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VOIP Service Providers Business

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Business VoIP Providers - Compare and Choose a Business VoIP Provider

Quality business VoIP providers today offer a wide variety of feature packages, services and prices. Selecting the ideal provider and service options will depend on your type and size of business, features needed and projected volume of usage. These metrics determine if your better off paying per minute, per user, per line, or per feature. Before choosing your VoIP provider, it is essential to first determine your company's precise telecommunications needs. A current phone bill or CDR record is a great place to find the information you need to compare providers. the basics your will need are: Quantity of phone numbers, toll free numbers, user extensions, lines, calling usage for local, long distance and Toll free calls as well as and special feature to enable timely and cost-efficient initiation of your service. By consulting your chosen Voice over IP service team and seeking their expert advice in advance, you can be prepared to take the following steps to facilitate the smooth, productive startup of your services:

  • Evaluate Your Internet Connection. - Determine the strength and capacity of your Internet connection and bandwidth. You need to ensure that your system has adequate speed to best accommodate your new VoIP installation for top quality service.
  • Assess Your Company Budget and Needs. - With knowledge of your company's current budget and VoIP needs, you can more easily select the service provider and feature options that meet your requirements.
  • Determine Your Equipment Needs. - Evaluate your current and near future VoIP equipment needs. Phones can be purchased from around $50 to $500 or more. Once you decide which feature options are immediate requirements and which ones can be added later as needed, you are ready to choose your service provider.
  • Compare VoIP Providers. - By comparing VoIP company service options, advanced features and equipment along with user and industry reviews, you can best make a wise decision, selecting the ideal VoIP provider for your enterprise.

Important Information to Request from Any Potential VoIP Provider

Before signing a service contract with any business VoIP provider, be sure to request basic service information and practices in writing. You need to be certain of such details as startup costs and monthly fees, any limitations and costs on portable phone numbers and exactly which features are included in the service package you select. You also need to know if international calling is included, charges for adding extra features and the extent of customer care and technical services provided. Also important are such issues as whether your provider offers a money back guarantee and if there are any cancellation fees. It is also helpful to determine prior to signing up for VoIP services if there are any hidden fees assessed by your chosen provider.

Take Full Control and Advantage of Your VoIP System

Once your new business VoIP system and service are in place, you and your staff members will have full-control capabilities for use of your business communications system. Your service provider will ensure connection with your online portal for customizing your telecom options. These modern digital portals are user-friendly, enabling feature changes and additions to be made for immediate availability. You and your staff can make decisions and changes in real-time that work for you right in the moment.

You can manage your call settings remotely, directing calls to voicemail or having them transferred to another number or extension. You can also make exceptions to any chosen setting in your phone system. For example, if you are expecting an important business call and want to take that call, but hold all other calls for a few hours, you can set your phone to direct only the designated call to ring on your extension. This system allows and encourages you to take complete control of your telecommunications systems and settings so that the service works for your best interests and immediate needs at all times.

Major Business Benefits and Advantages of Installing VoIP

With an excellent quality VoIP system installed and running well in your company offices to provide remote access for you and your employees, you can work much more efficiently, achieving more in less time. You will enjoy the many benefits of knowing that you can leave the responsibility of your advanced office telecommunications system operations to your VoIP provider while you handle other important business matters. ...

VoIP Providers USA

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Fuze Reviews

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Read Fuze reviews from real users, or read our full expert review of Fuze Cloud Communications.

A Comprehensive Review of Fuze Cloud Communications

There are many factors that should be considered when people want to evaluate cloud service providers. With time and space being the significant variances in the operations of business, there's more demand for technology that can help lessen the impact of time and space limits to the operations of business. If Einstein were alive today, he might be able to find the right methods for companies to address the limits of time. We could be making more iPhones in lesser cost and time constraints if we knew how to hack the boundaries of time and space. Fortunately, there are now companies who are up to the challenge. One of the companies that help businesses device systems to efficiently make most of the time and space of one's company resources is Fuze.

The Company Behind The Name

People who want to get things done the fastest way will find great value in Fuze. Established in 2006 in the USA, Fuze is a major driving force in the UCaaS global market. What it offers is simple enough: it wants companies to leverage the updates, technology and meaty innovation in the cloud technology that are safetified to industry standards. Its focus is on empowering companies to do remote working and helping companies work across continents just in a few clicks. Companies have the challenge of always reaching the best talents in the world, and that means going to overseas talents and handling business operations through a reliable system. The reliable programs and strategies of Fuze can support flexible solutions that give enterprises their corporate edge.

