is basically making telephone calls over the internet. ‘Personal’ VoIP tools such as Skype and Engin are common features on desktops these days. They can save time and money. However, with the emergence of business grade, open source VoIP, business telephony is moving to an entirely new level. Telephony is no longer just about making telephone calls it can now become one of the most powerful systems in your business.
Business Grade VoIP
Business grade VoIP looks like a typical PABX but with a lot more features that can make a difference to your business. If your existing PABX is performing well then VoIP can be a simple add-on. It can also be used to fully replace an aging PABX.
Is VoIP the SME’s friend or foe. We interviewed Maria Padisetti from Digital Armour (www.digitalarmour.com.au) to find out.
1. What sort of businesses should be considering business grade VoIP?
Any SME that wants to save money on call costs. Small businesses typically can’t command discounts from telco’s like the larger players can. This is an opportunity to level the playing field. Also it’s an entry level option for those businesses that can’t afford a traditional PABX but want the benefits.
If the business has mobile staff, or if they want to give their people the opportunity to work from home, then this can simplify that process. You don’t have to worry about reimbursing call costs and it is cheaper between locations. It can also significantly reduce landline rental costs. Usually you can drop 40% of your landlines.
Professional services firms will see added benefits because they can get very accurate records of calls for time billing purposes.
2. How big does your business need to be to make it pay?
The smallest company where we have installed business grade VoIP has 6 people. The key benefit they’ve received have been getting the features of an expensive PABX at a fraction of the cost and it has enabled them to project an image of a much larger company.
The biggest ROI we’ve seen so far has been for companies with 25 – 50 people. One client got rid of everything to do with their traditional PABX and moved to VoIP. For an investment of around $9000 they will see service and equipment cost reductions of $46000 over the next 3 years and call costs are down 20%. There have been substantial productivity gains on top of that.
VoIP can be run on a PC so you don’t have to invest in telephones and other hardware. You also get rid of the maintenance costs of those systems. Most support can be delivered remotely so there are very few, if any, call out charges.
Companies less likely to see benefits are micro businesses (say 2 staff) that operate out of a single location with low call volume.
3. What are the key features a buyer should look out for?
To see productivity gains the “must have” features are:
Retrieve and process voicemail
Remote user capability
Ability to send voicemail to email
Automated call handling
Automated receptionist to back up the ‘live’ reception
The “nice to have” features that are also available:
Send and receive faxes
‘Click to dial’ from MS Outlook
Incoming screen pop up with caller information
Instant messenger
Presence (interface showing availability of staff)
4. What are some of the main brands?
Cisco and Avaya are 2 key brands that are primarily targeted at large corporations (www.cisco.com and www.avaya.com). As a ballpark you might be looking at around $120K for 60 users.
Zultys (www.zultys.com) is priced and designed specifically for the SME market. They’ve won a lot of awards. They are the only system that is “Open Standard” which means you’re not tied into buying their hardware with their systems. It’s a simple system so it’s easy to roll out. It’s very user-friendly.
Asterisk (www.asterisk.org) is the cheapest business grade option as it is “open source” software. That means you don’t pay for the software but there are costs associated with the installation, hardware and support. It is also very user friendly and it enables the customer to do a lot of the day-to-day administration on their own without consulting support.
5. What are some of the traps?
Ensure that all the IP PABX features are all ‘switched on’ as part of your initial package. Some companies charge you for the basic system which looks relatively cheap compared to others but the features you want are switched off. They then charge license fees to switch on other features, which causes a cost blowout and locks you into a long term contract.
Beware of the “free” IP PABX offer. They give the system to you for free and then lock you into a long term contract with inflated call costs. A PABX typically costs $5 - 10K so you have question why they’re giving it away for free.
6. What's the process of VoIP installation?
Find 2-3 local suppliers that can show you reference sites.
When looking at their reference sites ask the customers their experiences with aspects such as cut-over (when you switch from one system to the other) and after installation support.
Get the supplier to assess your needs and deliver a quotation on purchase, installation and ongoing support. Make sure they fully list what features are included.
Installation can take as little as 1 day and most are installed in under 1 week. Question lengthy installation timelines.
7. How much can I expect to pay?
Using Asterisk you can get a 10 user system installed typically for under $10K. If you already have IP handsets or want to operate over your PC’s then the cost will come down considerably.
8. Any final tips?
People shouldn’t be afraid of VoIP technology any more. It’s come a long way. There are a lot of very large corporations operating on VoIP but you just don’t realise it. For instance, Amazon.com uses Zultys. So it might be worth a re-look if you’ve considered it in the past.
About Digital Armour
Digital Armour (www.digitalarmour.com.au) is a full service IT & T provider in Sydney. Please feel free to call Maria Padisetti on 02 9420 0961 if you would like further information about business grade VoIP or have any other IT requirements.
About Author
Kirrily Dear is the Development Director of Eyes Wide Open ( http://www.eyeswideopen.com.au ) a company providing management consulting services to small and medium businesses. EWO's free monthly e-newslettter is packed with helpful tips for business owner-operators.
Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-kirrily-dear-1202.html
How Secure is Your VoIP Network?
Voice over IP telephone services are revolutionising how the world communicates, individuals, and businesses are embracing the capabilities and harnessing the power of the internet. Despite voice over IP being a great technological breakthrough, security is still a major concern, yet with the proper precautions it should not have to be.
Most users implementing VOIP these days are primarily concerned about voice quality, latency and interoperability. However we shouldn't overlook the security risks that can crop up when the voice and data worlds converge, users and analysts say.
With voice over IP, voice traffic is carried over a packet-switched data network via Internet Protocol. VOIP networks treat voice as another form of data but use sophisticated voice-compression algorithms to ensure optimal bandwidth utilization. As a result, VOIP networks are able to carry many more voice calls than traditional switched circuit networks. Voice over IP also enables enhanced services such as unified communications.
Securing voice traffic on such networks isn't very different from securing any data traffic on an IP network. In a VOIP world, private branch exchanges are replaced by server-based IP PBXs running on Windows NT or a vendor's proprietary operating system. Such call management boxes, which are used both for serving up VOIP services and for logging call information, are susceptible to virus attacks and hackers. Break-ins of these servers could result in the loss or compromise of potentially sensitive data.
Consequently, it's important that such equipment is properly locked down, placed behind firewalls, patched against vulnerabilities and frequently monitored using intrusion-detection systems.
The University of Houston went one step further and made sure that its call manager and its entire VOIP network aren't directly accessible from the Internet. The school has put its IP PBXs in a different domain than its other servers and has limited administration access to the servers.
VOIP gateway technologies are also a potential weak point. When VOIP is used externally, gateway technologies convert data packets from the IP network into voice before sending them over a public switched telephone network. When VOIP is used internally, the gateways basically route packetised voice data between the source and the destination.
The concern here is that such gateways can be hacked into by malicious attackers in order to make free telephone calls. The trick to protecting against this lies in having strict access-control lists and making sure the gateway is configured in such a fashion that only the people on this list are permitted to make and receive VOIP calls.
As with traditional telephony, eavesdropping is a concern for organizations using VOIP-and the consequences can be greater. Because voice travels in packets over the data network, hackers can use data-sniffing and other hacking tools to identify, modify, store and play back voice traffic traversing the network.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that securing a VOIP infrastructure involves nothing that is drastically different from the measures corporations have always taken to protect their data. To sum up, There are a few simple things any corporation can take to protect their VOIP network, firstly separating and isolating voice traffic onto a virtual LAN is one way of mitigating the risk, of unauthorised access. Secondly using access lists that define exactly who is entitled to access the network will stamp out external threats. Finally using encryption, as you should with any sensitive data, adds another layer to your secure communication.
Charlie Newman writes on behalf of G3 telecommunications http://www.g3-tel.com/ Find out about enterprise & business VOIP solutions http://www.g3-tel.com/technology/ip-telephony/document-30-18.php & IP telephone systems at G3 Telecommunications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Newman
Most users implementing VOIP these days are primarily concerned about voice quality, latency and interoperability. However we shouldn't overlook the security risks that can crop up when the voice and data worlds converge, users and analysts say.
With voice over IP, voice traffic is carried over a packet-switched data network via Internet Protocol. VOIP networks treat voice as another form of data but use sophisticated voice-compression algorithms to ensure optimal bandwidth utilization. As a result, VOIP networks are able to carry many more voice calls than traditional switched circuit networks. Voice over IP also enables enhanced services such as unified communications.
Securing voice traffic on such networks isn't very different from securing any data traffic on an IP network. In a VOIP world, private branch exchanges are replaced by server-based IP PBXs running on Windows NT or a vendor's proprietary operating system. Such call management boxes, which are used both for serving up VOIP services and for logging call information, are susceptible to virus attacks and hackers. Break-ins of these servers could result in the loss or compromise of potentially sensitive data.
Consequently, it's important that such equipment is properly locked down, placed behind firewalls, patched against vulnerabilities and frequently monitored using intrusion-detection systems.
The University of Houston went one step further and made sure that its call manager and its entire VOIP network aren't directly accessible from the Internet. The school has put its IP PBXs in a different domain than its other servers and has limited administration access to the servers.
VOIP gateway technologies are also a potential weak point. When VOIP is used externally, gateway technologies convert data packets from the IP network into voice before sending them over a public switched telephone network. When VOIP is used internally, the gateways basically route packetised voice data between the source and the destination.
The concern here is that such gateways can be hacked into by malicious attackers in order to make free telephone calls. The trick to protecting against this lies in having strict access-control lists and making sure the gateway is configured in such a fashion that only the people on this list are permitted to make and receive VOIP calls.
