Now Google can hear you: Google voice local search launch
Google has just released Google Voice Local Search. It is a free service that returns search results over the phone from voice recognition technology. Yo can try it at 1-800-GOOG-411. A statement from the Google’s About Voice Local Search page. reads: “Using this service, you get fast access to the same local information you’d find on Google Maps. But you don’t need a computer, you don’t need an Internet connection, and you don’t even need to use your cell-phone keypad.”
Google Voice Local Search has the potential to be a very useful and helpful tool. According to Google the system is very easy to use. You ask your query, it sends you the results, and then you can say another query, and so on. It is an interesting idea but how well does it work? It seems that Google was very quiet about their launch, so the new system is not overwelmed.
Google Talk Creates Universally Available Voip Service
Google Talk Creates Universally Available VOiP Service
With the past record of Google’s ability to enter into and quickly dominate entirely new fields, an incursion by Google into new territory is definitely something worth taking seriously. Voice over Internet Protocol technology is no different, and right now Google appears to be making a play for a greater share of the VoIP market. There are several ways in which Google could come become a bigger player in the VoIP market. One of them is through its messenger service. Right now Google Talk is an instant messenger service that is capable of voice transmission, as well as its standard text transmission. It’s still limited to contacting other people using Google Talk and several other Instant Messenger services like GAIM, Trillian, iChat, Psi, and Adium.
That said though, Google supposedly has plans to make changes to Google Talk that would make it compatible with more traditional telephone systems. If that happens, it would obviously be much easier to get access to what would resemble a fully functional VoIP service simply by downloading a free program from Google.
This would, of course, have a major impact on established telephone service providers. Right now, one of the major impediments that VoIP technology has to becoming a major threat to conventional telecommunications companies is the fact that the VoIP services are either obscure and not as user friendly, or require the purchase of an actual monthly subscription. With Google Talk, neither of those factors would be an impediment. Google is well enough known to attract attention, the version of Google Talk that would interface with normal telecommunication systems would probably be relatively easy to use, and it would in all likelihood be free to download and not be subject to a monthly fee. This could make it a major threat to the conventional telecommunications system and the industry that relies on it being the means of choice for providing people with voice communication.
One thing that would get in the way of Google Talk becoming serious competition to commercial VoIP services would come from the fact that because of its nature the upcoming version of Google Talk would probably not have the kind if comprehensive features that you’d get with the big name VoIP services like Vonage, Skype, and Sun Rocket. Most of the larger VoIP providers include lots of extra features at no extra charge that make phone extremely convenient, and those extra features would be difficult to implement in the form of a small free ware program from Google.
Since the larger VoIP providers typically have things like voice mail, call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling, call blocking, caller ID, and call waiting to name only a few; Google Talk really wouldn’t be much of a threat to them. Some of the bigger VoIP services also even offer on the fly language translation which makes it easier to communicate with people in other parts of the world.
For these reasons it’s really unlikely that Google Talk would be a threat to other VoIP service providers. But Google also has a lot of unused bandwidth at its disposal and some of the most innovative minds in Silicon Valley. Therefore, if Google decided to launch a full blown VoIP service, the existing services would then be seriously threatened.
VoIP Phone Service Overtaking Traditional Connectivity: a Paradox or not
The one buzzword that has taken over the internet community these days is the increasing popularity of VoIP phone service. Availing this service is the only way out to escape from the clutches of paying hundreds and thousands of dollars on the monthly business or residential phone bills. Though it is a trend-setter in itself but yet its service providers are competing to offer best VoIP plans and services to the customers worldwide.
VoIP is basically based on the system of routing voice conversations over internet networks or any other IP based networks. The services of VoIP vary according to their nature. The companies offering these services are known as ‘providers.’ The protocols used to carry the voice signals over IP networks are known as ‘VoIP protocols’. These services are used for commercial realisations as they effectively help to reduce the cost incurred.
The basic fundamentals of VoIP is that it has to convert voice signal into digital packets that are transmitted over a network such as Internet. In case, a caller is calling a regular phone number then the signal gets converted to a regular phone signal. But, Voice over IP also allows making direct calls from the computer or a traditional phone that is connected to an analogue adaptor. In addition, the internet VoIP phone services can locate wireless hotspots in areas such as parks, airports and cafés that allow the users to utilise VoIP service wirelessly.