What The Leading Brand Can Do

It may also be reassuring to know that Fuze will rise to this challenge and fall into the demands of the market. Its dedication for such endeavors has borne fruit. Named by Gartner's 2016 UCaaS Magic Quadrant report, Fuze can spread itself with the message that the Cloud technology today might be the answers that enterprises need in the future. This is not hard to understand since Fuze is able to offer to their customers some of the most outstanding series of products that the market needs. The most modern and innovative UCaaS technologies that Fuze offers include voice and video messaging applications whose logs can be stored in cloud. There is also a unified desktop and mobile interface in Fuze's platform that is made available easily to its subscribers. The typical cloud benefits are there in Fuze's offering, but Fuze stands out because it promotes an environment where users will only be able to see the communication apps they need.

Fuze is a PBX alternative, and that means that it can offer call management features and business telephony without the added costs of structuring a system infrastructure in the business. Everything is remote. Your data is saved in a database hundred miles from your home, and you can access them even without the need for your own database stored in your office. It means you get the benefits minus the added cost. That sounds like a good simple business model.

Fuze is also able to offer you opportunities to scale and cost that won't cause problems to your budget. Users of Fuze don't need any networking hardware. The VoIP services are all cloud-based, and they only need to plug into the available SIP-ready endpoints that can be connected through a reliable LAN/WAN. This technology enables companies to acquire HD audio levels in all devices with no involvement from carriers or telephone companies. Users of Fuze won't be needing their telephone accounts just to make overseas calls. Through the unlimited global calling creature of Fuze, people can now access a turnkey solution to communication just by getting one subscription account from Fuze. Neat, isn't it?

It's also worth mentioning here that Fuze is also able to answer security concerns, such as the ones raised by people about QoS. The line-up of protection from Fuze for people's data has shown optimum quality, making it able to offer 99.9999% uptime to all its services. The network facilities in Fuze are guaranteed to be fully managed by technicians who are able to eliminate costs without compromising the kind of quality that people look for quality brands.

It's also the strength of Fuze to not forget the local quality of businesses. They show this dedication by making sure that the interface and customer service of the company is always customer-centered. The support teams in Fuze will still address your needs the way an excellent local business brand would.

What People Like

There are many reasons why the programs offered by Fuze simply work. ...

Skype Reviews

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Read Skype reviews from real users, or read our full expert review of Skype.

PROS

No other service can compete with Skype in the market of VoIP services. The subscription plans offer an unlimited amount of minutes and other positive services for voice and video calls. It is one of the cheapest ways to reach friends and family no matter where they live. You can call

CONS

There no additional features available. One of them is the option of calling back the Skype user or blocking specific numbers. Another more essential feature they should add would be the option to make a call to emergency numbers.

VERDICT

International calls can be quite expensive, so Skype is a much better alternative, making conversations possible even if people live halfway around the world from each other. Although other VoIP options might offer more features, Skype still comes on top because of its performance.

Skype became known to the masses mostly because of the video calling possibilities it offers and the video calling that came with it. It still falls short on simple options such as calling the person back from a regular phone or being able to block incoming numbers unless the person is calling from another Skype account.

Another thing people have to remember is the fact that the only way to use Skype at the moment is to use your computer or install the application on your smartphone. You will also need an internet connection to be able to make calls, and so far Skype has not offered any other solutions. If you are okay with these restrictions, the service will be worth the price you pay. There are two options for acquiring minutes. You can have a subscription or buy separate Skype credits. This decision depends on the number of calls you think you will be making and how long they will be.

Although the features are not high in numbers among the different VoIP providers, there is an option to hold on to your phone number. If you decide to have a subscription, you don't have to worry about minutes depending on the plan.

The online interface will make managing your account simple, and that is one of the positive sides of Skype. There is no additional hardware to purchase, so with only the software to install, you don't have to worry about doing anything wrong. You can teach your parents and elderly neighbors to use Skype to keep in touch with their children and grandchildren. It is easy on the eyes, and there are no hard to understand features to worry about.

There is an option of calling people in your contact list, creating a speed dial possibility and the video calls are a good option for video conference or even distance learning or tutoring. The online calling and video features are free for the users. However, you have to make sure that your internet connection can offer you enough bandwidth to hold the call and the same goes for the person you are calling. If the internet signal is not high enough, the call will not have the quality you might want to have.

If you need any additional information or help, there is a thorough list of FAQ on the website you can check out. You can reach customer support by logging in with your Skype or Microsoft account, but at the moment there is no number or chat available. However, most issues are answered in the forums already if your question is not on the FAQ list.

All in all, Skype holds its fort and continues to become stronger with each update. However, it mostly depends on your needs and requirements if you decide to download and start using it.

See also

Skype

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Skype


A proprietary protocol VOIP system built using Peer-to-peer (P2P) techniques. Free for non commercial use when using softphones (PC to PC). Offers toll access to PSTN via SkypeOut and SkypeIn. From the company that created KaZaA. Now owned by Microsoft.

http://www.skype.com/

Licenses the Global IP SoundVoiceEngine suite of codecs and related software including their wideband codecs (double the width of regular pstn.) If you find yourself asking, "why does Skype sound so good?", the answer is primarily this wideband ability.

