Comparison chart of popular VoIP phone service providers of USA. Choose the one which best fit your needs. Visit Whichvoip for knowing more about VoIP phone service solutions.

1. WHICHVOIP
Introductory
Guide to VOIP

2. INTRODUCTION TO VOIP
WHAT IS VOIP
VoIP stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol", which is a technology that allows you to make
phone calls using your Broadband Internet connection instead of your regular phone service. It is
also sometimes referred to as Voice over IP, Broadband phone, Internet phone service and
Digital Voice. Yes, it is a marketing game by the different service providers but they all use the
same core technology.
You still simply pick up your regular phone, dial a number and talk. VoIP is simple and is for
everyone. It does not matter if the person you are calling has VoIP or not, this is all taken care
of by your VoIP service provider.
The only requirement for this technology is a high speed Internet connection, such as DSL,
cable, T1, etc. VoIP requires a bandwidth of up to 90Kbps depending on the voice
compression algorithm chosen by the service provider. This is a higher bandwidth than dial-
up Internet so a Broadband Internet connection is a basic requirement.
BENEFITS OF VOIP TECHNOLOGY
• Cheaper, better, easier telephony
• Flexible to meet your needs
• Reliable service
• Ideal for multiple locations
• Ideal for virtual companies
• Improved productivity
• Easy installation and configuration compared to other phone system solutions
• Easier to manage through a web GUI
• Lower total cost of ownership (low start-up costs)
• Future proof
• Good for business
• Scalable
• Proven technology and ready to use right now
It can also be stated that VoIP is not:
• Complicated technology
• Risky
• Disruptive to a business
• Limited by service provider offerings
• Free telephony
The list of VoIP advantages goes on and on. Refer to the business VoIP features section for more
details and to identify features that would be beneficial to your business resulting in both cost
savings and productivity improvements.

3. TYPES OF VOIP FOR BUSINESSES
Hosted VoIP
This is network-based VoIP. This is the outsourced model, better suited for smaller businesses
that lack IT resources and/or do not wish to make a capital investment in owning a telephony
system. There are several variations of this model, with hosted VoIP being one of them. With
hosted VoIP, the telephony equipment is located with the VoIP service provider and not at the
business location. As such, installation is typically very easy. As long as a reliable, high speed
Internet solution exists, the VoIP quality and reliability will be as good as or better than a regular
telephone line. A VoIP speed test check should be part of the evaluation performed when making
a purchase decision. This will provide an indication of the quality of an existing broadband
solution and its capability to handle VoIP phone service.
Figure 1 outlines a typical Hosted VoIP solution. The only piece of equipment that most
likely does not already exist in a small network is IP enabled telephones.
Figure 1 Typical Hosted VoIP Solution

4. IP PBX
An IP PBX is a complete telephony system that provides telephone calls over IP data networks.
All conversations are transmitted as data packets over the network. The technology includes
advanced communication features but also provides for significant worry-free scalability and
robustness that all enterprises seek.
An enterprise does not need to disrupt its current external communication infrastructure: An IP
PBX is able to connect to traditional PSTN lines via a VoIP gateway - so an enterprise can keep its
regular telephone system.
With an IP PBX solution, the business owns and operates the equipment so an upfront capital
investment is required to purchase the equipment and then there are on-going maintenance
costs. This is often better for larger businesses as the call control remains internal to the
corporate network and a single wire can be routed to an office to provide both data and voice
communications. Figure 2 outlines a typical IP PBX solution
Figure 2 Typical IP PBX Solution

5. Comparison of Most Popular Residential VoIP Providers

6. How to select a VoIP Service Provider
The first thing to do is to fill out the free business VoIP quote request form at the WhichVoIP
business section. This is a completely no obligation service and you will simply receive some price
points, and be able to ask a bunch of questions if desired. WhichVoIP has established
relationships with a number of VoIP providers whom we feel have set the bar the highest.
Also remember that with most VoIP plans you can typically terminate the service at any time
and at no cost, but check with the provider first. It is also possible to keep your old phone
service until you find the VoIP Service Provider that is right for you.
Conclusion
For both new and established businesses, time should be spent developing the core assets of
that company. The communication and the data side are of no less importance. Businesses that
are required to be flexible, reliable and operate in a fast changing arena require a communication
system that will keep pace. VoIP is the perfect solution for almost any new or established
business out there.
So Start saving today with http://www.WhichVoIP.com
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