Victoria Communicaton

In recent weeks a legal dispute between Skype’s former owner and current owners has hit the headlines. Former owners Joltid Ltd have accused the current owners, eBay, of infringing copyright rules with regards to the technology used to run the VoIP service. Joltid have revoked the licence for the software and eBay, who deny they have done anything wrong, are taking the company to court, with the case due to begin in June 2010.

eBay bought Skype in 2005 for around $2.6 billion, which has since gone up to $3.1 billion due to Skype’s impressive performance, as set out in the original contract. Since this deal Skype’s success has continued on an upward curve. In 2008 Skype’s pay-for service, Skype Out, was responsible for almost eight and a half billion calls worldwide. eBay have been looking to sell the company since the beginning of 2009 for an estimated $4 billion. In the deal with Joltid, eBay didn’t buy the technology used to run the software but leased it. eBay have revealed how the technology works in some other legal cases and according to Joltid this breaks the rules of their agreement.

So what impact is this dispute likely to have? eBay have admitted that they may have to shut down Skype should they loose the case. This will have a huge impact in the VoIP market, as Skype is the most popular brand within this part of the telecommunications industry. Joltid have expressed an interest in buying Skype back and eBay could be forced to sell it to them if they don’t have a licence to use the technology themselves. The company without the use of the technology will certainly not be worth $4 billion. For now they are trying to develop their own alternative technology, but doing this without breaking copyright laws will not be easy. If they manage to do this though, they will be able to use it as they own the Skype brand and there is nothing in their contract with Joltid to say that they can’t use it with another piece of software.

This will be an interesting story to watch, and something that could have a huge impact on the VoIP industry, although many experts are expecting that the two parties will come to some sort of agreement.

Andrew Marshall ©

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VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits. VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone.

VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.

Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.

Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans. There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.

You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones.

Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs.

Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.

VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones.

There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.

The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.



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Skype is one of the newest forms of communication. Some believe having an account will soon become as necessary as having an email address. But what exactly is it, how does it work and what can you use it for? Skype is very similar to a phone, but because it uses an internet connection instead of a regular phone line, there is no such thing as long-distance calls. In fact, using Skype is a great alternative to a landline or even cell phones because there is no limited number of minutes or restrictive calling plans. This makes it ideal for business communication and counselling. Skype counselling is a new idea that is catching on quickly.

Registering with Skype is fast and easy. You can place calls to other Skype users almost immediately after registration. The requirements include obviously having a high-speed internet connection, microphone for sound input and speakers for sound output. You also need to download the Skype platform to utilize the service, but this download is free. A webcam makes communication a visual experience. This is great for staying in contact with friends and family and holding business meetings or counselling sessions. Skype counselling could be conducted on almost any topic. The best part of receiving Skype counselling from a life coach who has a Skype account is that there are no telephone fees to deal with on top of counselling fees.

The only point at which Skype charges a fee is when someone registered with Skype utilizes the phone service with a non-Skype user. Still, the fee is far less than the price of international phone calls using traditional networks. If you make international calls frequently, this is the perfect option for you! Now you can utilize the services of a fantastic Skype counselling session even if you live in a different country from the counsellor. This is a priceless option for many people around the world.

Another great aspect of Skype is that it can be installed on some cell phones that support it, so you can make phone calls like normal from your regular cellular device without the extra cost of international calls. If you have a general problem, issue or harmful addiction and want to make the choice to live a healthier lifestyle, there is help out there for you. Skype counselling sessions are your key to getting back on your feet!

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People who stammer are now able to receive specialist one-to-one therapy from the comfort of their own homes without the need of a visit by the therapist. So how is this possible? Well it is speech therapy using video Skype. This is where the stammering coach speaks to his/her client via Skype and whilst watching each other on their computers.

The early reports suggest that this latest treatment for stammering is proving extremely popular and that the results have been very beneficial. A typical hour long therapy session is known to cost around thirty-five US dollars.

It has been well known for some time about the merits/benefits of attending a specialist speech course for stammering. This is a course which is run by a person who has managed to overcome their own stammer and who now helps other people to do the same. There are three and five day courses as well as a weekend stuttering course. People who attend the course return home with a seventy minute DVD and this film includes the back bone of what was included within the course – a type of reminder for the future of what to do including full descriptions of each of the stammering cure techniques of course.

The above course is however not suitable for everyone. Some people may not have the confidence to attend such a course or may live too far away from where the courses are held. This is where this new stammering treatment via Skype proves to be so useful; it does not matter where the person lives etc.

