Skype Dialer – The Icing On The Cake

December 25, 2006 · Posted in Skype · Comment 

Communication is the act of transmitting thoughts, ideas, opinions and information from one person to another. However, the process of communication always requires a medium. Traditionally, written or printed memos were the chief method of communication. But in present times a person reads, hears and sees so much that it is quite difficult for the brain to retain much of it through the traditional communication media. Moreover, written messages have the least chance of being retained. Also, it does not facilitate interaction. Organizations are fast going global these days thus creating a greater necessity for the development of worldwide communication. Written communication would not only cause a limitation to these organizations but also reduce the effective time of business.

However, the era of Internet telephony has come up as a greater and better alternative to written communication. Internet telephony or more popularly VOIP has come as a blessing in the days when handling proper and effective communication is rapidly changing and growing more and more important everyday. From individuals to large corporate houses, everyone is switching over to VOIP these days. And when we talk about Internet telephony, Skype is probably the most important and widely popular name that comes to our mind.

Skype is an alternative to the different traditional modes of communication. It is an IP or Internet Protocol based communication system that enables users to communicate with the help of only an Internet connected computer and the Skype software that can be downloaded for free. Another advantage with Skype is that it uses different media of communication – texts, graphics, sound and media.

These advantages have actually changed the way we communicate today. Visual and aural communication is far more effective than only visual or only aural communication. Skype offers visual and aural communication together and as a result are much advantageous for organizations and corporate houses.

Generally in case of organizational structures, written memo is a top-down way of communication. Skype is not a top-down communication channel. It offers free conference calls to at least nine people and allows online interaction simultaneously. This way, one person’s message gets transmitted to a lot of people – who can immediately react and give the original communicator their feedback. Thus, communication channels are open between one user and each of the other participants in the conference. Moreover, Skype calling, messaging, video calling, and call conferencing are offered for free. Thus, businesses have found an easy and inexpensive way of expanding globally and communicate abroad.

However, if Skype needs to be used frequently to communicate with a large number of contacts, an automatic dialer for Skype would be like icing on the cake. A Skype dialer, as the name suggests, automates the dialing procedure along with few more facilities to make life a lot easier. It is an application that lets the user automate the manual dialing procedure and manage calls in a more efficient manner. It is a multi-user application and accepts plain text CSV files, saves the data and gives you an interface to add, modify or delete the lead information.

To wrap up, Skype and Skype dialer have completely changed the way we communicate today. In other words, the communication system has evolved itself to new heights with the aid of the Internet technology across the world.

Guide to Voip

December 21, 2006 · Posted in PSTN · Comment 

VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits. VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone.

VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.

Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.

Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans. There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.

You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones.
Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs.
Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.

VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones.

There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.

The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.

How To Never Pay A Hotel Phone Bill Again

December 20, 2006 · Posted in SIP · Comment 

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol for establishing sessions in an IP network. But if you are like most of us, that means nothing to you. In layman’s terms, SIP is a method by which various computers can talk to one another so that they can complete voice calls. The protocol is increasingly being adopted as the standard means by which computers communicate to facilitate VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. So you can imagine SIP as a common language for new generation operators to speak to connect calls. However, there are no operators there is only your computer (or other hardware) and that of the person you are speaking with. That brings this introduction to some of the many benefits of SIP communication.

The goal of SIP was to provide users with many of the functions and features they typically expect with making phone calls, such as familiar rings, hearing the ring back tone when a call is placed, and the process of dialing a number. SIP goes beyond this however, also implementing a number of advanced features. Despite its’ convenient interface that mirrors that of a typical telephone call, SIP is based on an internet protocol rather than that of the telephone industry. Because of this, SIP is able to work seamlessly alongside other internet based protocols. This has allowed the technology to uniquely establish a user location, meaning that you can tell the IP address or “location” from which a person is making a call, something vital for offering emergency services. It also allows for coordination amongst the various participants in deciding upon what call features will be supported, as well as providing the protocol for call management which allows for adding, dropping, or transferring call participants.

