About Phone.com

Phone.com was founded in 2006 by Ari Rabban, who serves as CEO, and Mike Mann, the company’s chairman. The limited liability company is headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, with an office in San Diego, California.

Phone.com has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been a BBB accredited business since March, 2009.

Phone.com has 24/7 based customer support and technical support teams based solely in the U.S. The company is partnered with the California-based TierraNet, an investor in Phone.com that also provides the VoIP service provider with its in-house voice service platform and network capabilities.

Phone.com Features

Phone.com plans come with more than 50 features. Among them are:

• The option to keep your existing phone number or get a new one;
• Customized greetings and hold music;
• Address book for storing contacts;
• Custom call routing and forwarding;
• Call screening and blocking;
• Caller ID;
• Call waiting;
• Three-way calling;
• Voicemail accessible by phone, email, text, or Web;
• Online account management;
• Send faxes from a computer;
• Free 411 calls.

Phone.com: What They Offer

Phone.com offers two service plans under its Home Phone Plus option, but the plans can be customized with additional a la carte services according to business needs.

Home Phone Plus 300 – Includes 300 minutes per month for $9.88 a month. Minutes over the monthly limit are charged at 4.9 cents per minute.

Home Phone Plus Unlimited – Includes unlimited minutes for $19.88 when paying month to month or $214.56 when paying for the year in full (equates to $17.88 a month).

Both Home Phone Plus plans include one phone number and a free 2-line phone adapter to switch a phone from landline to VoIP.

Phone.com has no long-term contracts and offers a 30-Day Free Trial.

Get the Phone.com Home VoIP Offer

VOIPo Company Facts

VOIPo was founded in 2006 by executives at HostGator, a global provider of dedicated, shared, reseller and VPS web hosting. VOIPo is a privately owned, limited liability corporation that is owner managed.

With offices in Irvine, California, and Houston, Texas, the company employs between 20 and 50 employees. Timothy Dick, one of the founders of the company, serves as its CEO.

VOIPo is 100% U.S. based, including its technical support and customer service agents.

VOIPo Features

VOIPo offers more than 40 features, both phone and cloud number based. VOIPo basic phone features include keeping an existing phone number or choosing a new one, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call blocking, call return and three way calling.

Beyond the basics, VOIPo offers advanced features, such as:

• Voice mail with SMS notifications
• Do Not Disturb option
• Distinctive ringtones
• Speed dial function
• Virtual numbers with voicemail
• Call routing
• Softphone access to software-based phones
• Web-based vPanel platform where the user can manage contact lists, call logs, etc.

Cloud number features allow for online faxing, phone number forwarding to any mobile phone number or SIP address and call routing.

What VOIPo Offers

VOIPo has a Home service plan and a Small Business service plan designed for residences and small businesses whose average phone usage is less than 5,000 minutes a month. Both plans are priced at $15 a month if paid on a monthly basis or $149 for an annual plan paid in full during enrollment.

A free, portable VoIP phone adapter is included with both plans for plugging existing telephones into it and then plugging the adapter into a broadband connection.

VOIPo charges 1.9 cents per minute whenever a month’s usage exceeds 5,000 minutes. Additional fees are also charged for international calling and premium calls, such as 411.

Prices for the Home and Small Business plans include unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada, as well as 60 minutes of free international calling each month. Additionally, a second line is available free of charge. Both plans have a 30-day money back guarantee and free technical support.

VOIPo also offers cloud toll-free or local number plans that require no telephone equipment or adapters. Plan prices are $4.95 when paying month to month or $36 if paying in full for the year.

Get the VoIPo Offer.

VoIP Soft Phone Choices

One can encounter VoIP provider services that are software-based. By this, we mean that the VoIP user will only require an appropriately outfitted computer that is connected to the Internet. In this case, the computer would need to have an audio device (a sound card or mainboard imbedded sound), speakers and a microphone or a call center-style headset.

