'VoIP' for Business

What is 'VoIP' (Voice over Internet Protocol) ?

'VoIP' is different from 'traditional' telephony in that this technology uses a 'Computer Network' - usually the Internet, for making phone calls. VoIP converts the voice signal from your phone into 'digital' signals ('data packets') at one end, and then sends it over the internet and converts it again at the other end back to 'voice' signals. This technology has in fact been used for many years by all the large telecommunications carriers to carry their long-distance 'call traffic'. Now, thanks to 'broadband' services (e.g. ADSL), you as the end user can take advantage of this technology.


What are the advantages of using VoIP?

The main advantage is that you are able to reduce call costs. You can dial anywhere in Australia for under 10c untimed, international calls are available from under 3c minute, plus calls to mobile phones are under 20c minute with no 'flagfall' charge. Some pricing plans also allow for totally 'free' calls between selected parties.
If you have branch and/or home offices, then all sites can be seamlessly linked together so that all extensions including the 'remote' ones can make, transfer and receive calls.


What is needed to use VoIP?

This will vary greatly according to what you want to achieve with the 'VoIP' and the level of usage that you require. An ADSL VoIP/Modem can provide one or more VoIP 'outside lines' with a 'Quality of Service' feature to prioritise the 'voice traffic' over other 'data' traffic. This can often be integrated with an existing telephone system, or you can use a separate telephone for the VoIP. A dedicated 'VoIP telephone system' using both 'VoIP' and 'traditional' outside lines can provide many advantages to most companies.
You will also usually need to join a 'VoIP' service provider, as this then provides the 'gateway' interface that enables you to ring any existing telephone number and not just other 'VoIP' users.

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