Pulling the Plug

VoIP originally was given away for free over the Internet.

Programs such as Dialpad, Skype, and other Instant Messaging services would allow users to make free long distance calls over the Internet. Now that user demand as increased for this service, free VoIP programs are harder to find. However, many Instant Messaging programs are enabling VoIP and allow users to download the program for free, make phone calls (anywhere in the world) and talk as long as they like.

Instant Messaging programs that are offering VoIP include Yahoo Messenger, AOL, MSN, and ICQ. Google has just released their first VoIP enabled instant messenger.

Other than these free VoIP services, many VoIP providers will charge a monthly fee for the use of VoIP. It is recommended to research various VoIP providers before selecting the plan that has the amount of minutes you need, (many offer unlimited local and long distance calling) various calling features: such as Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and Three Way Calling, and whether or not they provide a phone adapter of a VoIP enabled phone.

VoIP providers are wide and varied. Each will offer a different set of services and products for a different rate. However, you are certain to find a VoIP provider that will best meet your needs and budget.

It isn’t hard to use VoIP- simply using VoIP with and Instant Messaging service proves that. In fact, as long as you have a High Speed Internet connection, Microphone, Speakers, and an up to date computer, you are in business.

A phone adapter will connect to your Internet connection (typically by an Ethernet plug) and there will be a phone jack that will allow you to plug in one of your standard telephones. With this phone adapter, your new VoIP service is fully functional with your telephone.

You may also opt for a VoIP designed phone. These phones can come with many features built in such as multi lines, mute, hold, programmable display buttons, and speakerphones.

Businesses are also choosing to pull the plug. Employers are quickly recognizing the benefits that VoIP has to offer not only their productivity but also the benefits available to their employees and customers as well.

VoIP offers a cost effective solution to many telecommunications applications, provide flexibility for employees, and increases customer service response by nearly 50%. It is much more inexpensive for an office building to wireless and rely upon the High Speed Internet connection that they have previously installed in their buildings. Mobile employees can stay connected and save on call charges by using VoIP, and customers can have their needs more efficiently met by using VoIP integrated systems.

Call centers are also making the switch to VoIP and pulling the plug on standard telephone networks. While many companies are choosing to outsource their work to countries where they can hire inexpensive labor, VoIP makes that possible. Not only is VoIP a perfect solution for overseas outsourcing, it is also paving the way for home workers as well.

Customer service applications are greatly enhanced by VoIP. Companies can have Integrated Voice Response systems that will handle calls and efficiently transfer them to the appropriate department. All of this can be done while still enabling real time interaction with E-mail, Audio, and Web Control features. VoIP has proven that it is a viable alternative to standard PSTN telephone networks.

Rondee, the first company to combine free conference calling with response management and on-line scheduling, today made public the launch of a new set of features serving the needs of power conferencers. The features include Recurring Rondee set-up capability, agenda archiving and automated reminders. (PRWeb Jan 6, 2009)

Callfinity has been selected to provide a call center suite for the 2010 Dicennial United States Census. Callfinity will host its ContextIP product line to queue telephone calls and appropriately distribute those calls to available Census contact center staff. (PRWeb Jan 6, 2009)

ATP®, a leading manufacturer of high performance flash and DRAM memory, announces its embedded USB flash modules, a line up of reliable, high performance solid state storage for embedded, networking, server platforms, and other industrial applications. Armed with the latest in wear leveling and onboard ECC technology, the ATP USB flash modules are immediately available in densities ranging from 512MB to 8GB, and will be showcased along with other ATP memory solutions at the 2009 International CES in Las Vegas on January 8-11. ATP's booth is located at Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 3 booth #31646. (PRWeb Jan 6, 2009)

In a 10 minute Video News Blog, Ed Asner, the most prominent actor/activist of his time, takes on the Los Angeles City Council for failing to stop Time Warner Cable from closing down the 25 year-old public access studios and channels system on December 31, 2008. Appearing on the Emmy Award-winning Full Disclosure Network®, hosted by Leslie Dutton, Asner is critical of the LA Council for diverting the $25 million cable Franchise Fees paid by Time Warner Cable that was intended to support public access cable television operations. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ED_ASNER_PUBLIC_ACCESS/FREE_SPEECH_LOS_ANGELES/prweb1817844.htm

FutureView Technologies is literally changing the face of corporations around the globe. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/FutureView/InterActive-Operator/prweb1812064.htm

Vikas Kapoor, iQor's president and CEO, has joined the Rubin Museum of Art's (RMA) Board of Trustees. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Vikas_Kapoor/Rubin_Museum/prweb1729534.htm

Homepath Products, LLC introduces eXapathTM , a patent-pending revolutionary low voltage cabling pathway solution for new home construction and renovations. eXapath helps homes and homeowners keep up with the cabling technology advancements in consumer electronics. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Tenqa eliminates the wires between you and your iPod®, mp3 player, cell phone, or computer with Tenqa Bluetooth Wireless Headphones, Bluetooth Wireless Speakers, and Bluetooth audio receivers for home stereo. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/bluetooth/speaker/prweb1822994.htm

Partnership allows hundreds of AastraLink Response Point resellers to offer SimpleSignal's SIP Trunking to North America businesses (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/simplesignal/wesbell/prweb1823494.htm

Versatile and durable mobile phone provides one-touch access to people and information, superior call quality and the power to find your way (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Latest devices to be displayed at 2009 International CES in Las Vegas (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Overall, mailbox shipments grew faster than revenues due to significant gains by manufacturers offering lower than average prices, aggressive discounting and free unified messaging mailboxes with new systems. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Inventive Media, a consulting firm serving the needs of the Wireless Internet Service Provider industry, announced today the WISP Directory website (http://www.wispdirectory.com), the most comprehensive list of WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) in the United States. Entries in the WISP Directory include zip codes serviced, customer ratings, independent reviews and WISP Technology used by each WISP. A coverage map showing the total area serviced by WISP operators will also be provided later in the first quarter of 2009. The directory currently has over 1700 verified WISP operators in the United States, and over 180 entries for WISP related businesses. (PRWeb Jan 4, 2009)

US21 Computers announced that it has been awarded a United States General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule 70, contract number GS- 35F-0146V. This contract enables US21 to be listed on an approved GSA Schedule and to sell satellite telecommunications equipment, services, and airtime directly to government agencies. (PRWeb Jan 2, 2009)