“Soft phone” is the VoIP industry term for software that can be installed on a computer in order to facilitate VoIP communication. Originally, most free services that used soft phones only allowed calls between PCs. This has changed somewhat, depending on the service and your location. For example, free PC-to-PC or PC-PSTN landline calls to the U.S. and Canada can be made through Google Talk. This includes free International PC calls to U.S. and Canadian landlines. U.S. and Canadian PC to International landlines are billed at discounted rates which vary, depending on the country. Other VoIP softphone services will have a monthly charge (or pay-as-you-go) to place calls from a soft phone to a cell phone or regular landline. One of the best known programs to make this type of soft phone call is Skype ™.

Popular business-oriented soft phone software packages include:

• SIP Communicator – which is an open source, Java-based VoIP client that will support audio & video communication sessions over IPv6 and IPv4.
• E-Phone – an IAX2 Windows softphone. Software is free.
• 3CX VoIP Phone (for Windows) – a Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) package that’s available in either a free or an enterprise edition. It will work with Asterisk and Sipgate providers.
• Gizmo – a free Windows, Linux and Macintosh soft phone.
• AGEphone – will operate on Windows XP / Vista / 7 and Windows Mobile.
• ArrowPhone – a Windows software phone designed for H.323 networks. This soft phone can be used over a Virtual Private Network (VPN) behind a firewall.

Soft Phone Hardware Choices

One of the main drawbacks, when it comes to softphones, is the interface. There are those who prefer the computer headset or microphone/speaker setup for its computer multitasking options. But some users may feel uncomfortable with this arrangement and prefer a using a traditional-style phone interface. This may be achieved through the use of USB soft phone handsets that can plug directly into the computer.

USB VoIP softphone interface choices include traditional handsets, speaker phone desk sets and cordless/base station designs. One thing to take note of is that some models require software drivers. You will need to make sure that drivers, for your USB softphone choice, are available for your particular operating system. Providers of USB phones include: Eutectics, Yuxin and World Phone.

VoIP Dedicated Hard Phones

Hard phones are self-contained units that look like standard phone sets but will plug into a router through an Ethernet port. In this manner, it can directly connect with a VoIP gateway or server without the use of a PC. This will also eliminate the need to install VoIP software. A hard phone will cost significantly more than a USB phone since the computer components are located in the phone itself, rather than inside a PC.

Popular hard phones are sold by a number of companies that include D-Link, Texas Instruments, 3Com and Cisco.

Hard phones also include a category that relies on an integrated modem rather than an Ethernet port. This type of phone will use a dial-up connection in order to access a VoIP server. This means that a broadband connection is unnecessary.

A Wi-Fi hard phone is yet another variation. An internal 802.11 wireless transceiver is used in place of (or in addition to) an Ethernet port. The transceiver will allow the phone to wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi base station (access point). The signal is then relayed to the Internet.

Telephone Adaptors

An analog telephone adaptor (ATA) will allow you to use a standard analog phone when making VoIP calls. The adaptor features an RJ-11 regular telephone port that you would plug your standard handset into. The adaptor will also have an Ethernet port that connects to a local network. The ATA adaptor will then communicate with a VoIP server. It uses standard VoIP protocols such as: H.323, IAX or SIP. The phone’s analog signals are converted to digital data, for Internet transmission, by the ATA adaptor.

A digital telephone adaptor (DTA) is also known as a handset gateway. This device will allow a business to make VoIP calls using their PBX handsets along with their existing infrastructure. Here, the IP PBX will actually replace the original PBX. The integration with a company’s legacy handsets will eliminate the need to replace all of the current organization handsets. Popular handset gateways are manufactured by Intel and Citel.

This gives the responsibility to the VoIP termination provider to convert packets into actual voice in order to facilitate communication. The users of the service would then be billed and the provider profits from the difference that is paid to the main VoIP service provider.

