Communicating over the Internet
Internet telephony (VoIP)
Voice over IP (VoIP) VoIP is a way of making phone calls over the internet. VoIP can provide you with a very flexible telephone system, allowing you to receive your phone calls on one single number wherever you are. The ‘switchboard’ is software based, and is easily controllable so that you can choose whether your desk phone, home phone or mobile rings depending on your location at the time. VoIP systems also have sophisticated call routing and prioritisation, and advanced voicemail functionality.
A VoIP system can run over broadband or ISDN lines, and you will need to investigate which system will give you the quality of service your business needs.
Free VoIP systems also exist, like Skype, Tesco Internet Phone and MSN. These can be great ways for employees to stay in touch with each other or the office, but will not provide you with the reliability and functionality of a paid for installation.
A detail comparison chart of different VoIP providers can be found by clicking here.
Video conferencing
Video conferencing allows people to have a ‘face-to-face’ meeting over the web. These days this can be done in a number of ‘cheap and cheerful’ ways such as using Microsoft msn Messenger together with an inexpensive webcam. You can also go for a state-of-the-art corporate solution, building a quality link almost as good as a quality TV picture.
To do any kind of video conferencing successfully, both parties will need a broadband connection and the appropriate hardware (webcam, microphone and speakers) installed at either end.
For a state of the art solution, you will also need high quality monitors, particularly if there are a number of participants at one or both ends of the meeting.
Just think of the time and money that you could save, especially if you regularly travel around the UK or overseas to see customers, colleagues or suppliers.
