The Financial Benefits of VOIP

A huge number of businesses installed new telephone systems prior to the turn of the Millennium as a way of attempting to combat Y2K problems, which did not manifest in the expected way.

Since this point, there have been massive technological advances which may have meant or are starting to mean that their existing telephone connections are either out of date or do not provide them with the features they need in order to continue, develop and advance their business.

More and more people now are using VOIP rather than traditional telephone systems and finding enormous benefit with their new arrangements, however, traditional VOIP has had a reputation for being extremely expensive to install and this factor has been instrumental in many companies and businesses deciding that VOIP is not for them.

Hosted VOIP is a more cost effective way of having the benefits of VOIP than its’ traditional methods. Hosted VOIP means that whilst the connection for the telephone call is still being made and maintained over the internet rather than through telephone lines and exchanges, the hosting (as in the sending and receiving of telephone calls) is managed by the provider rather than the company.

There are a number of financial advantages to hosted VOIP.

Installation of Hosted VOIP
Traditional VOIP can be extremely expensive in its’ initial installation. The reason for this is because the hosting terminal must also be purchased and installed as well as the purchase of any new telephones or terminals which must be used.

The financial benefits for those businesses and companies who choose to have hosted VOIP rather than the traditional methods also extend to the monthly and call costs.

Management Costs
In a traditional telephone call, there are a number of costs to consider. Firstly, there is the line rental. Because the line from the exchange to the business is exclusively theirs but must be maintained and serviced by the network or provider, it must be paid for. The second major cost is the actual individual calls. As most people are aware, there are different charges for calling different areas, different countries and for making connections to mobile telephones and receivers on different networks or with different providers.

VOIP is an ideal solution because the connection is made via the internet and does not involve a line rental, there is no flat service charge to pay. Any associated cost which might be similar to a line rental is already being paid by the monthly broadband costs which are already being paid.

Furthermore, there is no individual cost for telephone calls. In just the same way as individual emails do not present or pose an individual cost, hosted VOIP has no related charges for individual calls. The only charge is for the broadband, which an overwhelming majority of businesses already have and the fee payable to the hosting company for their services.

The final financial benefit is that there are so many companies now offering hosted VOIP it is extremely easy for businesses to find a monthly tariff which suits them and fits their financial abilities.

Skype blocked in Morocco

Skype blocked in MoroccoMaroc Telecom Blocks Skype

The Moroccan telephone operator, Maroc Telecom, has blocked  access to several sites that provide free VoIP telephone service to its users.

The ban has affected the Skype service that is used by most Moroccans to call their friends, relatives and customers overseas.

The ban has also affected access to TeamSpeak and many other services that provide the VoIP functionality.

This decision has been taken by Maroc Telecom, which is know for its predatory commercial practices, for the purpose of shielding itself against competition and pushing its users  to pay for its services and stop using  free online services, like Skype, TeamSpeak, Viber and others.

The Maroc telecom is the former state telecom monopoly that has been sold to the French Company Vivendi. It has been a cash Cow for Vivendi for many years. it has been producing unusually high profits for the company.  Maroc Telecom is the default internet providers for Most users in Morocco.

Source: http://www.moroccoboard.com

US VOIP providers required to report outages

US VOIP providers to report outages

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US now requires interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) service providers to report network outages in the way landline and mobile service providers must follow, CNET reports.

“We are helping ensure that consumers will have access to reliable phone services, particularly when calling 911, whether they are using a traditional telephone or one that operates by interconnected VOIP service,” explains FCC chairman Julius Genachowski.

The National Cable and Telecommunications Association opposed extending the outage requirements to VOIP, arguing that the cost of identifying and reporting outages would outweigh any benefits, Broadcasting & Cable states.

The FCC also voted to establish a consistent regulatory approach to reining in telemarketing calls and texts to both wired and wireless phones, including requiring written consent from consumers and giving them an easy opt-out.

