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There are a couple of new VoIP offerings on the market that are targeted at small- to mid-size businesses. A new mobile application developed by eVoice and j2 Global enables users of Apple products, such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to receive phone calls from a wireless connection or a 3G/4G network via VoIP. Also, snom Technology recently unveiled the snom 7xx series of business VoIP phones. Both VoIP offerings address key issues for small- to mid-size businesses: Affordable enterprise-class communications that are flexible for growing businesses.

The eVoice App turns iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches into business phone systems with a number of useful capabilities:

• The application allows users to make and receive phone calls over a wireless connection or 3G/4G network using VoIP;
• There are multiple extensions and an intercom function;
• The voice mail service is enhanced with transcriptions that can be sent to email or text messages;
• Call screening and other advanced call options are available; and
• Putting an old twist on a new phone, there are 24/7 call operators that route inbound phone calls.

The biggest benefit to customers comes in the form of savings — saving cell phone minutes and reducing dropped calls in places notorious for poor connectivity. Subways, trains, basements and rural areas often have good Wi-Fi connections, even when 3G/4G networks are unavailable. This application can help users conduct business, no matter where they are in the world.

VoIP has been on the rise for a good number of years, and has been around a lot longer.  All around the world, people are jumping at this new opportunity to rake in big savings on communications bills.  Simultaneously, traditional communications companies are wringing their hands and pulling their hair out by the roots, for the same reasons.

 VoIP is a huge threat to a major percentage of their established revenue streams… you can’t blame them for getting a little bit antsy.  Every single communications company is affected, and you can bet good money that any one of them worth its salt has developed a strategy on how to best deal with VoIP.

To put it simply, there are three options for traditional carriers when it comes to dealing with the inevitable rise of VoIP: stand by and watch it take over your business, use their resources to offer similar or competing technology to consumers, or merge up with an existing VoIP service and offer it to your existing customers. 

The last two options seem to be the only viable alternatives.  As it has been estimated that every percentage point lost to VoIP will mean at least $100 Million down the drain, it’s very reasonable for traditional carriers to get in on the VoIP action as quickly as possible.

Whether to compete or to join… that decision will be based upon whether the carriers have already been dabbling with VoIP, how confident they are in their version, and how well they market it.  For many carriers who’ve been somewhat blindsided by this development, it might be better for them to acquire an existing VoIP company than to invest in further saturating the market with some compulsory product.  We see several major carriers doing just this all over the world, from Sprint, to KDDI, to Qtel.

The internet is more secure than it’s ever been.  Yet, this isn’t very comforting to many people.  Case in point: many businesses are not switching to VoIP these days specifically because it runs on the internet.  They just don’t feel that the internet is secure enough to support their important voice communications.  On the other hand, VoIP providers are touting their products as being totally safe, as well as being seriously cost effective.

What should we believe?  Who should we trust?  With millions of users switching to VoIP every year, it really is important that we get the straight dope on this pressing concern, lest we invite Mr. Tremendous Calamity over for supper.

Yes, VoIP is just as vulnerable to viruses, worms, DoS attacks, malicious codecs, and all out hacks as the rest of the internet is.  Since people value the privacy of their chats over the phone, such insecurity may mean the end of the VoIP conversation for many who might be considering the technology.  But you ought to read on.

You see, if your IT is already on top of its security practices for the web, then your VoIP account will be equally as secure.  Following the best practices translates into virtual 100% security.  Even if you don’t have the latest and greatest in security, it’s not very likely that you’re going to get hacked up, unless you’re some major corporation or government agency, in which case you’re probably not reading this blog.
 
So, in considering whether to switch over to – or stay with – the inexpensive and convenient service commonly referred to as VoIP, security should low on the list of concerns, if it’s on there at all.  There are more pressing questions, like “why didn’t I think about VoIP before”, and “how is this not too good to be true?”

Although not as prevalent as its traditional counterpart, mobile VoIP is definitely available.  And why shouldn’t it be?  Why shouldn’t the savings and convenience of VoIP translate over to the increasingly popular mobile market?  After all, mobile phones and computers are converging anyway; it would only make sense for mobile phones to carry the voice signal over the internet. 

