Vonage has ended patent battle with AT&T and agreed to pay $39 million over five years as part of the settlement. It is the third major settlement by Vonage. The first two settlements were with Sprint Nextel and Verizon.
The American telecom giant, AT&T had sued Vonage last month in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin claiming illegal use of their wide-area packet technology system by the VoIP pioneer.
Vonage, which has now more than 2.2 million residential customers, has faced massive loss in the third quarter on account patent disputes with telecom companies. It agreed to pay $120 million to Verizon and $80 million to Sprint Nextel last month.
The latest settlement was done as Vonage declared their third quarter results. The company has conceded net loss of $168.8 million. It spent more than $133 million in legal battles.
Showing posts with label vonage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vonage. Show all posts
Vonage ends legal dispute with AT&T
Vonage has ended patent battle with AT&T and agreed to pay $39 million over five years as part of the settlement. It is the third major settlement by Vonage. The first two settlements were with Sprint Nextel and Verizon.
The American telecom giant, AT&T had sued Vonage last month in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin claiming illegal use of their wide-area packet technology system by the VoIP pioneer.
Vonage, which has now more than 2.2 million residential customers, has faced massive loss in the third quarter on account patent disputes with telecom companies. It agreed to pay $120 million to Verizon and $80 million to Sprint Nextel last month.
The latest settlement was done as Vonage declared their third quarter results. The company has conceded net loss of $168.8 million. It spent more than $133 million in legal battles.
What is VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the family of technologies that allow IP networks to be used for voice applications, such as telephony, voice instant messaging, and teleconferencing. VoIP entails solutions at almost every layer of an IP network–from specialized voice applications (like Skype) all the way down to low-level quality measures that keep those applications running smoothly.
Unless you’ve been sleeping under a very big rock for the last year, you’ve certainly heard the phrase “Voice over IP” uttered. Perhaps you’ve seen those hilarious Vonage commercials that feature painful and embarrassing accidents caught on tape, promising to let you dump your local phone company in order save big on your phone bill. You may also have seen the Cisco telephones that are curiously inserted in prime-time shows like 24.
What is all the hubbub about, anyway? Why, VoIP, of course! VoIP, the fabulous secret ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other revolutionary technology products you may have already encountered on TV, in the news, or in person. But what makes these products so revolutionary? What is it about VoIP that is such a big deal?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a family of technologies that enable voice communications using IP networks like the internet. Inventive developers and entrepreneurs have created an industry around VoIP technology in its many forms: desktop applications, telephone services, and corporate phone systems. VoIP is a core technology that drives everything from voice-chat software loaded on a desktop PC to Mac full-blown IP-based telecommunications networks in large corporations. To the Wall Street speculator, VoIP is a single technology investment with many revenue streams. To the enterprise network engineer, it’s a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the telephony experience for users of the network. To the home user, it’s a really cool way to save money on the old phone bill.
Unless you’ve been sleeping under a very big rock for the last year, you’ve certainly heard the phrase “Voice over IP” uttered. Perhaps you’ve seen those hilarious Vonage commercials that feature painful and embarrassing accidents caught on tape, promising to let you dump your local phone company in order save big on your phone bill. You may also have seen the Cisco telephones that are curiously inserted in prime-time shows like 24.
What is all the hubbub about, anyway? Why, VoIP, of course! VoIP, the fabulous secret ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other revolutionary technology products you may have already encountered on TV, in the news, or in person. But what makes these products so revolutionary? What is it about VoIP that is such a big deal?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a family of technologies that enable voice communications using IP networks like the internet. Inventive developers and entrepreneurs have created an industry around VoIP technology in its many forms: desktop applications, telephone services, and corporate phone systems. VoIP is a core technology that drives everything from voice-chat software loaded on a desktop PC to Mac full-blown IP-based telecommunications networks in large corporations. To the Wall Street speculator, VoIP is a single technology investment with many revenue streams. To the enterprise network engineer, it’s a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the telephony experience for users of the network. To the home user, it’s a really cool way to save money on the old phone bill.
