Planning the move to VoIP

"Good planning makes for better
Connections."

Planning to install VoIP, either at home of for your business, then we will help your move to VoIP with suggestions about what to consider and how to prepare. Take a few minutes to consider not only VoIP's benefits, but the possibilities, the savings and the unexpected consequences of Voice over the Internet, whether it is a residential VoIP service or hosted VoIP for your business. A little research, planning and knowledge can go a long way to make your move to VoIP fulfill your expectations. If you sell VoIP or hosted VoIP, either as a rep or a reseller, good planning and avoiding common pitfalls can make the difference between a successful sale and one that is rife with problems.

Consider the benefits of VoIP?

Cost and savings are just some of the benefits of VoIP. Some of the others are: Most analog "regular" phones will work with a VoIP adapter (ATA).

Extra features at no additional cost
Dialing plans that allow unlimited US and Canada calls
Virtual phone numbers that ring to your primary line
Lower International rates
Advanced call forwarding features such as call forward on busy and other Hunting type groups
Portability-bring your phone service to another location
Low cost Toll free numbers
Online Account Management
Call records, voice emails, distinctive rings, call forwarding, automatic call forwarding on no registration (i.e. your Internet connection goes down)

Using the numerous features that may be offered can solve many small business's problems. With call forwarding, voice mails as emails, unlimited calling plans and virtual numbers, a small business person can create a large communication empire.

What are the requirements to get VoIP?

The most important necessity is a good broadband Internet connection.

DSL or Cable
T1 or Wireless

If you have satellite in some cases you can still get a VoIP service to work, but due to extreme latency and low bandwidths, especially on the upload side, the end result may be that the quality of calls will be disappointing. Your satellite carrier will need to offer a constant stable bandwidth, rather than burstable speeds. Burstable speeds will not work with voice packets, which depend on a constant steady stream to deliver recognizable words. In addition, your VoIP carrier will need to offer a low bandwidth codec. One that may be best for satellite is G723.1.

ZeraFONe, Where you can you get plans starting at $9.95/mo., with an Unlimited plan for $19.95 and an International plan at $24.95/mo.

Get a new ATA included, at no extra cost.
Numerous features, rock solid network, referral income, etc. more

What are the considerations of VoIP?

A well prepared plan for the move to VoIP will recognize some of the challenges of the transition. Although it can be one of the easiest moves to make for the casual homeowner, there can still be a few services that will not integrate. For small business owners the need to consider some aspects of the transition and integration are of much more importance.

The Bandwidth of my Internet connection. (Will it be adequate for the amount lines I need?)
Are my numbers portable?
What about my current toll free number?
Faxing
Dial up modems, credit card machines and Tivo. (Most won't work over VoIP.)
E911 and enhanced local inbound services.
Disconnecting all my previous telecom's service and still be able to my keep DSL.
Will my Alarm system integrate with a VoIP service?
Availability of local numbers.
Distributing the VoIP service throughout the premises. more
Will my current phone system integrate with VoIP?
411 Listing
Integration with your existing phone service.

Faxing over VoIP can be one of the single most important considerations that a small business can make. If the following apply to you:

You rely heavily on faxing for your business activities.
You fax documents that are more than 4 pages in length frequently.
You send or receive very detailed high resolution documents.

Then it would be best to maintain a regular copper phone line for faxing. The stability of faxing over VoIP decreases rapidly if any of the above circumstances apply.

If you also have DSL or maintain an alarm system that requires a traditional phone line to send the signaling properly, then this remaining copper line should also become your fax line.

VoIP Mechanic will help guide you to make educated decisions.

In making smart decisions you will save money, time and aggravation.