Widespread mobile VoIP use is indeed just over the horizon… cellular companies have their ears pricked up and binoculars to their eyes.  Once it’s completely here as a player, it’s just going to be just the latest in a long list of things made less expensive and more convenient through internet technology.  We’re waiting with bated breath.

With the development of more powerful processors and cheaper memory, the transition from fixed to mobile VoIP is a natural progression, and thus a forgone conclusion for most of us.  There probably will be some important legal hurdles to overcome, however, as mobile VoIP threatens to completely alter some of the most lucrative aspects of the communications industry.
 
Moving around with a phone means that you’ll move from one wireless signal to another. This is why mobile VoIP is going to cost you a little more than standard VoIP services.  Most SIP configurations on today’s models require high speed IP at the very minimum, but this will change.  In bigger cities, users with EVDO rev A or HSDPA will experience seamless coverage between stations, but the service is more than likely going to cost more than typical WiFi.  But look out for improvements in UMA (GAN) technology to get the costs to go down.

Whether you’ve considered it or not, the fact of the matter is that mobile VoIP, like the rest of VoIP, offers considerable savings.  In time, these savings will increase, and we’ll be seeing a sea change in the overall mobile market.

Toktumi has recently developed some innovative VoIP applications for users of the iconic iPhone and iPad. Some years ago, the company had launched the Line 2 that added a second number to any iPhone or iPod Touch. The Line2 HD takes this step forward to further enhance mobile communications among the business community. The Line2 HD enables the iPad to function as a complete phone like the IPhone, thereby managing telephone calls and messages.

The app is now available on a trial basis to new customers for seven days and then one has to sign up for the paid service on the company website. The free trial enables the prospective customer to understand and utilize the application, before going in for the full-fledged service. According to the company, cellphone bills are reduced and one can make calls without cell reception. There is unlimited texting and very low international calling rates.

“A new phone. Without the phone” is how the company describes Line2. Line2 utilizes advanced communications technology to enable customers to make HD calls. The sound quality is greatly enhanced with Line2HD and this is especially seen audio conference calls. There are three service plans being offered by Toktumi; the Line2 Standard, the Line2 Professional and the Toktumi Custom, where you can customize the service, according to your specific needs.

The Line2 is also available on any Android device and provides a second line to the phone. It had been designed to function as a natural extension of the Android software. Line2 is the only app for smartphones that enables calling in three different methods; the WiFi, 3G or 4G and cellular voice connection to make and receive calls and all with one number. This ensures that calls always go through with the help of just a single number and one application.

Toktumi, Inc. is based in San Francisco. The company was founded by Peter Sisson in 2008.

Canada, can you hear me now — over your computer lines?  You will. Ooma’s VoIP services is coming to Canada!

Ooma, VoIP products manufacturer and telecommunication solutions provider, is rolling out service nationwide. The VoIP service is accessible through a black box that plugs into the router and house telephone. Termed Telo, the box enables VoIP cell phone calling to any telephone connection, free of cost. The service also provides other functions like caller ID, call-waiting and voice mail. Telo is available for $230 (U.S. Dollars).

Telo customers can select a new cell phone number from 28 location codes, again free of cost, or they can port their current telephone connection by paying a one-time amount of $39.99 (U.S. Dollars). This features a service similar to the 9-1-1 emergency service.  Calls made from one Ooma device to another Ooma device are free. The Premier Service must be paid for, and this has several features for a fee of $10 per month (U.S. Dollars). A customer can make free calls from Canada to the U.S.  Plus, there numerous other features, such as call-forwarding, conferencing, a variety of ringtone choices and 9-1-1 emergency notifications. 

A Bluetooth adaptor is available for $30 (U.S. Dollars), which enable calls on the home cell phone from other cell phones. A transmission array of around 30 feet is provided by the device.  This transmission also supports seven other Bluetooth devices, according to Ooma.

Ooma has been awarded recently for outstanding innovation for this Telo VoIP home cell phone service that offers customers convenience and cost-efficient calling — even to the United States. They are also able to utilize an additional range of value-added functions at a very reasonable cost. Ooma won the 2010 Communications Options Product of the Year Award given by TMC, the international media conglomerate, in recognition of the company’s solutions and services which benefit the consumer and ensure a return on investment.