What is Internet Telephony?
The question “What is Internet Telephony?” has answers that prove that the face of communications as we know it is changing. Today, the internet is not only a pathway for data transmissions. It is now also possible to make telephone calls over the internet, a technology which makes paying long-distance charges optional instead of mandatory.
So exactly what is internet telephony? Also called Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), it is the technology that gives the ability to take an analog voice signal and translate it to a digital signal. That digital signal is then sent from one computer across the internet to the receiving computer, where it is reconverted to an analog signal that the receiver hears as the caller’s voice.
Or, if only the originating caller has VOIP, they can still make a call using VOIP. The provider will route the call across the internet to the ‘node’ (local phone switch) nearest the receiver’s location. Usually the caller has to pay a small fee for this service. By using the internet instead of a long-distance company’s telephone network, the caller avoids paying any long-distance fees.
There are, however, variations to the answer of the question about what is internet telephony. Depending on what the customer wants or needs, their level of comfort with technology and their other telephony needs, they have a choice as to what kind of internet telephony service they select.
So when we consider the question of what is internet telephony, we must start with the basic VOIP technology and then look at the packages in which it is offered to the customer.
There are VOIP providers who provide both the internet (usually, broadband internet) service, local phone service with all the calling features the local phone company offers, plus the software and hardware needed to make calls. They usually charge equipment fees and monthly service fees.
Then there are those who provide only the VOIP service over your existing broadband connection, and equipment is optional. But if you have a PC with speakers, a sound card, a microphone and an internet connection, you can even purchase or download software that will allow you to set up your own VOIP calls, free of any monthly or long-distance charges.
So exactly what is internet telephony? Also called Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), it is the technology that gives the ability to take an analog voice signal and translate it to a digital signal. That digital signal is then sent from one computer across the internet to the receiving computer, where it is reconverted to an analog signal that the receiver hears as the caller’s voice.
Or, if only the originating caller has VOIP, they can still make a call using VOIP. The provider will route the call across the internet to the ‘node’ (local phone switch) nearest the receiver’s location. Usually the caller has to pay a small fee for this service. By using the internet instead of a long-distance company’s telephone network, the caller avoids paying any long-distance fees.
There are, however, variations to the answer of the question about what is internet telephony. Depending on what the customer wants or needs, their level of comfort with technology and their other telephony needs, they have a choice as to what kind of internet telephony service they select.
So when we consider the question of what is internet telephony, we must start with the basic VOIP technology and then look at the packages in which it is offered to the customer.
There are VOIP providers who provide both the internet (usually, broadband internet) service, local phone service with all the calling features the local phone company offers, plus the software and hardware needed to make calls. They usually charge equipment fees and monthly service fees.
Then there are those who provide only the VOIP service over your existing broadband connection, and equipment is optional. But if you have a PC with speakers, a sound card, a microphone and an internet connection, you can even purchase or download software that will allow you to set up your own VOIP calls, free of any monthly or long-distance charges.
What Is VoIP And How Does VoIP Work
VoIP will allow users to user their broadband connection to make phone calls over the Internet. The widespread use of VoIP has caused a revolution in the phone industry. With the VoIP service giving users the chance to make phone calls over the internet it is easy to see why this has rocked the telecoms industry.
VoIP at present is becoming the most cost effective way to make long distance telephone calls. Before VoIP telephone service providers had a strong hold on lucrative and 99% of the time over priced long distance services.
Due to the introduction of Voip the long distance calling market has began to open to up to competition. The main reason for this is that most Internet users will begin implementing VoIP. The main reason being that VoIP is the most cost effective way to make long distance telephone calls.
VoIP Development Process
Over the last 10 year VoIP has been slowly developing. In the early days computer users were able to talk to one another through their computers. You were only able to do this if you had a voice enabled computer with good Internet connection and you would need to have a software program installed on your computer.
The main advantage to this was that it allowed user to be able to contact anyone from around the world for free aslong as they had the same setup as you.