With VoIP phone services, it is possible for the users to accomplish tasks that may be difficult with the traditional phone services. Some of them can be listed below:
1.It is possible for callers to get calls automatically routed to the VoIP phone. This is regardless of the place and one should be connected to the internet. That is to say that users can receive calls from any place of the world.
2.With the Internet VoIP phone service, it is possible for the users to talk for long duration of time and receive the same bill every month. This is because of long distant call plans introduced by companies from time to time.
3.It being location independent, the users can utilise the service from any place of the world with high speed internet connection.
4.VoIP service has the power to integrate with various other services. This may include messaging, video conversation, audio conferencing, managing an address book and informing interested parties about someone else’s availability online.
5.A very interesting feature of VoIP is that it can be set to ring simultaneously a phone and a mobile. It is a part of call forwarding. What the user has to do is to set up the phone number to ring the mobile phone too and then disable the Voice mail. What happens next is that when a call is received on the home phone number, the mobile too rings simultaneously. The user then can pick any of these gadgets to receive the call.
6.Nowadays, various service providers offer emergency call numbers that help users to connect instantly with others.
Many interesting features are available with VoIP Phone services. When it comes to long distance and international calls, there can be no comparison of Voice Over IP with other traditional methods of connectivity. People nowadays are facilitated with the latest technology to bring the best services by VoIP service providers. Internet connectivity is a must and by availing the same even traditional phones can be used to make international calls.
What you should know about Voice over IP (VoIP) services
With the widespread use of internet broadband connectivity has come an innovative way to communicate faster and cheaper: voice over internet protocol, or VOIP in telecom parlance. With VOIP, users make calls through broadband data lines (DSL, cable, or fiber) rather than traditional copper phone lines. In layman’s terms, it’s essentially a new way to make phone calls over the internet.
Recently I happened to see a television commercial advertising a new product called, “MagicJack.” The advertisement explained how the small unit which plugs into your computer’s USB port on one end and your home telephone on the other end saves you hundreds in phone charges per month.
The technology is called voice over internet protocol, or VOIP in tech lingo. And with the advent of broadband, it has become more popular as a cheaper alternative to traditional telephone service.
But here’s what you need to know about VOIP. The new technology has two significant limitations: 1) temporary loss of service with a power outage; and 2) choppy sound when your computer is performing a memory-intensive task such as uploading a video to YouTube.
Skype & Vonage
Two popular providers for internet telephony are Skype and Vonage. With Skype, both users must be Skype callers. One cannot go outside Skype to utilize the free phone call capability of the internet. Vonage is more similar to traditional phone service, yet is cheaper at $14.99 per month for their Basic 500 Minute Residential Plan which includes every feature you could want, plus free long-distance. And if you want unlimited minutes plus free international calling, choose Vonage’s Premium Unlimited Residential Plan at $24.99 per month.
The Money-Saving MagicJack
MagicJack has emerged as a major contender in the battle for the top VOIP telephone service provider. With an initial cost of only $39.95, MagicJack will provide you with unlimited local and long distance calling plus many other features for only $19.95 per year (you heard right, per year). So intriguing was the advertising that I had to check it out for myself.
The MagicJack promptly arrived in my mailbox only a few days after I ordered it. The futuristic-looking little unit also came with a USB extension cord in the packaging, which is a nice optional feature should you require it.
After plugging the MagicJack into the USB port on my new iMac, its software promptly loaded on my machine and prompted me to click twice to launch the MagicJack Softphone. I then plugged
Cisco Networking Certifications – Free Video Tutorials
Here I am going to give u free guidelines, video tutorials for all this certifications. I am working on that.. Expect the free stuffs soon..
Cisco Networking:
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO, SEHK: 4333) is a multinational corporation with more than 63,000 employees and annual revenue of US$35 billion as of 2007. Headquartered in San Jose, California, it designs and sells networking and communications technology and services under five brands, namely Cisco, Linksys, WebEx, IronPort, and Scientific Atlanta.
Cisco Certifications:
Cisco Career Certifications are IT professional certifications for Cisco products. The tests are administered by Pearson VUE (Prometric previously administered the test; but as of 1 Aug 2007, no longer does).
There are three levels of certification:
* Associate,
* Professional, and
* Expert.