VoIP Termination Background

Modern VoIP termination services began around 1995. The initial software development for this service was PC-dependent and required a sound card and microphone. The software was proprietary and required both parties to have the same software in order to make calls. Because calls were transmitted via dial-up modems, the call quality was relatively low.

However, over time, VoIP termination services began to improve. This began with the ability for PC software communication to a traditional phone line, then communication between two traditional phones through the Internet. Advertising sponsorship, as opposed to direct profit, was usually the motive for these services. By 2005, VoIP termination providers were able to offer reliable, high quality service that was comparable to traditional telephony. However, there are many other advantages to the VoIP termination service that made it preferable to standard phone calling.

Current VoIP Termination Services

The entire structure of modern communications is rapidly being taken over by VoIP termination services. This is in stark contrast to VoIP as it appeared in the mid-90s. As business and residential use is gaining acceptance, improvements in VoIP technology have made it a desirable replacement for PSTN. Most of this can be related to the prevalence of high speed Internet connections.

These days, there are a large number of VoIP service providers within the telecom industry. These providers offer services such as: VoIP reseller programs, VoIP termination facilities, wholesale VoIP carrier services and VoIP termination business plans. These services can also be customized to meet the needs of individual clients.
For example, wholesale call termination services can be provided to those who wish to operate on a bigger scale than a VoIP reseller. Here, VoIP minutes are purchased in bulk and the resellers are usually the primary clients. VoIP providers will offer complete termination rates to their customers for every country on the globe. The actual call rates will usually determine which service provider is chosen by the reseller or wholesaler. Cheaper rates and/or better quality will usually prompt a switch to a different service. But in many cases, better quality will take precedence over cheaper rates.

VoIP service quality is determined by factors such as: Average Success Ratio (ASR), Average Call Duration (ACD) and Post Duration Delay (PDD). These indicators are to be provided by the VoIP provider. A good average success ratio should hover be a minimum of 40-50% with the preference of over 60%. The post duration delay should be no more than three to four seconds with a preference of below two seconds.

The Benefits of VoIP Termination Services

VoIP termination services have become more widespread in the business community for a number of reasons. First of all, there can be a huge savings when it comes to phone bills. But even more importantly, VoIP options can increase a businesses’ competitive edge over its competition. This edge can be realized through direct communications with dealers, suppliers in addition to global client contact. A corporation may achieve this through inexpensive international and long distance calls. Standard PSTN calls would add up to a much greater expense when attempting to match this type of call volume.

Additionally, inter-office calls can be made at no additional charge within a VoIP network. Continual free phone communication between company departments can be made despite the physical location of those departments. This connectivity is perfect for those companies with office locations in different parts of the world. All of this is indicative of changes in the way business is conducted. For example, conferences are typical in any corporation. VoIP has eliminated the need to fly great distances in order to attend a conference through the use of VoIP video conferencing. This is just one advantage of VoIP over PSTN.

Finally, VoIP termination offers the advantage of securing DID numbers for organizations that operate from more than one country. A DID number is an independent area code number. This means that a client may call you without knowing that that they are making an overseas call. Your client will only be charged for a local call. This particular feature is especially advantageous for call center operations who are unable to set up their own independent VoIP systems.

Business Considerations for VoIP Call Centers

The primary reason that a call center might become interested in switching over from Analog to VoIP technology has to do with the budget savings associated with VoIP. Calls that are made can be far less expensive with VoIP systems and there are more management features and flexibility options available. VoIP savings can represent an opportunity for a call center to grow through the addition of inexpensive connections to new calling stations.

When a call center is in the market for a business VoIP installation, a detailed investigation of all the specifics is absolutely necessary. Choosing the right setup and options will make the difference between a call center succeeding or failing. Knowing what questions to ask a provider can assist you in making the transition from an analog call center to a more effective and advanced VoIP call center.

