How Voip Can Mask The Size Of Your Business And Save You A Bundle

Have you heard the buzz about VOIP (Voice Over Internt Protocol)? Basically, it's like communicating over the phone without a phone. Instead you plug your microphone into your computer log on to a website and "boom" you're talking baby. You may be saying "Hasn't this been around for a while?", and you'd be right. But with the advances recently made to internet technology this once "nice to have" product available to everyone, dial-up or broadband. No long distance charges, no entry fees, no codes to remember and even better, with the better services, you can share applications and web browsers.


The ease and convenience of unlimited global calling from your computer. In addition to voice communication, you can send and receive group or private text messages. When you make a presentation to a group, everyone can see the same visual on their own screen.

VOIP technology is turning telephone technology upside down! VOIP will soon become the preferred method of communication. This technology allows business managers to conduct meetings with full audio-visual interaction from the safety and comfort of their office or home. Uses are limited only by your imagination.

Here are a few of the uses we have discovered VOIP applications being used for:

One-On-One Tutoring


Online Computer Classes


Communicating with kids in college


Business Teleconferencing


Board Meetings


Blueprint review


International calling (no extra cost)


Establishing online communities


Supporting International Downline Members


Online Church Services
And the list goes on...There is no need for anyone to know that you are working from your home. One person I spoke with is using the system to conduct a computer class. She simply announces the class topic, dates, times and price. When people sign up she sends them an email with her link and a passcode. No one even knows that she is working from home or that she is the only person in her organization. The technology is reliable, clear and rivals or exceeds any of the online learning environments offered by "online schools". Another person is using the system as a means of conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions. Because of the fact that she is no longer constrained to people in her "immediate area" her business has expanded and she has actually had to turn away clients.

There are several service providers and the best by far that we have discovered is ICon Communicator by Madison Dynamics Incorporated. The voice clarity is incredible and the options available set it apart from the rest. The prices are more than reasonable and are often lower than their competition for the same number of "seats" (Seats ore the number of people you can have online with you). You can review their service offer at www.MDIVOIP.com.

Other capable service providers are Go To Meeting and Intranets.

About The Author

Yvette McDonald has been an IT Analyst for 14 years and has designed an programmed on platforms from the AS/400 to the Internet.

biz@yomack.com

VoIP (Computer Phone) Warning

Warning! Warning! Warning!

Beware of VoIP internet service providers that operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols because they are PUBLICLY OPEN and INTERPRETABLE! This also includes, but is not limited to, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

In plain terms, this means, if you subscribe to, or considering subscribing to a VoIP internet solution provider who operates on these industry standards - and over 90% do -- you have inadvertently made yourself vulnerable to the criminal activities of hackers.

Regardless of the type of anti virus software you have on your computer, the publicly accessible industry standards provide a pathway by which these criminals can access your computer to plant viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and/or steal your identity.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, unscrupulous criminal hackers view systems operating on these industry standards as their personal “Cash Cow” because of the ease by which they can access your computer and gather your information to sell to other criminals.

Did you know that some hacker-friendly providers offer processor chips that are only sold on the Internet?

Did you know that hacker-friendly providers actually offer hacker software that enables these criminals to deliberately disable security on computers, access your personal and confidential information, as well as inject their viruses, worms, and/or Trojan horses?

For instance, “Vomit” is a free download software that was designed to convert VoIP phone conversations into a wave file which could be played with standard sound players. Hackers gleefully interpret this as a tool they can utilize to attack unsuspecting victims.

Hacker manuals are also easily accessible via the Internet. One of these manuals shows how to DoS other sites. DoSing (Disruption of Service) involves gaining unauthorized access to the “command prompt” on your computer and using it to tie up your vital Internet services. When a hacker invades your system, they can then delete or create files and emails, modify security features, and plant viruses or time bombs onto your computer.

“Sniff” is another tool (originally intended to help telecommunication professionals detect and solve problems) that criminal hackers use to tamper with the protocol and “sniff out” data. When hackers sniff out a data packet from Internet traffic, they reconstruct it to intercept conversations. This enables them to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and sell it to other unprincipled criminal entities.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the most sinister of vulnerabilities you can inadvertently be subjected to. Identity theft is defined by the Department of Justice as

“…the wrongful obtaining and using of someone else’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.”

