Voice Over IP

All the hype about web-based phone calls (Voice Over IP) may not have captured you yet, but here are a few reasons to pay attention: cost-savings, convenience, and mobility. The market for both free and paid VoIP services is exploding, making the myriad of options a bit daunting. Here's a simple guide to help you get started.

Hot Topic: Simplifying the VoIP Landscape

PC-to-PC "Soft Phones"

Soft phone software turns your computer into the phone, sending your voice communications to another computer user (who is using the same application). The latest round of releases from Instant Messenger providers such as Yahoo, AOL, and MSN all include voice chat features. Google has also recently released Google Talk to compete in the communications space. Although sound quality leaves something to be desired, this could be a great way to wrap up an IM conversation or have a quick voice chat with your messenger-using friends and associates.

The leader in the free PC-to-PC calling space is Skype (acquired by eBay in September 2005). Although Skype has only been in business since 2003, their free communication client has received more than 175 million downloads and 54 million registered users, with 170,000 new registrations per day. If these numbers don't tell a positive story, check out the reviews from experts and users. Skype's free service typically gets thumbs up ratings for ease of use and sound quality. Skype has ventured into commercial services that allow users to call landlines from PCs and vice versa, but initial feedback leads us to believe users better not drop their land line.

Broadband Phone Services

Sparked by the impressive success of Vonage, a leading provider of fee-based VoIP services, many cable and traditional telephone providers have jumped on the bandwagon. In addition to flat-rate nationwide and low cost international calling plans, these providers are offering a slew of services that hold great appeal for small business owners that are often on-the-go.

Since the broadband phone service relies on web-based data exchange instead of traditional analog exchange, VoIP phone services offer greater convenience and mobility with features such as:

• Ability to select any area code, not just the local choices.
• Access to voicemail via the web.
• Online record of all incoming and outgoing calls.
• Call forwarding features that dial multiple lines to reach you wherever you may be.
• Small phone adapters that can be brought along on trips to make any standard landline into your VoIP line.
• Quick, easy phone conferences (with additional charges).
• Easy 800 number set up (with additional charges).

Gadget Guide: Softphone Freedom with Wireless Headsets

Want to roam free about the office, house or hotel while using your VoIP soft phone? Perhaps you should consider wireless USB headset for VoIP from Plantronics. Of course, freedom always comes at a cost -- $300 in this case. Alternatively, you can pick up CU Phone's $39 USB phone adaptor and use your favorite regular phone for internet calls.

Tech Saver: Start Shopping

Here's a quick guide to well known soft phone and broadband phone services to get you started.

Free Soft Phone Services

• Skype
• Yahoo! Messenger with Voice
• AOL Triton with TotalTalk (beta)
• MSN Messenger
• FreeWorld Dialup

Broadband Phone Services

• AT&T Call Vantage
• Packet 8
• Lingo
• Verizon VoiceWing
• Vonage