Mindspeed Technologies Inc., a supplier of semiconductor solutions for network infrastructure applications, has now launched its Comcerto® 1000 — a customer premises equipment processor. The Comcerto® 1000 is propelling an advanced gateway from Mitsubishi Electric, which is being set up in one of the largest fiber-access networks in Japan. This network would deliver voice, high-definition video and data services. The Mitsubishi gateway brings together Wi-Fi services and VoIP capabilities through a design utilizing low power.

Mitsubishi Electric, a leading player in the communications industry, and Mindspeed Technologies are upbeat about delivering the diverse range of capabilities for the triple-play fiber-to-home solutions that Mitsubishi Electric is establishing in Japan.

Raouf Y. Hakim, CEO of Mindspeed, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Our Comcerto 1000 multi-core packet processor gives Mitsubishi Electric’s gateways all the features and performance necessary for delivering the latest broadband services with industry-leading power efficiency.”

The processors of the Comcerto® 1000 have a programmable software design that ensures a remarkable amount of flexibility across an extensive range of patterns, such as FTTH-based triple-play gateways, 3G/4G-routers and WiMAX integrated access devices. Mindspeed’s vast experience in design using ARM cores and leading role in carrier-class voice technology is reflected in the Comcerto® 1000 processors. The low-power system-on-chip products of Mindspeed are enabling fiber-optic networks across the world to provide video, voice and data applications. They are also helping the development of the processing for 3G, and the evolution of mobile technology.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a renowned name in the field of electronic equipment especially in the growth of space and satellite communications, consumer products, energy, transportation and other sectors.

Skype is dialing up more convenience with its new video-calling application interface (API) introduced recently as part of its SkypeKit.  Available to developers, this API can be customized and integrated with desktop and consumer electronics applications other than mobile devices such as the tablet or the cell phone.

Skype had launched the first public API in 2004.  Since then, there has been demand for a version of Skype that would have all the functionality of the application without the user interface. This version was initially released through SkypeKit in June 2010.  Skype recently added the latest video API to the most recent version so developers could embed the Skype video facility into their Windows, Mac and Linux applications.   Skype has also collaborated with manufacturers of consumer electronics products so that the API can be provided in televisions, gaming systems and surveillance devices.

To access the Skype SDK, developers can join the program for $10.  The applications support Android and Linux for consumer electronics products as well as Mac, Windows and Linux for desktop utilization.  These functions can be used to formulate applications for specific employee segments such as the customer service department, allowing for interaction with end-user Skype clients.
 
Though the video-calling API is currently available for one caller to another individual caller, it is being further developed so it can accommodate multi-call functionality, according the Skype officials.  Having this capability on Skype would be as monumental as three-way calling was initially to landline phones.

Another terrific feature of video-calling API:  If a particular user wishes to record a video call, the application to do so can be bought from the Skype App Directory.

Developers can also craft their own applications by using these APIs, and developers can either give away their newly created applications or sell them in the Skype App Directory.   If a developer creates a new application and sells it, there will be a 70/30 division of the profit with Skype.  These applications augment the Skype user’s experience, according to Chris Andrews Group Program Manager for the Skype developer program.

Yes, it’s true:  The Ninja is going pro, thanks to Global IP Telecommunications.
The telecommunications giant is launching its Ninja Pro CTI, the latest version of its standard VoIP softphone called “Ninja.” Global IP Telecommunications has integrated Microsoft Outlook and VoIP hardware in this professional version of Ninja.

The Ninja Pro CTI has all the features and functions of the Ninja — and, it can be used as a Microsoft Outlook Add-in. This latest version of the VoIP phone provides this integrated service on the compatible SIP desktop phones.  These can be controlled effectively through the Ninja Pro CTI.

Because of Ninja softphone is integrated with MS Outlook, you can use all functions without opening many windows on your desktop. Ninja Pro CTI’s software enables users to have automated identification of all contacts — allowing for appropriate and productive interactions with all inbound calls.  The user-friendly line-handler controls make it easy for you to initiate outbound calls, or set up conference calls and consultation holds. 

