VoIP, IP-PBX & TDM Phone Systems Atlanta

Running a small business can be exciting and rewarding. But you need to track every detail to stay out of trouble or even to sometimes get you out of trouble. There are numerous tools that can assist you and it is important to become acquainted with and learn new technology that might simplify your life as an entrepreneur.

Here are some tools that can be a great help for you:

For your Accounting/Finance requirement you need to stay on track with your accounts payable, receivables, sales tax collection, customer statements, and payroll. For most of you QuickBooks will be the best software choice. Transactions in QuickBooks do not require complicated accounting knowledge. In addition, QuickBooks users can also now instantly communicate with co-workers through the new QuickBooks Messenger. Further, they can also IM with their accountants. Full sets of business reports can be modified, filtered to your needs.

For your Customer Relationship Management Solution (CRM), there are many products and tools to consider but the preferable choice is Infusion CRM. This is an all-in-one hosted sales and marketing solution. Infusion CRM can automate your entire business process, from marketing and sales support to product billing and lead follow-up. Infusion CRM stores all your leads, prospects, and customers in a single, centralized database. It offers virtually everything in terms of Customer Relation Management

For your productivity we recommend VIP Organizer as one of the best tools. It will help you create and track all of your professional tasks and events. This well-designed software creates and tracks your daily tasks and reminds you about meetings and upcoming events. With just a few clicks of your mouse you can create new tasks with reminders and detailed descriptions and information. With VIP Organizer, managing your time, appointments, meetings, events, projects, and workflow just got easier. This tool is a good organizer, planner, notepad and reminder combined in one strong application.

It also important to think about VOIP tools/services. Take a look at Junction Networks OnSIP. This VoIP offers professional, flexible, business-oriented Internet phone systems for business that, depending on your needs, could be a very good value. This tool has a hosted PBX service that lets you pay-as-you-go and charges you only based on how much you use. A simple portal interface makes it easy for you to add extensions, configure call-forwarding rules, create call groups and more.

And of course, don’t forget to think about having a Collaboration tool. Do you need one document reviewed in real-time by multiple workers who share a special interest? Then you will need the help of a collaboration tool for your small business that finds a way to save you some cash while still getting things done as efficiently as possible. You might try Office Medium or Basecamp. Office Medium integrates popular social networking aspects into the program without making social networking the core building block of the software. Users have their own profiles, activity feeds, statuses, as well as the ability to send private messages, create blog entries, comment on items, vote on polls, and chat. Basecamp is a good choice too, because it has over a dozen mobile applications and is great for project management. It keeps everything organized and allows outsiders to collaborate on the projects that belong to them.

While rewarding and exciting, running a small business is not an easy task. You need to know how and have a plan to manage and organize everything efficiently and effectively. But once you have what you need to help you run your company smoothly, then the fun begins. Do some research and see which of these tools will help get you to where you need to be.

New Harbor Design is a monthly design and marketing service agency specializing in marketing solutions that get you results. http://www.newharbordesign.com/

Author: Beth Oliver
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cellphone, mobile phone

Problems with VoIP at present are:

a. not getting a dial tone
b. not sure that the call is going to the correct party
c. echo
d. caller ID reporting a completely different number
e. poor sound dropped calls
f. intermittent loss of service
g. voice or data packets getting lost
h. latency*, jitter**, delay***, and dropped packets
i. problems with internet routers affecting the quality of the call
j. VoIP goes down when your power, internet connection, broadband connection goes down; also depend on the resources of the computer if you are using “soft phones” like Skype
k. viruses, worms, hack attacks that bring down the internet can also bring down your phone system when it is IP-based

You can increase VoIP reliability by:

a. power backups
b. redundant internet connections
c. dedicated internet connection from VoIP; separate from your data network
d. redundant VoIP lines

The technology that VoIP & PSTN use…

PSTN uses circuit switching technology; whereas VoIP uses packet switching technology
In circuit switching technology (PSTN), there is a dedicated circuit that stays open between the caller and receiver for the entire time; that circuit cannot be used by anyone else during that time.

In packet-switched network (VoIP), there is no constant connection maintained; the voice signal is digitized and broken into small packets that are sent through a series of routers. The packets are reassembled at the destination and turned back into voice.

In total, the small amount of bandwidth used by one PSTN phone call can be shared by several VoIP calls.

The security strategy that should be implemented to protect VoIP from hacks…

Multi-layered security strategy of your VoIP, which slows down the process involves:
a. firewall packet filters
b. application filters
c. encryption protocols
d. decryption protocols
e. authentication access control mechanism

Although each of these layers delays the process a little bit, you should not skimp on your VoIP security as the effect is cumulative and can be enough to affect call quality.