One of the most exceptional benefits of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is its application with Private Branch Exchange (PBX). A private branch exchange is a private telephone network used within an enterprise in which users share a certain number of outside lines for external telephone calls. This provides a significant cost savings to the company because it allows companies to quickly and easily make calls within their institution, as well as save by limiting the number of external phone lines that must be maintained. SIP can extend these cost savings dramatically by offering users free long distance calls worldwide. Once again, because SIP is internet based rather than running over traditional telephone lines, the cost of call transmission are as cheap as say sending an e-mail, that is to say, Free! While PBX is already an efficient use of office resources incorporating SIP into a PBX means taking such savings and capabilities to a new level. Incorporating SIP gives users’ access to free interoffice communications, long distance calls, as well as huge savings in setup and transaction costs. These transaction cost savings are due to the fact that SIP is based on internet protocol allowing for the ability to physically move phones without any need for rewiring or new setup costs. Because that the system is peer-to-peer rather than cog and wheel like hardwired telephony means that there is no complicated setup necessary, but rather users can simply plug the phone into any available broadband connection and without the need for any complicated hardware or software, calls are ready to be made and received.

This brings us to what is potentially the greatest savings that SIP provides. We all hate to have to pay $2.00 for making a simple local call from a hotel room. But for those of us that have had to pay exorbitant long-distance charges from hotels, the level of angst felt reaches new heights. Add to this the fact that often companies require conference calling for their employees, a service that hotels are all too happy to charge a high premium to provide. For companies that have a lot of their employees traveling or practicing in various locales, the overhead costs of making such calls can really put a damper on year end profits. SIP offers a solution to hotel bills, and for that matter all telephone bills whatsoever. Just as sending an e-mail is free whether you are sending that e-mail to a person across the street or around the world, so making a call using SIP from any locale to any other locale in the world is free. All that is needed is a broadband connection. And just as one can send an email from wherever the internet can be accessed, SIP users can make their free calls from the office, the home, or even (gasp) the hotel room. Not to mention the huge savings in regular long-distance charges, the simple fact that long distance and local calls can be made for free from hotel rooms (most of which offer complimentary broadband service) is an enormous long-term cost savings. But add to this the fact that conference calls are available at no additional cost, which can be explained by following the principle that sending an e-mail to many individuals at the same time is just as cheap as one to one communication. Altogether these savings mean that companies who have in the past been laden with high local and long distance phone bills will be able to have their employees keep in close communication no matter their location for free.

SIP goes beyond this, however. Because SIP uses peer-to peer connections there are no extra costs for having hundreds or even thousands of employees making SIP calls whereas the management costs for such a system under traditional telephony would be astronomical. This is never the case with PBXs that utilize SIP in a peer to peer connection format, however, where structural costs do not increase as your business grows and your usage of the PBX increases.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) offers customers of traditional telephony fantastic cost savings, the flexibility to make free calls from anywhere in the world at any time, and the ability to expand a PBX system with no setup costs. Because there is no complicated hardware or software necessary to setup SIP in a PBX, implementing the technology is as simple as having access via broadband to the internet. Due to these benefits as well as innumerable others, expanded use of SIP in PBX and in a variety of other settings is simply a matter of expanded customer exposure to the possibilities of SIP.

Learning What is VOIP

December 16, 2006 · Posted in Lingo · Comment 

There are virtually so many methods to talk on the internet. And VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is very much similar and our phone also included in it. You get a box that is provided by the company offering VOIP services and you just have to connect your phone to it and it is also known as modem. The modem gets connected to the cable or DSL modem and you can talk with your phone on the internet, the broadband or internet should have high speed.

VOIP also prove helpful if you have international business, you just have to purchase rechargeable phone card whenever your balance is low. Using your cell phone you can make a call anytime and anywhere across the world. Nowadays the calls are also kept at very competitive rates. Following are some of the VOIP providers-

Different VOIP providers:

Vonage- The name is included in of the most famous VOIP providers at very competitive rates. The company have healthy customer base and offer their customers the best packages and services. They have a customer service through emails and toll free phone service.

