Few days back I asked my boss about the benefits of VoIP and this what he made me understand about it. Phewww..! It was quite difficult to remember, especially the technical parts, even though its a really simple thing, and that;s when I thought of taking this whole conversation to a new level: so here’s the easy-going social blog post I wrote on the subject.
Great work I did.!! Right??

Here it is:
Q: So, what is VoIP?
A: Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions overInternet Protocol(IP) networks, such as the Internet.

**It was at this point that I got confused: a definition like this is quite clinical! So, I made it an easy one for you (people who are like me… non-technical.!!) – that’s the point of this blog!

In my terms: VoIP is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made through computer networks like the internet.

Simple right?? But also, really valuable…

Lets face it. The most attractive benefit of a service is cost control & savings; being as an individual or a business. By switching to VoIP services, the cost of long-distance calling drops drastically, and VoIP decreases costs in many other ways too: businesses can save on equipment costs, manpower, & overall maintenance.

The biggest thumbs up for VoIP are price & flexibility. With VoIP, you can make a call from anywhere if you have broadband connectivity. There are companies who are offering minute-rate plans – just like your cell phone – with bills as low as Rs. 50 recharge per month.

Q: Can anybody use VoIP?

A: The most common consumer version of VoIP is Skype which anybody can use. For businesses there are fully-featured VoIP systems available..

**Wow, Skype is VoIP? So it’s a really trusted and proven technology, right?

Q: What kind of things can the VoIP systems that we at TBS build do?

A: Here’s a list:
**(the list is REALLY long.!!)

• Auto attendant
• Free inter-office calls
• Audio conferencing
• Digital receptionist
• Call queuing
• Tailored waiting messages
• Unlimited Extensions
• TDM/SIP/IAX Trunks
• Remote Extensions
• Voicemail
• Fax Support
• Voicemail to Email
• IVR Menu System
• Ring Groups
• Call Queues
• Conference Rooms
• Follow-Me
• Time-Based Routing

Also: 

• Music On Hold
• Paging and Intercom
• Web Access to Voicemail
• Admin Status Screen
• Package Manager (for easy updates)
• Phone Provisioning Tool
• Network Settings Tool
• Enhanced CDR Reports
• Echo Cancellation – OSLEC (Open Source Line Echo Cancellation)
• Caller ID
• Call waiting
• Call transfer
• Repeat dial
• Return call
• Three-way calling

There are also advanced call-filtering function available from some carriers. You can:

• Forward the call to a particular number
• Send the call directly to voice mail
• Give the caller a busy signal
• Play a *not-in-service* message (that’s very useful :p)
• Send a caller to a funny rejection hotline

**Wow! That’s pretty much everything you would expect from a telephone system for any business, educational institute, apartment or hotel complex, anywhere, really!

Q: Apart from cost, what are the benefits of VoIP?

A: There are many:

Flexibility. VoIP services are provided by software applications. This means if you want to change them, you just make changes with the application, or simply select your preferences.
Scalable. VoIP services are available for individuals to multinational corporations. Communications are via internet, and that means you have eliminated distance.
Security. By using dedicated servers for your VoIP services, you know you have complete security of your communications.
Reduced Upfront Costs. The installation and set-up of VoIP is much cheaper than old-fashioned communication tools. It makes your business and customers life simpler by saving you money, offering you new features, allowing you to connect remote users and prepare for growth.

Q: So, VoIP is better than Traditional phone systems?

A: In traditional phone systems, companies would assign a phone number with a concrete line & the phone number could not move from place to place, if so desired. But in the case of VoIP not only the services domestically versatile but it has also crossed international boundaries.

** So a VoIP system can connect offices aroudn the world from a single, low cost switchboard. Wow.

Q: So, should everyone be thinking of switching to VoIP now?

A: In making the decision on whether or not to switch from traditional phone service to web hosted VoIP, there are many things to be considered. Focusing on the overall benefits, including vast savings, is ultimately the best strategy in choosing which type of service you are going to choose.

**Yeah – cutting costs is so hot right now!

Q: Why would anyone thinking of VoIP think of TBS?
A: We at TBS use Asterisk, the world’s leading open source PBX, telephony engine, and telephony applications toolkit and are able to provide all the necessary infrastructure to get you up and running today. Not only is VoIP itself less expensive than regular telephony, but by going with TBS you are selecting an Open Source solution.
Q: What is the benefit of Open Source?
A: Open Source systems are free – you don’t have to pay a vendor for license fees or subscriptions. Once the system is set up, you do not have to do anything more than pay your internet bills, though support and service contracts might help you keep things running smoothly, just like with regular software and systems. The big advantage of Open Source solutions is that you can always choose who you work with: you are never locked in to one supplier.

** I guess this is where I say: Contact Techblue Software Pvt. Ltd.(TBS) today for all your VOIP and business phone systems needs.

In case of VOIP, everyone wins.!! 🙂

Meenakshi Singh