The first step in creating a more secure VoIP network is to separate VoIP network from your data network using VLAN-capable switches. This means:
a. put VoIP phones on a separate virtual LAN with non-routable (private) addresses
b. do not allow interaction between Internet-connected PCs and VoIP components
c. use access control lists (ACLs) to prevent communication between the VLANs

VoIP is more vulnerable to attacks than the PSTN network because of the public nature of the IP network and its protocols; but by taking carefully planned, multi-layered approach security strategies, companies can make VoIP as secure as traditional phone systems.

*Latency refers to amount of time it takes for a packet to reach its destination. According to ITU, the maximum acceptable delay for work for voice transmissions is about 150 ms. Even dialup is adequate in regard to lag time; however, cellular, with delays of up to 600 ms, does not work so well until you get up to the 3G level.

**Jitters refer to uneven transmissions, with data flowing in quickly at times and being delayed at other times. Jitter results in echo.

***Delay results in high latency. Packets can be delayed at a router or other gateway that they pass through or travel more slowly along a low-bandwidth link or one that is crowded with a large amount of traffic.

Resources:

My Blog

Author: Pavan M Kumar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera Information

Problems with VoIP at present are:

a. not getting a dial tone
b. not sure that the call is going to the correct party
c. echo
d. caller ID reporting a completely different number
e. poor sound dropped calls
f. intermittent loss of service
g. voice or data packets getting lost
h. latency*, jitter**, delay***, and dropped packets
i. problems with internet routers affecting the quality of the call
j. VoIP goes down when your power, internet connection, broadband connection goes down; also depend on the resources of the computer if you are using “soft phones” like Skype
k. viruses, worms, hack attacks that bring down the internet can also bring down your phone system when it is IP-based

You can increase VoIP reliability by:

a. power backups
b. redundant internet connections
c. dedicated internet connection from VoIP; separate from your data network
d. redundant VoIP lines

The technology that VoIP & PSTN use…

PSTN uses circuit switching technology; whereas VoIP uses packet switching technology
In circuit switching technology (PSTN), there is a dedicated circuit that stays open between the caller and receiver for the entire time; that circuit cannot be used by anyone else during that time.

In packet-switched network (VoIP), there is no constant connection maintained; the voice signal is digitized and broken into small packets that are sent through a series of routers. The packets are reassembled at the destination and turned back into voice.

In total, the small amount of bandwidth used by one PSTN phone call can be shared by several VoIP calls.

The security strategy that should be implemented to protect VoIP from hacks…

Multi-layered security strategy of your VoIP, which slows down the process involves:
a. firewall packet filters
b. application filters
c. encryption protocols
d. decryption protocols
e. authentication access control mechanism

Although each of these layers delays the process a little bit, you should not skimp on your VoIP security as the effect is cumulative and can be enough to affect call quality.

The first step in creating a more secure VoIP network is to separate VoIP network from your data network using VLAN-capable switches. This means:
a. put VoIP phones on a separate virtual LAN with non-routable (private) addresses
b. do not allow interaction between Internet-connected PCs and VoIP components
c. use access control lists (ACLs) to prevent communication between the VLANs

VoIP is more vulnerable to attacks than the PSTN network because of the public nature of the IP network and its protocols; but by taking carefully planned, multi-layered approach security strategies, companies can make VoIP as secure as traditional phone systems.

*Latency refers to amount of time it takes for a packet to reach its destination. According to ITU, the maximum acceptable delay for work for voice transmissions is about 150 ms. Even dialup is adequate in regard to lag time; however, cellular, with delays of up to 600 ms, does not work so well until you get up to the 3G level.

**Jitters refer to uneven transmissions, with data flowing in quickly at times and being delayed at other times. Jitter results in echo.

***Delay results in high latency. Packets can be delayed at a router or other gateway that they pass through or travel more slowly along a low-bandwidth link or one that is crowded with a large amount of traffic.

Resources:

My Blog

Author: Pavan M Kumar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera News

The operation of a cell phone is fairly complicated but at a rudimentary level it can be understood as a telephone the service for which is provided via a SIM card. Most mobile telephony systems use the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and the SIM card has programming that allows it to connect to the nearest GSM cell for uninterrupted network access. These cells are controlled by a network provider who charges for the service offered. As can be understood, providers vary from region to geographic region and so do the costs associated with cellular service.

In many countries, the instruments are usually unlocked phones which give the consumers the choice of selecting a provider as per their financial ability. Sadly, the competitive market has created a consumer-unfriendly situation where mobile phone manufacturers tie up with a particular provider so that the phone is now SIM-locked, i.e. it only works with a particular provider’s SIM card. In such a scenario the consumer who wants to get a phone of his/her choice is stuck with an uncomfortably priced calling plan, not to mention long-term commitments and hidden fees. In other words, he/she is left wondering whether to go for a preferred phone or a preferred provider with a friendly pricing plan.

