Wednesday, April 11, 2007

All That You Need To Know About VoIP

Voice over IP or voice over Internet protocol - also popularly known as VoIP among the industry and end user - has become a phenomenon in itself. It’s simply a procedure through which our voice which exists in the analogue signal form is converted into digital signal and compressed simultaneously so as to make it acceptable and readable by the computer. By the time it finally reaches the destination point it is decompressed and reconverted into analogue signal.

Voice over Internet protocol service helps in transferring data voice and images through the same lines. This saves precious time and cost incurred during the process. Besides VoIP providers seem to understand the distinct needs of corporate houses, resellers and end-users thus providing them with relevant plans which are tailor made to suit their needs.

Voice over IP phone system is offered to one and all owing to its adaptable and flexible nature which benefits all. Voice over IP providers are of essentially 2 kinds. One are those who cater to VoIP resellers and corporates i.e. B2B. The second kind would be those whose clients are end users or residential s i.e. B2C.

There are 3 levels of resellers. First level is for those who serve direct customers or individuals. Second level is meant for those who are free to provide their services to other resellers and direct clients. Third level is more or less like a giant company which has established a whole network of its own.

Depending upon their budget, cost inputs, infrastructure and level of technology required a company may opt for any of these 3 levels.

Along with the invention of VoIP telephony services, the competition among VoIP providers is reaching its peak. Everyone is trying to lure the clients through various features along with this technology. However, a client needs to be cautious with such schemes.

The best VoIP solution is the one where there is stability of network. This can be judged by ACD or average call ratio and ASR or average success ratio. ACD of 8 and above is considered be excellent and ASR above 80% is above average. So, next time before opting for a particular provider of internet telephony service, be sure to look for this.

Another criterion that needs to be looked into is the quality of voice. Before leasing the network of some provider, be sure to check the route of that network. This is important because eventually you will not be selling something tangible i.e. some product but a service. The quality of service will determine in the long run the success of your company and place you at a level above your competitors.

A reliable and strong technical support should be provided by the service provider. This would ensure maximum satisfaction resulting in word of mouth marketing which is the best and most effective way of promotion. At the end of the day it would be the service that you provide to your customer's that would pave the path for your long and successful journey.