Quote from website:

"I knew it was over when I downloaded Skype", Michael Powell, chairman, Federal Communications Commission, explained. "When the inventors of KaZaA are distributing for free a little program that you can use to talk to anybody else, and the quality is fantastic, and it's free. It's over. The world will change now inevitably."

-- Fortune Magazine, 16th February 2004


Skype PSTN Gateway: Rates

Skype/SIP gateway setup instructions for FreePBX/Asterisk systems: Why Wait? Build Your Own Skype Gateway to Asterisk

Skype API: http://www.skype.com/community/devzone/

An analysis of the protocol with focus on NAT capabilities and audio compression (PDF) http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~library/TR-repository/reports/reports-2004/cucs-039-04.pdf

Related Products

Alternatives to Skype

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This is a list of Skype alternatives. Please list alternatives to Skype.

  • Anveo Communicator provides FREE Video Calls, FREE Audio Calls, FREE chat, Video and Audio Group Calls, Make Phone Calls, Answer Phone Calls. It also includes business essential features: Desktop Sharing, Business Grade XMPP based IM, Voicemail, Integration with Anveo Visual Call Flow, ability to monitor calls of employees and more!

  • Thirdlane Connect adds messaging, voice, video, applications and CRM integrations to Thirdlane Multi Tenant and Thirdlane Business PBX platforms and can be deployed in modern browsers, mobile, and Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.b

See also

Skype vs Vonage

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In looking at Skype vs Vonage, both are VoIP phone service providers that work on many types of home phones, computer systems, and mobile devices.

Although both services use VoIP, both have many differences. Skype uses a peer-to-peer network with encryption to manage calls, while Vonage uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) without encryption to make phone calls.

Skype vs Vonage Features

Both VoIP Internet phone services offer:

  • Free app-to-app calls
  • Free app-to-app texting
  • Works on WiFi and 3G/4G
  • Video calls

Vonage provides these additional services and features:

  • Use existing address book
  • Conference calls
  • Purchase credit in app
  • Enhanced 911 (requires registration)
  • Caller ID using mobile number (Skype has a separate online or Skype To Go number for purchase)
  • Offline access to contacts, recent calls and chat history

On the other hand, Skype offers these features that Vonage does not have:

  • Group video calls
  • Screen sharing
  • Instant messaging
  • File sending

Skype vs Vonage: Available Platforms

In evaluating Skype vs Vonage, both are Internet phone services that function on a variety of
platforms.

Vonage is available on:

  • Home phones (landlines)
  • PC or Mac
  • iOS (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch)
  • Android mobile devices

Skype runs on a variety of platforms:

  • Home phones
  • Windows, Mac or Linux platforms
  • Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad and iTouch)
  • Blackberry and Android phones
  • Verizon phones
  • Symbian phones
  • PlayStation Vita (gaming)
  • Skype-ready cordless phones
  • Televisions (Skype Ready TVs and current TVs with Blu-ray or telyHD players)

Skype vs Vonage Cost

The only free Skype services are for Skype-to-Skype calls, one-to-one video calls, instant messaging, and screen sharing. Pay-as-you-go rates are a minimum of 2.3¢, not including connection fees for international calls.

Monthly subscription rates range from $2.99 (unlimited calls in the U.S. and Canada) to $13.99 (unlimited international calls). For countries other than the U.S. and Canada, there are options to purchase 60, 120, 400, or unlimited minutes every month.

The last option is Skype Premium, which costs $4.99 per month for these features:

  • Group video calling
  • Group screen sharing
  • No partner advertising
  • Live chat customer support
  • Unlimited calling to one country

As for Vonage, Vonage offers domestic and international calling plans.

Service costs for domestic phone calls are $9.99 a month for unlimited local and long distance in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. This price is only for the first 3 months and then it is $24.99 per month for a one-year agreement.

Vonage also has limited minute options. For 300 minutes, it costs $11.99, plus taxes and fees, per month for a one-year agreement. ...

Skype IVR

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A Skype IVR application can be set up by configuring an IVR software to use a Skype serivce. Skype is not SIP based, however, Skype is working on a new release to support SIP.

Unlike traditional IVR system, there is no need for any telephony hardware when setting up a Skype IVR system.

How do people call a Skype IVR?


Skype provides SkypeIn number, which is a regular phone number. People call the SkypeIn number the same way as any other landline or cell phone number. Callers cannot tell any difference between a regular phone number or a SkypeIn number.