The disadvantages to this system was that sound quality was never great, broadband was not being widely used and the user you were trying to contact would have to be online.
Today’s VoIP has made these problems a thing of the past.
The two things that were required to make VoIP technology appeal to the wide spread market have been accomplished.
Broadband is now a widly used internet service. This allows users to have a stable internet connection that can always be on.
Secondly the VoIP industry has been able to develop a simple and inexpenisve way of integrating the IP network (aka Internet) with a traditional telephone system.
What this means is that VoIP users are able to use their own telephone to call anyone else in the world who has the traditonal telephone connection.
Traditional telecom companies such as Qwest, AT&T and Bell have developed their own type of VoIP technology. This has given consumers a huge number of choices. Now anybody anywhere with a boradband internet connection is able to call anyone anywhere in the world who has a ordinary telephone connection.
Why VoIP Will Save You Money
The major advantage of VoIP is the low cost, with no significant decrease in voice quality.
1st, a VoIP subscriber doesn’t require a traditional phone line. Instead, you are assigned a phone number by your VoIP provider.
Prices for these calls can be as low as $9 per month. 2nd, virtually all VoIP subscribers will buy a “bundle” of services that includes unlimited incoming calls and unlimited long distance calls to anyone in a defined geographic area. As an example, VoIP unlimited calling plans to anyone in the US or even Canada will only cost around $20 per month.
Third, virtually all VoIP service providers offer free bundled features that virtually all traditional telephone corporations charge for. These include free voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting ID, three way calling, speed dialing.
VoIP provides better flexibility and portability
An additional important benefit is the flexibility and portability of VoIP phone service. With VoIP your individual telephone number is programmed into the converter that acts as a bridge between your internet connection and your regular telephone.
This has many important benefits. As already mentioned you don’t want an actual land line. Instead your telephone number is assigned to your converter (not to your geographic land line). So you are able to take your converter with you anywhere in the globe, plug it into any available broadband connection, and immediately you can employ your regular number to produce and receive calls.
This flexibility also lets you select a number in an area code where virtually all of your long distance calls originate. For instance, if many of your friends, family, business associates or even customers are calling from a specific city that traditionally involved an extended distance call for them, you may pick a number in that area code and immediately turn all their calls to you into local (free) calls for them.
The benefits of VoIP are many, and the savings can be incredibly important. So it’s no wonder that VoIP has turned into the hottest telecom technology of the decade. Informed consumers and businesses around the globe are adopting this technology at a phenomenal rate.
VoIP at present is becoming the most cost effective way to make long distance telephone calls. Before VoIP telephone service providers had a strong hold on lucrative and 99% of the time over priced long distance services.
Due to the introduction of Voip the long distance calling market has began to open to up to competition. The main reason for this is that most Internet users will begin implementing VoIP. The main reason being that VoIP is the most cost effective way to make long distance telephone calls.
VoIP Development Process
Over the last 10 year VoIP has been slowly developing. In the early days computer users were able to talk to one another through their computers. You were only able to do this if you had a voice enabled computer with good Internet connection and you would need to have a software program installed on your computer.
The main advantage to this was that it allowed user to be able to contact anyone from around the world for free aslong as they had the same setup as you.
The disadvantages to this system was that sound quality was never great, broadband was not being widely used and the user you were trying to contact would have to be online.
Today’s VoIP has made these problems a thing of the past.
The two things that were required to make VoIP technology appeal to the wide spread market have been accomplished.
Broadband is now a widly used internet service. This allows users to have a stable internet connection that can always be on.
Secondly the VoIP industry has been able to develop a simple and inexpenisve way of integrating the IP network (aka Internet) with a traditional telephone system.
What this means is that VoIP users are able to use their own telephone to call anyone else in the world who has the traditonal telephone connection.
Traditional telecom companies such as Qwest, AT&T and Bell have developed their own type of VoIP technology. This has given consumers a huge number of choices. Now anybody anywhere with a boradband internet connection is able to call anyone anywhere in the world who has a ordinary telephone connection.
