The goWholesale Blog

What’s up with VoIP?

February 8th, 2008

If you’re starting a new business you are going to want to consider VoIP as an option for your business communications. But what exactly is it? I mean, how do you even pronounce it?!

Paraphrasing my good friend Wikipedia , VoIp is short for "voice over internet protocol" and is pronounced "voyp." So what does that mean? In the simplest of terms it means talking through your computer. Companies such as Vonage and Skype are probably the most common examples of providers of this service. It is a service that has pros for both the home and office including the fact that you can save money by centralizing your voice (aka phone) and data (aka internet) needs into one server. Also, it makes international calls a snap! (VoIP to VoIp calls are free and VoIP to regular phone lines have a small charge usually incurred by the VoIP caller.)

Other pros include that it’s accessible through any broadband internet connection, it’s easier to make secure phone calls (because the data can be encrypted), and now they’ve got programs that allow for video conferencing (great for doing business!).

There are some cons however. It can eat up some of your bandwidth and make your internet run slower. You run the risk of getting cut off if your internet cuts out unexpectedly and for some reason, there is often a delay and/or echo when making calls (likely due to the way the computer must break apart your voice and then put it back together on the other end?).

There is a wealth of information available on the internet and as with anything, you need to thoroughly research your options before you sign up. Keep in mind the needs of your business as you review the choices as you may find a regular phone network and internet provider will be suitable. Not everyone is on the "VoIP bandwagon " but it’s definitely something to consider.

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