With its numerous functions and features, Ninja Pro CTI is an extremely useful tool which improves performance and productivity.  Ninja Pro CTI can help any company take its customer service to the next level. The functionality of the hardware telephones is considerably enhanced when controlled through the Ninja Pro CTI.

Another terrific feature of Ninja Pro CTI is the TAPI interface, an efficiently organized Add-in for MS Outlook and protocol handler dialing. Dialing using the “Pause Key” (in any application program) is also possible for the supported devices.

The Ninja Pro CTI version can be downloaded at www.globaliptel.com. This VoIP softphone can be used for co-branding and other purposes due to its customizable user interface.  With its many diverse features, Ninja Pro CTI is likely to be an invaluable part of the communications infrastructure at any company.

Technology Alignment, Inc., a leading provider of telecommunication solutions worldwide, has launched Protelity — an innovative hosted PBX service.

The Protelity hosted PBX services is based on the cutting-edge technology of Pioneer Lines and the VoIPtelcaster PBX which play a substantial part in helping small enterprises get on a level playing field with their larger competitors. The Protelity hosted technology would work as an important aid in enhancing business communications with customers and associates, regardless of their locations.

The technology behind the Protelity hosted service is totally superior to the conventional telecommunication system. Those businesses that opt for this facility can expect an affordable, state-of-the-art process. The Protelity hosted service has several useful functions and features which would help any business improve its customer relations and interactions with associates.

Protelity connects all remote offices, employees who work from home and those who are on the move. Outgoing voicemail greeting messages can be customized on the system, and multiple extensions can be set up for different departments and employees. The Protelity service provides automated call answering, call transferring, call waiting, call forwarding and voice mail. The fully automated call forwarding and follow-me features route calls to all telephone extensions in the office, home or any mobile devices. Voice mails can be routed to an email address of a mobile device. Another one of Protelity’s useful features is the ability to have unlimited calls on each extension.

A hosted solution based on the VoIPTelCaster and utilizing the Vitelity communications backbone, the Protelity hosted PBX service is a highly efficient system that can be set up easily and quickly according to the customer’s needs. Plus, there is no cost to maintain the PBX hardware. The Protelity hosted PBX is a useful addition to the infrastructure in the business operations of a company.

The VoIP phenomenon is growing in popularity, as the advantages of this kind of telephony and its value in unified communications is being realized in the business community. Home users and organizations are switching over to VoIP in greater numbers. Other sectors are also moving over to VoIP technology, especially in the social media networks and gaming developers.
 
Driven by the demand for mobile VoIP technology, major social media and gaming providers are integrating it into their applications. A recent study has projected that by 2015, almost 410 million consumers would be using such mobile VoIP applications. Smartphones will also drive VoIP growth, with users who are adopting VoIP solutions for their devices spurring a substantial growth over the next five to six years.

Though these figures are based on consumer preferences, this integration could also work as an advantage for business enterprises, as employees can move from their VoIP-enabled desk phones to their mobile devices. Mobile devices are set to become extensions of desk phones and apart from voice, would enable a business to use a unified communications platform that would include email, instant messages, and other applications.

Strong subscriber and revenue growth rates during 2010 have confirmed VoIP’s position as a widely used telecommunications service in the US. The entry of Apple, Microsoft and the Internet majors Google and Yahoo into the VoIP marketplace has positioned mobile VoIP technology on a growth curve.
The emergence of WiFi-enabled mobile devices and the deployment of 3G connectivity are factors that are likely to drive mobile VoIP technology into the mainstream of telecommunications in the future.

Vocalocity, the VoIP service provider for small enterprises, has launched a Microsoft Dynamics-integrated application that works on the Vocalocity Desktop. The application enables the automated retrieval of stored data whenever there is a telephone call. It is a great help to companies that use the telephone to communicate with their customers, or to generate new prospects for their business operations.

When any call comes through, the Vocalocity Desktop application comes on screen with all the details pertaining to the particular caller. This includes the caller’s name, company, designation, address and telephone numbers. The application enables any company to manage existing customers and new lead information in an efficient and systematic manner and enhances the quality of customer service. The Vocalocity Desktop automatically provides the information that defines whether the incoming caller is a new lead, a hot prospect, or an existing customer.