Associate certifications:
* Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
* Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco certified network associate (CCNA):
Candidates have the option of gaining the certification by passing two tests (ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816), or one single test (CCNA 640-802); the two-test option has the advantage of allowing the candidate to focus on certain subjects.
The certification is valid for three years; at that time a CCNA holder must either
* re-take the CCNA or ICND exam, or
* take and pass an exam for one of the Professional (e.g., CCNP) or Specialist level certifications (excluding the sales specialist exams), or pass the CCIE written exam.
These exams are known by their corresponding numbers. When the curriculum of the exam changes the exam number also changes. The current exam number for CCNA is 640-802 (from 15 Aug 2007). New ICND Part1 (640-822 ICND1) and ICND Part2 (640-816 ICND2) available from 15 Aug 2007. Part 1 by itself will give you a CCENT.
These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of $125 USD each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and $150 USD for the full CCNA exam.
There is also the Cisco Networking Academy, which brings the CCNA and CCNP curricula into traditional educational institutions in over 150 countries.Students enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time.
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA):
The CCDA certification indicates an apprentice knowledge of Cisco network design. Individuals who have earned a CCDA are capable of designing switched or routed networks consisting of LANs, WANs, and various dial services. While a CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam, Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA material. Also recommended is knowledge of BCMSN.
Professional certifications:
* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
* Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
* Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
* Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
* Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):
The CCNP is considered proof of having the ability to work with medium-sized networks (between 100 and 500 end devices) and with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-minded features. To acquire a CCNP one must possess a CCNA certification first and then pass three or four tests, depending on the path one chooses. The four tests path requires the candidate to pass the following tests:
* 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) – Deals with routing
* 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) Deals with switching
* 642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW) – Deals with wide area networks
* 642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT) – Deals with using Qos to tune networks to work effectively with IP Telephony.
The BSCI and BCMSN tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite which covers subjects for Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN).
In order to retain the certification one must either re-certify or pass one of the CCIE written exams before the Professional certification expires. Additional resources and tools to aid in preparing for the certification are available on the CCNP Prep Center.
Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP):
The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. This certification is considered a professional level certificate by Cisco Systems. (The CCNA and CCDA are prerequisite.)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP):
The CCIP certification is a professional certification covering the end-to-end protocols used in large scale networks.
To attain this certification tests must be passed in the areas of routing, BGP, MPLS and Quality of service.
Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP):
The CCSP certification is an advanced network security certification. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of various Cisco security products.
To attain this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (e.g. CCNP or CCIP).
The common practice is to take five exams which include one elective paper. The list of exams and elective papers can be found in the Cisco website.
Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP):
The CCVP is a certification covering all aspects of IP Telephony/VOIP networks and applications.
To attain this certification, five tests must be passed in the areas of Quality of service, Cisco VoIP, IP Telephony Troubleshooting, Cisco IP Telephony, and Gateway Gatekeeper.
Expert-level certifications:
The expert-level certification is the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). It is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco provides. There are 5 active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of April 6, 2008 there are 16,335 people with active CCIE certifications in the world.
Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993 originally with a two day lab, later changing it to the one day format used today. Fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain CCIE certification, and on average will spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing. Many candidates build mock-labs at home using old Cisco equipment, selling it again to other candidates after passing. Alternatively candidates may rent “rack time” online and practice lab scenarios on Cisco equipment hosted on the Internet for that purpose.
Cisco refers to the CCIE as the “most respected IT certification”, and from 2002 to 2005 it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag, and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.
The CCIE is comprised of a written exam and a “lab” exam (each in the specific area of the chosen track). The written exam is required to take the lab exam, and has a cost of $315 USD per attempt. Upon passing the written exam, the candidate is qualified to have a first attempt the lab exam for 18 months. If the first attempt is unsuccessful the candidate has 3 years from the date the written exam was passed to successfully complete the lab. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before making additional attempts at the CCIE lab exam. As many attempts can be made to pass the lab exam for up to 3 years after passing the written, so long as the first attempt is within 18 months. There is a minimum waiting time between attempts of one month.
The CCIE Lab is currently $1,400 USD per attempt and are offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations are Bangalore; Beijing; Brussels; Dubai; Hong Kong; Research Triangle Park, NC; San Jose, CA; Ṣo Paulo; Sydney; and Tokyo. Some CCIE tracks do not have lab exams available at all locations. For example, the Storage Networking lab is available only at the Research Triangle Park, NC and Brussels locations. In addition, according to a survey by Cisco the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification is $9,050 as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and self study material.This is partially offset by the increased salary the certification commands, which a March 2007 Network World article estimates at 10% Р15% over similarly experienced engineers who do not have a CCIE.