Identity theft is the by-product of unscrupulous criminal individuals obtaining your social security number (including those of your spouse and children), your bank account, your credit card information, etc. Your information is then sold to other criminal entities for profit. Using your information, these criminals can then:

· access your bank account funds
· create new bank accounts with your information
· create driver’s licenses
· create passports

Attorney General Ashcroft stated that,

"Identity theft carries a heavy price, both in the damage to individuals whose identities are stolen and the enormous cost to America's businesses.”

Don’t be naïve enough to think it won’t happen or couldn’t happen to you!

A group hosting a website known as shadowcrew.com was indicted on conspiracy charges for stealing credit card numbers and identity documents, then selling them online. While this group allegedly trafficked $1.7 million in stolen credit card numbers, they also caused losses in excess of $4 million.

According to a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice on February 28, 2005, a hacker was convicted of several counts of fraud, one in which

“…he fraudulently possessed more than 15 computer usernames and passwords belonging to other persons for the purpose of accessing their bank and financial services accounts, opening online bank accounts in the names of those persons, and transferring funds to unauthorized accounts.”

If you are using a VoIP internet service provider and do not want to be a victim of Identity Theft, then take the first step to protect yourself -- don’t use VoIP internet service providers operating on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols.

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

On January 28, 2005, a press Release issued by the Department of Justice reported that a 19 year old was convicted for his criminal activity by “…creating and unleashing a variant of the MS Blaster computer worm.” Christopher Wray, Attorney General - Criminal Division stated that,

"This … malicious attack on the information superhighway caused an economic and technological disruption that was felt around the world.”

On February 11, 2005, in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice, reported that another criminal was sentenced for circulating a worm. This worm,

“directed the infected computers to launch a distributed denial of service (DOS) attack against Microsoft's main web site causing the site to shutdown and thus became inaccessible to the public for approximately four hours.”

March 7, 2005, Symantec.com posted discovery of a worm named “W32.Serflog.B” that spread through file-sharing networks and MSN Messenger - networks that operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standard codec and protocols, including P2P systems, as well as Instant Messaging systems-none of which are protected, regardless of the anti virus software on your computer. The W32.Serflog.B worm also lowers security settings and appears as a blank message window on the MSN Messenger.

If you don’t want to be the next victim of the devastation created by worms, STOP using services that operate on industry standard codec and protocols, and/or services that incorporate P2P systems.

Anti virus software does not incorporate protection for Instant Messaging services. In addition, Instant Messaging services, in and of themselves, do not include protection for their users.

If you like the convenience of text chatting via Instant Messaging, then use a VoIP internet service provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature -- one that does not operate on industry standard codec or industry standard protocols that are publicly open and accessible.

Optimally secure VoIP service providers that incorporate a secure Instant Messaging feature, operate from their own proprietary high end encryption codec on patented technology that is hosted in a professional facility. Simply put, when a VoIP internet service provider operates on optimally secure platforms, the Instant Messaging feature on the VoIP softphone, is also protected with their technology.

A Trojan horse is a program that internet criminals use to interrupt and interfere with your security software and produces the following results

· Terminates processes
· Removes registry entries
· Stops services
· Delete files

Hackers, who have gained access to your computer, because of the programs and software as mentioned above, are having a field day incorporating this nasty little program into their arsenal of weapons.

As recently as March 4, 2005, a new Trojan horse was discovered that modified settings in Internet Explorer. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP were the reported systems that could be affected.

Here’s the bottom line.

1. If you are currently using a VoIP internet solution provider that operates on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols that are publicly open and interpretable, you need to make a decision:

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain on their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

2. If you are currently using Instant Messaging of any sort, you need to make a decision

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain as a user of their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

If you decide to take immediate corrective action:

1. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary high end encryption codec

2. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary patented technology

3. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that hosts their proprietary patented technology in a professional facility

4. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature in their proprietary patented technology

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed below.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues.

Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

Here’s a place you can look over to see what a VoIP internet solution provider looks like that operates on their own proprietary high end encryption codec with their own proprietary patented technology hosted in a professional facility, AND that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature: http://www.free-pc-phone.com.

Is VoIP the “Next Big Thing” in Telecommunications

VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol has been simmering for the past few years. This year the market has heated up. Many large businesses have jumped on the VoIP bandwagon and have realized savings of 50-percent or more off their phone bills. VoIP providers are competing to add to or replace large PBX systems for the corporations and add web conferencing capabilities plus wireless VoIP (wVoIP) over LAN’s as well.

Hospitals and other large, fragmented workforces are discovering the value of using wireless VoIP phones to converse with one another quickly and efficiently while in different wings, floors or buildings of a large facility. This kind of wireless VoIP setup can have huge cost savings over cell phones and is more efficient that using pagers.

While business VoIP has caught on in the corporate landscape, residential VoIP is still trying to take hold. This is largely because of a couple of current disadvantages of VoIP. First, not all current VoIP systems have power backups. When the power goes out in a residence, the landline is still operational. Since VoIP works over a high-speed Internet connection, which requires power, if the power goes down, so does the VoIP connection. This will be of concern to many concerned about emergency situations. The good news is that many VoIP hardware providers are starting to deliver systems with power backup to address just this issue.

The second drawback of residential VoIP is that not all current VoIP service providers offer full, 24-7 emergency 911 service. After hour calls in Florida, may be mistakenly rerouted to Idaho for instance. This is also about to change. The Federal Communications Commission has mandated that all phone service providers offer e911 service as standard. According to the FCC, “All interconnected VoIP providers must automatically provide E9-1-1 services to all customers as a standard, mandatory feature without customers having to specifically request this service. VoIP providers may not allow their customers the option to “opt-out” of E9-1-1 service.”

Clearly, though, residential VoIP is heading towards direct competition with the local phone companies’ coveted landlines. A couple of years ago at a meeting in SBC’s Publishing division, one of the executive managers cried, “Landlines, we need to stop losing landlines!” This was in response to cell phone companies taking away market share from the local Baby Bells. Now that VoIP is on the radar, the executive management teams for the local and long-distance phone companies must be huddling in their back offices, trying to figure out how they will stop the bleeding in the years to come.

With VoIP costing far less that traditional local and long-distance phone service and overcoming the last of the residential hurdles, one can be sure that consumers will soon be taking notice. Many will also start wearing t-shirt like “VoIP VIP” and “Got VoIP?” to herald in the new era in telecommunications.

Copyright © 2005 VoIP Service Providers3
VoIP Service Providers - Marvin Bellnick writes for VoIP Service Providers, a company dedicated to publishing the latest happenings in the Voice Over IP industry.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

MCI launces Neighborhood Broadband

p> The two reasons why MCI is bothering with consumer VoIP by ZDNet's Russell Shaw -- MCI- in all likelihood soon to merge with Verizon- has just rolled out a VoIP service called Neighborhood Broadband. Trials are available in a limited number of cities, with a per-city cap of 5,000 users.The service costs $29.99 a month for unlimited North American calling, and $19.99 for 500 minutes a month."Once the trial is finished, we'll [...]

VoIPing with ATA

ATA adaptors provide one common way to use VoIP. But what is an ATA. It is an adaptor that converts the analog signal that is generated by your standard phone into a digital signal. It is this digital signal that is then sent over the internet.

How does this happen? The adaptor makes it possible for the user to connect a regular phone to the computer and then to the internet.

In some instances, it may be necessary to install some software to be able to make calls. Having done that, you are ready to make calls as with your regular phone.

Austin Akalanze

When is a VoIP call entirely free?

VoIP calls are totally free when they are between two computers. This is called a computer-to-computer call.

How is this possible, you may ask? This is possible because, to do a computer-to-computer call, it is not necessary to have a service provider or a calling plan. What is needed is a good Voip software, a broadband or DSL internet connection, a speaker and a sound card.

The VoIP software is what makes the connections and transmission possible. In most cases, these sofwares can be picked up for free on the internet.