Things to Look For When Considering a Switch to VoIP

You will need to ask yourself some questions before proceeding with a VoIP changeover. The first question has to do with the call center’s IT resources. Is the on-site IT department sufficient enough to handle VoIP maintenance and management? If not, then you will need to budget for a hosted VoIP PBX solution. The reason for this has to do with the call center’s number one priority, which is reliability. You will need either a trained 24/7 IT staff to handle any system issues or an outsourced staff that can guarantee 24/7 support.

The next thing that is to be considered is the type of call center agent monitoring that you will need. This means that if you are considering an outsourced VoIP solution, what type of tracking will you require for your records? This pertains to all the different departments that require data input. Will the outsourced VoIP solution be able to assist with the needed business input? If the VoIP solution is in-house, are you prepared to train management personnel when it comes to understanding how to use the tracking and monitoring software?

Other Call Center VoIP Considerations

Data security is also a concern when you are dealing with call center clientele. Will your IT staff have the necessary resources to handle the security issues involved with VoIP technology? An in-house IT staff will need to be properly trained in IP PBX security, otherwise a hosted solution may be more appropriate.

Bandwidth requirements will also need to be reviewed. Since the VoIP services will run off the Internet, the call center will need enough bandwidth to run both voice and data communications with clarity and reliability. If sufficient bandwidth is not available, then problem can arise that include:

• Call hang ups
• Audible static on the phone lines
• Voice echo distortions
• Freezing data applications

These issues are potentially devastating for a call center. Not only will they interfere with normal work, but they will add considerable stress to the agent and management staff. Call center work is considered a high stress job to begin with, therefore technical issues are to be avoided at all costs. Discussions regarding available bandwidth will be required and an OC48 (or more) gigabit connection may be needed, prior to making the transition to VoIP. This, of course, would add to expense of a transition.

Other considerations will include call center volume. This means current and projected call and data volume. Geographic locations are also important. If there are multiple call center locations, then the question needs to be raised as to the feasibility of multiple in-house solutions. In many cases, an outsourced VoIP solution may be the most cost effective. What about future upgrades if you choose an in-house solution? You will want a VoIP call center set up that is easily upgraded or downgraded without a lot of additional costs attached. Is your existing LAN reliable? If not, then all of your future VoIP connections may be disrupted. The requirements for your LAN can be discussed with your selected service provider.

In the long run, the money that you save by switching your call center from analog to VoIP will depend on the resources that you have available. The more you know about VoIP communication options, the better you can make an informed decision. This includes pricing, procedures and VoIP technical aspects. VoIP is now becoming the standard of many large organizations. Perhaps it is the best choice for your call center, as well.

Communication Cost Considerations

Reliable, effective communications is one of the critical keys to any successful business venture. It represents the best way to stay ahead of competitors by keeping track of current and potential clients. Additionally, it represents the best means to provide information on new and up-coming products and services that can increase business revenue. A VoIP PBX gateway, either hosted or on-site, can effectively handle these business demands. For those companies that are making this transition, there are a number of considerations that eventually led to their conclusions.

First of all, there is the bottom line cost effectiveness of running a VoIP PBX system. An initial analysis would have been made that indicated lower overall costs when compared to a traditional legacy PBX system. This includes less equipment maintenance and less expense due to equipment service calls. This will also translate into more reliability which will provide long-term advantages.

Data and voice system convergence is another business consideration. With the emergence of more advanced Internet data applications, companies are considering using their Internet data connections to relay voice communications. Network managers can see the advantages of directly transmitting voice over their IP networks, rather than using their company’s standard switched phone network.

VoIP Network Flexibility

A large organization will need to transmit many types of data to include video, extensive email communications and various conferencing sessions. It makes sense for many companies to incorporate different forms of communication into one managed system. Add to that the fact that the VoIP PBX has become a mature technology. This is due mostly to cutting-edge router and data-switching hardware and codec designs. Because of this, QoS problems have become a thing of the past. In some cases, even traditional telcom providers have made the move to VoIP PBX technology in order to take advantage of its exceptional service. The benefits of this have trickled down to a large number of telcom subscribers. This development has not gone unnoticed by larger corporations. There is also the fact that the technology, itself, is in a state of constant growth. As time goes on, there will be even more advantages presented by enterprise VoIP solutions.

