VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocal) is an electronic application optimized for the transmission of voice through the Internet. A major development starting in 2004 has been the introduction of mass-market VoIP services over broadband Internet access services, in which subscribers make and receive calls as they would over their conventional “land-line” telephone system.

One type of service, usually fixed to one location, is generally offered by broadband Internet providers such as cable companies and telephone companies as a cheaper flat-rate traditional phone service. Often the phrase “VoIP” is not used in selling these services. Instead, the industry is advertising the phrases “Internet Phone”, “Digital Phone” or “Softphone”. The service is usually aimed at phone users not necessarily tech-savvy. Also, the provider touts the advantage of being able to keep one’s existing phone number.

Those of us thinking of the cost savings of using VOIP will do well to read a recent article from PCMag.com. This in-depth review lists a number of commonly available VOIP products. The systems are listed by expense and complexity and vary from self-installed products suitable for offices with five to ten employees, to completely hosted virtual solutions, to a high-end system that can grow to support more employees, and even enterprise-class PBX hardware.

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