The new entry is Sun Rocket which is giving tough competition to the already established VOIP providers. For their customers they offer both limited and non-limited services. Sun Rocket’s customers don’t have to deposit any activation charges. After a gap of time the company organizes schemes offering lots of services.

Packet 8- It offers their customers cost as low as USD 20. Under this they provide their customers with free of cost activation and free one month. They also offer their customers free helpline services.

Lingo- Lingo’s benefits the customers who have to make calls in Western Europe at very cheap rates. Their customers are offered unlimited calls across Europe in seventeen countries and at the payment of small amount you can also have two free phone numbers.

For more information on voip services, please visit: international calling

The best providers for Internet phone calls

December 16, 2006 · Posted in Vonage · Comment 

Internet telepphony can be summarized as a trade off between Voice Quality, Quality of Service and Price. But there are Internet telephony services which provides you an optimal mix of all the qulaities so that you don’t miss the traditional phone line. Best of all the prices you get are unbeatable. I am going to rank a few of the services here based on my experience. I would also rank these services on their Ease of use, Customer Support and value for money.

(1) MagicJack: This ranks number one on my list.

Price: It is definitely a good value for money. At 39.99USD for the full year and 19.99USD for the subsequent years it can’t get cheaper than that.

Ease of Use: They send you a USB device to connect to your PC. A normal phone can be connected to the other end of the USB device. It is easy to use as once you hook it to your machine having internet connection the phone is ready to go. If you are looking to add a second telephone line then this is a very good option.

Customer Support:Customer service is questionable as they provide only Chat support and that is also not 24X7. Advantage: One low annual fees Disadvantage: Customer Support is not 24X7. The device doesn’t work behind a proxy server.

(2) Vonage: One of the famous VOIP service providers. Used to be my favorite one before I started facing technical issues and the unresponsiveness shown by Vonage.

Price: Vonage charges you 24.99USD for unlimited calling and 14.99 for 500 US minutes. Add taxes and fees and your monthly bill will ring up to 31USD for unlimited plan. You can pay upfront for the full year and save 20%. Ease of Use: You have to connect the Vonage adapter to the Cable Modem/ Router. You connect your phone to the Vonage adapter and you are ready to use your phone. Customer Support: 24X7 Customer Support. But if you run into any technical issue, the customer support may not be able to help you much.

Advantage: Still the most reliable VOIP service providers and with their large user base, the chances of their shutting shop (like Sunrocket) is a little less. Disadvantage: They have a 2 year lock-in period and they charge a 39.99 disconnect fee. In case you find some problem with their service after the initial 30 day trial period, you may have to foot a huge bill just for disconnecting the service.

(3) Skype: Good among PC to phone. Price: 39.99 USD for a year.

Ease of Use: Not very convenient as one has to use their PC instead of a telephone to place a call. Customer Support: N/A Advantage: Cheap service Disadvantage: MagicJack beats Skype hands down with the price, features and ease of use.

Программа Бесплатной Ip Телефонии Skype – Это Качественная Связь Для Вашего Бизнеса

December 8, 2006 · Posted in Skype · Comment 

 

 

Если расходы на междугородную и международную связь в вашем бизнесе значительны, тогда вам необходимо воспользоваться программой IP-телефонии Skype(по- русски звучит Скайп).

Установив эту программу в офисе или дома, вы гарантированно снизите расходы связи на 30% ( часть переговоров вообще переведете в бесплатный режим). Для осуществления связи с помощью Skype требуется наличие Интернета в вашем компьютере, причем не обязательно высокоскоростного, достаточно модемного( но учтите, чем выше скорость Интернет- соединения, тем лучше качество звука) и комплекта наушников с микрофоном ( в будущем можно купить Skype телефон). Установка программы с сайта http://www.skype.com/intl/ru/ бесплатная и занимает 2 минуты.