The lab is an 8-hour hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate not only knows the theory, but is also able to practice it. Many prospective CCIEs need multiple attempts to pass the lab exam.
There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE exam, but Cisco recommends one has at least 3 – 5 years experience in networking before attempting to become a CCIE. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification, and as such there were no other certifications that could be taken prior. The development of the associate and professional certifications was due to recognition of the fact that a CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel, and also for the vast majority of businesses who employ such people, and that certifications needed to be offered at lower levels. Despite the development of the lower certifications, Cisco has chosen not to make them formal requirements for the CCIE certification.
It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. This is done by passing both the written and the lab exam in a particular track. As of November 14th, 2007 there are 1,344 individuals who hold multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 210 hold three or more CCIE certifications.
* CCIE Numbering
* CCIE Routing & Switching
* CCIE Security
* CCIE Service Provider
* CCIE Voice
* CCIE Storage Networking
* CCDE
CCIE Numbering:
Upon successful completion of the hands on lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1024, and has increased incrementally from there. A lower number indicates that the CCIE was awarded some time back, a higher number indicated a more recently awarded certification. As of February 2008, the highest CCIE number allocated was just over 20000.
Number 1024 was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terrance Slattery, who was consulting to Cisco at the time when the lab was being devised. Terry Slattery (CCIE 1026) was therefore the first CCIE who passed both exams, and the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.
Any CCIE who obtains further CCIE certifications, is not awarded any further numbers, the new CCIE certification is awarded under the same number as the original.
CCIE Routing & Switching:
Routing and Switching is by far the most popular track with 16,355 certified individuals as of March 25, 2008. The certification covers a variety of networking concepts and protocols including but not limited to the following list
1. Routing and Switching
* Frame Relay
* Ethernet
* Catalyst Switch Configuration
2. IP Interior Gateway Routing Protocols
* Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
* Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
* Routing Information Protocol v2 (RIPv2)
* Routing Information Protocol Next Generation (RIPng) – IPv6
* Open Shortest Path First v3 (OSPFv3) – IPv6
* On-Demand Routing (ODR)
* Filtering, Summarization, Redistribution
3. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
* Interior BGP (iBGP)
* Exterior BGP (eBGP)
* Filtering, Summarization, Redistribution, and Traffic Engineering
4. Multicast Routing
* Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM)
* Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP)
* Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP)
* Anycast
5. Quality of Service (QoS)
* Classification
* Congestion Management and Avoidance
* Policing and Shaping
* Signaling
6. Security
* Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)
* Traffic Filtering
* IOS Firewall Feature Set
* Access Lists
* Routing Protocol and Catalyst Security
7. IP and IOS Features
* IP addressing
* Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
* Next Hop Redundancy Protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)
* IP services
* IOS user interfaces
* System management
* Network Address Translation (NAT)
* Network Time Protocol (NTP)
* Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
* Remote Monitoring (RMON)
* IP Accounting
* Service Level Agreement (SLA)
CCIE Security:
The Security track concentrates on network security and covers subjects such as ASA, IDS, IOS security, and many others.
CCIE Service Provider:
The Service Provider track focuses on networking in the service provider industry. Subjects include Optical networks, DSL, WAN switching, Voice over IP, Content Networking, Broadband Cable and Metro Ethernet.
CCIE Voice:
The Voice track concentrates on voice solutions for the enterprise and includes subjects such as QoS, MGCP, Call Manager (Cisco’s VoIP PBX), Cisco Unity (Cisco’s Unified Messaging platform), Unity Express and IP Contact Center Express.
CCIE Storage Networking:
The latest addition to the CCIE certification tracks is the CCIE Storage Networking track. As the name suggests, the Storage Networking track concentrates on storage networking topics, such as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FCIP, Intra VSAN Routing and FICON.
CCDE:
Cisco Certified Design Expert CCDE Assesses advanced Network Infrastructure Design Principles and Fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level for customer networks.
Prerequisites for CCDE There are no formal prerequisites for CCDE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required.