Why VoIP Will Save You Money
The major advantage of VoIP is the low cost, with no significant decrease in voice quality.
1st, a VoIP subscriber doesn’t require a traditional phone line. Instead, you are assigned a phone number by your VoIP provider.
Prices for these calls can be as low as $9 per month. 2nd, virtually all VoIP subscribers will buy a “bundle” of services that includes unlimited incoming calls and unlimited long distance calls to anyone in a defined geographic area. As an example, VoIP unlimited calling plans to anyone in the US or even Canada will only cost around $20 per month.
Third, virtually all VoIP service providers offer free bundled features that virtually all traditional telephone corporations charge for. These include free voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting ID, three way calling, speed dialing.
VoIP provides better flexibility and portability
An additional important benefit is the flexibility and portability of VoIP phone service. With VoIP your individual telephone number is programmed into the converter that acts as a bridge between your internet connection and your regular telephone.
This has many important benefits. As already mentioned you don’t want an actual land line. Instead your telephone number is assigned to your converter (not to your geographic land line). So you are able to take your converter with you anywhere in the globe, plug it into any available broadband connection, and immediately you can employ your regular number to produce and receive calls.
This flexibility also lets you select a number in an area code where virtually all of your long distance calls originate. For instance, if many of your friends, family, business associates or even customers are calling from a specific city that traditionally involved an extended distance call for them, you may pick a number in that area code and immediately turn all their calls to you into local (free) calls for them.
The benefits of VoIP are many, and the savings can be incredibly important. So it’s no wonder that VoIP has turned into the hottest telecom technology of the decade. Informed consumers and businesses around the globe are adopting this technology at a phenomenal rate.
Free VoIP Calls
I am sure you have heard the adage, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”. Well, obviously the person famous for that saying hadn’t yet heard of VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol better know as VoIP - or in simple terms, the ability to transmit voice over the Internet. VoIP has been gaining in strength and popularity as a the preferred telecommunications method Small businesses are opting to go free VoIP because of the numerous benefits. It is a viable source for businesses to make long distance calls virtually free, or at a significantly lower cost when compared to other telephone service providers.
You too can experience the power of Free VoIP with a High Speed Internet connection. In fact, you may have already tried this technology without even realizing it. There are many services and programs that have been available for free, on the Internet, for the past ten years that have embraced VoIP.
Dial-pad was known for allowing people to connect a microphone and speakers to their computers and then make long distance calls virtually world wide for free. Well, Dial-pad isn’t free any more, but if you do purchase their monthly service, they do provide an option for unlimited long distance calling. This service is still comparable to other telephone providers.
Currently most of the free VoIP have begun to charge a monthly fee for their services. There is still one program left that is absolutely free. That is Ad Calls. This program displays various advertisements on their display while you can use the service to make free calls. There are limitations to this program however. You can only use the service for ten minutes at a time, and you are unable to call toll free numbers.
The major VoIP programs that embrace free VoIP calling left on the Internet are bundled with your Instant Messaging programs. Programs such as Yahoo Messenger have recently been redesigned with the ability to make free VoIP voice phone calls. You won’t be able to call a landline telephone however. You will need to use the program to call another member who is using the same program. For example, if you have the newly VoIP enabled Yahoo Messenger downloaded to your computer, yet your buddy (who lives across the world) is using the old Yahoo Messenger, you can send them a link to download and upgrade their current version. Once they have installed the new Yahoo Messenger, you will see a “call” button with a phone icon at the top of your Yahoo Messenger chat box. By clicking call, you will be using free VoIP technology to send a phone call to your buddy’s computer. The receiving computer will actually ring, like a standard telephone, and your buddy will have the option of accepting or declining the phone call. All that is needed is a high speed Internet connection, this provides the best audio quality and speed), a microphone, and speakers. You and your buddy are free to talk as long as you like. The other advantage to Instant Messengers that allow free VoIP calls is the ability to call more than one person. You can call people on your buddy list, and invite them for a conference call. This has unlimited potential and can be used by small businesses for free training calls, and by people everywhere who just want to stay in touch with friends and family.
