Blog – VoIP Info

6 Business benefits of using virtual numbers

10 September 2017September 18, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

A major advantage of hosted VoIP services is that of low-cost flexibility and function. Compared with copper-based PSTN telephony, the use of IP as a communications base allows the savvy user to capitalise on new technologies at very little additional cost, if indeed there is any additional cost at all.

Often implementation of a VoIP system in an organisation focuses on replacing the existing PSTN systems, and other useful features and functions can be overlooked or deferred till later. As we all know, sometimes later never comes.

One easily implemented function that can be overlooked is that of Virtual Numbers.

Simply put, a virtual number is a phone number not directly associated with a telephone line or device. They can be used with any device. A device can be a physical handset, a mobile smartphone, or a mobile or desktop software application. In this way, an organisation can have many phone numbers associated with a single phone line.Continue reading

VoIP Security: Identifying and defending your system from vulnerabilities

14 August 2017September 18, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

First we had viruses, then rootkits, now we have ransomware. One thing is certain, the next bit of malware technology is currently under development and be with us soon. Even systems like VoIP are under attack and are being used as portals to gain access to corporate information.

What kind of threats are currently being seen in VoIP systems and how are they to be countered?

The first thing to understand that because VoIP is based on IP technologies it is vulnerable to all the malware and attack techniques that are inflicted on IP networks. The second is that VoIP goes over the Internet, and while you can contain and manage IP security in your internal closed corporate network, you are at the mercy of third-party service providers of varying quality in their security systems. The third, and one often forgotten, is that all devices in the VoIP network are IP devices and are therefore vulnerable to all the threats found with other IP devices. That must be factored into the overall data and voice protection scenario.Continue reading

When and why should you choose an IP PBX Systems?

17 July 2017September 18, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

One of the more commonly encountered results of the digital convergence between voice and data is the IP PBX System. There are obviously costs and benefits to moving to IP telephony, and a business needs to consider if it should move to a IP PBX System and if it chooses to, when is the best time.

Typically, an IP telephony installation consists of a central PBX function and VoIP phones on user desks. Rather than dedicated cables needed for traditional non-IP systems, conversations are digitised and carried over the cabling that supports the office network. For the very small business there is the option of a Hosted PBX system, where the IP PBX is hosted at an external service provider.Continue reading

Ten reasons to embrace VoIP

8 June 2017September 18, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

A digital revolution in communications has been ushered in by the convergence of telephony with television, video and IT networking. This revolution is driven by a digital voice distribution protocol Voice over IP, (“VoIP”).

VoIP telephony in both home and business is one of the fastest growing segments of the VoIP market. It provides advantages in cost, in mobility and increased functionality with a range of compatible devices.Continue reading

Troubleshooting the VoIP call quality issues

4 May 2017May 17, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

We have all been frustrated at poor voice call quality on phone services. It can be noise or chopping on the line or sounding like you have breathed helium. VoIP is no different. The typical business will refer problems to the business VoIP phone service supplier providing the VoIP support contract. It causes further frustration and delays if the fault is not with the VoIP for business system and the business needs to make a second support call to another service provider.

In the event of failure or call poor quality there are a few steps that the business can take prior to making the call to make sure that the problem does not arise elsewhere and the support call can be correctly placed.

Poor call quality can arise in at least three areas: the business network itself; the VoIP system – centrally and at the desktop VoIP phone for business; and the Internet or PSTN service provider.Continue reading

Six must-have features of a business VoIP Phone

19 April 2017May 16, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

The convergence of telephony with television, video and IT networking has enabled a digital revolution in communications. At the core of this revolution is Voice over IP, (“VoIP”), a digital voice distribution protocol. All sizes of business are replacing their existing telephone systems with VoIP systems from a specialised VoIP provider operating over the company network.

Most businesses will need the assistance of a VoIP provider to help them navigate through the various options available in tariff plan, equipment, and feature selection. There are several websites that compare and contrast the best UK VoIP providers. It will also be useful to ask other business owners their experiences.

The first introduction of a VoIP phone system to an organisation is a lot more than just changing the handset on the desk. The features and functions offered by a VoIP system to the end user are a world apart from those of the traditional telephone system.Continue reading

VoIP and Wifi can they coexist

5 April 2017May 16, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

A wireless network (“WiFi”) as its name suggests is the replacement of a wired IP network with a truly mobile network delivered using wireless technologies. WiFi networks can today compete with wired networks in connectivity and bandwidth.

The introduction of Wireless Networking in parallel with VoIP has raised the natural question as to whether they can co-exist, and what are the benefits to the casual user and to a business which adopts both technologies as part of a distributed communications strategy (“DCS”).Continue reading

VoIP as a component of a distributed COMMS strategy

6 March 2017March 28, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

The convergence of telephony with television, video and networking has enabled a digital revolution in business communications. At the core of this revolution is Voice over IP, (“VoIP”), a digital voice distribution system. It is the foundation stone in a distributed communications strategy (“DCS”).

It is far beyond the simple introduction of a VoIP telephone system. In many companies, web and video conferencing is now the norm. They replace traditional desktop handsets with VoIP Phones or smartphones and organise virtual meetings using laptops, tablets and communications apps on the fly during the working day.Continue reading

How essential is it to train users during a VoIP migration

11 February 2017March 17, 2017VoIP InfoLeave a comment

The first introduction of a VoIP phone system to an organisation is a lot more than just changing the handset on the desk. The features and functions offered by a VoIP system to the end user are the world apart from those of the traditional telephone system.

As with all changes taking users from their current comfort zones to somewhere new, training and handholding are needed. It is a serious error to consider the new system as “just a phone”. The surface similarity with cellular and smartphones tend to give the impression that you just need to pick it up and use it. That’s dead wrong. In addition, in most implementation projects when financial pressures hit, training is the first area to be trimmed. “After all it’s only a phone”.Continue reading