VoIP Solutions

AltiGen Communications, Inc. CLARENT CORPORATION

Data Race Inter-Tel Inc.

New Millennium Development Group Inc.

Guide to VoIP Solutions

Use the power of the Internet to take advantage of VoIP business solutions
By Michael Berman

The perfect telecommunications solution for your company is sitting right on your desk. A computer with a broadband Internet connection can be used to set up IP telephony business solutions, enabling you to make telephone calls anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost of using a conventional telephone carrier.

More and more companies have adapted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications to make phone calls because:

1. They have found that VoIP solutions for business offer many convenient features without being tethered to a phone line.
2. They save tons of money on communications costs, offering unlimited long distance service for less than $30 per month.
3. There's no extra charge for conference calls using IP telephony solutions.
4. Integrated VoIP solutions can route calls to employees even if they're on the road, eliminating the need for the caller to hang up and dial a cell phone number.
5. IP telephony solutions can be fully integrated with fax or email software on your computer.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose your VoIP services VoIP service providers offer a wide array of features, including voicemail, web integration, mobile phone service and conference calling.

I recommend:  Know what you want before you sign up. Free VoIP services such as Skype may not give you everything you need. Skype charges for extra features. Other companies offering VoIP business solutions include Ring Central, Vonage and Velocity.

Choose the right VoIP system hardware Some VoIP solutions providers may require that you upgrade your phones and other devices to take full advantage of your new IP telephony business solutions. You can replace everything from your telephones to your PBX switchboards to provide up-to-date and efficient VoIP solutions for business.

I recommend:  Check out the hardware and features available in systems provided by companies such as The VoIP Connection, VoIP Hardware, and VoIP Supply.

Check your cable company's VoIP solution Most cable companies offer limited VoIP business solutions and calling plans for small businesses.

I recommend:  Major cable companies such as Comcast, Time-Warner and Charter provide an integrated VoIP service where you can use your existing phone lines and equipment. Although they don't offer all of the services dedicated VoIP companies provide, they're a great option for small businesses on a limited budget.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• When choosing a VoIP telephone, consider the options and its quality. Does it need to be connected to your computer? How's the voice quality? Do you need to hit it with a hammer to activate it?
• Check the track record of the VoIP service provider before signing up.
• Make sure you aren't being provided with residential services renamed 'business services' and being charged a higher fee.
• Can your VoIP hardware be used with other VoIP service providers? Make sure your service is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) enabled, or your phones and other hardware may become useless doorstops.
• Make sure you can use any SIP compliant phone anywhere to get service. Some providers require that you carry your phone with you and plug it in when you arrive at your destination.