Other Internet Messaging services that have embraced VoIP calling include MSN and AOL Instant Messenger, and Google has begun their new service, Google Talk.
VoIP is a preferred method of telecommunications due to the fact that you can integrate audio, video, and web based applications with one program. The Instant Messaging programs are perfect examples of how audio and web based communications are working together to increase communication. Also included with many Instant Messaging programs is the ability to hook up a digital camera or web cam and incorporate video with your audio and web based application.
VoIP telephones are also beginning to incorporate video with their free VoIP services. This will be a very popular trend in the future. As there are over 900 million Instant Messaging subscribers, people are already experiencing the power and freedom of converged communications.
Cellular phones are realizing that people want to combine video with their audio, and many videophones are being released. Some phones have gone the next level and have combined audio, video, and graphics by allowing you to store pictures in your telephone, and use it as a camera.
As the technology of VoIP continues to advance, we can rest assured that more “Beta” programs will be released and as that occurs, keep your eye out for more free VoIP programs. Talk no longer cheap, its free!
You too can experience the power of Free VoIP with a High Speed Internet connection. In fact, you may have already tried this technology without even realizing it. There are many services and programs that have been available for free, on the Internet, for the past ten years that have embraced VoIP.
Dial-pad was known for allowing people to connect a microphone and speakers to their computers and then make long distance calls virtually world wide for free. Well, Dial-pad isn’t free any more, but if you do purchase their monthly service, they do provide an option for unlimited long distance calling. This service is still comparable to other telephone providers.
Currently most of the free VoIP have begun to charge a monthly fee for their services. There is still one program left that is absolutely free. That is Ad Calls. This program displays various advertisements on their display while you can use the service to make free calls. There are limitations to this program however. You can only use the service for ten minutes at a time, and you are unable to call toll free numbers.
The major VoIP programs that embrace free VoIP calling left on the Internet are bundled with your Instant Messaging programs. Programs such as Yahoo Messenger have recently been redesigned with the ability to make free VoIP voice phone calls. You won’t be able to call a landline telephone however. You will need to use the program to call another member who is using the same program. For example, if you have the newly VoIP enabled Yahoo Messenger downloaded to your computer, yet your buddy (who lives across the world) is using the old Yahoo Messenger, you can send them a link to download and upgrade their current version. Once they have installed the new Yahoo Messenger, you will see a “call” button with a phone icon at the top of your Yahoo Messenger chat box. By clicking call, you will be using free VoIP technology to send a phone call to your buddy’s computer. The receiving computer will actually ring, like a standard telephone, and your buddy will have the option of accepting or declining the phone call. All that is needed is a high speed Internet connection, this provides the best audio quality and speed), a microphone, and speakers. You and your buddy are free to talk as long as you like. The other advantage to Instant Messengers that allow free VoIP calls is the ability to call more than one person. You can call people on your buddy list, and invite them for a conference call. This has unlimited potential and can be used by small businesses for free training calls, and by people everywhere who just want to stay in touch with friends and family.
Other Internet Messaging services that have embraced VoIP calling include MSN and AOL Instant Messenger, and Google has begun their new service, Google Talk.
VoIP is a preferred method of telecommunications due to the fact that you can integrate audio, video, and web based applications with one program. The Instant Messaging programs are perfect examples of how audio and web based communications are working together to increase communication. Also included with many Instant Messaging programs is the ability to hook up a digital camera or web cam and incorporate video with your audio and web based application.
VoIP telephones are also beginning to incorporate video with their free VoIP services. This will be a very popular trend in the future. As there are over 900 million Instant Messaging subscribers, people are already experiencing the power and freedom of converged communications.
Cellular phones are realizing that people want to combine video with their audio, and many videophones are being released. Some phones have gone the next level and have combined audio, video, and graphics by allowing you to store pictures in your telephone, and use it as a camera.
