February 10, 2010

iPhone 3G VoIP could be a Boon to Business

Filed under: VoIP, voip phones — Tags: , , , — admin @ 12:05 pm

Recently rumbling from across the pond at Skype have revealed that a new Skype iPhone 3G app is on the horizon.

The news was announced by Skype towards the end of January and recent updates on the Skype blog have filled in a few more blanks.

While issues have been raised as to phone companies, who generally charge the customers through multi-minute packages, teaming up with a company that offers free-to-no-much calling via IP connections, it can’t be ignored that this could potentially be a massive win for the business market.

There seems to be an upward trend in modern media companies to offer their staff company iPhones and with the benefit of low-cost, “cd-quality” communication being available, the trend can only continue upwards as companies see an opportunity to cut costs.

Hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg – here’s to modern smartphone culture linking up with the growing VoIP market.

Full article via DSLReports.com can be found here

January 27, 2010

Why businesses are switching to VoIP.

Filed under: Unified Communications — Tags: , — admin @ 12:13 pm

Nowadays VoIP is one of today’s fastest growing technologies and it is easy to see why. Communication is the key tool in the success of any business and whether it is Internet, customer service, online web applications, or E-mail, VoIP allow workers to handle all of their needs with just one single application.
Apart from that, VoIP reduces costs, allow more flexibility and improves productivity.

Cost reduction.

VoIP allow businesses to save thousands of pounds on the phone bill. Mobile employees usually use cell phones at the company’s expense to stay in touch. By utilizing VoIP, they can remain virtually connected with the company during the day, and the company saves money on fees. Also, companies are taking advantage of the opportunity to hire employees worldwide through VoIP services. They may work in different time zones, overseas, or in their own home. By outsourcing, businesses can hire employees for less, allowing them to save money.

Great flexibility.

Workers are able to take their telephone number with them. This allows them to conduct business at home, while travelling, or staying in hotels by using a standard VoIP Phone Adapter.
VoIP also allows global conferencing and training in real time, even if the people live in different parts of the world.

Productivity improvement.

When employees rely on cell phones, many times a customer will call the office, only to be told the worker’s cell phone number. By using VoIP, a call can be instantly routed to the mobile employee, saving time and increasing productivity.

Hosted IP platforms such as the popular Avalle, offers businesses of all sizes and employee numbers, the ability to link together multiple sites and individuals, using a single communications system. When employees can integrate their email and phone services in one single application not only they save a great amount of time, they can also conduct business on the go from their laptop, any place, and anytime.

September 24, 2009

AT&T blocks 3G VoIP

Filed under: voip phones — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:53 pm

US Communications giants AT&T admits to blocking 3G VoIP across the company’s network.

AT&T had to admit to the Federal Communications Commission in the States that it struck a deal to prevent VoIP calls being made across the 3G network.

VoIP calls cost mobile phone providers money, as it cuts the cost of calls for the user – calls that would usually be made with mobile minutes.

Customer voice plans would not generate the predicted revenues if VoIP calls were available.

It seems that despite this rather unfair move on the part of AT&T, it seems that without removing the ability to make VoIP calls, they will all lose money. In fact, without the revenues created by voice call plans, there would be a slow on mobile phone advancements overall.

AT&T has said that VoIP can be used on any VoIP apps that use Wi-Fi to operate, but that they would be blocked from the iPhone.

August 28, 2009

Microsoft and JaJah Join Forces to Increase VoIP Communication

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:45 am

JaJah, a Mountain View California based VoIP service provider, have joined partnership with Microsoft to launch a new IP service for enterprises. This allows business customers to make calls from computers and landlines over the internet, with an improved quality of the VoIP calls made via Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

The partnership means that JaJah will provide Microsoft with SIP trunking services – a technology that connects OCS 2007 R2 to carrier networks, and maintains phone calls arriving at their destination that are made from PCs, VoIP phones and mobile devices. These trunking services are now authorised to be compatible with OCS 2007 R2.

Ebrandz explains that: “a SIP trunk is a concurrent call that is routed over the IP backbone of a carrier using VoIP technology.” Companies using OCS 2007 R2 will not have to buy additional hardware and software to enable their voice calls, because of JaJah’s VoIP platform.