Under the new rules, the FCC will use outage reports to track and analyse information on interconnected VOIP outages affecting 911 service and see if other steps are needed to prevent other outages from occurring, Fierce Telecom says.

One area that the FCC rules do not address is broadband Internet service outages, something that Genachowski says the Commission would address with telecoms industry service providers to develop a voluntary method to track those outages.

Source: http://www.itweb.co.za

MobileVOIP release Symbian VoIP App

MobileVOIP release Symbian VoIP App

After earlier successful releases of a MobileVOIP client for Android and
iPhone users, a fully functional Symbian version of MobileVOIP is now
available for Windows Phone, Symbian (for example Nokia) and BlackBerry
users.

This mobile VoIP app enables it’s users to save on mobile calls to
both national and international destinations by more than 90%. The supported
VOIP brands are much cheaper than the tariffs other comparable services like
Skype and Rebtel offer, often beating their tariffs by 75%!

MobileVOIP offers various ways to call:

  1. The regular VOIP call
  2. Call Back service
  3. Local Access option

So no matter how poor the internet connection is, you’ll always be able to
set up a MobileVOIP call and save on your monthly calling plans.

MobileVOIP also offers the option to send text messages to any contacts as
well for a reduced tariff, as most supported VOIP brands offer SMS rates
around 4 cents on average. Last, but not least, you can choose to set up
your caller ID or use your registered VOIP username to call your contacts,
it’s your choice.

The MobileVOIP app is being used for over 1.5 million calls a month
worldwide, and is growing at a fast pace. With more and more users spending
most of their time using a smartphone in place of a laptop or desktop
computer, Mobile VOIP is definitely where the future’s at.

Right now, MobileVOIP applications are vaiable for the following platforms:
iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Phone. You can even use the
application on most tablet like the Xoom or iPad devices.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the free Symbian MobileVOIP app here: http://www.mobilevoip.com/index.php/?page=symbian

2. Register with one of the supported VOIP brands.

3. Buy some credit. Some brands offer the first 90 days of calls to selected
destinations for FREE upon buying 10 euro credit. A full list of brands is
shown here: http://www.mobilevoip.com/supported_brands/

4. Start saving money.

For more information, visit http://www.mobilevoip.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MobileVoip
Twitter: http://twitter.com/_MobileVOIP

BeyondTrust Selects the Votacall VoIP Platform

BeyondTrust Selects the Votacall VoIP Platform for Secure, Reliable and Enhanced Communications

Votacall, the leading VoIP and cloud-based Unified Communications Provider (UC), today announced that BeyondTrust, a global leader in perimeter based IT security software with offices in California, Washington, Massachusetts and the UK, has selected the Votacall VoIP platform to deliver reliable voice communications amongst locations and complete solution management while decreasing telecom expenses. Designed, implemented and managed by All Business Communications, the Votacall VoIP solution provides the scalability necessary to promote the organizations’ growth plan while cost effectively addressing future collaboration needs across the corporate landscape.

BeyondTrust is a security software company which has developed products that enable IT administrators to eliminate the risk of intentional, accidental and indirect misuse of privileges on desktops and servers.

BeyondTrust was utilizing legacy PBX platforms with maintenance contracts at each office and was considering entering into a contract for data services to connect all locations seamlessly. This crucial business communications initiative would have increased the organization’s telecommunications expenses by more than 30%. This is when BeyondTrust was introduced to the Votacall Hosted VoIP Platform.

“We needed a solution that would be secure, robust and provide a consistently high quality voice experience,” said Jay Kaffai, Director of Information Technology. “It was also critical that we could roll out new locations and scale our operations quickly. The provisioning process for a new location would have taken months with our old on-premise solution — with Votacall the process is measured in days and weeks.”