Recommended Training and Experience It is expected that the candidate will have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints, a minimum of seven years job experience, and a thorough understanding of networking infrastructure principles. Please view the written exam information page for more details.
Step One: CCDE Written Exam You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam which covers advanced networking infrastructure design principles and concepts. Once you pass the qualification exam, you are them eligible to schedule the practical exam.
Step Two: CCDE Practical Exam The CCDE practical exam is still in development, however it will be an eight-hour exam that will test your ability to identify, manage, and create advanced solutions for large scale networks. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written exam in order to achieve certification.
Here I am going to give u free guidelines, video tutorials for all this certifications. I am working on that.. Expect the free stuffs soon..
Cisco CCNA And CCNP Practice Exam: HDLC, PPP, Secure Remote Connections, And More!
To help you prepare for total success on your upcoming Cisco exams, here are some free practice exam questions. Enjoy!
CCNA And CCENT Certification:
You’re configuring a point-to-point connection between a non-Cisco router and a Cisco router. Which of the following combinations of PTP protocols will function correctly on this combination?
A. Use HDLC on both routers.
B. Use PPP on both routers.
C. Use HDLC on the Cisco router and PPP on the non-Cisco router.
D. Use PPP on the Cisco router and HDLC on the non-Cisco router.
Answer: B. The HDLC version used by Cisco routers is Cisco-proprietary, so we have to use PPP. If you mix encapsulation types, the line protocol will go down and stay there.
CCNA Security Certification / ISCW Exam:
You’re entering a username and password for a Telnet connection to a Cisco router. Which of the following describes the display defaults?
A. You’ll see the username in plain text.
B. You’ll see asterisks for the username as you enter it.
C. You’ll see nothing for the username – not even the cursor moving.
D. You’ll see the password in plain text.
E. You’ll see asterisks for the password as you enter it.
F. You’ll see nothing for the password – the cursor will not even move.
Answer: A, F. You’ll see the username appear in clear text, but the cursor will not move as you enter the password.
CCNA Wireless:
You’re using HTTP to open a connection to your Wireless Control System. What will happen?
A. Nothing unusual, you’ll be prompted for a username and password.
B. You’ll first be redirected to an HTTPS connection.
C. You’ll first be redirected to an SNMP connection.
D. Your connection will fail.
Answer: B. You’ll be redirected to a Secure HTTP connection.
CCNA Voice:
What service can redirect a VOIP call to the PSTN when CallManager determines that there is not enough bandwidth available for a high-quality VOIP call?
Answer: When CallManager decides that there isn’t enough bandwidth for a high-quality call, Automated Alternate Routing (AAR) can step in and make the call. AAR can actually reroute the call to the PSTN without user intervention – in fact, the user doesn’t even have to hang up!
BSCI Exam:
Short answer: What multicast addressing range is commonly called the “local network control block”?
Answer: The 224.0.0.0 – 224.0.0.255 range is reserved for network protocols. Packets in this range will not be forwarded by routers, so these packets cannot leave the local segment. This block of addresses is the local network control block.
BCMSN Exam:
What command resulted in the following output?
R1# ?
*Apr 9 20:15:10.542: HSRP: Fa0/0 API MAC address update
*Apr 9 20:15:10.546: HSRP: Fa0/0 API Software interface coming up
*Apr 9 20:15:10.550: HSRP: Fa0/0 API Add active HSRP addresses to ARP table
*Apr 9 20:15:10.554: HSRP: Fa0/0 API Add active HSRP addresses to ARP table
Answer: That’s the debug of HSRP – the command is debug standby.
ONT Exam:
Short answer: What is “war driving”?
Answer: It’s simply driving around and looking for a WiFi hotspot to connect to, whether that hotspot be intentional or an unprotected home network.
Look for more Cisco tutorials, free videos, and practice exams on my website!
VOIP Technology Saves Money and Increases Flexibility
Computer technology- and the Internet in particular- is changing the way we conduct out lives in some pretty dramatic ways. One of the most dramatic changes that the Internet has brought us is the ability to take more control over how we communicate with each other by telephone and how we spend our money on phone service.