JaJah competes with other web-based calling platforms (e.g. Skype, RingCentral and Google Voice) but its aim is to give VoIP accessibility to technology companies, carriers and mobile operators. By pointing the server at JaJah’s IP address, businesses who buy OCS 2007 can start making calls instantly.

Businesses can start taking advantage of making high quality calls by using JaJah’s IP platform, meaning no infrastructure upgrade is necessary. Microsoft OCS users can now make low cost voice calls from their IP phones, computers or mobile phones to any device because of the new partnership with JaJah.

Trevor Healy, JaJah’s CEO said: “The JaJah qualification on Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 is a clear indicator of the strength of JaJah’s platform and quality as a carrier-grade SIP solutions provider. Enterprises across the world can implement VoIP and unified communication easily and cost effectively with Microsoft and JaJah.”

Lots of small to medium businesses use JaJah’s phone platform to enable calls as it is similar to Skype but without the need for headsets, downloads, software or hardware. Users on Yahoo Messenger making calls are also using JaJah – from when they are registering to when they are paying.

Healy explains: “What this indicates is that when you make an internal call inside the enterprise, we will carry [the call] all the way to your destination. … But then also, if you want to connect to a mobile phone in France, we will handle all the routing and trafficking of that call to Orange in France.”

August 27, 2009

Desktop VoIP Phones Still Relevant in the Marketplace

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:38 am

Garrett Smith, a blogger from smithonvoip.com suggests desktop VoIP phones are still highly relevant.

In regard to a post by Dave Michels on pindropsoup.com, Smith discusses how personal and business communications have “become increasingly fragmented,” and that there is a wider choice in the present day of how to get hold of someone.

This evolution has in turn limited the possible growth for desktop VoIP phones. However, desktop VoIP phones are not being wiped out. As Smith states, desktop VoIP phones are still the most appropriate enabler of business VoIP calling.

He indicates this is because the phone call is “an experience,” and one that is tied directly to a desktop VoIP phone. Desktop VoIP phones will face competition – although these new competitors still have to change prosumer habits, a task not easy to do.

To maintain their power as the preferred medium of enabling a call, desktop VoIP phones will need to evolve. As manufacturers are continually creating new and developing existing products, this is sure to happen.
Smith agrees with Michels on the fact that people love their mobile phones as they are becoming rapidly more relevant to users. So it is suggested that some partnership between the mobile phone and desktop phone that meets the needs of the prosumer is likely.

Overall, Smith agrees that the “evolutionary fragmentation of communications will limit the potential growth of the desktop VoIP phone over time.” But, that this is apparent in all other forms of communications too due to technology advancing and continual evolution. The market winner will be the product that is most relevant to the user – and currently that is the desktop VoIP phone.

VoIP to Come to iPhone on AT&T 3G Network?

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 11:22 am

It is known that Apple and AT&T have an agreement to block VoIP applications from using AT&T’s mobile network. However an article on zdnet states VoIP apps using WiFi are fine.

The Apple and AT&T agreement is stated in a letter sent to the FCC by AT&T. The letter clarifies that AT&T and Apple agree that Apple will not enable the iPhone to uses AT&T’s wireless service (2G, 3G and WiFi) to make VoIP calls without accessing consent from AT&T.

It is suggested that without this agreement the price of the iPhone would have been greater than it is. AT&T frequently review their capability and feature policies, and are said to take a “fresh look” at the possibility of authorising VoIP capabilities on the AT&T 3G network for the iPhone. For more information head to phonesreview.

New Small Business VoIP Phone Series from Cisco

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:07 am

Cisco Systems are releasing five new VoIP phones targeted at the small medium business sector. The new SPA5XX models are part of the Cisco Small Business Series, and are the next generation in desktop VoIP phone technology for Cisco.