Being a security software company, BeyondTrust required that Votacall have redundant platforms housed in geographically diverse carrier-class data centers backed by state of the art security tools to provide the most reliable and secure customer experience. “As is the case with most businesses, the phones just need to work. We have not had any disruptions in service since migrating to the Votacall platform nearly six months ago. Any anxiety that I had moving such a business critical service to a hosted platform has been put to rest thanks to Votacall,” adds Kaffai.

The Votacall VoIP platform delivers enterprise level functionality, reliability and ultimate redundancy with a guarantee of absolute investment protection. Our mission is to enhance the end-user communications experience now and into the future. Votacall will be the last telecommunications decision you will ever make, innovate and communicate with Votacall.

About BeyondTrust Founded in 1985, BeyondTrust is the global leader in privilege authorization management, access control and security solutions for physical, virtual, cloud and infrastructure computing environments. The company’s products mitigate insider threats and secure the perimeter within across the enterprise, empowering IT governance to strengthen security, improve productivity, drive compliance and reduce expense. More than half of the companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average rely on BeyondTrust’s PowerBroker suite of products to secure their enterprises. Five of the top ten commercial banks and two of America’s largest private companies have adopted PowerBroker to secure guest operating systems and ESX hypervisors in a virtualized environment. For more information, visit http://www.beyondtrust.com/

About Votacall Votacall is a leading provider of business-class VoIP and cloud-based Unified Communications (UC) solutions. Votacall is committed to delivering the latest best in class offerings to our end users through constant market and product research. Our approach allows our customer base to stay ahead of the technological curve at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the industry. The Votacall Cloud product suite is fully managed and through the delivery of innovative Cloud applications, we aim to enhance the end-user experience. The Votacall tag line states our vision; you must INNOVATE to effectively COMMUNICATE. We base our organization and its daily operations on those two words. The world is changing, technology is changing, organizations are changing, it is of the utmost significance that you partner with a company that respects and embraces change. Think Big, Go Votacall.

Source: http://www.votacall.com

Vobal Technologies Adds On-Net Calling to its Maritime Satellite Multi-Voice Services

Vobal Technologies Adds On-Net Calling to its Maritime Satellite Multi-Voice Services

Vobal Technologies today announced the launch of Vobal “On-Net” telephony service, which allows commercial ship owners or operators to replace expensive traditional satellite calls with unlimited calling for a low, flat monthly fee. Fleet vessels equipped with Vobal’s S3 Maritime GSM or S2 VoIP services (which both allow multiple voice calling capability) can now reduce their operational calling rates from dollars, to cents.

The company, an Inmarsat Certified Solutions Provider, launched its Vobal S2 optimized VoIP product with Multi-Voice capability in 2011 to meet high market demand for additional voice lines. This allows the vessel operator to segregate calling for vessel operations from crew personal requirements. The Vobal S2 VoIP Multi-Voice, On-Net and S3 Maritime GSM products work with all Inmarsat FleetBroadband terminals (without need for firmware modifications) and VSAT terminals, including systems that switch between the two.

“Vobal’s On-Net telephone service is a maritime communication industry first,” says John Nix, founder and CEO of Vobal Technologies. “Vobal’s customers simply integrate Vobal On-Net technology into their corporate telephone systems and initiating a telephone call to one of their fleet vessels is as simple as dialing an office telephone extension number.”

Vobal’s S2 and S3 products are designed specifically for use on Inmarsat FBB Standard IP Data channels, providing the lowest cost basis for Inmarsat satellite bandwidth backhaul. They are also technically compatible in L-Band, Ka-Band and/or Ku-Band “managed services” solutions which exercise failover routers. Vobal’s products provide up to eight concurrent voice calls, unique international DID numbers for each line, integration with vessel’s PBX or analog phones and Crew GSM mobile phones.