The specific technology that allows this is called Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP for short. Voice Over Internet Protocol takes advantage the fact that data moves across the Internet without any of the constraints of conventional telephone calls when it comes to geography and distance. Just like you can send an email to anyone, anywhere in the world and download a web page from anywhere in the world without incurring long distance charges, Voice Over Internet Protocol technology allows you to call anyone in the world either without long distance fees or with sharply discounted long distance fees. Basically, VOIP converts both ends of a phone conversation into data that can be streamed back and forth across the Internet without any loss of sound quality or noticeable time lag. This revolutionary technology also makes it possible to for users of VOIP to call phone numbers that don’t use VOIP technology as well as the other way around.
VOIP technology has actually been around since the late twentieth century. In those days though, the service was rather limited. For example, calls were only made using computers and, though calls between users of VOIP services were free, there was still a long distance charge for calls made from a VOIP user to a conventional phone number. Users of VOIP technology still saw the benefit of the service when calling conventional phone numbers in the form of reduced long distance rates.
Now there are a number of services offering calling plans based on Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, including well known companies like Verizon and Vonage, as well as lesser known companies like SunRocket and Lingo. While there is a fair amount of variation in their services, these companies have a lot in common, including the improvements that they’ve made over the original VOIP services. Generally, these modern VOIP services offer free long distance inside the United States- often with Canada and Puerto Rico included- to any phone number whether it’s conventional or one that also uses VOIP. There’s still a long distance fee for most international calls, but most services will waive that fee if the number you’re calling uses the same service. Another big improvement over the original services is that most of these newer companies will let you use your own phone rather than a computer. In fact, in most cases, you don’t even have to have a computer at all! Although a computer is helpful for changing account settings on the service’s website and you can still make phone calls from a computer, all you really need is a high speed Internet connection and your own phone. The service will supply a special router that plugs into your Internet connection and that you can, in turn, plug your phone into. Such a set up is also very practical in the sense that allows you to use your phone just like you would with a conventional phone line. Both DSL and cable high speed Internet connections are ample for this service, but if you happen to have a cable connection, you can save even more money by getting rid of your phone line completely. Most VOIP services add even more value by providing all of the features free of charge that you would ordinarily pay extra for from a conventional phone service and charging a monthly rate that’s equivalent to- and often lower than- a basic phone line from a conventional telephone company.
If you’re looking for a flexible way to keep in touch while saving money, then VOIP may be exactly the technology that you’re looking for.
VoIP Phone Service: Convenient Facilities With Broadband Service
The VoIP phone service is a very innovative system of making calls. This system of telephony allows users to connect to others throughout the globe. The VoIP phone service facilitates people to connect with the aid of a computer and an internet connection. This makes it possible for users to connect to others at very low cost. International calls can be made easily with the help of the VoIP services.
In addition to this, the VoIP phone service also allows users to connect to others with the aid of broadband. It brings corporate business solutions to world wide users. On personal front too, it is very beneficial. The users can manage their programs from home very easily. Making long distant calls is no longer an issue with this device. As the system is based on converting analog signals to digital form, so data can be transferred very easily with the help of this technology. The user can also transfer videos and pictures on the VoIP network.
The broadband Phone Service VoIP is used for accessing ultimate flexibility in terms of providing high end connectivity. The users normally find it useful to make use of specialised phone if they are not using their personal computers. These specialised gadgets mostly are mobile phones. So, by using them, the users are relieved of power outrages. Now one is not dependent on power supply and can use mobile phones instead of computer to connect via VoIP. The VoIP internet phone service has now become a means to connect very easily to other gadgets. The users can make long distance calls from any place without any hassle.
The VoIP service provider comply with Communications Assistance. It is where the user finds the option to transmit more than one telephone call. The users can make use of this technology to make conference calling, automatic redial, call forwarding and the showing of caller ID. Digitising and digital transmission of data and calls make it evident that user can make the best use of this telephony service.
The cost involved in making international calls is reduced dramatically with the introduction of Voice Over network. This is what actually attracts business houses such as call centers to avail the VoIP telephony services. It helps to expand business with the various options of 3-way calling, call diverting, voice to email and Voicemail services.
The usefulness of VoIP makes it a rare technology when compared to other traditional forms of connectivity. The technology is entitled to connect with users all around the globe without any interruption. Moreover, with the emergence of resellers, this technology has become a much hyped network as its availability is enhanced. The VoIP phone service make users very content with the the broadband form of telephony service.