Unlocked Phones are a convenient choice, although a rarity especially with the higher-end brands. But consumers seeking to use different providers do have solutions available to them, although not entirely risk-free. One of the safest options for people using phones supplied by the network provider – it is assumable that such phones are locked to work only with that provider’s SIM cards – is to get the phone unlocked by the provider after the minimum stipulated time. Depending on the provider, this may be free or involve some minor charge. More enterprising customers have employed other means of getting the phone unlocked. Such methods generally involve private software developers using their own code to override the software-based locking mechanism.

This technique is not exactly foolproof, and may not work on some phones where the providers have employed more sophisticated SIM locking tools. One such tool is the unlocking box which is needed when phones are locked to SIM cards are locked with a random number key embedded into the firmware. The obvious preference for unlocked cell phones has spawned a range of facilities that cater to customers wanting such phones. Where conventional software unlock methods don’t work, people manage to get unlocked phones through second-hand dealers locally or over the internet. The fact that many countries prohibit the sale of locked phones while others see much greater sales of unlocked cell phones makes them viable export sources to supply unlocked phones to countries where providers employ SIM locking methods. From the trends seen currently, as long as locking methods are devised and employed, innovative minds will always come with a way to beat such devices and make the most of a demand for unlocked cell phones.

Eman P is the author of this article on Unlocked Phones.
Find more information about Unlocked Cell Phones here.

Author: Eman P
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android tablet, netbook

To make VoIP work, it entails hardware and software elements that work together – each with specific functions necessary in the overall scheme of things. The hardware may include the fiber-optic cables and switches that bring broadband connectivity as well as the on-site physical PBX system, local phones and PCs used for configuring the system. The software side may include a hosted PBX system, soft phones, the compression codecs, encryption and packetizing schemes, and the signalling protocols that initiate and end each VoIP call.

Call initiation and teardown

In regular telephone calls, the so-called signalling system 7 (SS7) is the call control protocol that assigns a distinct channel for each PSTN call, providing the information necessary to maintain the call and preventing the line from going dead. SS7 also ensures that call quality is maintained throughout the call.

The high-quality call control in PSTN is one of the earlier barriers that hampered VoIP, as unreliable call mechanisms in the early Internet telephone systems could not offer the same level of quality as regular ‘legacy’ phone systems. Fortunately, new call control methods and advances in dedicated packet-switching enabled VoIP providers to offer services that match if not surpass traditional telephony.

Like in PSTN calls, call control or signalling mechanisms play a central part in VoIP systems, as these manage the overall structure of VoIP calls. The functions of the various signalling methods include determination of the language to be used in all communications for each call, and transmission of the following:

• Message header, phone number or IP of origin, phone number or IP of destination
• Prescribed limit for the number of times the call can be forwarded
• Listing of the accepted commands
• Specialized software for managing the path for the voice portion of the call
• Software for managing the packetization and compression of the media (codecs)

These functions give VoIP the flexibility to offer enhanced call services aside from the standard function of initiating a call and tearing it down once the call is completed. It allows users to connect to multiple endpoints, record the call, route to other endpoints, etc.

Though there are numerous signalling protocols available, most VoIP providers limit the choice to only two options:

Secession Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Currently growing in popularity perhaps due to its similarity to Internet technologies like HTTP, SIP is the de facto standard set by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for the transmission of media. SIP is structurally faster than other protocols, as it requires only one invite to start a call, and uses a conversational plain text approach. This plain text method allows easy analysis and troubleshooting of VoIP problems.

H.323

This older standard was designed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), to support the transmission of both video and voice. The drawbacks of H.323 are its being in code, which makes it difficult for non-programmers to do even simple troubleshooting, and its points have a strict registration process, which means a VoIP phone has to be reprogrammed whenever it is assigned a new number.

Most VoIP hardware in the market, such as phones and gateways, are dedicated to one of the above protocols and hence, cannot be used for both. Even VoIP providers may restrict clients to one of the standards for compatibility concerns. Integration is possible, but calls can only successfully connect after the primary signalling method is agreed upon.

Saiju is an IP communications and hosted business software expert. He has a considerable amount of experience working with hosted VoIP PBX solutions and hosted SIP providers.

Author: Saiju George
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android Smartphone

After the introduction of the first 2 Ps of the Marketing Mix, Product and Price, it is time to go a bit further by discussing the 3rd one, Place. When the 4Cs were introduced, Place became known as Convenience (Convenience to buy). Place is where you want to sell your product. It is often referred to as the distribution channel.

I view the place as where do you want to sell your product. As discussed in earlier articles, your product may be an idea that you want others to buy into, and not only a physical product. Place is in my opinion a more complete description than convenience, It may be a physical place or a virtual one such as the internet. Even physical places can be different. You can be selling from a retail shop or doing business from home by reselling from a warehouse.