As with traditional telephony, eavesdropping is a concern for organizations using VOIP-and the consequences can be greater. Because voice travels in packets over the data network, hackers can use data-sniffing and other hacking tools to identify, modify, store and play back voice traffic traversing the network.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that securing a VOIP infrastructure involves nothing that is drastically different from the measures corporations have always taken to protect their data. To sum up, There are a few simple things any corporation can take to protect their VOIP network, firstly separating and isolating voice traffic onto a virtual LAN is one way of mitigating the risk, of unauthorised access. Secondly using access lists that define exactly who is entitled to access the network will stamp out external threats. Finally using encryption, as you should with any sensitive data, adds another layer to your secure communication.
Charlie Newman writes on behalf of G3 telecommunications http://www.g3-tel.com/ Find out about enterprise & business VOIP solutions http://www.g3-tel.com/technology/ip-telephony/document-30-18.php & IP telephone systems at G3 Telecommunications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Newman
Hosted PBX
Packet8's Virtual Office VoIP Hosted PBX phone service provides small to medium sized businesses with a cost-effective, feature-rich alternative to traditional business phone systems.
Virtual Office can replace the need for PBXs for companies located in the same building or in regional offices spread across the globe. In addition to enterprise-class PBX functionality, Virtual Office service plans offer unlimited local and long distance calling and unlimited extension dialing, regardless of location, for a flat monthly rate.
Each Virtual Office extension includes a powerful suite of features, often reserved for high-end, premises-based PBX systems, that can be easily administered through the Web, by phone, from voicemail prompts, or by calling 8x8. These features include: auto-attendant, ring groups, business-class voice-mail, direct dial number, conference bridge, toll-free extension to extension calling worldwide, and much more.
Packet8 can handle the entire system configuration as well as provide user and password access to the Packet8 Web-based online portal, enabling complete self-service system and extension controls for the user 24/7.
Virtual Office can replace the need for PBXs for companies located in the same building or in regional offices spread across the globe. In addition to enterprise-class PBX functionality, Virtual Office service plans offer unlimited local and long distance calling and unlimited extension dialing, regardless of location, for a flat monthly rate.
Each Virtual Office extension includes a powerful suite of features, often reserved for high-end, premises-based PBX systems, that can be easily administered through the Web, by phone, from voicemail prompts, or by calling 8x8. These features include: auto-attendant, ring groups, business-class voice-mail, direct dial number, conference bridge, toll-free extension to extension calling worldwide, and much more.
Packet8 can handle the entire system configuration as well as provide user and password access to the Packet8 Web-based online portal, enabling complete self-service system and extension controls for the user 24/7.
What is Asterisk?
Asterisk is a complete PBX in software. It runs on Linux, BSD and MacOSX and provides all of the features you would expect from a PBX and more. Asterisk does voice over IP in many protocols, and can interoperate with almost all standards-based telephony equipment using relatively inexpensive hardware.
Asterisk provides Voicemail services with Directory, Call Conferencing, Interactive Voice Response and Call Queuing. It has support for three-way calling, caller ID services, ADSI, SIP and H.323 (as both client and gateway). Check the Features section for a more complete list.
Asterisk needs no additional hardware for Voice over IP. For interconnection with digital and analog telephony equipment, Asterisk supports a number of hardware devices, most notably all of the hardware manufactured by Asterisk's sponsors, Digium™. Digium has single and quad span T1 and E1 interfaces for interconnection to PRI lines and channel banks as well as a single port FXO card and a one to four-port modular FXS and FXO card.Also supported are the Internet Line Jack and Internet Phone Jack products from Quicknet.
Asterisk supports a wide range of TDM protocols for the handling and transmission of voice over traditional telephony interfaces. Asterisk supports US and European standard signalling types used in standard business phone systems, allowing it to bridge between next generation voice-data integrated networks and existing infrastructure. Asterisk not only supports traditional phone equipment, it enhances them with additional capabilities.
Using the Inter-Asterisk eXchange (IAX™) Voice over IP protocol, Asterisk merges voice and data traffic seamlessly across disparate networks. While using Packet Voice, it is possible to send data such as URL information and images in-line with voice traffic, allowing advanced integration of information.
Asterisk provides a central switching core, with four APIs for modular loading of telephony applications, hardware interfaces, file format handling, and codecs. It allows for transparent switching between all supported interfaces, allowing it to tie together a diverse mixture of telephony systems into a single switching network.
Asterisk provides Voicemail services with Directory, Call Conferencing, Interactive Voice Response and Call Queuing. It has support for three-way calling, caller ID services, ADSI, SIP and H.323 (as both client and gateway). Check the Features section for a more complete list.
Asterisk needs no additional hardware for Voice over IP. For interconnection with digital and analog telephony equipment, Asterisk supports a number of hardware devices, most notably all of the hardware manufactured by Asterisk's sponsors, Digium™. Digium has single and quad span T1 and E1 interfaces for interconnection to PRI lines and channel banks as well as a single port FXO card and a one to four-port modular FXS and FXO card.Also supported are the Internet Line Jack and Internet Phone Jack products from Quicknet.
Asterisk supports a wide range of TDM protocols for the handling and transmission of voice over traditional telephony interfaces. Asterisk supports US and European standard signalling types used in standard business phone systems, allowing it to bridge between next generation voice-data integrated networks and existing infrastructure. Asterisk not only supports traditional phone equipment, it enhances them with additional capabilities.