Know your Voip Options
There is more to communication than just an easy interaction guaranteeing the transfer of messages from one man to another. Nowadays, the ideas, the points of view, the significance of this or that thought i.e. messages have surely acquired advanced means of transmission, among which VoIP has started on a promising path. The plus with VoIP is that it is going beyond “just” communication. VoIP shows all the signs of a technology designed for enhancing human interaction. VoIP ensures effortless, high-quality communication by seizing the extraordinary opportunities provided by the complex improvement of Internet mediated contacts. Basically, VoIP services let us make unrestricted, worldwide, long-distance calls at very cheap prices.
Essentially, engaging in PC to phone calls with the assistance of VoIP technology is equal to doing away with long-distance costs for telephone calls you make from your residence or from your workplace. Moreover, the offer does not come alone: truly cheap PC to phone calls are accompanied by an entire set of completely free of charge packages, for which a regular landline demands additional payment such packages include call waiting, voice mail, caller identification services and so on. Consequently, PC to phone calls enabled by VoIP services do not accomplish only the great task of flexibility since you can make them from practically any place known to have a functional Internet connection but also that of significant cost reductions. Additionally, an internet telephony service provider renders possible not only PC to phone calls, but PC to PC and phone to phone calls (VoIP enabled) as well. However, internet telephony does not necessarily imply the use of a telephone in the traditional meaning so as to be able to talk with someone else. Calls through VoIP can be made as long as both or all parts potentially involved in the conversation are linked to the Internet and are equipped with a microphone and a pair of earphones.
Also, in the case of PC to phone calls facilitated by an internet telephony service provider (commonly known as an ITSP), you can notice the sound quality is as good as and most often better than what you are used to by your regular landline. The sound quality will not suffer if you engage in a PC to phone call where the number you are calling belongs to a standard telephone line. Whether the PC to phone conversation takes place while at the other end of the call a regular landline number is the receiver or whether the communication is enabled by the use of a specifically designed IP phone, VoIP functions on the basis of a voice signal sent over the Internet in digital packets and translated into voice again at the other end of the line.
Of course, there is even more to VoIP than what we have said until this point. The technology involved in the simplification of VoIP enabled PC to phone services do not use only an Internet connection and some pieces of hardware. Internet telephony features such as call hold, call transfer or call conference generally benefit from the help of enabler protocols, out of which the session initiation protocol or SIP is the protocol for VoIP and of a number of interactive packages sessions, such as instant messages. Broadly, SIP is designed for generating, controlling, adjusting and ultimately concluding sessions with one or more partakers. Whether you, as a potential beneficiary of VoIP enabled PC to phone calls, opt for the prepaid phone calls or for the postpaid deals an internet telephony service provider can come up with, the role that SIP plays is of the foremost significance, since it primarily guarantees the telephone call is going to actually connect with the called person(s). Even more, if any changes occur during the conversation, SIP will make sure that they are supported throughout the conversation such changes may concern features like call hold or enablement of video functions. Therefore, in a PC to phone conversation, you can rest assured for SIP supports a great number of standard telephony attributes and even more than that. So, if you are concerned that a PC to phone call can not keep up with features such as call waiting, call hold, multiple line presences, call queuing, three-way conferencing, automatic call distribution and so on, it is time to leave this concern aside.
Consequently, the advantages of PC to phone services made possible by the internet telephony will take more than the sum of your fingers to count them all. One other benefit stands in the fact that the customer actually has to opportunity to control the sum of money he is willing to spend on his PC to phone conversations, the remarkable opportunity being offered by the prepaid phone calls widely made available. Nowadays, opening and using PC to phone services are commonly prepaid, since it is more convenient for the customer; basically, it means that the beneficiary either purchases a pre-pay calling card or he pays the amount of money in advance by using his credit card. When the sum paid for the VoIP account or for the calling card is reached, the customer needs to take the same steps again. It’s the easier way for both the customer and the ITSP, since the risk of scam coming from both parties is eliminated along with the issues concerning money collecting in the postpaid model. Either way, the cost reductions, the sound quality and the flexibility of VoIP services is worth the minimum of effort you will invest when opting for becoming one of its already numerous beneficiaries.
Deploying Voice Over IP
How much do you know about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions, like IP Telephony (IPT)? Do you believe they’re primarily for home users interested in free long-distance calls or inexpensive international calls? Or, do you believe its primary benefit is the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of managing all of your business communications over a converged network?