As the technology of VoIP continues to advance, we can rest assured that more “Beta” programs will be released and as that occurs, keep your eye out for more free VoIP programs. Talk no longer cheap, its free!
VoIP Phone Syatem - Skype Phone
The telecommunication sector is on an all time boom. This has paved way too many new inventions in the sector. All these inventions have seen their days of glory; however, one of them has done what no other invention could do. It is the latest and immensely popular Skype phone. People all over the world have greeted it with huge aplomb. As the signs are, the phone will be discussed and loved for a long time to come.
The reason behind its success and popularity is that it uses the latest technology. The technology used in the phone is Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. This technology has made Skype, a unique experience for the users. The VoIP technology helps Skype to convert the analog audio signals into digital data. This data can then be transmitted over the Internet.
The VoIP technology also enables the Skype phone to offer a superior voice quality. In fact the voice quality is far better than the regular telephones or mobile phones. The phone uses a unique software for telecommunication. The software has made it possible for Skype users to make and receive calls over the Internet in a convenient way.
The Skype phone has also brought another revolution. It enables the users to communicate with other people using Skype, without paying a single penny. This is true; they can talk absolutely free of charge. This gives Skype an edge over other modes of telecommunication.
However, if the users wish to make a call to a regular phone than he/she has to pay on a per-minute basis. This amazing cost effectiveness along with absolutely wonderful relay of voice signals has made the Skype phone a winner.
This experience has become even more wonderful, with the introduction of accessories. The users can opt for cordless Skype phones, headsets, Skype headsets with USB, Skype adapters, web cams and Wi-Fi phones.
Truly the Skype phone has changed the face of telecommunication. It has taken the whole telecommunication to an entirely new level. As of now it’s a clear winner in the market and is touted to be so for a long time to come.
The reason behind its success and popularity is that it uses the latest technology. The technology used in the phone is Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. This technology has made Skype, a unique experience for the users. The VoIP technology helps Skype to convert the analog audio signals into digital data. This data can then be transmitted over the Internet.
The VoIP technology also enables the Skype phone to offer a superior voice quality. In fact the voice quality is far better than the regular telephones or mobile phones. The phone uses a unique software for telecommunication. The software has made it possible for Skype users to make and receive calls over the Internet in a convenient way.
The Skype phone has also brought another revolution. It enables the users to communicate with other people using Skype, without paying a single penny. This is true; they can talk absolutely free of charge. This gives Skype an edge over other modes of telecommunication.
However, if the users wish to make a call to a regular phone than he/she has to pay on a per-minute basis. This amazing cost effectiveness along with absolutely wonderful relay of voice signals has made the Skype phone a winner.
This experience has become even more wonderful, with the introduction of accessories. The users can opt for cordless Skype phones, headsets, Skype headsets with USB, Skype adapters, web cams and Wi-Fi phones.
Truly the Skype phone has changed the face of telecommunication. It has taken the whole telecommunication to an entirely new level. As of now it’s a clear winner in the market and is touted to be so for a long time to come.
Software and Hardware Requirements for VoIP
Voice over Internet telephony has changed the way we communicate. The innovative, flexible and scalable solutions have engineered a revolution of sorts in the present day world. The concept of virtual area codes can be mentioned in this context. VoIP users can opt for this service and select an area that is distinctly different from where they live. They can then enjoy facilities such as unlimited long distance calls to friends and family members living in that area code. This way, they are able to save money while connecting at different levels with the people who matter. This is another area wherein the VoIP solutions have scored over the traditional phone services.
Businesses can also make the most of this high-end technology and use it to their advantage. They can, for instance, think about enhancing their scope and areas of operation, by floating local numbers in potential markets. It is quite evident that they would be getting more leads due to the low costs of local calls. When the number to be called is a local one, more people from target market segments are expected to call in.
The point is that the VoIP market is more than ready for the best of products and services. The only thing is that certain conditions need to be met for the successful implementation of this innovative technology. For instance, a computer with a high speed Internet access is a must-have. The computer should be updated with audio and video codes. This ensures that the persons using the VoIP products and services are not disappointed with the quality of the audio as well as graphics. Another pre-requisite is that the digital video compression format should also be present in the computer that is being used.