Except for the cost of purchasing your hardware and accessories and the cost of your internet access, there are no other costs associated with making these calls, regardless of how many you make or how long they are. This makes these computer-to-computer calls virtually free.

Austin Akalanze

VoIP and hidden costs

Have you noticed how you can never know or understand all the charges that come with your regular telephone service? VoIP is not anywhere near as bad. Because the internet is a global thing, VoIP is not regulated by the FCC. As a result, it is not taxed the way the standard telephones are taxed. Instead, providers assess fees for access time for network use, and routing through landlines. But this is not anywhere near the outrageous taxes that you pay on your standard landline and most likely did not understand.

Some disadvantages of VoIP services

There are some disadvantages associated with Voice over IP phones.

1. Voip services as at present do always connect directly to 911
emergencey services. The FCC is however laying the ground rules
to make 911 emergency connections a standard feature of VoIP
services.

2. Not all voip services are functional during power outages.

3. Directory assistance and white page listings are not usually standard
features of VoIP services.

Austin Akalanze

Advantages of VoIP

Savings

Having a voip service has some distinct advantages over traditional or wireless phone. Depending on your VoIP plan, it is possible to talk for as long as you wish, without encuring any additional charges, other than your regular service fee. In addition, you can have several people on the same call from different parts of the world without any additional cost.

Also, it may not be necessary to maintain a phone line just to make a call if you have a broadband internet connection. This will save you the money that otherwise would go to pay for the telephone line. This is because you will be making your calls through your broadband internet connection.

Portability

Using VoIP phone gives you the added benefit of portability. It is possible that you can use your voip service wherever you travel. The only requirement is that you have access to high speed internet connection. Once you have access to a high speed connection, your phone should work as if from home.

Keep VoIP-ing

Austin Akalanze

How and Who you call

Doing a voip call can be as familiar as picking up the phone
and dialing the numbers. It can also be as novel as pluging
your earphone and typing your numbers. Which way you go will
depend largely on your provider and what package they offer.

Placing your call using a regular phone means your call is
passes throug an adpater that converts your analog voice
signal, into a digital form and transmitted over the
internet through your highspeed internet connection.
These calls are usually routed through your local phone
service to your voIP provider and through the Internet
to your called party.

Who you call will depend on your service. With some service
providers, you are limited to those who subscribe to the same
service as you. There are also, other services that allow you
to call any number anywhere in the world.

Happy voip-ing.

Austin Akalanze

What you need to do voip

To do voip, you need your basic communications and computing
equipments and in some cases some specialized devices.

Because of the high capacity need for voice transfer,
a high speed/broadband cable modem or DSL internet connection
is needed.

Also needed is a desktop pc, a laptop pc or mac machine and a
basic telephone line. And depending on your service, a special
voip phone may be needed. You may also need a an adapter and a
microphone.

Happy voip-ing.

Austin Akalanze

What is VoIP

VoIp stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply called voip, voice over ip or Internet voice, VoIp is an emerging technology that enables you to transmit voice over the Internet in the same way that data is transmitted. This makes it possible for user to talk over the internet like they would normally do with their regular telephone.

Here is how it works. Subscribers to the service use a special Voip phone to place their calls. They can also call using their computer numeric pad. Some voip providers make availabe to their subscribers a special adapter that converts the regular analog signal from your traditional phone into digital signals that are then transmitted over your internet broadband and then converted back into analog signal at the other end.

What you get, and how you make your voip calls depends on what service package your voip provider offers.

If you are thinking about going voip, it is important to check and review what service package your provider offer before you sign up.

Keep voip-ing.

Austin Akalanze

Voice over IP and You

Time has shown that when a deck of technology cards is dealt, it will be played. But who plays and who gets left out, becomes a simple matter of participation.

When computers were first dealt on the tech card, there were those who dismissed them as fad. There was also those who viewed them with suspicion. But those who embraced it and played the IT card from the beginning became the dominant players in the industry.

Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voip as it is most frequently called, is the new card in the communication technology deck. It has been dealt and will be played. Those who see the vision and embrace the change at this early stage, will be the dominant players in the emerging sector.

But to play, you have to know the game and the rules of the game and those will be the subject of future posts.

Austin Akalanze