Using the Inter-Asterisk eXchange (IAX™) Voice over IP protocol, Asterisk merges voice and data traffic seamlessly across disparate networks. While using Packet Voice, it is possible to send data such as URL information and images in-line with voice traffic, allowing advanced integration of information.
Asterisk provides a central switching core, with four APIs for modular loading of telephony applications, hardware interfaces, file format handling, and codecs. It allows for transparent switching between all supported interfaces, allowing it to tie together a diverse mixture of telephony systems into a single switching network.
Saving $700,000 with a VoIP Overhaul
When Robert Fort took charge of information technology at Virgin Entertainment Group in North America, he was dazzled by the company's array of music, movies, and games -- and the hip in-store kiosks customers could use to sample the wares.
What he found decidedly less dazzling: the communications system that connected those stores.
It was expensive, cumbersome, and couldn't deliver sample content to would-be buyers. So last year Fort made a radical move. He scrapped the old phone network altogether, and, with the help of SBC Communications (now AT&T) and Cisco Systems, he moved the voice traffic from the fifteen U.S. Virgin Megastores onto the company's data network.
Read the rest...
What he found decidedly less dazzling: the communications system that connected those stores.
It was expensive, cumbersome, and couldn't deliver sample content to would-be buyers. So last year Fort made a radical move. He scrapped the old phone network altogether, and, with the help of SBC Communications (now AT&T) and Cisco Systems, he moved the voice traffic from the fifteen U.S. Virgin Megastores onto the company's data network.
Read the rest...
Hosted IP PBX
When a business needs a new office phone system or to upgrade its current one, there are many options. Hosted IP PBX phone systems are becoming increasingly popular because they provide the latest in features, support, and flexibility, while cutting costs and freeing IT staff to focus on other tasks. A hosted PBX is an alternative to premise-based PBX or legacy key systems, delivering business-grade calling features and integrating multiple services over a single network connection.
Not only does a hosted service minimize costly hardware expenses, but it also takes most of the labor out of maintaining and upgrading a phone system. Some options also allow businesses to keep their existing phone systems which helps to reduce up-front capital investment, while provididng all the features businesses need to improve communications and enhance productivity.
Not only does a hosted service minimize costly hardware expenses, but it also takes most of the labor out of maintaining and upgrading a phone system. Some options also allow businesses to keep their existing phone systems which helps to reduce up-front capital investment, while provididng all the features businesses need to improve communications and enhance productivity.
IP PBX System for the SMB
The SPA9000 marries the rich feature set of high-end PBX telephone systems with the convenience and cost advantages of Voice over IP. It has common voice system features such as an auto-attendant, shared line appearances, three way call conferencing, intercom, music on hold, call-forwarding and much more. The SPA9000 opens up access to the benefits of VoIP, including low cost long distance service, telephone number portability, and one network for both voice and data. The SPA9000 is so easy to configure that a fully working system can be set up in minutes. New telephones are automatically detected and registered when they are connected to the SPA9000. The SPA9000 has an integrated web server that allow features to be configured using a web browser. The web server has multiple levels of password protected access to user and service level features. Service level settings may be locked by the Internet Telephone Service Provider to ensure they are not inadvertently corrupted. The Internet Telephone Service Provider also can remotely update the software and settings through a secure encrypted connection.
With its integrated router, the SPA9000 can be either connected directly to the internet connection or to another router on your network. The SPA9000 has separate WAN and LAN Ethernet ports. The WAN connection can be connect through DHCP or a fixed IP address. The LAN port can assign IP addresses to IP Phones and computers using NAT and DHCP.
While the SPA9000 will work with any SIP compatible IP Phone, it is the ideal host for Linksys IP Phones, such as the SPA901, SPA921, SPA922, SPA941, and SPA942. Powerful configuration capabilities enable the SPA9000 to support a greater set of advanced features with these IP Phones, such as shared line appearances, hunt groups, call transfer, call parking lot, and group paging. With its two FXS ports, the SPA9000 can support traditional analog devices such as telephones, answering machines, FAX machines, and media adapters.
The SPA9000 can support four (4) SIP compatible IP Phones, out-of-the-box. Up to sixteen (16) total IP Phones per SPA9000 can be supported with an easy to install license key upgrade.
T1 Internet Access
Is T1 Internet access right for your business? Depending on your needs T1 internet access could be the best option for your business. A T1 Internet connection is a dedicated, 'always on', very high-speed connection to the Internet. It’s the right choice for supporting many simultaneous users and/or applications and web-related activities that are considered mission-critical.
This high-performance service is designed especially for companies that rely on the Internet to conduct business. T1 Internet access enhances business productivity through the use of voice over IP, email, web access, web hosting, ftp file transfers, multimedia presentations, and videoconferencing. A T1 connection is perfect for small and medium sized businesses needing an Internet service provider for 15 to 50 internet users. They can also be used to efficiently link several offices to each other through a wide-area network.