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Some of the amazing features that are being released with the use of some phone providers is the use of the Skype application on the phone.

One provider has the application in mention already has released the Skype application with one of their best selling and popular smart phones.

The problem with the Skype application used on this phone is that you have to use the SMS text feature and you cannot use the real time chat feature.

Another lack in the carryover functionality of the popular Skype desktop application is that you also cannot use the skype to skype feature without there being some kind of tech issues and also the provider will charge you extra for this feature, same with the SMS feature, this is called “hidden charges”, so watch your usage fees!

Without being totally negative about the popular Skype addon to mobile phones being a total miss. There is a truly shining light in the background which is a up and comer to the cell phone provider community.

Skype lovers and fans rejoice! The shining light is called Buzzirk Mobile, a new cell phone provider that provides the popular Skype application with their popular Pharos phones as a “already installed feature” on all their phones.

The Skype application is “fully functional” and is ready to use, right out of the box!

A fully functional, combined with all the bells and whistles with no technical difficult issues is what Buzzirk Mobile promises.

Not only with their award winning service actually get to call skype to skype within your contact list and call out if you have that upgrade and also send and receive “real time” text messages on the fly. You can also use the SMS feature but really, who cares to use that feature.

So for all Skype users that are looking for a full functional skype application on their phone, the choice is clear, Buzzirk Mobile is the answer.

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This amazing product I believe has only been released for 6 months. When I accidentally stumbled upon it, I immediately realized the potential, especially for business opportunity seekers and people looking to expand their business.

The more I read about it, the more excited I got. The thing i like most is that the creator of the product is always available on Skype, so just add him as a contact and he is your personal guide and assistant if you need help and advice.

Basically the plug can only be used on Skype and from the website you can register and get 7 days free trial, from thereon you pay $15 a month. Once registered you can download and install the plug in. It is very easy and self explanatory to install and that’s it.

You must have Skype running and Skype will ask for install authorisation, nothing very difficult. and there is a step by step guide for installation help if you need it.

The actual software is very similar to any type of instant messenger, just a little bigger with more options.

The software requires no configuration so you can jump straight in and add your contacts and send once to all your contacts in one hit, there is also a delivery log so you can see who has received your message.

Now the interesting bit, and this is what attracted me. You can search for Skype users by country, language, city, age group and gender. So here is an example of what you can do.

My online business is selling tennis machines and tennis equipment, this is a niche within the broad term of tennis. So what I did was searched messenger magic for people who were interested in tennis, any age group, any gender and only from USA where my market is from. The search results only show a max of around 90 users at any one time so you keep doing it over and over and get different users. People who authorise you now become your leads. Can you now see how big you can grow your leads list. this will inevitably lead to sales. You can also use message magic purely to increase you friendship list of people that have the same interests as yourself.

Now the spam issue here is very serious and Skype take a dim view of spam and you could get your account blocked, so provided you send messages to comply with messenger magic’s TOS. There is nothing wrong in requesting to be added to their contact list as you share the same interest, so then you just add your website as a sig file and any other info you like.

My personal results from using this software, well from the initial 90 posts sent I had 37 agreeing to me being added to their contact list. I had 74 hits to my site, no sales as yet, but hey who cares at least they know I exist and will probably bookmark me. Best of all I did not receive any complaints.

Another bonus is that these people are in my contact list so the spam aspect is removed, and wait for it—– You can also promote message magic by just putting your affiliate link in your sig file. I have never understood commission structures and wont expand on it but the opportunity is there.

My rating for this software 9/10, why, because I cannot send to more than 90 at one go. Oh and I nearly forgot, another cool feature is the ability to only search for users with skype me enabled. These people don’t care who contacts them.  Keep it legal and you will enjoy Skype messenger magic.

A really cool piece of software, 

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This article provides up to date information in relation to VoIP services provided by VoipStunt and Skype however mainly focuses on call cost and free calls.

VoipStunt

Free calls to any regular landline in these countries with the condition that the call drops out after one minute if not registered with credits however if have call credits provides 300 minutes of free calls per week? It appears 10 Euro will activate the 300 minutes of free calls and low priced calls to many other destinations and mobiles.

It must be noted however that it is very clearly written into the terms and conditions that Voipstunt do not nor do they intend to provide emergency service call facilities. This option should seriously be weighed up especially in the case where this provider is going to be utilized as the sole method of telephone communications. However most households do have mobile phone(s) so this may not be a significant consideration.