The interesting thing about VoIP is that in many ways the end user is driving the technology to the business world. Individual users have helped accelerate the VoIP revolution with the acceptance of Vonage and Skype in their homes as well as VoIP prepaid calling cards with reduced long distance rates. In the past, you may have considered deploying VoIP in your business as a way to drive down toll charges between offices, but you were hesitant due to poor voice quality in early deployment models. Today, as the business world continues to deploy robust VoIP networks, you may now be investigating your own options with renewed vigor.
In fact, both large and small enterprises are taking the plunge and making decisions about VoIP. According to research analyst Frost & Sullivan, “Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) will account for approximately 75% of world’s voice services by 007.” This is staggering when considering that in 00 , worldwide total voice revenue was more than US $1 trillion. Why are so many companies jumping on the VoIP bandwagon? And, what did they consider when making the switch? This paper looks at VoIP with small-to-medium size 3 businesses in mind, and we’ll address some of these issues.
Where do we begin?
The first undertaking is to understand and agree with the strategy that converged networks will reduce toll charges, while making your network easier to manage because you are only managing one network rather than two separate ones. Ultimately, your company’s total cost of ownership (TCO) will be lowered, and you will benefit from a host of new and integrated applications that are available when you combine your voice and data networks. So if you agree that VoIP can provide you with a reduced TCO of your voice and data networks coupled with a flexible business communications system that is easier to administer moves, adds and changes, then let’s proceed to build the business case.
What’s the correct approach for my business?
Dimension Data recommends that you commence any discussion about VoIP by looking at your business communication requirements as well as by examining your existing voice and data networks to determine how “convergence-ready” you are. In other words, how prepared is your data network infrastructure to handle a mission-critical application like voice, and possibly video? Once you’ve gathered information from key personnel, identified your business communication requirements and looked at your future initiatives and existing systems, you’re ready to begin the process.
Is a gradual implementation best?
If you’re thinking about implementing a VoIP platform, “rip-and-replace” is not your only option. Once you make a decision to implement VoIP in your business, you can begin to incorporate a strategy in your network hardware purchases. For example, if you’re purchasing a new router, make sure it has voice and security features integrated rather than purchasing a conventional data-only router. If you proceed to purchase network hardware and upgrade existing equipment, you’ve begun the process of a gradual migration to VoIP, by laying the foundation for a converged network. If you buy an integrated services router, it can also function as a LAN switch and an IP-PBX when you’re ready to move to VoIP. It may add a few dollars to your router purchase, but it extends the life of the router by being “convergence-ready”.
Also, look at the cost of support for your existing router. If you’ve depreciated your router or purchased it outright, remember to add in the cost of support. An old router that adds $7,500 in support charges each year isn’t free. If you’re purchasing a switch, make sure to invest in one that has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, which enables IP phones to be powered by an Ethernet cable when you migrate to IPT. This basic approach to upgrades and network equipment purchases, extends the value of the gear and positions you for the future. If you’re not ready for VoIP today, this approach will provide you with a gradual migration to a VoIP platform in the future.
How do I assess my IT environment?
Once you’ve made the commitment to buy “convergence-ready” network gear, begin your VoIP assessment. Understand your business drivers, assess your current infrastructure, perform “what if” scenarios so you analyze different options from every perspective – technical, business and financial. This approach will allow you to get the maximum value from your VoIP network when you’re ready. If possible, partner with a full-service IT solutions provider, like Dimension Data, who can help you recognize potential issues and recommend solutions that can enhance the platform.
Take small steps at first. Choose a pilot with a few users before rolling out your project throughout your organization. Or, start with a small office or Greenfield location, enabling you to roll those locations into the main sites when you migrate the remainder of the organization to VoIP. As you begin to enable your locations with VoIP, you also begin to build in redundancy and resiliency in your voice platform as individual sites can serve as disaster recovery sites for other locations within your organization.
VoIP platforms are becoming an integral component in the corporate telecommunications environment. A well-designed VoIP system can complement an existing TDM PBX environment and gradually replace it when the legacy equipment is no longer serviceable and doesn’t meet the company’s requirements. This hybrid environment benefits both the company and the users because a company can easily migrate to VoIP when the time is right, and users can gradually enjoy the features VoIP brings. By taking small steps, the end users will become familiar with VoIP and its benefits and the overall implementation will ultimately be much smoother.