Skype IVR Vendors


See also


Skype Gateways

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voip-info.org

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Inaani Pte Ltd

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Inaani is a preeminent retail and wholesale VoIP Service Provider with over 10 years of trusted diligent presence across the globe. INAANI has emerged as one of the leading Mobile VoIP service Providers for assuring the decent quality of VoIP solution.
Inaani has been providing supreme quality 24X7 dedicated customer support to ensure that the customers can relish the best service for their business. The company believes in perfection and authenticate the service quality before providing services to their valuable consumers. Inaani has been dealing with a web of organic retail network with 1.5+ million subscribers and 800+ renowned Tier1 and Tier2 carriers like SingTel, Tata, Bharti, Telkom Malaysia, Deutsche Telekom, BICS, Verizon and many more to ensures the best quality network in IP telephony. And with the backing of a dexterous R&D team, INAANI has been marching forward ever since.

History


Inaani was founded in 2006 as a concern of renowned organization Reve Group with the ultimate focus of providing utmost VoIP service to its consumers and now it has grabbed the position as a leading VoIP service provider in the VoIP market. Substantiating premium quality service to its client has always been the infrastructure of Inaani. Headquartered in Singapore, Inaani has multinational well establishment in Hong Kong, India, and UAE. Possessing a versatile structure, Inaani is competent to terminate VoIP calls, simultaneously for the retail and wholesale VoIP busines.




Inaani Blog posts

Alternatives to Google Voice

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Google has been consistently expanding for years, and that expansion has taken it into the business world. The company is undoubtedly most well-known for its search engine, and it also has productivity tools available online, a flexible cloud storage solution and its popular email service. But it has also developed its own voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone service with Google Voice, which provides calling, texting, the option to choose a local phone number, email to voicemail and much more. People can use Google Voice for calling and messaging over both their computers or their smartphones. Best of all, Google Voice is available free of charge. This makes it an excellent option for businesses that need an extra line to help with a high call volume, communicate with clients via text message, or make and receive calls from a local phone number obtained through Google Voice.

Google Voice is a fantastic service, but it's by no means perfect, as some users have experienced reliability issues. For small businesses and startups that need to keep their expenses to a minimum, Google Voice can be ideal for getting a business phone number or setting up a second line. It's not right for every business, though, as there are situations where it won't be the most professional and effective option. Although providers of business VoIP or hosted private branch exchange (PBX) systems can offer business phone service at a far lower price than a traditional phone company, both types of service can still be costly. Plus, these systems don't always come with a local phone number, and it may cost extra to get additional phone numbers.

When it comes to free phone service options, Google Voice is about as good as it gets. But there are some very inexpensive alternatives that allow a business to get a local phone number, send and receive calls and messages, and take advantage of all the other features one could get through Google Voice without breaking the bank.

Grasshopper

Even though Grasshopper has a slightly higher price tag than some of the options on this list, it's well worth it, because it gives businesses a total phone system and all kinds of helpful features. The user can decide if they want to port over a phone number or get a new one, and that new number can be local, toll free or a vanity number. With 800 numbers getting gradually phased out, Grasshopper allows users to get something more modern with an 844-series number.

Grasshopper includes a mobile app with several great features of its own. Like Google Voice, Grasshopper can transcribe voicemails and send them to the user's email. It allows the user to set up their own mobile fax signature and email a fax as a PDF. There's an auto attendant feature and an option to set up custom greetings. Grasshopper also has full location flexibility, as the user can add others from any location and give them local phone number extensions.

A basic plan through Grasshopper is $12 per month and 6 cents per minute. Its Ramp plan, which includes one number with 500 minutes, is $24 per month. For two numbers with 2,000 minutes, there's the Grow plan for $49 per month.

Grasshopper works very well for businesses that need a cloud-based phone system with a wide range of features. It's also a great choice for a business that wants a local phone number and a memorable vanity number.

Telzio

Telzio offers a cloud-based business phone service with plenty of features at a low price. It allows the user to pay as they go, and plan prices start at just $1 per month. That plan includes unlimited call flows, extensions and SIP accounts. The calling rate is $0.119 per minute on inbound calls and $0.168 per minute on outbound calls, although the user has the option of going with a plan instead.

The unlimited extensions are beneficial for businesses with large teams, because everyone can get their own personal extension through Telzio. Or the user could set up extensions by department or location depending on what works best for the business. Telzio can forward calls to a mobile device or an IP phone. It also offers an online control panel, IVR menus, free recording of calls and the ability to set certain call hours. If the user needs a fax number or a toll-free number, those are just $5 per month. Users that want to purchase a package of minutes can get Telzio's Pro plan, which provides 1,000 minutes and has a monthly fee of $29.

If a business is looking for a system that can deliver plenty of extensions, Telzio fits the bill and includes plenty of other great features on top of that. It's also a cost-effective option for a second business phone line because of its low cost. ...

Alternatives to Vonage

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Long distance phone calls aren't cheap. While many cell phone carriers allow customers to call people for free, landlines may not give customers that same luxury. A long-distance phone call may cost at least ten cents a minute. If the call is an international, the cost-per-minute can skyrocket. The exorbitant costs of international calls may even extend to cell phone users. Voice over internet phones (VoIP) helps to reduce or eliminate these long-distance charges.