Although Convenience may seem to be a better approach as part of the 4Cs, I don’t see it replacing the Place definition of the 4Ps. Place as I understand it is an answer to the question where. Where can I find the product? A well known answer (principle) in sales would state: Location, Location, Location. However, let’s take an example of one US village I lived in. The only grocery shop is found about 2 miles away. In winter, it is a hassle to start the car and head there to buy some drinks for example due to the extreme cold, snow, and ice on the roads.

It is definitely not convenient to me, yet it is the only place around when I am not planning to spend hours on a 15 Miles stretch of icy roads to reach the nearest City. Maybe the cost of setting up the business made more sense to the owner because he knew he was the only option for grocery around. He surely did not think of the convenience to the customers knowing that over 95% of the village population lives further than 2 miles away from his shop.

Although a convenient location may attract me, I think of convenience more as facilitation. Convenience to me includes accepting credit cards, checks, facility of payment, delivery, etc… Those do not replace the definition of Place in the Marketing Mix. If you do not have a place to offer your products then you do not have the opportunity to sell, you’re simply not there to be found!

So let’s assume you have a place, whether physical or virtual. It is only then when you can think of offering the convenience to buy for your potential customers. You can mail catalogues, print and post flyers, offer credit facilities, etc… If you are an on line business, you can offer free shipping along with the credit card purchases, have email lists, etc…

As I mentioned in a previous article, to me, 4Ps, 4Cs, and any addition or modification to the 4 Ps, is more of an explanation to the Marketing Mix to be used as a reference rather than being a fixed definition. When the 4Ps was introduced, no one was thinking that the internet would be such a success. Yet, the internet did not cancel those principles.

Place is not only about a physical or virtual address. It is also referred to as distribution channel. You may opt to sell directly via your own shop, or having a series of shops, having a franchise, selling via distributors, etc… I will not be discussing Sales strategies in this article, but it is important to know that defining your Place in the market needs to take into consideration your product, its price, and the next P of the Marketing Mix, Promotion.

Working in Telecoms, in developing markets, Place was an issue I have to tackle in every project. In earlier days, when we operated as almost a monopoly, in a small city, I didn’t focus much on the place. Mobile telephony was needed to cover the inefficiency and lack of presence of regular phones. People who needed to communicate locally and overseas did not have many options, and there weren’t any alternatives. My only place of operation was a Point of Sale, POS (Became later defined as Point of Service), found in the first floor of our HQ. If someone wanted to have mobile service, they had to include the cost of transportation in their costs. We were practically the only feasible option. In those days, the focus was mainly technical rather than commercial.

Things started to change slowly. Mobile phones didn’t need to be programmed anymore. A new generation that included small chips known as SIM cards (Subscriber Identification Module) were introduced. Prepaid services were starting versus the billed usage (Post-paid), and above all competition was starting as new comers were licensed to operate.

There was a need to find a solution. We were threatened by the presence of competition. Our competitors had their POS in another part of the city offering the same services to our potential customers there, who could now save the trip cost to our HQ. It wasn’t an innovation, it was a simple review of the principles, Place was the solution, back to the Marketing Mix basics. We opened 4 POS around the city and 1 in every major city we had coverage in. The competitor’s response was slow, and we were able to guarantee the major market share.

Things did not stop there, instead of keeping all the revenues we had to concede into offering a share of the pie to a 3rd party, the distributors. We needed to ensure maximum presence in the market and we resorted to spreading our products and services via distributors and their channels. As competition increased adapting our strategy (sometimes with better efficiency) the war of prices started. This policy reduced the revenues for all the operators. The focus was then turned into the reduction of costs to guarantee the positive revenue margin. We started by cancelling the less performing POS, while pushing our dealers towards exclusive sales of our products. It worked in some markets and failed in others where dealers refused to be forced into dealing with one operator.

We had to be more innovative and started applying strategies as franchising while keeping distributorships, among other tactics to guarantee our place in the market while working on reducing costs. We had a simple understanding during all this time, if we did not have a place in the market we would not have a chance to sell. Markets are surely different, as different as the people and their cultures hence the need for market studies (An issue that I will discuss in a future article). However once you have your reference points you can always go back to the basics. You have your product, you determined its price, and you have the place to offer it, now let’s think of promoting it. My next article will cover this point.

Your comments and questions are always welcome!

Osman Habbal is a well traveled Business expert. With over 20 years experience in Business covering Marketing, Sales, Customer Care, and Management, he has been exposed to many markets and cultures. His skills in Arabic, French, Russian, and English, widened his communication experience. Osman was born in Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, in a Muslim family. He is strongly opinionated when it comes to Politics due to his early childhood exposure to war. Osman is Married and a proud parent. His personal website is http://www.dadaway.com.

Author: Osman Habbal
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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