For many businesses the biggest factor in their decision is reliability. If reliability is critical to the applications you run over your connection you should seriously consider replacing your DSL or cable Internet connection with a T1 Internet connection. DSL and cable internet are a quick and cost effective method of acquiring high speed bandwidth – but, they are not intended to support commercial applications or large numbers of users as are T1 connections.
In many business situations when the internet connection is lost revenue is lost. In today’s busy world businesses just cannot afford the risk of down time. A T1 Internet connection is backed by a Service Level Agreement that specifies performance metrics and remedies if those measures are not met. If your connection to the Internet is mission-critical, then a T1 Internet connection is the preferred solution.
This high-performance service is designed especially for companies that rely on the Internet to conduct business. T1 Internet access enhances business productivity through the use of voice over IP, email, web access, web hosting, ftp file transfers, multimedia presentations, and videoconferencing. A T1 connection is perfect for small and medium sized businesses needing an Internet service provider for 15 to 50 internet users. They can also be used to efficiently link several offices to each other through a wide-area network.
For many businesses the biggest factor in their decision is reliability. If reliability is critical to the applications you run over your connection you should seriously consider replacing your DSL or cable Internet connection with a T1 Internet connection. DSL and cable internet are a quick and cost effective method of acquiring high speed bandwidth – but, they are not intended to support commercial applications or large numbers of users as are T1 connections.
In many business situations when the internet connection is lost revenue is lost. In today’s busy world businesses just cannot afford the risk of down time. A T1 Internet connection is backed by a Service Level Agreement that specifies performance metrics and remedies if those measures are not met. If your connection to the Internet is mission-critical, then a T1 Internet connection is the preferred solution.
VoIP Terminal Adapters
VoIP in the home uses existing high-speed (broadband) Internet connections to allow users to make and receive phone calls. The most basic configuration for enabling VoIP service in the home involves a small device called a Terminal Adapter. This device allows a standard corded or cordless telephone to make and receive calls over the Internet. The Terminal Adapter connects the standard home phone to a broadband modem and converts the standard telephony signals required by the phone to data signals for the Internet and vice versa. This can result in significant cost savings to both the voice service provider and the consumer. Most terminal adapters provide a single RJ-11 interface for the home phone and a single Ethernet port for the broadband modem.
VoIP - What it is
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.
What's the difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.
VoIP Pros
Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
With many VoIP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.
You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business.
VoIP Cons
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
- Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.
- Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see www.voip911.gov.
- VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
Polycom Launches Skype Speakerphone
By PETER SVENSSON, AP Technology Writer Mon May 1, 5:35 PM ET
NEW YORK - In a sign of Skype's ambitions to extend its reach into the workplace, Polycom Inc., the largest U.S. maker of audioconferencing speakerphones, launched on Monday its first product designed for use with the popular Internet telephone service.
Unlike Polycom's iconic three-pronged phones found in conference rooms, its Communicator speakerphone is designed for individual use. It connects to a PC via a USB cable. Pressing a button on the $129.99 gadget launches Skype on the computer, where the call is set up.
Robert Hagerty, Polycom's chief executive, said Communicator's speaker and stereo microphone are intended to take advantage of Skype's audio quality, which — barring network interruptions — is superior to that of the traditional phone system.
Luxembourg-based Skype, which allows its users to call each other for free anywhere in the world, is a subsidiary of Internet auction site eBay Inc. Last week, Skype reported that it has signed up 100 million users, nearly twice the number it had when bought by eBay in September.
Henry Gomez, Skype's general manager for North America, said 30 percent of Skypers use the application mainly for work.
"These are mom-and-pops who are trying to control their calling costs," Gomez said. He said small businesses would make up most of business Skype users for the next several years, though divisions at larger companies are experimenting with the service.
The company has no marketing budget for reaching businesses, meaning it relies on word of mouth and partnerships with hardware manufacturers like Polycom to draw the attention of such users. It did recently launch a Web site for business customers, providing some basic tools to help them manage expenditures.
Skype's parent, eBay, is home to tens of thousands of small businesses, but it has yet not integrated Skype service into the U.S. site. Gomez said the company is talking to eBay buyers and sellers to figure out how to approach integration, which should happen in a matter of months.
Skype has already been integrated into eBay's Chinese site. Potential buyers can click on a link to initiate a call to the seller, for instance.
"In China, e-mail is not as popular, and voice is how you do things," Gomez said.
NEW YORK - In a sign of Skype's ambitions to extend its reach into the workplace, Polycom Inc., the largest U.S. maker of audioconferencing speakerphones, launched on Monday its first product designed for use with the popular Internet telephone service.
Unlike Polycom's iconic three-pronged phones found in conference rooms, its Communicator speakerphone is designed for individual use. It connects to a PC via a USB cable. Pressing a button on the $129.99 gadget launches Skype on the computer, where the call is set up.
Robert Hagerty, Polycom's chief executive, said Communicator's speaker and stereo microphone are intended to take advantage of Skype's audio quality, which — barring network interruptions — is superior to that of the traditional phone system.