Customers who use voice over the internet phone service can make free phone calls when they call someone who has an account with the same provider. It costs very little to make a direct call to a landline or cell phone using one of these services. Customers pay a fraction of what they would pay if they use a standard phone service.

There are several advantages to using a voice over internet phones over a traditional phone service. They do not require the use of dedicated hardware. Users can make calls from a computer. If preferred, users can connect a handheld phone to a home internet service to make calls. Most VoIP services come with an app for mobile devices that allow international calls to made from anywhere.

Some voice over internet phone services even allow video chat. Video chatting is a great way to communicate with family and friends that users don't get to see often. Being able to see someone while speaking to them creates a sense of intimacy that callers don't get to experience using a traditional phone. Instant messenger is also available on voice over internet phone services. Here are our top six choices for voice over internet phone service providers.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a communication system that operates in the cloud. More than 350,000 organizations across the world use RingCentral's services. The service has a tiered-monthly payment plan with the highest-cost tier comes with the most features and extensions.

Because many companies still use fax machines, having the ability to send faxes over the internet is a useful feature. RingCentral gives people the ability to take a document save on cloud storage or computer and send it as a fax. The recipient receives the document as a regular fax. This feature saves ink, paper and time. RingCentral also lets users receive faxes as an electronic document. Electronic documents are easier to share and limit the change of an unintended recipient seeing the document.

Gain control over who calls the business by using the call screening feature. This feature lets businesses block numbers without affecting any other callers. Another feature allows calls to be forwarded directly to voice mail. It takes very little time or effort to modify the phone settings. It only takes a few moments to block calls from former employees or clients. RingCentral also has a feature that allows the forwarding of calls to a smartphone when employees are out of the office. Despite the services offered by RingCentral, users do complain that customer services could be better. RingCentral has a habit of not returning customer service calls.

Google Voice

Google Voice's VoIP service is another good alternative to Vonage's phone service. The service gives users a virtual phone number. The system is free and makes it easy to port an existing number. It is possible to have a home, office phone number and mobile phones under a single number. All phone numbers will ring simultaneously, making it possible to answer the phone from any location.

Google Voice works on all devices. Regardless of what device users spend the majority of their time using, the virtual phone number's interface is always available. Another convenient feature of Google Voice is the ability to send and receive text messages on any device. Equipping a computer with speakers and a microphone lets the computer to become a device that can take and make phone calls.

Related: Using Google Voice as Your Primary Number

Ooma

Ooma is virtual phone service that is designed for small businesses. It comes with a variety of features that can increase the public's perception of the company. The service offers one, all-inclusive pricing plan. Users no longer have to worry selecting a plan that addresses their needs without spending too much on features they don't desire. With Ooma, small businesses also get to keep their existing phone numbers free of charge. Keeping the same business number is key to maintaining existing branding.

Ooma is a well-built and simple app. Users can access the company phone system from any telephonic device. The smartphone app lets users stay connected to the business on their tablets and mobile phones. ...

Lingo Reviews

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Read Lingo reviews from real users, or write your own if you have experience with Lingo Home Phone Service.

Lingo Review

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has managed to revolutionize how the world communicates within a short period. Owing to the technology, people can now get in touch with each other at any time and from anywhere around the world. The technology is cheap, and everyone is embracing it. But this piece will not focus on how VoIP is changing the world. No! Instead, it will focus more on VoIP providers, particularly Lingo Inc. Who are they? What makes them stand out from other VoIP service provider? Are their services worth it?

Lingo Inc.

Founded in 2004, Lingo is a VoIP provider based in Mclean, Virginia. The company is a subsidiary of Primus Telecommunication Canada Inc. Lingo offers phone plans for nationwide and international calling.

The Good

  • A Variety Of Services

The Company has multiple service options for limited and unlimited calling throughout Canada and the United States. It also offers a decent range of options for international calling to 50 countries and mobile phone support in 25 countries. Regardless of the service one chooses, all Lingo's VoIP plans include free activation and free equipment.

  • Its Home Plan Is Relatively Cheap

When compared to other VoIP providers such as Vonage, AT&T CallVantage, and 8x8, Lingo's rate plans are top-notch. The company's home plan costs $5 less than Vonage's home plan, which costs $19.95 per month.

  • 20 Plus Additional Features

The VoIP provider offers most of the standard features that people look for in VoIP services. All Lingo's plans also come with more than 20 features including caller ID, E911, call waiting, free phone number transfer, simultaneous ring, and speed dialing. Users can also pay additional charges to enjoy other additional features such as softphone, mobile service, fax line, and a toll-free number.

  • Excellent Call Quality

Lingo's call quality is reasonable but has more interference than other VoIP services. This explains why Lingo's call quality is rated average by most users. Regular International callers may find the universal phone number and the company's 30-day money-back guarantee useful. For local calling, however, there are more reliable and stable VoIP alternatives.

