Download Susan-Says®: It`s a New World of Cost Effective

Susan-Says®:
It’s a New World of Cost Effective Communications.
By Susan Wilson Solovic, CEO SBTV
Your computer may soon become your favorite form of communication –
and I’m not just talking about emails. More small and mid-sized businesses are turning
to the Internet for Voice over Internet Protocol. This high-tech system also known as
VoIP or IP telephony uses a combination of hardware and software to allow the Internet
transmission of telephone calls instead of traditional circuit switched copper wiring like a
traditional telephone. With VoIP a digital signal travels over the Internet then is
converted back at the receiver’s end so you can speak to anyone with a regular telephone
number. It is estimated that 30 percent of U-S businesses may move to VoIP within two
years and more than five million homes will be using the technology by 2007.
The simplest and cheapest way to use VoIP is through computer-to-computer
calls. These calls can be free. The only thing you need is the software which can be found
for free on the Internet, a good high-speed Web connection, a microphone, speakers, and
a sound card. Except for your monthly internet service fee, there is literally no cost for
making these calls, no matter how many you make. But this system is not practical for
most businesses that need multiple telephone handsets.
There are many Internet-based business networks that offer Internet based phones.
These phones can be connected with traditional land-line phones, fax machines, and
cordless phones. Many small firms are finding a VoIP network offers lower costs and
increased flexibility for all types of calls. Intra-office calls can be routed through a VoIP
network. Because the quality of sound is comparable to and in some cases surpasses that
of analog service, some international companies are using VoIP to route international
calls through the branch of their company nearest the call's destination and then
completing it on an analog system. This allows the company to pay local rates
internationally and while utilizing the same intra-office VoIP network they would if they
were calling someone at the very next desk.
Dorothy Attwood of SBC Communications says, “In the I-P world, the individual
user is able to tailor and customize their use of that network to what is most important to
Notwithstanding any provision in any documents available here, you are permitted to download an entire, unchanged copy
(including any copyright notice and author attribution) to a computer and make a print copy of internal use.
This material is intended to provide a general overview and does not purport to provide all specific requirements
for any person. MasterCard provides this material AS IS for the convenience of its members and cardholders.
them. So for example, what is important for a business is to access their e-mail and all of
their communications while on the road…an I-P platform offers them the ability literally
anywhere in the world to use their laptop as if they were sitting at their desk.”
VoIP offers users the opportunity to customize services, features and functions. Calls can
be sent to several phones at once, simultaneously or sequentially, so if you are not at the
office, the call will go to your home and your cell phone. Choice also comes from being
able to use different devices to send and receive voice communication. Your PDA,
laptop or MP3 player will be as useable as a phone. Some VoIP service providers allow
you to check your voice-mail via your e-mail, while others allow you to attach voice
messages to your e-mails. This opens a new world of options to small business.
Notwithstanding any provision in any documents available here, you are permitted to download an entire, unchanged copy
(including any copyright notice and author attribution) to a computer and make a print copy of internal use.
This material is intended to provide a general overview and does not purport to provide all specific requirements
for any person. MasterCard provides this material AS IS for the convenience of its members and cardholders.