Luxembourg-based Skype, which allows its users to call each other for free anywhere in the world, is a subsidiary of Internet auction site eBay Inc. Last week, Skype reported that it has signed up 100 million users, nearly twice the number it had when bought by eBay in September.
Henry Gomez, Skype's general manager for North America, said 30 percent of Skypers use the application mainly for work.
"These are mom-and-pops who are trying to control their calling costs," Gomez said. He said small businesses would make up most of business Skype users for the next several years, though divisions at larger companies are experimenting with the service.
The company has no marketing budget for reaching businesses, meaning it relies on word of mouth and partnerships with hardware manufacturers like Polycom to draw the attention of such users. It did recently launch a Web site for business customers, providing some basic tools to help them manage expenditures.
Skype's parent, eBay, is home to tens of thousands of small businesses, but it has yet not integrated Skype service into the U.S. site. Gomez said the company is talking to eBay buyers and sellers to figure out how to approach integration, which should happen in a matter of months.
Skype has already been integrated into eBay's Chinese site. Potential buyers can click on a link to initiate a call to the seller, for instance.
"In China, e-mail is not as popular, and voice is how you do things," Gomez said.
Boost Productivity in Every Work Environment
What is Broadband Phone and VoIP?
Broadband phone takes ordinary telephony to new heights of versatility and affordability. Basically, if you have a high-speed internet, you can save a lot of money on your local and long distance telephone service by simply ordering the broadband phone. In most cases, it's an adapter that you need to plug into your high-speed modem, and then plug your phone into that adapter and you should be ready to go (off course, you need to have a monthly service subscription). Many of the features for which your local company charges you extra, such as caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, etc., come at no additional charge with broadband phone.
VoIP stands for Voice over the Internet Protocol. The idea is not that new and there were many services available in the past, but within last few years, the service quality has improved significantly, while the cost remains very low.
How Does it Work?
You pick up the phone and dial any number just as you would do with the regular phone service. The signal from your phone is being sent to the VoIP adapter where it's being converted to a digital signal, then sent to your router, then your high-speed modem and finally, to the internet network, where it will be routed to the traditional telephone network, and finally, to the destination number you dialed. As far as the service quality, in most cases you will barely notice any difference.
Featured Product: MyPhoneCompany SoftPhone
A SoftPhone (SOFTware PHONE)
offering is a software-based phone for voice over IP (VoIP) that is installed in the user's PC. The audio interface can be a microphone and speakers plugged into the sound card, although a headset is preferred. For better clarity, a USB phone or Bluetooth phone can be used. Softphones can work as stand-alone phones or be part of an IP PBX family. They offer the full range of phone features, such as call forwarding and conference calling, and also provide integration with applications such as Outlook for automatic phone dialing.
Now you can make and receive calls on your myPhoneCompany number on your computer or laptop anywhere in the world to talk as if you were in your own home -- even if you are in Paris, Hong Kong or Dubai.
All MySoftPhone plans include:
- Unlimited member-to-member calling.
- Unlimited incoming calls.
- Phone number from your area code of choice.
- No activation fee.
All MySoftPhone plans also include Enhanced Voicemail, which is:
- Email notification of a new voicemail message.
- Optionally have the voicemail message emailed to you as a sound
file. - Record a personalized greeting.
- Retrieve your voicemail from any touch-tone phone in the world.
- Voice mailbox is password protected.
Virtual numbers in another city and area code are also available
at $1.99 per number per month. Each virtual number will ring on
your MySoftPhone, and you can have as many virtual numbers as you
want.
MySoftPhone comes with a 14 day money back guarantee, provided
that the customer has used less than 300 minutes at that point.
Linksys debuts cordless Skype VoIP handset
A new cordless VoIP handset using a PC running Skype as its base station will reach stores next week. According to Linksys, the CIT200 allows users to make VoIP phone calls as easily as today's cordless handsets make conventional landline calls. The device uses DECT wireless, which Linksys says eliminates interference with 2.4GHz cordless phones and other networking devices.The CIT200 Internet Telephony Kit includes a handset, a charger, and a USB base station that plugs into a computer's USB port. The handset can read and display callers' Skype contact list on its built-in illuminated display, letting callers know which of their Skype contacts are online and ready to be called, Linksys says.
The handset also supports SkypeOut, SkypeIn, and Skype Voicemail -- Skype's premium services that let callers make and receive calls to conventional landline phones and cell phones -- and can send and receive messages up to 10 minutes long, according to Linksys.
Works with a PC
The device is used in conjunction with a PC. The DECT wireless radio (shown on the right) plugs into a USB port on the PC. Minimum requirements for the user's PC include:
* 400 MHz processor
* 128 MB RAM
* Internet connection (DSL/cable/etc.)
* One available USB port
* Skype application (included), installed on the PC
* CD-ROM drive
Currently the software requires the use of Windows XP or 2000, and a Mac OS X version is in process. Presumably, a Linux version will follow in short order.