“Despite all the advances in maritime communications, the costs for shoreside correspondents to call Inmarsat equipped ships at sea have always been expensive. Indeed, voice calls to ocean code 870 often cost several dollars per minute. Alternative single or two-stage dialing platforms require complicated dialing schemes and PIN codes – with only marginal cost savings. Vobal On-Net is a very low cost solution that’s easy to install and use,” stated Ronnie Raviv, COO of Vobal Technologies.

Vobal Technologies provides the first commercial VoIP telephone service certified by Inmarsat to run over FleetBroadband’s Standard IP. The Vobal system is characterized by exceptionally high quality voice and efficient utilization of bandwidth – only 6kbps Fully Loaded (voice plus overhead) means that it consumes less than 1 megabyte of data for every 20 minutes of voice traffic. This unique and patented technology is currently serving Crew and Passengers on commercial merchant ships, offshore oilfield support vessels and small cruise ships. The Vobal VoIP technology is utilized by Global Marine Network’s award winning suite of Redport “VoIP enabled” Satellite Routers, which also include Vobal’s multi-voice and optional On-Net features.

About Vobal Technologies, LLC

Vobal Technologies’ VoIP technology has enabled dozens of leading wireless carriers, broadband service providers, and satellite communications companies to offer powerful, differentiated VoIP enabled services while improving subscriber profitability. Vobal Technologies’ team has built a reputation as a global leader in the development and delivery of these low cost, high quality solutions. Vobal is actively seeking additional distribution partners. To become a distributor or for more information about how Vobal can improve your vessel communications, visit http://www.vobal.com.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/590979#ixzz1mukHbzJp

Horizon gains accreditation from Thrane & Thrane

One Horizon Group, has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon Globex, has been accredited by Thrane & Thrane for its Horizon VoIP PBX solution to be used with SAILOR FleetBroadband.

To gain accreditation, the Horizon VoIP PBX was submitted to extensive testing to ensure seamless integration with Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 500/250/150 FleetBroadband terminals.

It will enable maritime customers to significantly reduce the cost and improve the performance of voice services. The Horizon VoIP PBX allows simultaneous calling for up to eight analogue telephones over the FleetBroadband standard data link – more than any other system today for the bandwidth available.

Horizon also offers users the flexibility to choose from three different call settings for optimal cost/quality control.

Managing the cost of satellite communications has long been a concern for the maritime industry. An affordable solution like the Horizon VoIP PBX is important for oil and gas, shipping, coast guard and maritime patrols, to manage ship operations more efficiently and enhance crew welfare by reducing the cost of calls to friends and family.

Source: http://www.oilpubs.com

ADTRAN Named Best VoIP Channel Vendor by Business Solutions Magazine

ADTRAN Named Best VoIP Channel Vendor by Business Solutions Magazine

ADTRAN(R), Inc., a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced it was selected as a 2012 Best Channel Vendor in VoIP by Business Solutions magazine (BSM). In addition to standout ratings in service, support and being channel-friendly, ADTRAN also scored 4.79 out of 5 in product reliability, which was distinguished as one of the highest scores seen in the survey.

ADTRAN extends a broad portfolio of voice, data, video and mobility solutions to its reseller network and the company’s comprehensive ADvantage Partner Enablement Program provides a robust set of tools and a clear roadmap for joint success. The strategic combination of innovative switches, routers, IP business gateways, UTM, IP phones, virtual WLAN and unified communications solutions with ADTRAN’s effective channel-support programs enable small and medium as well as enterprise businesses to recognize unprecedented scalability, seamless operations and productivity.

“Channel partners serve as a critical pillar to ADTRAN’s success, and we dedicate an immense amount of attention on specialized programs and resources that enable partners to resell ADTRAN products successfully,” said Ted Cole, vice president of channel sales, ADTRAN, Inc. “ADTRAN continues to provide exceptional value to the channel by delivering intuitive, flexible network solutions. The company is now engaging the next generation of partners, driving business models towards virtualized managed services and cloud connectivity, and will continue to deliver innovative tools as the network continues to evolve.”