  • Flexibility

One other feature that makes Lingo stand out is its innovative services that give its users flexibility. For instance, users can choose the area code that suits their needs and wants. Domestic calling rates are applicable for all calls made within the selected area code, regardless of whether the user is in that region or not. Customers can also use the lingo phone adaptor to transport their number internationally. This service is currently available in 16 countries.

  • Lingo's Installation Process Is Straightforward

When one signs up for Lingo's services, the VoIP provider sends them a Primus telephone adapter. Once they receive the adapter, all they have to do is to follow the printed setup instructions, which are simple and easy to understand. However, one should ensure they read the instructions thoroughly because any mistake can cause major technical problems for the entire connection. Lingo's website is also easy for first-timers to use. Their FAQ section is also well organized for easy navigation.

The bad

  • Unlimited Service Plan Can Be Expensive

Lingo's unlimited service plan is limited to 2,200 minutes per month. If this limit is reached, the company can, at its own discretion, move a user to a more expensive plan, forcing the user to pay more than they bargained for initially. To prevent this from happening, one should be careful when choosing the plan they want and should have a good idea of how many minutes they expect to use per month. Failure to do so, they may be moved to an expensive plan and pay much more than they initially expected.

  • One Cannot Access Lingo's Mobile-Only Plans Using An iPhone

Lingo's mobile-only plans are designed to make international calls easy and cheap. However, these plans are very expensive and are not available for iPhone devices.

  • Additional Fees

Users pay additional fees on top of each plan. ...

Grasshopper Reviews

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Grasshopper is a virtual PBX phone system provider that offers toll free or local numbers, unlimited extensions, call forwarding, voicemails over email, and a host of other features. Read Grasshopper reviews below, or if you have experience with the Grasshopper product, please write your own Grasshopper review.

Click here to go to Grasshopper's website and receive $75 off automatically.

See also


Grasshopper Promo Code

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Get $75 discount off of Grasshopper Virtual Phone System using this promo code.

Click here for the Grasshopper coupon code to claim your $75 discount.

This coupon code is verified to work.

Grasshopper helps small businesses look like they have a national presence by offering a business-grade virtual phone system. Take advantage of the Grasshopper discount code today.

See also

Virtual PBX

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Virtual PBX is a budget-friendly form of hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) that usually only handles inbound calls. A virtual PBX is typically intended for small business VoIP customers with fewer than 10 employees and low-volume telephone traffic.

If you're looking for the virtual phone system company called VirtualPBX, click here

What Is Virtual PBX?

A virtual PBX is an economy-class version of hosted PBX. Hosted and virtual PBX systems are business VoIP PBX phone systems that transmit calls over the Internet as data.

A virtual PBX offers inexpensive business VoIP telephone service to small businesses. As with a hosted PBX phone systems, a virtual PBX is owned and maintained off-site by a VoIP service provider. A virtual PBX enables a small business telephone system to access enterprise-level features such as auto attendants and voicemail. With virtual PBX small business telephone systems, small start-ups, mom-and-pop shops, freelancers, and entrepreneurs can all present a professional image to vendors, investors, and customers.

Depending on the service provider, a virtual PBX phone system may require a separate phone service for outbound calls.

Virtual PBX Features


Virtual PBX phone systems offer lower costs and fewer features than hosted PBX phone services. Compared to hosted PBX small business telephone systems, virtual PBX service is limited to the most basic fundamentals of business-oriented call controls. Virtual PBX is geared toward simple inbound call-routing for SoHo offices with few personnel, small budgets, and limited calling needs. As with many hosted PBX calling services, most virtual PBX phone systems do not require a contract or term commitment.

Standard features offered with most virtual PBX plans are:

  • Voicemail
  • Auto attendant
  • Unlimited call handling (no busy signals)
  • Call forwarding

Limitations


Virtual PBX phone systems generally:

  • Handle only inbound calls
  • Offer a limited number of extensions
  • May not include Fax over IP (FoIP) services
  • Include a set amount of free minutes
  • May not offer voicemail-to-email
  • May not include international long-distance coverage
  • May not offer Internet fax service
  • May charge extra for conference calling

The features offered vary by virtual PBX VoIP provider. As VoIP service becomes a more common solution for small business telephone systems, many virtual PBX plan features are incorporating the more advanced features of hosted PBX phone systems. Compare plans and prices to determine the best virtual PBX solution.

Cost

Virtual PBX phone prices depend on a variety of factors, such as the features included. Virtual PBX phone service plans can start as low as $9.95 (Grasshopper) per month.

Virtual PBX Service Providers


Some virtual PBX providers include:

Virtual PBX providers

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Virtual PPX is a service offering functionality of a PBX without the need to install switching equipment at the customer location. Only VOIP phones need to be installed at the customer site. This makes supporting distributed workers very easy as each requires only and internet connection and a VOIP phone. A business virtual PBX phone system can reduce your monthly phone bill significantly compared to a traditional business phone system.