Features and specs
CIT200 features and functions, according to LinkSys, include:
* Supports call waiting
* Mute button
* Three available ring tones
* Intercom function between multiple handsets
* Built-in speakerphone
* Color LCD panel
* Up to 120 hour standby time and 10 hour talk time
* Hold Button
* Caller ID
* Address Book that supports up 120 contacts
* Ringer -- Off/On switch
* Navigation button for screen
* Utilizes voice encryption for high security
* Headset jack for connecting a headset
* Single base station supports up to four additional DECT based phones
* Handset locater button on USB base station
* Handset is light and comfortable to use (4.23 oz/ 0.12kg)
According to DECTweb.com, "DECT is a digital wireless technology which originated in Europe, but is now being adopted increasingly worldwide, for cordless telephones, wireless offices and even wireless telephone lines to the home. The younger brother of GSM - Global System for Mobile -- it is by contrast a radio access technology, rather than a comprehensive system architecture; DECT has been designed and specified to interwork with many other types of network, such as the PSTN (conventional telephone networks), ISDN (new digital and data phone networks), GSM (mobile phone networks) and more."
Availability
The CIT200 will be available beginning October 17th from more than 3,000 online and retail outlets throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, according to Linksys, for around $130.
Skype and Motorola Collaborate on Wireless VoIP Package
Skype and Motorola Collaborate on Wireless VoIP Package
5:05 am on November 23, 2005
Motorola has recently released a new product called the Wireless Internet Calling Kit, which is co-branded with the Skype VoIP telephony service.
The new package includes a Motorola H500 wireless headset, along with a P850 Bluetooth hardware plugin for PCs that don’t have built-in Bluetooth capability. It comes with a copy of Skype’s free internet telephony software, along with 30 minutes of SkypeOut call time.
Combining Skype with a mobile headset from Motorola is actually quite a good business decision for both companies, as Motorola will be able to sell Bluetooth headsets outside of the mobile phone market, and Skype’s VoIP software will be exposed to a more mainstream market.
This Wireless Internet Calling Kit is being sold at RadioShack as a result of Skype’s recent deal with that company.
5:05 am on November 23, 2005
Motorola has recently released a new product called the Wireless Internet Calling Kit, which is co-branded with the Skype VoIP telephony service.
The new package includes a Motorola H500 wireless headset, along with a P850 Bluetooth hardware plugin for PCs that don’t have built-in Bluetooth capability. It comes with a copy of Skype’s free internet telephony software, along with 30 minutes of SkypeOut call time.
Combining Skype with a mobile headset from Motorola is actually quite a good business decision for both companies, as Motorola will be able to sell Bluetooth headsets outside of the mobile phone market, and Skype’s VoIP software will be exposed to a more mainstream market.
This Wireless Internet Calling Kit is being sold at RadioShack as a result of Skype’s recent deal with that company.
Reviewing Lycos Phone
Ad-supported VoIP is not new. However, when Lycos introduced its VoIP service, it got tons of media mileage. Lycos Phone also combines IM, video chat, real-time video on demand streaming content (including IPTV channels), and an MP3 player to boot.
Tom Keating over at TMCnet says that Lycos Phone may be the first VoIP client that offers free PSTN calls to U.S. numbers. However, Dialpad did offer this during its early days.
What else? Well, all users of Lycos Phone get 100 free minutes of PC to landline and PC to mobile phone calls. They can earn additional free minutes through various promotional offers. Lycos Phone users also get a free U.S. phone number that is not the case with Skype and Yahoo. Moreover, unlike Skype and Yahoo, Lycos Phone offers free FAX and free voicemail to email.
Tom Keating over at TMCnet says that Lycos Phone may be the first VoIP client that offers free PSTN calls to U.S. numbers. However, Dialpad did offer this during its early days.
What else? Well, all users of Lycos Phone get 100 free minutes of PC to landline and PC to mobile phone calls. They can earn additional free minutes through various promotional offers. Lycos Phone users also get a free U.S. phone number that is not the case with Skype and Yahoo. Moreover, unlike Skype and Yahoo, Lycos Phone offers free FAX and free voicemail to email.
Lycos Phone Ties Free VOIP Software Into Portal
03.27.06
By Mark Hachman
Lycos announced Lycos Phone on Monday, adding free multimedia-enhanced VOIP communications as a key part of its portal infrastructure.
The Lycos Phone service will allow users free PC-to-PC communications to any other Lycos Phone user, consistent with other PC-to-PC applications, like eBay's Skype. However, Lycos has gone a step further and will also provide users with a free U.S. phone number, so that callers can dial in and talk to a Lycos customer on his desktop or laptop computer.
ADVERTISEMENT
The downloadable application also includes multimedia functionality, such as the ability to stream movie trailers and other content. A free voice mail-over-email service has also been included in the current offering, while a future upgrade will add a free fax number, according to Brian Kalinowski, Lycos' chief operating officer.
"I think the business model… is that it will be an entrance into Lycos products," Kalinowski said.