When a new prospect calls, the Vocalocity Desktop application enables the customer service representative to fill in the new information to configure the database within the Microsoft Dynamics CRM. If the call is from an existing customer, the Vocalocity Desktop provides all the data on a call log and enables quick, effective and consistent action, according to the situation.

This Vocalocity Desktop application gives every indication of being a valuable tool to enhance customer interactions, and to help businesses to work from detailed data and solutions used in earlier transactions. Together with other applications like click-to-email and seamless movement between Vocalocity Desktop’s LinkedIn, Google and Outlook applications make the new tool extremely useful for caller information.

Additionally, the integration of the Vocalocity hosted VoIP phone system with Microsoft Dynamics CRM works across the operational departments of any company to enhance collaboration and thereby increase productivity.

PowerNet Global, a player already well known in the telecommunications industry, has further strengthened its call center operations solutions by rolling out a new and innovative service, the Gryphon Core Phone. This new telecommunications service is telemarketing compliant, and enables companies to execute their outbound strategy safely and effectively.

The Gryphon Core is a tool that enables the functional capability to ensure compliance with Do Not Call restrictions, and multichannel access to both existing customers and prospective ones. The Gryphon Core Phone is a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service, that overviews each number as it is dialed to make sure that every number is compliant with federal, state and internal do-not-call lists (IDNC’s) and is totally in line with legal parameters.

This solution can be used by employees making business calls from any kind of phone, and also from any location; from the headquarters of the company, a home office and mobile devices. The Core Phone service ensures that calls are legal and compliant with all regulatory requirements.

PowerNet Global has collaborated with Gryphon, a company that specializes in compliance, preference and productivity solutions to enable companies to gain access to the legally permissible marketplace. Without a really good means to ensaure that illegal calls are not accidently made, a company cannot easily make calls at all.  Gryphon’s Core Phone was found to be a great value-added service for companies that utilized telephonic communication for their sales strategy and implementation.

PowerNet Global is a company that provides various telecommunications solutions including VoIP, SIP and others to both residential and corporate clients in the USA and Canada.

Teo, a VoIP provider, is proud to announce that its new Unified Communications solution is made in the USA.

Teo describes the solution as a SIP-based VoIP solutions platform that integrates a variety of communications services via software-based product. This is a viable solution in today’s mobile workplace.

The best feature of Teo’s solution is the fact that it is made here in the USA. Many of us are guilty of assuming that all electronic components must be manufactured overseas, but Teo is proving otherwise. The benefit here is not just for the end-users who enjoy Teo’s excellent UC technology, but also for the American people who now have jobs and the local economy that surrounds them.

I’m not dissing foreign-made products, nor am I asserting that this one product will suit every single VoIP-user’s need. I’m simply pointing out that in an industry where work is contracted out to other countries, it is nice to see a company have some pride in the work that people can do in the United States.

As with any business decision, do your research and decide which telephony option is right for your business. But, if there are several choices that are neck-and-neck, maybe the fact that Teo’s new product is made here the good old U.S. of A will nudge it above its competition.

As with any new technology, it is only a matter of time before crooks and thieves attempt to infiltrate the new domain. Smartphones are one of the newest industries that is suddenly becoming aware of possible problems. Heck, even Macs aren’t as tamper-proof as they once were.

And now VoIP is becoming more popular and landing on the radars of those who wish to make trouble. But, that’s no reason not to join the VoIP community.

In March, TelePacific Communications suffered a DDOS (distributed denial-of-service) attack which left customers without service for a  number of days. This attack seems to have originated from China, but that isn’t necessarily the location of the person(s) responsible. When TelePacific contacted the FBI to report the attack, the FBI needed more information than TelePacific was able to capture, which stalled the investigation.

TelePacific has since rectified the situation with data-capture systems. TelePacific is also forthcoming in admitting the attack happened so that the VoIP industry can work together to mitigate these types of risks. With more VoIP providers on the same team, the hackers won’t have a chance. This is crucial to preventing any large invasions that can tarnish VoIP’s reputation and put sensitive customer information at risk.

If you’re considering VoIP or already have it, don’t worry about losing service or your information to some hacker eating Cheetos in his mother’s basement. Most VoIP companies use precautionary measures to keep customers and their information safe.