What Is a Virtual PBX?

A PBX, short for private branch exchange, is a telephone system with the capacity to switch calls between different users on local lines while still relying on the same number of external phone lines. With a virtual PBX system, the system is posted and software based without all of the traditional hardware of a physical PBX.

Virtual PBX Primary Function

A virtual PBX is used by businesses in a variety of ways. Primarily, companies utilize the system as an auto-attendant to establish preset call transfer options without needing an operator or receptionist. This type of system is capable of performing tasks that include auto-attendant settings, time of day or day of week functions, or even find or follow me sequences.

One of the most important functions of a virtual PBX system for companies is the software’s ability to establish pre-determined sequences. For example, in some businesses it may be appropriate for the phone to ring to a receptionist or operator first. If the receptionist does not answer in a predetermined number of rings, however, the call is then transferred to a secretary. Again, if the call is unanswered, it can be set to forward to an assistant. Left unanswered by these two individuals, the call can be forward to a manager or even an owner. These call settings are completely customizable and can be based on any number of sequences.

This type of software is also able to facilitate customized answering menus and sub-menus. The system can be modified to establish appropriate dial prompts leading to a number of different departments within the business, including different sequences on different days. PBXs are used by the vast majority of businesses to establish advanced call routing services.

Virtual PBX Cost

A virtual PBX is a complex service; however, that doesn’t mean that it is expensive. In fact, a virtual PBX is typically more cost effective than a physical PBX. The main reason that a virtual system saves on cost is that it does not require the same investment in capital to establish or set-up the call system. Because a virtual PBX is a software or hosted system, it is typically an operational cost, or a low monthly payment rather than a large upfront investment. This aspect alone generally makes a virtual or hosted PBX a less expensive, or at least more cost effective, option compared to the traditional PBX.

Virtual PBX Benefits

Aside from offering an effective call system, a virtual PBX presents a number of added benefits for users. As a whole, virtual PBXs lead the industry in business communication choices. This type of system seamlessly integrates the call management system with any existing phones to affordably and effectively deliver better call management. These systems also feature several innovative call features to meet the needs of any business. These systems offer various functions including call routing, follow and find me call forwarding, voicemail notifications, call recording, and more.

The benefits aren’t limited to the features, though. Virtual PBXs offer virtually limitless application for one or hundreds and even thousands of employees. Likewise, there is not hardware to maintain or constantly upgrade. Considering that benefit, the system is also more cost effective and generally provides for a variety of flexible billing options. The limited maintenance, web-based management, and hassle-free setup alone are often enough to convince a company to switch over to this option.

PBXs are an important tool in any business that makes and receives nearly any volume of calls. A virtual PBX can dramatically increase the efficiency of a business by effectively managing calls. This efficiency combined with the other numerous benefits of a virtual PBX can virtually transfer the communication capabilities of any company.

List of Virtual PBX Providers



VOIP Service Providers Business

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Business VoIP Providers - Compare and Choose a Business VoIP Provider

Quality business VoIP providers today offer a wide variety of feature packages, services and prices. Selecting the ideal provider and service options will depend on your type and size of business, features needed and projected volume of usage. These metrics determine if your better off paying per minute, per user, per line, or per feature. Before choosing your VoIP provider, it is essential to first determine your company's precise telecommunications needs. A current phone bill or CDR record is a great place to find the information you need to compare providers. the basics your will need are: Quantity of phone numbers, toll free numbers, user extensions, lines, calling usage for local, long distance and Toll free calls as well as and special feature to enable timely and cost-efficient initiation of your service. By consulting your chosen Voice over IP service team and seeking their expert advice in advance, you can be prepared to take the following steps to facilitate the smooth, productive startup of your services:

  • Evaluate Your Internet Connection. - Determine the strength and capacity of your Internet connection and bandwidth. You need to ensure that your system has adequate speed to best accommodate your new VoIP installation for top quality service.
  • Assess Your Company Budget and Needs. - With knowledge of your company's current budget and VoIP needs, you can more easily select the service provider and feature options that meet your requirements.
  • Determine Your Equipment Needs. - Evaluate your current and near future VoIP equipment needs. Phones can be purchased from around $50 to $500 or more. Once you decide which feature options are immediate requirements and which ones can be added later as needed, you are ready to choose your service provider.
  • Compare VoIP Providers. - By comparing VoIP company service options, advanced features and equipment along with user and industry reviews, you can best make a wise decision, selecting the ideal VoIP provider for your enterprise.