Integrated into the application will be a Lycos search box, and content pulled by the player application itself from other Lycos properties, Kalinowski said. The player will stream banner ads – delivered by a "traditional" banner advertisement box, and not via "adware," Kalinowski said – that will offer the "broadest to the deepest" offering to users, he said. Chatting and MP3 music services have also been integrated.
The software application was actually developed by a Lycos partner, Globe7, whose software was designed for the Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. Future upgrades will add support for Linux, Mac OS, Palm OS and Pocket PC, Lycos said.
"PC-to-PC" VOIP, unlike services from Sunrocket or Vonage, require either a USB headset with microphone or an integrated microphone and set of speakers, such as those found on a laptop. The Lycos service does not allow the Lycos customer to use a hardware phone, although traditional landline callers and mobile handset users can dial the Lycos application using the free phone number.
Portals are increasingly adding VOIP as a value-added service; before Lycos, the latest entrant was Yahoo, which a VOIP-enhanced enhancement to its Yahoo Messenger application last week. Although Google has yet to announce its own VOIP offering, the company provides a "Google Talk" chat application, and VOIP provider VOIP Inc. has already disclosed a a material agreement that has stated that the company has now moved out of a trial period to a "direct peering relationship with Google for the transport of [VOIP] services at multiple locations," with revenue expected to be recorded in 2006.
"We've been talking about the convergence model for media and technology for the last ten years, but it's finally happening," Kalinowski said, driven in part by Intel's Viiv initiative, that has tied computing and television closer together.
"I think that to be a traditional portal you have to provide content for video-on-demand use, by your television set and your computer, not just TV and web browsing but streaming media and broadband media and a VOIP solution," Kalinowski added. "We're taking desktop applications to a whole new level."
Although the application is free, users will have to pay for international calls as well as some mobile numbers. Lycos is offering 100 free minutes when users sign up for the service. Users can also upgrade to "Gold" status, also for free, by validating their email address. The additional tier of service was provided to help cut down on users registering multiple accounts to receive more free minutes, Kalinowski added. In return, Gold members will be offered discounts that will push U.S domestic landline calls down below a penny a minute, he said.
By Mark Hachman
Lycos announced Lycos Phone on Monday, adding free multimedia-enhanced VOIP communications as a key part of its portal infrastructure.
The Lycos Phone service will allow users free PC-to-PC communications to any other Lycos Phone user, consistent with other PC-to-PC applications, like eBay's Skype. However, Lycos has gone a step further and will also provide users with a free U.S. phone number, so that callers can dial in and talk to a Lycos customer on his desktop or laptop computer.
ADVERTISEMENT
The downloadable application also includes multimedia functionality, such as the ability to stream movie trailers and other content. A free voice mail-over-email service has also been included in the current offering, while a future upgrade will add a free fax number, according to Brian Kalinowski, Lycos' chief operating officer.
"I think the business model… is that it will be an entrance into Lycos products," Kalinowski said.
Integrated into the application will be a Lycos search box, and content pulled by the player application itself from other Lycos properties, Kalinowski said. The player will stream banner ads – delivered by a "traditional" banner advertisement box, and not via "adware," Kalinowski said – that will offer the "broadest to the deepest" offering to users, he said. Chatting and MP3 music services have also been integrated.
The software application was actually developed by a Lycos partner, Globe7, whose software was designed for the Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. Future upgrades will add support for Linux, Mac OS, Palm OS and Pocket PC, Lycos said.
"PC-to-PC" VOIP, unlike services from Sunrocket or Vonage, require either a USB headset with microphone or an integrated microphone and set of speakers, such as those found on a laptop. The Lycos service does not allow the Lycos customer to use a hardware phone, although traditional landline callers and mobile handset users can dial the Lycos application using the free phone number.
Portals are increasingly adding VOIP as a value-added service; before Lycos, the latest entrant was Yahoo, which a VOIP-enhanced enhancement to its Yahoo Messenger application last week. Although Google has yet to announce its own VOIP offering, the company provides a "Google Talk" chat application, and VOIP provider VOIP Inc. has already disclosed a a material agreement that has stated that the company has now moved out of a trial period to a "direct peering relationship with Google for the transport of [VOIP] services at multiple locations," with revenue expected to be recorded in 2006.
"We've been talking about the convergence model for media and technology for the last ten years, but it's finally happening," Kalinowski said, driven in part by Intel's Viiv initiative, that has tied computing and television closer together.
"I think that to be a traditional portal you have to provide content for video-on-demand use, by your television set and your computer, not just TV and web browsing but streaming media and broadband media and a VOIP solution," Kalinowski added. "We're taking desktop applications to a whole new level."
Although the application is free, users will have to pay for international calls as well as some mobile numbers. Lycos is offering 100 free minutes when users sign up for the service. Users can also upgrade to "Gold" status, also for free, by validating their email address. The additional tier of service was provided to help cut down on users registering multiple accounts to receive more free minutes, Kalinowski added. In return, Gold members will be offered discounts that will push U.S domestic landline calls down below a penny a minute, he said.