For companies that wish to keep in touch with employees in the field, VoIP can also be set up to offer secure communications through cell phones and laptops. Setting up a secure private network will also be a major business consideration. A discussion of security options will need to made, prior to setting up a new VoIP network. The benefits of mobile communications will always need to be balanced with concerns of security. This is especially true when using Wi-Fi services at an airport or hotel.

With the implementation of a VoIP PBX system, area codes may be chosen that are not related to the actual geographic area of the company. This can translate into free calls made from an office or home to another business branch located in another city. This can even allow for world-wide communications with incurring additional costs. All that is needed is a virtual phone number that a VoIP system can provide. For many companies, this represents a huge capital expense savings. This means that the desired phone number configuration will need to be set up and implemented.

Business Efficiency Factors

The use of VoIP technology can certainly benefit many small businesses due to the merging of data with voice communications. However, this benefit is exponentially increased when applied to a larger company. For example, business presentations are more effective when video is combined with conference calling. Efficiency is also increased by the fact that the same VoIP line can be used to transmit more than one stream of data. This is in contrast to a legacy PBX system that would limit the dedicated line to just two connected callers.

The setting up of a VoIP communications system that utilizes current technology that is mostly already in place has distinct advantages. This means that there is no interruption in phone communications while the solution is being designed and put into place by the IT engineers.

Also, Since the VoIP PBX is easily managed through user-friendly software, training can be set up in a manner that will not interfere with normal business operations. Of course, this will take place according to schedules that have discussed and approved by management.

VoIP Technology vs. Standard Phone Networks

Understanding VoIP technology is not that difficult. A VoIP network combines voice with data service that is transmitted over the Internet. In essence, VoIP communicates with different network devices through signaling. This is where VoIP and traditional phone services are alike. They both use signaling to manage and activate the components that are used to place and complete phone calls.

In typical phone networks, a traditional PBX digital system or multiplexed switches are used for call routing and call connection. But, in a VoIP network system, the individual components are able to communicate through exchanged datagram messaging. Here, both endpoints need to be open in order to maintain communications.

The various VoIP hardware end receivers can either be actual digital phone devices, consoles or PC equipment. The calls can be placed and received either on hardware devices resembling a traditional phone or through software programs known as “soft phones”. A soft phone will provide the same features as a hardware VoIP phone, but will usually run on a computer desktop or notebook. In the past, these computer communications were limited to corporate or private VPN (Virtual Private Network) lines for security purposes. Nowadays, this type of communication is available to everyone.

How to Know if VoIP is Right for You

The first question that those considering VoIP might have is, “How do I know if VoIP is right for me?” Well, there are several things to think over. First of all, you need to ask yourself why are you thinking of converting to VoIP service. The usual answer involves saving money on phone service. This may be the result of past large expenditures on long distance calling. In some cases, it may involve just going with a newer technology and terminating a traditional landline in the process.

While these reasons may be valid ones, it’s always best to look at all the facts before running out and signing up for the first VoIP plan that you run across. First of all, you may want to take a look at your current statement and figure out exactly what you’re paying for now.

The next thing that you’ll want to do is take note of your common call placing patterns in contrast to your current phone expenses. This will give you an idea whether or not you will actually save money by switching over to VoIP. In most cases, you will be saving money, but this is not a 100% certainly for all phone users.

The Differences in VoIP Offerings

You will need to be a bit patient, since it may take a little time to check out all of the VoIP options available to you. For example, VoIP that uses a cable company connection will usually have the best clarity. Also, Hardware-based VoIP systems are usually better than software-based VoIP systems. It should be noted that even free VoIP providers will suggest the use of an ATA adapter in order to maximize system performance. Still, you need to select a VoIP service provider. Read through the online VoIP service provider reviews in order to form an opinion first.