Important Information to Request from Any Potential VoIP Provider

Before signing a service contract with any business VoIP provider, be sure to request basic service information and practices in writing. You need to be certain of such details as startup costs and monthly fees, any limitations and costs on portable phone numbers and exactly which features are included in the service package you select. You also need to know if international calling is included, charges for adding extra features and the extent of customer care and technical services provided. Also important are such issues as whether your provider offers a money back guarantee and if there are any cancellation fees. It is also helpful to determine prior to signing up for VoIP services if there are any hidden fees assessed by your chosen provider.

Take Full Control and Advantage of Your VoIP System

Once your new business VoIP system and service are in place, you and your staff members will have full-control capabilities for use of your business communications system. Your service provider will ensure connection with your online portal for customizing your telecom options. These modern digital portals are user-friendly, enabling feature changes and additions to be made for immediate availability. You and your staff can make decisions and changes in real-time that work for you right in the moment.

You can manage your call settings remotely, directing calls to voicemail or having them transferred to another number or extension. You can also make exceptions to any chosen setting in your phone system. For example, if you are expecting an important business call and want to take that call, but hold all other calls for a few hours, you can set your phone to direct only the designated call to ring on your extension. This system allows and encourages you to take complete control of your telecommunications systems and settings so that the service works for your best interests and immediate needs at all times.

Major Business Benefits and Advantages of Installing VoIP

With an excellent quality VoIP system installed and running well in your company offices to provide remote access for you and your employees, you can work much more efficiently, achieving more in less time. You will enjoy the many benefits of knowing that you can leave the responsibility of your advanced office telecommunications system operations to your VoIP provider while you handle other important business matters. ...

Hosted PBX

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What is Hosted PBX?

Unlike a traditional PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, which requires a large investment and ongoing maintenance and training, a hosted PBX is a cloud-based PBX system accessible via an IP network. Rather than being responsible for hardware, software, training, maintenance, and more, a hosted PBX provider takes care of it all. In addition to being completely managed off-site, resulting in no IT or installation costs, a hosted PBX system also provides businesses with the ability to manage their phone systems via a user-friendly control panel. For these reasons and more, hosted PBX systems are becoming increasingly popular solutions for today’s growing small to medium-sized business owners.

Features and Benefits of Hosted PBX

If you own a business with fewer than 300 lines, hosted PBX can provide you with a multitude of features and benefits. For starters, a hosted PBX system is much less expensive than a traditional on-site system. With hosted PBX, there is no need to buy expensive hardware and software, pay for installation, and manage the system. You simply pay a monthly fee and enjoy all of the benefits of the service.

While less costly than standard on-site PBX systems, hosted PBX solutions are teeming with valuable features, such as on-hold music, call waiting, call routing, transfers, and more. Moreover, as the popularity of hosted PBX continues to grow, additional features like auto attendants, extension dialing, and ACD queues are being introduced.

A hosted PBX can also be deployed immediately. In fact, most business owners are able to have their hosted PBX setup and running in under a day. Best of all, newer and more flexible hosted PBX applications are being deployed as well. Adding these applications and features can typically be done with a simple download or click of the mouse.

The ability to add new features as they roll out is just one example of the scalability of hosted PBX. Additional lines, phones, and even an entire new department can effortlessly be added, which would be much more complex with a traditional on-site PBX.

When you opt for a hosted PBX and outsource all the techie stuff, you will find your stress levels lowering as well. With a hosted PBX, a mountain of responsibility will be taken off your shoulders, allowing you to focus your attention on more important matters, like improving your bottom line.

Hosted PBX Tips and Considerations

Hosted PBX systems are incredibly easy to setup and utilize, but there are a few things you need to do when opting for one of these modern business phone solutions, such as:

  • Make Phone Number Arrangements – A temporary phone number is necessary for the porting process, but if you already have an existing number to port over, you must remain with your current provider until the number is ported to your new PBX provider. If you are getting a new number, it’s important to update others and let them know of the change through an email blast or similar means. While brief, all calls can be conveniently routed to cell phones during the transition period. Just remember, if you cancel your service with your previous carrier prior to porting your number, the number will no longer be yours to keep.
  • Arrange Your Dial Plan – When switching over to a hosted PBX, organizing the routing of your calls is one of the first things that must be done. In order to do so, you’ll need to define various rules for your calls, including:
    • The buttons used to activate voicemail and other features
    • The hours of operation for your desk phones
    • Setting up your directory
    • The handling of faxes
    • Sequential and simultaneous ringing
    • How off-hour calls are handled
    • Configure your emergency 911 settings

Review Your Bill

As you can see, setting up a hosted PBX is remarkably easy. However, after doing so, you should review the bills for the first and second month to ensure you’re receiving and utilizing all of the services you’re paying for. Depending on which company you choose as your hosted PBX provider, the first month’s bill may or may not reflect activation fees, setup fees, and number porting fees. The second month’s bill should be a typical bill without added charges for the setup process. By this point, you'll be well on your way to enjoying one of the most streamlined and hassle-free business phone systems available for small and medium-sized business owners. ...
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