Northern Colorado Voip, Denver and Fort Collins » Telephony Systems

Business communication has undergone some rapid changes since the 1970’s when PBX systems were the most advanced business communication technology available. Contemporary businesses of all sizes have upgraded to the diverse and powerful features enabled by hosted VoIP services.

Hosted VoIP works by sending digitised voice signals across a broadband internet connection. These signals are sent to an IP platform where they are directed to the intended destination – either another VoIP user or a regular phone on a PSTN network. The calls and transmission of data is quick, reliable and economical and when coupled with the advanced user features of VOIP, hosted IP telephony is a formidable force for business communication.

Advanced features of Hosted VoIP
Hosted VoIP solutions can be tailor-made to fit any business requirements. PBX phone replacement systems (or SIP Trunking solutions) allow those businesses not quite ready to change their entire system to VoIP to have access to the use of some VoIP telephony systems. A broadband connection can be run through a PBX phone, allowing businesses to use the advanced features of VoIP and reap the benefits of these.

VoIP uses a broadband connection
Calls over a hosted VoIP network are free between VoIP sites. A business network runs from an internet connection, the calls are made through the internet and so there are no line rental costs or tariffs per minute. When VoIP calls are made to a regular PSTN line, the charges are minimal when compared to normal PSTN tariffs. Another money saving feature of hosted VoIP is the lack of expensive installation needed, these services are quick and easy to install and require virtually zero onsite support or maintenance.

Easy user interface
All features are controlled through and easy user interface. Even though the many features are advanced technology, using them is simple. All features can be accessed and controlled in real time. Also, the advantage of easy functionality saves time because no training is required. When time is saved, money is saved. Softphones (controls for using VoIP services) are run through a computer for simple and hassle free access to VoIP technology. Employees using VoIP can control who they receive calls from and at what times.

Satellite and global roaming technology
Satellite services and global roaming allows employees to stay in touch via their VoIP network. Employees can work from home whilst having access to all VoIP features available on their work network because they can remain on the work network, no matter what their location. VoIP phones can be programmed to follow employees wherever they go. This service is especially useful for business trips.

Worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots allow those on a VoIP network to access the internet, make calls and use all of the functionality which VoIP provides no matter where the employee is situated. If there are no Wi-Fi hotspots, calls are charged at the local rate. Conference calling is also a major benefit to business as world-wide conference calls connecting international clients and branches of businesses are low-cost yet high quality and reliable.

Greater network control
Greater control includes network set up and billing. IT managers need not worry about having to control a difficult and complicated network. VoIP is easy to use, requires minimal installation and offers quick and easy functions to control the entire network. Receptionists are still able to manage multiple incoming calls and direct them to the correct person across the hosted VoIP network.

Advanced fax and email functionality
Hosted VoIP services also allow for advanced voicemail, and fax functions. Voicemails can either be listened to through an audio play back or recorded as emails sent into the relevant inbox. Faxes are recorded as digital files and can be stored in an inbox and forwarded on as required.

These VoIP services allow for incredible communication solutions. Increased communication capabilities of a higher quality which have far lower operation costs and tariffs have the ability to transform a business into a powerful force. Efficiency and client satisfaction can be increased by businesses using hosted VoIP services.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/audio-articles/hosted-voip-services-hosted-ip-telephony-systems-1262300.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #1262300)

Alter Sage -
About the Author:

Inclarity are providers of a hosted VoIP telephone solution to the UK through their hosted IP telephone systems.

]]>

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
0 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/audio-articles/hosted-voip-services-hosted-ip-telephony-systems-1262300.html

Article Tags:
hosted voip services, ip telephony telephone systems, pbx phone replacement, solution, uk business, voice over providers

VoIP Security

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:33:00 +0000

VoIP security has been called in question recently, though there is little evidence to indicate that VoIP security is any less than conventional telephony systems.