Moreover, another important requirement is the telephone adapter, which is often delivered by the voice over IP service providers, as an integral part of VoIP packages. As a matter of fact, this VoIP hardware is indispensable for converting the household phone into one that can be used for making Internet enabled calls. Most important, the hardware and software of VoIP that are needed for the successful running of IP solutions have to be implemented properly through a proper procedure of software installation and hardware activation.
Quite a few service providers are currently present in the market which can help end users to get initiated. As a matter of fact, due to the many choices that are available, it often becomes difficult for potential users to zero in on particular service providers. In this context, a VoIP requirements list becomes indispensable. It is preferable that potential users should go for VoIP wholesalers or resellers that have established themselves well in this domain. The quality of services also becomes important in this context.
It is quite natural that potential users would want to get the most for the money that they spend. So, it is quite evident that they would check out the features and costs of the VoIP solutions and services on offer. They would then be able to match the same with their requirements and select solutions that best satisfy their needs. Certain parameters that need special attention include the financial stability of the company, the technical support that the company offers, and last but most important, the overall voice quality.
Businesses can also make the most of this high-end technology and use it to their advantage. They can, for instance, think about enhancing their scope and areas of operation, by floating local numbers in potential markets. It is quite evident that they would be getting more leads due to the low costs of local calls. When the number to be called is a local one, more people from target market segments are expected to call in.
The point is that the VoIP market is more than ready for the best of products and services. The only thing is that certain conditions need to be met for the successful implementation of this innovative technology. For instance, a computer with a high speed Internet access is a must-have. The computer should be updated with audio and video codes. This ensures that the persons using the VoIP products and services are not disappointed with the quality of the audio as well as graphics. Another pre-requisite is that the digital video compression format should also be present in the computer that is being used.
Moreover, another important requirement is the telephone adapter, which is often delivered by the voice over IP service providers, as an integral part of VoIP packages. As a matter of fact, this VoIP hardware is indispensable for converting the household phone into one that can be used for making Internet enabled calls. Most important, the hardware and software of VoIP that are needed for the successful running of IP solutions have to be implemented properly through a proper procedure of software installation and hardware activation.
Quite a few service providers are currently present in the market which can help end users to get initiated. As a matter of fact, due to the many choices that are available, it often becomes difficult for potential users to zero in on particular service providers. In this context, a VoIP requirements list becomes indispensable. It is preferable that potential users should go for VoIP wholesalers or resellers that have established themselves well in this domain. The quality of services also becomes important in this context.
It is quite natural that potential users would want to get the most for the money that they spend. So, it is quite evident that they would check out the features and costs of the VoIP solutions and services on offer. They would then be able to match the same with their requirements and select solutions that best satisfy their needs. Certain parameters that need special attention include the financial stability of the company, the technical support that the company offers, and last but most important, the overall voice quality.
New VoIP Quality Monitoring Diagnostic Platform Cuts ISP Call Centre Queues
Internet service providers (ISPs) can now empower their voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) users to diagnose and accurately process VoIP faults for the first time.
Vocalite, the new diagnostic platform from Epitiro, the Internet performance experts, enables Internet telephony users to diagnose problems with their VoIP service even before contacting their provider. The results of the diagnostic test are automatically forwarded to the service provider which can begin to resolve any problems.
Vocalite is initiated via a web browser on either instruction from a service provider’s contact centre or by the end-user. A thorough analysis of the connection is completed and the summary of the test is displayed for the user. The test results are automatically sent through to the Internet provider.
Vocalite gives Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) at the ISP’s contact centre access to an extensive list of test results including Call Setup time, Dial Tone Delay and importantly Voice Quality. Visual pass and fail indicators allow non-technical CSRs to either assure the customer of adequate service quality or acknowledge the presence of a fault. This reduces the need for expensive second line support staff.
