Wow, 3rd of July and it's a new financial year here in Australia already. I don't know about you but the year seems to have passed by so quickly. The only way I've been able to tell really is how well my son, who started school this year, is improving in his reading. Oh and the cold weather helps too.

This month's article talks about VoIP and how we can use it in our businesses. From time to time I've been asked about my own system and how I've set it up. I've also been doing some more research about VoIP providers here in Australia and what they have to offer small businesses.

So grab a cup of coffee (or a hot chocolate with marshmallows) and be prepared to learn about VoIP - Voice over IP.

Remember if you have a question you'd like anwered about technology, send me an email.

Kylie Short
Internet Marketing Virtual Assistant

VoIP: 101

Perhaps you’ve heard of VoIP and know it sounds like it could help you in your small business but you have no idea what it really means or where to start looking for information.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. With VoIP, your voice is converted to data packets and sent over the Internet where they’re converted back to voice and sent across the telephone line. Sounds very Star Trek, but you don’t have to be a technical genius to use it!

I personally love VoIP, but like anything else in life, it has its pros and cons.

Biggest Benefits of VoIP

It’s cheap. If you’re currently paying a lot for your local and long distance telephone service, you’ll find there’s a huge cost benefit to switching to VoIP. It’s really the next best thing to f/ree, with most providers costing only a few dollars a month for unlimited calling on a global basis. If you like to attend webinars and online conferences but choke on the cost it will be to spend an hour on a call to the US, VoIP is a great option. It will cost barely anything.

It’s convenient. If you have your VoIP software installed on your computer (Skype is a popular example of this), you can answer your phone right from your laptop or computer, no matter where you are. Most systems have many cool features, though, and you can leave the computer at home but set up rules. For example, if a caller tries your office number and you’re not there, it will try your home number and if you’re not there, it will call your mobile or cell. These rules are determined by you and you can change them on a whim – whatever suits. If you don’t want to be reached at all, it can be set to direct all calls to voicemail.

Downfalls of VoIP
You need backup. Using VoIP, you’re dependent upon your Internet connection. If your ISP is down, or there’s a power outage, you’ll need a backup form of telephone services. This is an important consideration because if there’s an emergency and you have no Internet, you won’t be able to call for help. That brings us to another point…even if you’re not in the midst of a natural disaster or regular power outage some providers won’t allow you to call emergency services. Check on that before choosing your provider and please make sure to have a backup. Make sure you’re covered.

You need a very reliable connection. Some people complain of poor reception on VoIP calls, but technology continues to improve constantly. If you don’t have a very fast Internet connection, you can pretty much forget about using VoIP because it will frustrate you to no end, resulting in dropped calls and garbled phone conversations. But if you have a great broadband speed and a high quality VoIP device, you’ll be fine.

If you decide you’d like to use VoIP, you will need one of the following:

• A softphone installed on your computer with a headset and mic (eg, Skype)
• A VoIP enabled router and telephone (eg, bullion router and a snom phone)
• A VoIP “box” plugged into your phone outlet which will let you use a normal handset

I personally use a Snom 320 phone and a normal router. Since converting to VoIP for my telecommunication needs I've managed to save a whopping $200 to $300 a month alone.

The savings you’ll find as well as the endless customisation options you have over your phone calls are unbeatable with VoIP.

If you want a more cost effective way to remain in communication with your customers and suppliers, take a look at VoIP and start taking advantage of this great technology today.

For more information, check out http://www.macworld.com/article/59890/2007/09/oct07workingmac.html

Tilda Virtual Services specialises in providing administrative, online marketing, e-newsletter design and coding, Web site design and technical administrative support to Home-based Business Owners, Internet Marketers and Consultants. Now you can concentrate on what you love - not what you have to do!

Would you like to find out how to use a Virtual Assistant in your business? Visit us online today at www.tildavirtual.com.au to find out more about how we can help you.

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