VoIP voice data is transmitted via a packet-switched data network using IP. VoIP systems can carry a significant higher number of calls, and very much faster, than traditional PSTN networks due to compression of the voice packets, modern broadband technology and a number of other gateway developments which have reduced the previous packet delivery problems to an extent that the protocol is now a viable mainstream telephony solution to most business needs.

VoIP security should therefore be shown to be at least as effective as that of traditional telephone systems.

There is actually very little difference between VoIP security and that required for any other type of data transmission system. Look on it the same as you do your email system. The same as your office LAN if you have one. You probably have a system in operation whereby only authorized personnel can use certain aspects of the network. VoIP security can, and do, use the same techniques.

However, having said that, let’s have a look at potential weak points in VoIP security that budding hackers may see as good points of attack.

IP PBX CALL MANAGEMENT BOXES

PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, and is piece of software running on a server. It’s function is to deal with all the switches and connections involved in the telephone system. These can be attacked by hackers or viruses which could compromise sensitive data. VoIP security systems are designed with this risk in mind.

PBX equipment should be placed behind firewalls, locked down and regularly monitored for unwarranted intrusions using intrusion-detection software. It is also possible to put the server in a different domain from the rest of the system, making it much more difficult for intruders to reach. PBX security is a basic aspect of VoIP security systems

GATEWAYS AND DATA PACKETS

The gateway’s job is to convert voice to data packets, transmit them then receive and convert the packets back into voice. These are a potential VoIP security risk in that thy can be hacked into unless there is an access-control system in place to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the system. VoIP calls should only be permitted to specific people, and most good VoIP security systems allow only authorized user to operate VoIP systems under password control.

The data packets themselves can be hacked into using data-sniffing techniques. This can be a serious VoIP security risk and packet sniffers, as they are often called, capture binary data passing through your network and can reroute it to a computer on another network for decoding into a readable form. In order to do this, the ‘sniffers’ has to be on the same network wire as the packet is using to reach its destination. The problem in installing an effective VoIP security system is that there is usually a lot of information passing at any one time, and the hacker has a higher probability of getting useful information than from a conventional telephone system.

Encrypting VoIP traffic and routing it through a virtual private network would reduce the VoIP security risk, and most corporate systems have multiple encryption layers for external messages. Internal security could be improved by running internal VoIP messages through this corporate network. Small businesses should seek the advice of their supplier, or of a security expert if they feel that they may be subject to such attacks.

However, VoIP security advisors can point small to medium companies in the right direction. Corporate VoIP security is generally not so much problem in that it is normally contracted out to expert advisers.

In the final analysis, however, there are no real differences between VoIP security and the normal security concerns associated with any data network service, such as normal office internet and email LANs. The security firewalls and restricted access to use, common on these systems, should suffice to deal with VoIP security

Peter is an industrial research chemist with almost a fixation with data transfer systems, starting with audio and video file formats and codecs, and here with telephonic transmission systems which allow what is commonly known as VoIP. His fascination with subject is obvious from his website: http://www.data-voip-solutions.com

Introduction to IP Telephony: Why and How Companies are Upgrading Private Telephone Systems to use VoIP Services, Second Edition

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:32:07 +0000

Product Description
This book explains why people and companies are converting some or all of their existing (legacy) telephone systems from dedicated telephone systems (such as proprietary PBX) to more standard IP telephony systems. These conversions allow for telephone bill cost reduction, increased ability to control telephone services, and the addition of new telephone information services. Through the use of IP telephony service, companies can immediately reduce their telecommunication costs 40% to 70%. This book provides an overview of the different types of IP Telephony systems including IP PBX, IP Centrex and Internet Telephone systems. You will learn the key functional parts of voice over IP systems and how voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) systems work. Explained are the processes used to setup and control IP telephony service. The common IP Telephony protocols including session initiation protocol (SIP), Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) and H.323 are desc… More >>

Introduction to IP Telephony: Why and How Companies are Upgrading Private Telephone Systems to use VoIP Services, Second Edition