Если у ваших клиентов или друзей будет тоже установлен Skype, тогда связь с ними будет бесплатная, где бы они не находились. Вам просто необходимо убедить своих постоянных клиентов установить Skype, тем более, что кроме бесплатного соединения, имеется очень высокое качество звука. Есть возможность организовывать аудио конференции до 5 абонентов. Помимо перечисленных достоинств, у программы очень высокая степень защиты, что исключает возможность прослушивания переговоров в Интернете посторонними лицами. В случае, даже если Skype у ваших клиентов пока еще не установлен, вы все равно экономите до 30 % затрат на связь за счет выгодных тарифов Skype на звонки на обычные стационарные и сотовые телефоны по всему миру. Имеется также возможность бесплатных текстовых Skype сообщений.

В Интернете сейчас имеется много программ IP- телефонии, но программа Skype выгодно отличается от других тем, что она использует технологию P2P для соединения с другими абонентами, благодаря чему обработка всей информации ведется на компьютерах тех пользователей, которые находятся в данный момент в общении. Поэтому не надо лишних серверов для переадресации и хранения данных, а такой короткий путь прохождения информации позволяет обеспечить высокое качество звука.

Версии программы Skype имеются как для Linux, так и для Windows. Русскоязычный интерфейс программы очень простой и удобный, при наборе номера выводится на экран монитора тариф связи, во время разговора показывается остаток средств, ведется полная посекундная история ваших звонков, сам сайт программы поддерживает 22 языка.

С 24 апреля 2008года компания Skype обьявила о выходе версии для мобильных телефонов, теперь Skype может работать на 50 основных моделях сотовых телефонов в сети Интернет, что значительно увеличивает область применения программы.

Оплата связи по кредитной схеме ориентирована на американскую платежную систему «PayPal» , но можно оплачивать по карточкам «Visa», «MasterCard». Мне, например, удобнее оплачивать через сайт https://secure.skype.com/login_api при помощи Яндекс-деньги.

Для офиса можно установить бизнес-панель, что позволит вам контролировать все ваши Skype расходы. Это дает возможность централизованного управления по всем сотрудникам их кредитными остатками ( эта услуга актуальна для России, где сотрудники любят делать личные звонки с рабочих телефонов), а также возможность настроить их учет и автоматическое пополнение.

К сожалению, услуга компании Skype под названием SkypeIN (возможность получения локального телефонного номера с моментальной передачей на любой Skype аккаунт), на Россию пока не распространяется, хотя спрос на нее очень большой. Сейчас эта услуга находится в стадии тестирования для Москвы (код499) и Санкт-Петербурга, поспешите ее получить, количество виртуальных телефонных номеров ограничено.

Россия, из-за небольшого распространения программы Skype по своей огромной территории, лишена пока многих интересных проектов программы. Так с 21 апреля 2008 года ввелись новые безлимитные тарифы звонков со Skype на стационарные телефоны, причем, пользователь Skype может сам выбирать оптимальную по цене подписку: с одной из 34 стран мира за 2,95 Евро в месяц; с 20 странами Европы за 3,95 Евро в месяц; с 34 странами мира за 8,95 Евро в месяц. Как вы видите, тарифы для безлимитной связи весьма приемлемые. Кроме того, при подписке на срок более 3 месяцев получаешь скидку в 33%.По мере развития Skype в России, эти возможности придут и к нам. Не так давно мне часто приходилось звонить на Украину по 7 рублей за минуту на любые телефоны по IP –телефонии XXLINE , теперь звоню с применением Skype – на стационарный телефон по 3,7 рублей за минуту и 5,5 рублей на сотовый, экономия очень заметная. Деятельность Skype в России только начинается, постепенно становится доступным все большее количество услуг. Близится революция в услугах связи и главной силой в ней будет IP- телефония.

Но самая важная для нас информация, что компания Skype обязуется никогда не вводить оплату за звонки Skype на Skype по всему миру. Ð’Ñ‹ спросите – чем тогда будет жить компания? Развитием других видов заработка, например, звонками Skype на стационарные и сотовые телефоны.

Установите Skype и начните экономить уже сейчас. До связи. Юрий Чашин. http://chash24.ru/