Voice over IP (VoIP)

Voice over IP is in the news almost daily these days. Whether it's major telecommunications companies utilizing this technology for their long distance back haul, businesses installing new digital phone systems wanting the latest in feature set and cost savings, or you and me trying to save a buck on our long distance - it's a growing trend.

So what exactly is Voice over IP (VoIP)?

Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply the ability to transmit Voice traffic (an analog conversation) over the internet (a packet based protocol or data conduit). This is done much the way music is digitized when converted to MP3.

Voice over IP can be nifty software that turns your computer into a telephone, utilizing your broadband internet service to carry the call. You don't need a headset, just a microphone and some speakers. But I recommend a headset! Here are the two premier software services:

Skype - They were the first to really gather momentum. Learn more about Skype here.
Google Talk - Anything they don't do first, they mimic and try to do best. Click here.

It might even be on your phone!

Many new WiFi enabled cell phones can be setup to use Skype for calls. Why would you want to do this? Because most cell phone packages (in the US) are for nationwide calling only. If you have a colleague in Hong Kong, or England, like some people I know, Skype to Skype calling is absolutely free - cell calls are not. And I know of no standard long distance packages that include international calling in the basic set of minutes.

Bottom Line

Voice over IP can save you money. But maybe not as much as you think! Before jumping into any VoIP Service, check this out, so you don't make a big mistake!

Links to other sites on this topic:

Learn more about saving money with Voice Over IP

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