Another extremely important step is to know how strong your Internet signal is. A weak Internet signal will not support VoIP calling. When you contact a potential VoIP service provider, make sure that they have the capability to test your Internet signal. Anytime a service provider can test your Internet signal, make sure that you request it! Even if your signal is low, it’s still possible to have VoIP service. But you might want to obtain a signal booster first and that will add an extra expense.

The VoIP Contract Provisions

Now that you’ve done your homework and are ready to sign up for VoIP, have you read the VoIP provider’s contract thoroughly? Always read the fine print before you agree to anything. There can always be contractual terms, conditions and fees that you may not find acceptable.

For example, the advertised “free” hardware may only indicate a no upfront fee but will soon incur future lease payments. At the end of the contract, you may be obligated to return that “free” hardware in its original packaging – otherwise an additional fee may be charged. The cost of returning that hardware may be your responsibility, as well. That’s not something you want to find out later.

It’s therefore important that you completely understand what you are paying for. You should also note that “free trials” are rarely free. By taking your time and understanding all of the contract provisions, you could possibly save hundreds of dollars over traditional phone services by using VoIP.

Most VoIP service provider programs will allow subscribers to place free calls to one another. However, there is a charge for calls that are placed to standard phone numbers. These charges are a lot cheaper, overall, than regular phone company long distance toll charges. In some cases, there are no monthly charges for the basic VoIP phone service. If someone is calling from a standard phone, they would usually dial an access code in order to reach a phone with a VoIP number.

How Affiliate and Reseller Programs Work

VoIP affiliate programs are generally pretty standard agreements. When an individual purchases call time minutes, VoIP hardware, etc. there is a commission paid to the one that referred them.

The reseller opportunity, however, is a bit more interesting. When someone becomes a reseller they will most often be given their own code/website. This is where their customers will purchase call time minutes, hardware, etc. In this case, the buyers are treated as customers of the reseller with a percentage of the sales paid to that reseller. Usually, the customer’s account will be attached to the original reseller for as long as the reseller’s account remains open with the VoIP service supplier.

Advantages of a Reseller Program

There are several advantages to the reseller and their customers that make this type of an agreement a viable business opportunity. First of all, when one is a reseller, that individual’s customer base can increase along with the income potential. In addition, the reseller has all the advantages of VoIP communications which can be marketed to potential customers. These benefits can include:

• Significantly cheaper long distance calls than those made from standard phone lines.
• The ability to use your PC to make calls (using a broadband connection).
• VoIP phones are corded, cordless and can come with video capability.
• VoIP enabled cell phones offer portability (in any Wi-Fi location).
• A full range of features such as call conferencing and advanced messaging options.

Additionally, the VoIP market is a growth market with an increasing number of people and businesses switching to VoIP technology. There is also an increasing variety of VoIP hardware options that are becoming available.

But, while VoIP technology is continuing to emerge, there are a few disadvantages that still need to be worked out. These can include:

• Variable call quality.
• Hardware must be on in order to make or receive calls.
• With some VoIP providers, dialing in from a standard network can be complicated.
• Power outages can affect phone service.
• 911 numbers require programming (especially if your residential location changes).

Even though VoIP technology is still maturing, there are some segments that are quite promising. For example, home-based businesses, that need to make a lot of calls, can benefit from significant savings. Additionally, those who make a lot of calls internationally or parents with teenagers can also save money.

Things to Consider in a VoIP Reseller Agreement

When it comes to entering a reseller agreement, there are several things to look for. First of all, you’ll want to make an assessment of the VoIP service provider’s ability to stay in business. This means that you will want to do business with a service provider that is financially sound and is committed to the industry for the long term.

You will also want to determine the quality of the VoIP service that the provider can offer. Poor quality is seen as the number one issue when it comes to losing customers. Cheap prices and good commissions will be of no use if you can’t maintain your client database.