Developing further from the successful Linksys SPA9XX series, the SPA5XX series are designed to meet the VoIP consumers changing needs. All five phones in the series include:

  1. Dual switched ethernet ports with IEEE 802.3af Power Over Ethernet (PoE) support
  2. Full-duplex speakerphone, Message Waiting Indicator Light, 4-way navigation key, and 12 button dial pad, dedicated illuminated buttons for Volume, Hold, Menu settings and Voicemail access
  3. G.722 Wideband Audio codec support
  4. Optional line expansion through the NEW Cisco SPA500S attendant console
  5. Auto-provisioning via TFTP, HTTP or HTTPS
  6. Support for both SIP and Cisco’s SPCP (Smart Phone Control Protocol)

To help you decide which model would suit your business, here is a summary of each:

Cisco SPA501G – the entry level model with a basic grey scale LCD screen and single line appearance. Suitable for waiting areas and break rooms.

Cisco SPA502G – this model features a higher resolution grey scale LCD screen and two line appearances. Suitable for the average business user.

Cisco SPA504G – this has four line appearances and the middle model out of the series. Suitable for any associate, manager or executive.

Cisco SPA508G – a step up, this model has eight line appearances and the ability to add up to two Cisco SPA500S sidecars. Suitable for a secretary, assistant or someone that needs to handle multiple calls at one time.

Cisco SPA509G – the final model features a twelve line appearance that is also designed for secretaries and assistants. It can be used with a maximum of two SPA500S sidecars – allowing 76 line appearances.
The availability of the SPA5XX series is September 2nd 2009 but pre-orders are accepted already. Want to learn a bit more about the series, head here.

New VoIP Phone Released by Astra

Filed under: VoIP — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:56 am

The Aastra 312W is the latest in the line of new WiFi VoIP phones to be released in 2009.

Targeted at consumers and prosumers the 312W supports 802.11 b/g wireless network connections, a high resolution colour screen and a memory card to store contacts. The 312W is SIP based.

Aastra are a top quality brand and one of the global communications leaders. The Aastra 57i CT desktop/cordless VoIP phone combination is one of the most popular phones on the market. Not forgetting their inventive SIP DECT solution either.

The 312W is set to cause a lot of interest, despite the $349.99 US price tag. In time this number may fall however. But, if you’re looking for a WiFi VoIP Phone the Aastra 312W is a definite consideration.

Read more here.

February 17, 2009

Docklands Light Railway to use VoIP for Announcement

Filed under: VoIP, VoIP in the Workplace — Tags: , , , — admin @ 4:30 pm

An article on VoIP-News.co.uk reports that Docklands Light Railway is to integrate VoIP technology into its public address system.

The franchise operator of the DLR, Serco Docklands, has decideed to choose a new high performance LAN infrastructure that will make announcements possible via a VoIP system.

The new announcements system, controlled from Linux PC workstations at the DLR control station, will be integrated with customer information displays to prevent conflicting messages in public announcements and on display screens.

With a plan to deploy the new Voip-based system across all 32 DLR stations, the DLR hopes this will be the tip of the iceberg and that other key systems, including cctv systems, passenger information displays, and train management computer systems, will be bought across in time, to run over the new network, 

The project has already in progress and is set to completed later this year.

September 20, 2008

Yo! Sushi get in on the VoIP Revolution

Filed under: VoIP in the Workplace — Tags: , , , — admin @ 12:22 pm

Those wondering about the reach and potential for VoIP Telecommunications may be surprised to learn that Yo! Sushi, the Japanese cuisine restaurant chain,  is to implement an IP phone system across it’s 35 branches in an attempt to reduce its operational costs.

The company’s current legacy set-up will be replaced with the new technology and plans to extend the VoIP system to a further 15 outlets are planned for the next 12 months.

Through integration with their customer database and maps software, Yo! Sushi hopes to generate savings by routing calls through to it’s London call centre.

Internal communications will be streamlined via a conferencing feature in the new VoIP phone system which will enable regional managers to hold remote meetings with restaurant supervisors thus reducing the need for travel or for employees to subscribe to a third-party service.

A spokesperson for the restaurant chain stated “The ongoing costs of line rental and telephony maintenance were becoming a significant overhead to the business and, as we had plans to double the number of outlets within two years, this was an appropriate time to review our overall telecoms strategy,”

“We expect the system to pay for itself within two years, and believe that we have only scratched the surface of what we think the telephony system can do for us in the future.”

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