Countries included for free calls include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela.

If using the software phone option ie a headset with VoipStunt software, it is possible that Zimmerman’s Beta encryption tool ZFone may be utilized where as Skype utilizes a separate propriety encryption that allows no public scrutiny.

The service does allow for SIP connection with instructions on how to configure your SIP phone or router.
(Source: VoipStunt website)

Skype

With Skype calls to other Skype clients are free regardless of location.

However if you wish to make calls to non Skype clients then this is called “SkypeOut”. Calls can be made to the 20 most popular call destinations for the one SkypeOut global rate. At the time of writing this rate was 1.7 Euro Cents per minute equating to about 2 US cents or 1.1 pence. With SkypeOut there is no line rental and no contract fees.

The SkypeOut global rate includes the following countries:

Argentina (Buenos Aires), Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Canada (mobiles), Chile, China (Beijing, Guanzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen), China (mobiles), Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (mobiles), Ireland, Italy, Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey), Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland (Poland, Gdansk, Warsaw), Portugal, Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg), Singapore, Singapore (mobiles), South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (Taipei), United Kingdom, United States (except Alaska and Hawaii) and United States (mobiles).

It should be noted that unless specifically mentioned, this rate is only applicable to regular landline telephones with mobiles more expensive. However note that Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and United States are listed under the SkypeOut global rate for calling mobiles.

Other destinations are available and it would be advisable to check this rate prior to obtaining credits or calling.

Skype voicemail is available for a fee of 5 Euro for 3 months or 15 Euro for 12 months.

SkypeIn is where you wish to have a conventional phone number so you can be called from conventional phones. The fee for this service is 10 Euro for 3 months and 30 Euro for 12 months. Voicemail is included free if you subscribe to SkypeIn.

Please note that Skype also does not provide emergency services access and actually stipulates that “Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and can’t be used for emergency calling.” (source : Skype website).

Summary

This article has compared two well known VoIP providers to allow potential or existing VoIP users an idea of whether either of these providers may be useful to you. Both provide significant free calls with numerous countries included on a free list for both services.

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The world of communications is opening up to consumers around the globe and the reason for that is Voice over Internet Protocol, otherwise known as VoIP.

Using VoIP phone service is simple and in many cases more convenient for customers than using a traditional land line to land line connection. In fact, most consumers are delighted to find out that no land line is needed for making VoIP calls. All that is needed is an Internet connection. In remote locations where phone service is either non-existent or unreliable; Internet connections via satellite have opened up a whole new world of voice communications.

In the past few years, VoIP providers have grown in numbers offering more competitive services and rates to consumers. In some cases VoIP to VoIP calls are free to customers the world over and this is especially true in places that have currently low traffic on their VoIP lines and in other cases, there may be a small charge incurred by the VoIP user for calling a land line or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

There are two main types of land line to VoIP services. The first is by direct dialing where the land line user calls a number the connects directly to the VoIP user. The other type is using an access number where a local number is dialed and an extension number that has been assigned to the VoIP user is dialed, thereby connecting the call.

VoIP has opened up communications and the ability for smaller countries to compete in the global market by having access to both contacting clients and customers all over the world via VoIP services. This levels the playing field and allows companies to offer direct one-on-one customer service to anyone that needs to speak to a representative about a product or service or someone that needs help with a purchase they have made, even if that customer is half a world away. The zero to low VoIP rates on most calls make this a very economical form of business communication as well as for personal use for families that are scattered around the globe to keep in touch.

Mobile phones are also being seamlessly integrated into VoIP communications. Phones with WiFi are VoIP capable and this allows cell phone uses to also take advantage of the affordable VoIP rates for calling around the world, however pay close attention to your own cell phone. company’s charges for Internet access when using WiFi. This is often a very economical way for International travelers to keep in touch with their company or family when on the road.

Fees for VoIP can vary from country to country. Many VoIP services are offering flat rates for in-country dialing and some countries offer free VoIP to VoIP calling no matter where the calls are made. It’s worth it to look around and see what is available so you get the best VoIP service rate.

The demand for VoIP is continuing to grow and as the technology develops, more and more consumers around the world will continue to benefit from this state of the art form of communication that makes it easier than ever for both businesses and individuals to just stay in touch. BEST VoIP SERVICE: http://www.acolemanvoip.i-fortuity.com



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