The overall pricing of the VoIP service is also a factor. The better the savings, the easier it is to market VoIP to current standard telephone service users.
The available features that can be offered can be used to market against your competition. You will want to look for service providers that offer a wide range of free options for local calls. This will allow you to market these advantages to your potential customers and a large customer base is better for your overall profit margin.

Look for a VoIP service provider that already has a large existing customer base. A large customer base will provide more people that your new customers can call without charge.

A good international presence is also something to look closely at. Being able to provide service to numerous countries will make your operation more impressive and can create selling points.

If you’ve decided that being a VoIP reseller is an opportunity that you wish to look into, you can find a number of VoIP service providers that specialize in reseller opportunities. One of the best places to look is on the Internet (using any major search engine).

The Issue of VoIP Security

However, even with all the benefits that VoIP has to offer, some companies are hesitant to adopt this new technology. The primary reason for their concern relates to the fact that most VoIP gateways cannot provide complete security. An enterprise that deals with highly sensitive data will refrain from transporting data and voice communications over a public network that is unencrypted. Doing so would jeopardize needed business security.

There have been standards created to address security concerns which include SIP TLS and SRTP. However, these standards have not yet matured to the point of commercial viability. The good news is that the utilization of a virtual private network (VPN) can compensate for the lack of security found in a standard VoIP connection.

Using VoIP-over-VPN with a VoIP gateway can offer an enterprise a reliable and secure means of transmitting communications over an IP connection. Along with the necessary level of security there is the additional benefit of lower costs compared to traditional phone lines.

What is a VoIP Gateway?

A VoIP gateway is a network device that serves as a translator for a VoIP network. The translation involves converting FAX and voice communications between IP networks and public switched phone networks (PSTN). This is accomplished by converting standard telephone system calls into individual data packets. These digital data packets will be compatible with VoIP call networks. The primary functions of a gateway network device consist of: call routing, control signaling, and compression/decompression of voice and FAX transmission.

A VoIP gateway can also use built-in routing tables to direct calls to specific individuals. In addition to translating from PSTN, a VoIP gateway can also translate between different VoIP protocols. For example, a VoIP gateway can mediate between H.323 and SIP for communication between two different VoIP systems or devices. A VoIP gateway is therefore an essential part of every VoIP communications system. This is in contrast to when VoIP was first initiated. Back then, VoIP systems used routers and switches to carry out the tasks that gateways are now used for.

Gateway Technology

As VoIP communications increased in sophistication, their designers began to recommend gateways that were standalone devices, rather than switches and routers. At that point, there was an increasing demand for quality, reliable VoIP services from their providers. Those providers turned to VoIP gateways for their solutions.

VoIP gateways soon began to increase in their sophistication in parallel to the progression of VoIP technology. The growing demand was met with greater VoIP gateway variety and the expansion of gateway suppliers.

VoIP gateways come in two forms; hardware-based (the more popular of the two) and software-based. Hardware gateways are constructed as chassis cards, modules and separate boxes. The hardware versions are more popular since they use less computer processing resources and are more efficient.

VoIP gateway configurations will vary and can offer different functions and capabilities. Examples include: enterprise market-oriented phones, PSTN and PBX FAX machine functions. There are also VoIP gateways that are designed to facilitate worldwide corporate communications. These are quickly increasing in business popularity throughout the country.

The VoIP Gateway Market

Individual business needs can be met through programmed VoIP gateways. In addition to larger business market needs, low-end enterprises can also benefit from gateways that are designed for smaller networks. A basic gateway, for example, can come with an Ethernet router, firewall and telephone jack. The cost for this affordable basic setup can be around $200.

A setup such as this can readily provide for the needs of a private home or small office. This smaller version of a VoIP gateway will have an RJ-45 port and an RJ-11 port. The RJ-45 port will be used for a network sharing device or PC and the other is a standard phone jack.

For larger businesses, a mid-level gateway will cost anywhere from $400 – $2,000 or more. These types of VoIP gateways will have additional connection interfaces that will handle larger network devices. They will also be able to handle more complex phone systems with the flexibility and reliability found in VoIP communications systems.