In order to determine the 2012 Best Channel Vendors, BSM conducted a Web-based survey to its most active VAR subscribers, asking them to rate their vendor partners on a scale of zero (worst) to five (best) in several categories. A total of 10,833 votes were cast in BSM’s Best Channel Vendor Survey. To ensure statistical accuracy of the Best Channel Vendor survey, BCM editorial staff partnered with Penn State University to capture and analyze data. The complete list of Best Channel Vendors is published in Business Solutions magazine’s January 2012 issue.

About ADTRAN

ADTRAN, Inc. is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment, with a portfolio of more than 1,700 solutions. ADTRAN’s products enable voice, data, video and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations, and millions of individual users worldwide.

For more information, contact the company at 800 9ADTRAN (800 923-8726) or via email at info@adtran.com. On the Web, visit www.adtran.com .

SOURCE: ADTRAN, Inc.

New Vonage app slashes VOIP call costs

Vonage Mobile app for Android and iOS promises to undercut Skype’s rates by 30 percent

Vonage is gunning for the mobile VoIP market in a big way with its new Vonage Mobile app for iOS and Android, which it says offers calls that are typically 30 percent cheaper than Skype’s rates, based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. You don’t need to be an existing subscriber to use the service, with prepaid credit being used to pay for calls. App to app calling is totally free, and the company says these use a high-definition audio codec which offers improved audio quality over traditional voice calls on cellphone networks, though it doesn’t list a minimum bandwidth requirement beyond 3G. As a nice touch, both Android and iOS versions offer in-app billing, using your iTunes or Android Market account to add $4.99 or $9.99 credit packs so that you don’t need to give Vonage your credit card details. Besides the cheaper calling, Vonage is offering users free calls to phones in the USA & Canada for a limited time.

The app is able to use your mobile number — verified via SMS — so that your caller ID shows up correctly for outgoing calls, and will also offer your phone’s address book for easy access. This isn’t Vonage’s first foray into mobile apps — the company has an “Extensions” app for its home phone users which allows them to use their international calls anywhere — but providing users with its full-fledged service is a big step towards competing with the likes of Skype and Google Voice.

Source: http://www.theverge.com

Is Dell Voice for Canada the new Skype?

Is Dell Voice for Canada the new Skype?

If you’re in Canada then you could be interested in news of a new mobile VoIP app, Dell Voice. Dell Canada has partnered with Fongo to launch the app and many of you may be pleased to learn that although it’s available for Android and iPhone owners this app is also available as a Windows desktop download too.

In what could be the new Skype, Dell Voice enables users to acquire a Canadian phone number and then make free calls to 30 large urban areas as well as hundreds more smaller cities. Some of the cities covered are Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto and a complete list of free calling cities by provinces can be found here. As well as this, all incoming calls are free for wherever you are in Canada and if you’re interested in international calling then you can purchase credits for those calls.

Making calls to countries such as the U.S. or U.K. then works out at 0.7c/min cheaper than Skype according to this article. Whereas some VoIP apps make some charges for other services, those using Dell Voice in Canada will also benefit from free call display, call waiting, voicemail and 911 emergency service calls. Dell Voice also offers good voice quality, which improves on Wi-Fi although the interface is described as “sparse.” If you want to use Dell Voice on Android it’s possible to integrate it into your Dialer App thus ensuring that all outgoing calls go through Fongo. An added bonus is also available whereby for $25 you can port your current cellphone number to Fongo for free local calls plus cheap international calls.

It certainly sounds as though Dell Voice could be a real winner and it will be coming to BlackBerry devices soon as well as Android and iOS devices. The Windows desktop version that is also available will no doubt be a boon for those using desktops and laptops. If you head to this link you can find download options for the Dell Voice PC Desktop version and iOS and Android options. You can also check out a video telling you about Dell Voice below this story and wondering if at this stage it’s best to stick to Skype.

Source: cheaplaptops.org.uk