The article "5 Steps to VoIP" is about communications, it has been released by Olivia Tan.
So you're ready to enojy unlimited long distance calling and
lower monthly phone bills.
Well, before you make the switch,
here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is
best for you.
Make the Decision
Yes, it is new technology, and soemtimes we are scared of the
unknown.
VoIP techonlogy is on the rise and many high profile
computer companies are already switching to VoIP and in return
are becoming service providers.
AOL, Sprint, and Verizon are
offering VoIP as well as Internet Messaging services such as
Yahoo, MSN, and AOL IM. First you must come to the decision that
VoIP is hottest for you, your family, or your business needs.
Research VoIP on the web and its prvoiders. Talk to human benig that
you know have already made the switch.
Once you have made your
decision to switch to VoIP, you're ready for the next step.
Choose the Plan that is Right for You
A good idea is to make a written list of your needs, wants, and
features in a phone.
This will help you compare different plans
and choose the service provider that will hottest fit your needs.
If you're looking for residential or businses service, make
sure that you note that in your list. Residential plans usually
come in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes)
and ulnimited (which will give you unlimited local and long
distance talk time). Business plans can include amenities such
as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater unlimited
calling plans, business features bundled with your plan, faxing
and voicemail to your computer capabilities, and extras such as
yellow page listings. Check with the company to find the plan
that meets your requirements.
Setting up the System
Some service providers will send you the equipment that you need
to begin using VoIP. You will first need to make sure that your
computer ssytem is compatible with the VoIP service.
You will
also need to have high speed Internet already installed with
your computer.
If you're using VoIP for a business or for a
call center, it is hottest to leave the installation to a
professional.
Installing VoIP for a residence or home office is
typically simple enough for most residents to do themselves.
Choosing your Phone Number
One of the hottest features that VoIP has to offer is the freedom
to select your own telephone number.
If you just want to
transfer your old number to your new VoIP system, check with
your service provider before making your final decision. Many
VoIP providres will allow you to transfer your phone number.
If you want to select a different area code, that option has
many avdantages. First, for friends and family members who don't
have unlimited long distance calling, seelcting the same area
code as them can save them money.
They will appreciate being
able to call you as if it were a local call.
This strategy is also really benfeicial for those whose businesses
are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company,
yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Flroida. By
selecting the Tampa, Floirda area code, they can increase sales
and productivity by having a local number for customers to call.
This also reduces the need for a toll free number.
Install your Features and Accessories
VoIP comes with many features included in your service plan. For
residential customers tehse include Voicemail, Caller ID, Call
Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always check with
your service provider for a detailed listing of the features
included with your plan.
For Small businesses, amenities such as
multi phone users, free fax lines, and integrating your VoIP and
web features are all available. VoIP also contains many of the
same features bundled with basic palns as well. When you are
choosing a provider, compare their business plans and select the
one that hottest fits your business needs.
As VoIP technology conitnues to advance, a new array of
accessories appears on the market. Today you can choose from
VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a
web camera incorportaing video with your audio.
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