Blogging Fun31349

A conference call is a telephone call event in which three or more people are conversing simultaneously. Due to the technological limits of three-way calls, poor sound quality of speakerphones and the extremely high cost of arranging in-person meetings, the conference call industry has become a big business and c5A8ontinues to grow at a steady pace. So how exactly does conference call technology work?

From the Participants Perspective: Once invited to the conference call (usually by email invitation) each participant dials the same number provided by the conference calling host to connect to their companies conference. Once dialed in, the participant is connected through a conference bridge which is a server that has the capability of handling multiple calls simultaneously. Available features such as call recording and attendee polling are available depending on the type and sophistication of software the conferencing company is using. Many conference call companies offer an impressive array of conference call features which can be accessed at any time during the conference. Once connected to the conference call bridge, the participant is prompted to enter a passcode for security reasons.

From the Technology Perspective: Many conference call companies now use Voice over IP (VOIP) technology for its conference call services. VOIP works very similarly to traditional analog telephone conference call services, but the main difference between analog and VOIP technology is how the data moves from one point to another. Analog conference calls use circuit-switching technology where all the participants connections stay open and constant as long as the call continues, even though only one person is speaking a515t a time. In contrast, VOIP networks use packet switching where a brief connection opens just long enough to send the packet (which is a small chunk of data) from one system to another. Unlike analog systems which send data traveling from switch to switch, VOIP network data travels across the internet via the most efficient path. This digital technology ensures that the customer will receive the clearest, most reliable conference call service available in the industry.

# posted by blogs71375 : 11:42 PM  0 comments

Once you have decided to adopt a VoIP phone system for your business or home, the next step is to decide on a provider. There are so many options to choose from with each offering attractive schemes.

The first step would be to sit down and list in detail your needs. Once you have a clear idea do an internet search to find out about different providers, the facilities they are offering, and whether or not they have a reliable operation in your area. Read blogs as well as reviews on VoIP phones and the different companies, check with the better business bureau and chamber of commerce as to whether there are any complaints registered against the companies you are considering.

Some important considerations when choosing a provider are:

The costs: undertake a comparison of the VoIP fees. These can range form US $ 8- US$ 30 per month. And, depending on the charges, the facilities offered will vary. What you need to do is list what features are beneficial to you and then determine for these services what the monthly fees will be.

Read the offers carefully. Surf the web to find out what each provider offers for the fees charged. Think about call forwarding, voice mail, call waiting and so on. Read about what kind of network the provider has, the technology he is using and what his future plans are.

An important consideration is the abil5A8ity to contact emergency services. Choose a provider who has E911 access. This is dependant on whether the VoIP system is to be the only phone connection in your home.

Find out whether the provider offers free technical support. Some do charge for technical services. Also determine whether your existing computer system and internet cable will support VoIP services. Determine whether you will need any new equipment or software.

Ask about number portability and whether you will be able to retain your current landline number.

Find out what the different plans being offered are and whether there are any promotional schemes. There are databases of residential and business VoIP providers listing special deals, features, and plans.

Make a list of doubts/questions you have and seek answers from VoIP experts.

Make a list of hardware and software required such as phones, internet speeds, IP phones, routers and so on. Determine portability as well as efficacy of the services.

Read the contract carefully. Find out whether there is a lock in period within which you cannot change schemes or providers.

Ask about service charges applicable. Find out about sound quality and reliability of services.

Find out whether there will be additional costs for making international or long distance calls.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a final decisio54En. Most broadband phones work with a DSL or cable modem internet. If you have a dial-up, satellite or wireless broadband then VoIP phones will not work in your home or office.

# posted by blogs71375 : 6:22 PM  0 comments

Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service, is a small business phone system alternative that allows small business to medium-sized businesses (SMB) anywhere in the world to employ an unlimited number of extension options and enjoy geographic independence and flexibility. Depending on the provider, the plans can include unlimited extensions, metered extensions or virtual extensions. Some providers can offer feature-rich telephone and options that can include a unique direct inbound dial (DID) telephone number for every extension for staff located in the same building or spread around the world.

Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service lowers most small business total cost of ownership (TCO) for phone services. Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service cuts the typical private branch exchange (PBX) system start up costs up to 90% through the delivery of a virtual PBX while reducing monthly phone bills by as much as 50% if not more.

Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX services are designed with simple self-service tools for complete system and extension control. For organizations that require a fu5A8ll-service configuration, these features are included in some Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX services for the same price.

In addition to enjoying benefits from the Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service solution such as unlimited calls to the United States and Canada for a low, flat monthly fee, companies subscribing to a Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service can eliminate the overhead cost associated with brick and mortar buildings with the use of this VoIP PBX system by operating out of different locations without losing any powerful PBX functionality or having to pay premium local and long distance charges for inter-office calling.

There is one very impressive Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service that I am impressed with. This provider's Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service provides Unlimited Calling, Auto-Attendant, Full Featured Conference Bridge, and Business-class Voicemail. The most impresssive of all the features of this particular Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service are the following:

Administrative Controls:
- This particular Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service includes an administration web portal for all PBX, auto-attendant, ring groups and complete extension control

- Extension Manager allowing users the ability to control all extension settings including 498busy, ring-no-answer, and Internet outage handling ring duration and forwarding destinations. Other settings in Extension Manager including forwarding rules, one number access, caller ID blocking, call waiting disable and other unique settings.

- Switchboard is a great live answer application that runs on a PC and works in conjunction with the Virtual Office phone to assist operators and secretaries in seeing extension status indicators and provide quick and accurate call answering and distribution controls.

Virtual Attendant:
This particular Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service with Virtual Attendant is a powerful, automated call routing solution that allows businesses to connect wired, mobile, home phones and other Virtual Office extensions, regardless of geographic location, under a single primary phone number. Virtual Attendant can be used as either an independent service or in conjunction with an accompanying Virtual Office Service Plan.

This Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service provides more features than I can list in this article.This though should be enough to get you started on the roa455d to PBX solutions If you would like more information about Virtual Office Voice over IP (VoIP) hosted PBX service please contact me.

Joseph Brochin
www.Brochin.net
888-207-4784 (Toll free)
910-546-3489 (Cell)
Joseph.Brochin@Brochin.net

**Check out one of my blogs below**
www.brochin.net/blog

# posted by blogs71375 : 5:32 PM  0 comments