VoIP: A How To for the Home Office
Ever see people talking to their laptops? Or wonder what all the hype is on TV lately of the new services to turn your computer into your phone? It's not just the latest craze - it's the flexible, economical, communications wave of the future - it's VoIP. (And yes, it sounds just the way it looks, you pronounce it voip!) VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" - which is just another way of saying Internet phone. VoIP lets you make and receive phone calls from your PC to any standard phone or other Internet phone, anywhere in the world.
Why use VoIP? The estimated 9.6 million US VoIP subscribers (Emarketer 2006) know that VoIP has several benefits important to the home office user, including:
- Flexibility - VoIP services offer the features you need and more like enhanced voice mail, 3-way calling, click-to-call, buddy lists, caller ID and even video. You can even use VoIP to send and receive faxes!
- Freedom - Use your VoIP service with your laptop to call from your office even when you're on the road - you'll even save cell phone roaming charges! And you can always receive calls to your office, no matter where in the world business takes you.
- Cost-effective - VoIP virtually eliminates expensive long distance and international call charges. VoIP also let you set up an inexpensive second phone line. The home office business with customers all over the country - or all over the world - can save a significant amount of money.
Ready for your own home office VoIP? There are three basic components to your VoIP system. The first is a computer with a high-speed Internet connection - which means DSL or cable. (You can also use VoIP with a hardphone, which looks like a regular phone but connects to the Internet to make VoIP calls.)
Next, you'll need to choose a VoIP provider. There are many excellent services, and your research will tell you which of the providers will best meet your home office communications needs. Some popular services include Skype, Yahoo! Voice and Microsoft Windows Live Messenger. Your VoIP provider also tells you how to get a softphone (from "software" and "telephone") application. Your softphone is software program that lets you make VoIP calls from your laptop or desktop computer, or even from your PDA.
Finally, you need a headset. Your headset isn't just convenient - it's a necessity - you can't talk to your computer without one! And the right headset absolutely makes all the difference - this is where Plantronics® comes in. Plantronics' Home Office VoIP headsets filter background sounds so you can be heard clearly - so you can use your laptop to call from your local coffee shop (or other Wi-Fi hotspot)! And some even do triple-duty, working not only with VoIP, but also with your cordless and mobile phones for extra value.
You can trust these Plantronics headsets to deliver the value, quality, and comfort you need for Internet calling:
- MX500i 3-in-1 Headset is specially designed with VoIP in mind - its specially designed mouthpiece is the perfect length for echo reduction. The MX500i also has a unique under-the ear fit that's comfortable and secure. This lightweight headset is easy to carry along with you, and with easy to adjust volume and mute controls, it's a great choice to use in noisy places. When you're really on the go, the WindSmart microphone reduces wind or motion sounds for even better sound.
- M214i 3-in-1 Headset features echo reduction, noise-canceling microphone, and one touch volume and mute controls that set it apart and make it a great VoIP headset. Plus, the M214i's over the head wearing style gives you a secure fit as well as quick on and off. You'll always hear your customers as well as friends easily and clearly with the M214i!
Don't be afraid to get your feet wet - choose a Plantronics value-add headset and ride the VoIP wave into the future of your home office.