“Long contact centre queues frustrate customers and increase the likelihood of them looking for an alternative ISP. Vocalite gives the service provider a head start in fixing the fault and empowers their customers to diagnose the problem for themselves,” said Gavin Johns, Managing Director of Epitiro.
“Our products offer service providers the intelligence they need to gain and retain customers by monitoring and benchmarking their network performance. Vocalite measures the call quality across a provider’s network from an end-user’s perspective. This enables providers to keep a close eye on their networks and fix any potential service affecting problems before they reach the end-user.”
Vocalite, the new diagnostic platform from Epitiro, the Internet performance experts, enables Internet telephony users to diagnose problems with their VoIP service even before contacting their provider. The results of the diagnostic test are automatically forwarded to the service provider which can begin to resolve any problems.
Vocalite is initiated via a web browser on either instruction from a service provider’s contact centre or by the end-user. A thorough analysis of the connection is completed and the summary of the test is displayed for the user. The test results are automatically sent through to the Internet provider.
Vocalite gives Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) at the ISP’s contact centre access to an extensive list of test results including Call Setup time, Dial Tone Delay and importantly Voice Quality. Visual pass and fail indicators allow non-technical CSRs to either assure the customer of adequate service quality or acknowledge the presence of a fault. This reduces the need for expensive second line support staff.
“Long contact centre queues frustrate customers and increase the likelihood of them looking for an alternative ISP. Vocalite gives the service provider a head start in fixing the fault and empowers their customers to diagnose the problem for themselves,” said Gavin Johns, Managing Director of Epitiro.
“Our products offer service providers the intelligence they need to gain and retain customers by monitoring and benchmarking their network performance. Vocalite measures the call quality across a provider’s network from an end-user’s perspective. This enables providers to keep a close eye on their networks and fix any potential service affecting problems before they reach the end-user.”
Quintum's intelligent VoIP
Quintum's intelligent VoIP switches and gateways are the perfect fit for businesses.
Quintum makes it easy to deploy VoIP whether connecting existing PBXs, extending an IP-PBX to branch offices, or integrating a new IP-PBX with existing PBXs or legacy voice equipment. Click here. 
"Quintum demonstrated outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development."
-Elka Popova
Global Program Director, Enterprise Communications
Frost & Sullivan
Quintum's solutions are also "the perfect fit" for service providers deploying VoIP CPE for SIP trunking and hosted IP-PBX applications. Click here.
The new Survivable Tenor offers a complete branch office solution that assures business continuity in the event of IP failure.
Frost and Sullivan recognizes Quintum for its uniquely different solution for addressing the needs of the enterprise market. Click here for more informaton
"Quintum demonstrated outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development."
-Elka Popova
Global Program Director, Enterprise Communications
Frost & Sullivan
Enterprise Solutions
Are you deploying VoIP in a traditional PBX environment? With a state-of-the-art IP PBX? In a campus environment? Across dozens of locations worldwide? Need to support fax and other analog equipment? Want to "hop off" and/or "hop on" your network for long distance bypass? Click here for more IP PBX information
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Most importantly, do you want to ensure that the reliability of your voice services won't be jeopardized by problems on the network or the failure of any single piece of hardware?
We offer VoIP functionality at the edge of the enterprise network ... unmatched by any other vendor - including dynamic call failover, out-of-the-box interoperability with voice and data network environments, SIP and H.323 support, and more.
Read what our customers say about their Tenor networks!
Click here for more Traditional PBX information
Click here to learn how Quintum's unique MultiPath™ architecture radically eases deployment in all types of environments and ensures VoIP survivability even in the event of IP network failure.
Read about specific applications that utilized the Tenor VoIP Multipath products, such as:
| IP PBX | Multi-Office |
| Banking | PBX Extension |
| Hospitality | Retail |
| Long Distance Consolidation | Call Centers |
Vonage
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Free Calls To Europe Offer (available only with Unlimited Residential Plan) Does Not Apply To Certain Call Types, Such As Calls To Cell Phones, and is limited to Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland. Other International Rates May Vary. For International rates 
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