| VoIP (voice over IP) technology is a rapidly expanding | | | | how you expect to use VoIP. If you only want to |
| field. More and more VoIP components are being | | | | communicate with friends and family over the Internet, |
| developed, while existing VoIP technology is being | | | | one of the free services may be sufficient. |
| deployed at a rapid-and still increasing-pace. | | | | VoIP systems usually interface with the traditional |
| Instead of connecting your phone to the wall, you | | | | public switched telephone network (PSTN) to allow for |
| connect it to a box either the VoIP company provides | | | | transparent phone communications worldwide. |
| or you buy on your own. | | | | Most VoIP providers offer additional phone numbers in |
| VoIP systems usually interface with the traditional | | | | various locations. These are known as Virtual |
| public switched telephone network (PSTN) to allow for | | | | Numbers. |
| transparent phone communications worldwide. | | | | Many have heard of VoIP before while some of you |
| What are the benefits? | | | | might not. Essentially VoIP stands for Voice Over |
| - Voicemail | | | | Internet Protocol. What this means is that you will be |
| - Auto-forward | | | | able to communicate with almost anyone around the |
| - Features like caller id, call waiting, call waiting caller id, | | | | globe, over your Internet line. |
| call forwarding, etc. | | | | In order for voice data to be transmitted without any |
| - Computer dialing | | | | noticeable delays, a broadband Internet connection is |
| - Email alerts for new voicemail. | | | | necessary. Many households and businesses are |
| - Web access to voicemail - you can play your | | | | already using broadband (either DSL or cable) so |
| messages on your computer. | | | | adding VoIP is fairly simple. |
| - Online management of all features, settings, account, | | | | VoIP Phone Systems are fast becoming a necessity if |
| etc. | | | | you want your business to keep up with the rapid |
| - Keep your regular phone (you don't need a VoIP | | | | changes of technology in the telecommunications |
| phone) | | | | world. These systems can aid business to boost their |
| VoIP telephone calls can be made either by using a | | | | revenues, enhance productivity and excel in customer |
| Personal Computer (PC) connected to the internet, or | | | | satisfaction. |
| by a standard telephone which will need to be | | | | To find out more about the different VoIP Providers, |
| connected to the internet using a special adapter. | | | | price plans and features they provide, see our VoIP |
| Choosing which method suits you best depends on | | | | Provider pages and read our VoIP Service Reviews. |