Use of Next-Generation Voice Technology Platforms

The desire to place phone communications in every classroom presents a logistics problem that VoIP seems able to solve. E-Rate funding, along with various other data infrastructure initiatives, can provide expenditure piggybacking for most of VoIP implementation. In addition, by eliminating costly Centrex services, there is a quick return on budget expenses. There is also an on-going reduction in expenses with VoIP browser-based software management. Using software tools can eliminate the need for physical equipment adjustments and reduce outside service calls.

All of this leads to a more affordable and manageable telephone system that provides teachers with the most up-to-date communication learning tools. Teachers and parents are also able to stay in closer touch and enhancements are made to classroom safety. It appears that the use of VoIP technology is the most logical means of communication for the K-12 school system.

K-12 VoIP Opportunity

In the past, the K-12 school system has always maintained a very low phone-to-employee ratio due to expense limitations. One would usually observe an entire school campus, consisting of hundreds of students and many classrooms, relying on just a few phones. These phones would then be located in a single school office.

Teachers would be denied the advantages of voicemail or their own phone resources. This resulted in poor parental communication. In order to contact a teacher, for example, phone calls would need to filter through the school’s administration employees. Messages would then be hand-written and delivered to the teacher. This system was time-consuming and less than reliable, since omissions and errors could be easily introduced.

In addition to issues with parental communication, school safety is also a concern. With limited phone access, in places where students are located, E-911 emergency calls are more difficult to place. However, installing more Centrex phone coverage is cost prohibitive. With VoIP technology, we now have a way to radically increase expansion of phone services and provide a wide range of communication options. This expansion is currently being done though the use of federal funding associated with broadband allocations. This is possible since VoIP communications falls under the heading of data infrastructure enhancements.

Along with the ability to provide phone communications, VoIP also offers the opportunity to add features such as voicemail and other advanced telephony options. Another advantage with creating a VoIP infrastructure is the future deployment of distance multimedia learning.

the Pitfalls Associated with VoIP

Although there are many advantages with VoIP communication, the reality may present some negative issues that need to be addressed as well. There are VoIP solutions that can incur extra on-going expenses that can consume a school’s budget. Also, the initial implementation options may be limited by complex VoIP retrofitted architecture.

There are also VoIP issues associated with basic requirements that need to be met. These can include: contractual obligations, risk factors, legacy integration, incremental rollouts and funding issues. These issues may preclude an immediate comprehensive upgrade that completely eliminates the current, traditional phone network. An example of a funding issue would be the installation of multiple IP handsets because E-Rate funding excludes telephones.

The Solution to Successful VoIP Migration

Successful VoIP migration should include an approach that will facilitate an easy integration with current school legacy services and equipment (this includes Centrex). The VoIP equipment, itself, should be user-friendly. This will eliminate the need for addressing expensive and time-consuming support issues. The entire migration, in other words, should be relatively transparent. A VoIP phone can provide more functions, but it should still function like a regular phone. VoIP management software needs to present a standard, intuitive PC user interface. A VoIP management solution should be as easy in practice as it looks on paper.

Since VoIP relies heavily on its management software, a web-based console is more effective than more technically-oriented command-line interfaces. This means that the web-based management software should provide a single, overall view of the entire VoIP system. This will allow system management from any PC with Internet connectivity (even from home). An allowance for training time should also be made and included in the budget for VoIP migration. These estimates should be based on independent research and customer reviews.

Finally, the reliability of communications should not be compromised while the migration to VoIP takes place. Afterwards, the VoIP communications should have an availability of a minimum 99.99% of the original telephony system. This should be a function of VoIP’s inherent ability for fault tolerance through switching to a stand-alone mode in case the central switch experiences a failure.

In the long run, the migration to VoIP within the K-12 school system is expected to provide far greater communication ability along with considerable budget savings.