Archive for October, 2008
Securing your VOIP PBX
So with any application, a VoIP telephone system needs to be safe, and this article outlines some crucial things you can do to keep your telephone system secure:
1. Install your telephone system behind a firewallThe most fundamental step that you can carry out is to install your telephone system behind a firewall. Open no more than the ports that you need: If you use external extensions and bridges, you can go for to use the 3CX tunnel and just open a single port intended for the tunnel.
2. Ensure resilient extension passwords
Weak extension passwords are exceedingly risky. Do not use the extension number the same as the pin code or password. Ensure that you use tough, random passwords to prevent remote hackers registering with their soft phone to your PBX. As straightforward and obvious as this may perhaps sound, weak extension passwords are the number one source of security breaches.
3 Keep your windows up to date
Windows can without human intervention download vital updates. This means your OS is protected against serious vulnerabilities. Out of the box, and up to date, a Windows Server System is pretty secure.
4 Check your call logs weekly, better on a daily basis
Check your call logs weekly or better day after day. This way you can quickly pick up on mishandling of the telephone system by either hackers or else indeed legitimate users of the telephone system. Use the inbuilt call reports to check calling trends.
5 Use an IP PBX that is security tested
Even if your Operating system is fully safe, and your firewall is accurately configured, you depend on how securely your telephone system has been coded. 3CX is built on .NET (which has many inbuilt security features) and it is methodically tested by outside security consultants.
6. Use a VPN.
If you require to add an extra layer of security, use a VPN. Avaya telephone Systems fully support the use of VPNs – use the free openVPN for Windows and secure bridges and external extensions with no trouble and cheaply.
7. Lock down which IPs otherwise networks can access the telephone system.
A further extra level of protection is to narrow down from which IPs you will allow registrations. This locks out the rest of the internet and provides a first-rate extra level of security. For example, if you have remote workers that always work from a individual location, you can consider purchasing dedicated IPs for these locations so that you can further limit access to the telephone system by IP. This configuration is done at firewall level.
1. Install your telephone system behind a firewallThe most fundamental step that you can carry out is to install your telephone system behind a firewall. Open no more than the ports that you need: If you use external extensions and bridges, you can go for to use the 3CX tunnel and just open a single port intended for the tunnel.
2. Ensure resilient extension passwords
Weak extension passwords are exceedingly risky. Do not use the extension number the same as the pin code or password. Ensure that you use tough, random passwords to prevent remote hackers registering with their soft phone to your PBX. As straightforward and obvious as this may perhaps sound, weak extension passwords are the number one source of security breaches.
3 Keep your windows up to date
Windows can without human intervention download vital updates. This means your OS is protected against serious vulnerabilities. Out of the box, and up to date, a Windows Server System is pretty secure.
4 Check your call logs weekly, better on a daily basis
Check your call logs weekly or better day after day. This way you can quickly pick up on mishandling of the telephone system by either hackers or else indeed legitimate users of the telephone system. Use the inbuilt call reports to check calling trends.
5 Use an IP PBX that is security tested
Even if your Operating system is fully safe, and your firewall is accurately configured, you depend on how securely your telephone system has been coded. 3CX is built on .NET (which has many inbuilt security features) and it is methodically tested by outside security consultants.
6. Use a VPN.
If you require to add an extra layer of security, use a VPN. Avaya telephone Systems fully support the use of VPNs – use the free openVPN for Windows and secure bridges and external extensions with no trouble and cheaply.
7. Lock down which IPs otherwise networks can access the telephone system.
A further extra level of protection is to narrow down from which IPs you will allow registrations. This locks out the rest of the internet and provides a first-rate extra level of security. For example, if you have remote workers that always work from a individual location, you can consider purchasing dedicated IPs for these locations so that you can further limit access to the telephone system by IP. This configuration is done at firewall level.
Basics of Alcatel Business & Voip Phone System
VoIP office phone systems are important for businesses to maintain effective communication with their clients as well as for communicating with their staff within the office or outside, contributing to efficient performance. VoIP refers to Voice over Internet Protocol. A VoIP phone system is where calls are transmitted through voice over data networks. Phone lines don’t come into play here. This automatically ensures efficiency. But there are more advantages to a VoIP phone system.
Efficient Transmission of Voice and Data
With a virtual or hosted VoIP office phone, not only can voice be transmitted, but also videos, images and other data. Even the quality of voice received is superior, and separate channels aren’t required for transmission and reception of calls and other data. The benefits for businesses are flexible and efficient communication to help them be in touch with clients from around the world while also ensuring their employees, who may be in various locations on business trips, are given the right instructions. It improves communication between different departments within a business, and between employer and employee.
Technological Features at Affordable Costs
A hosted VoIP PBX office system is a technological marvel packed with many innovative features such as auto attendant, find me follow me call forwarding, call queuing, call screening, voicemail, fax mail, music on hold, automatic call distribution, and more. The system is also greatly scalable, enabling quite a lot of extensions to be added. There isn’t any further infrastructural development or investment required for adding extensions. The hosted VoIP PBX system doesn’t require businesses to purchase or maintain any equipment. Everything is taken care of at the site of the service provider. The costs of a virtual PBX service are also comparatively less as the service is shared among many clients.
Cheap Call Center System:
Call centers were termed so because in their initial days they only used to receive voice calls over the telephone. But the explosion in communication mediums and the emergence of the Internet as one of the primary modes of interaction has propelled call centers towards handling two-way interactions over Web in the form of chat and e-mails. The name “call centre” no longer encapsulates their core area of operations. Hence, the better name for them now is “contact centre”.
The Alcatel-Lucent Omni PCX Office PABX Phone System is equipped with a stylish & business PABX phone system from one the most trustworthy phone system companies in the world.
The Alcatel-Lucent Omni PCX PABX Phone System combines a range of applications including voice, email, internet and other applications into a single east to use and easy to manage platform. Applications include email, voicemail, Internet access and more. Purchasing this phone system will guarantee your business PABX phone system needs are always able to be met, whether for today’s or future business requirements.
Installing VoIP office phone systems is a positive step for businesses to maintain efficiency in communication profitably.
For more information please visit: http://www.excelcom.com.au
Resource: http://www.articlesbase.com
Efficient Transmission of Voice and Data
With a virtual or hosted VoIP office phone, not only can voice be transmitted, but also videos, images and other data. Even the quality of voice received is superior, and separate channels aren’t required for transmission and reception of calls and other data. The benefits for businesses are flexible and efficient communication to help them be in touch with clients from around the world while also ensuring their employees, who may be in various locations on business trips, are given the right instructions. It improves communication between different departments within a business, and between employer and employee.
Technological Features at Affordable Costs
A hosted VoIP PBX office system is a technological marvel packed with many innovative features such as auto attendant, find me follow me call forwarding, call queuing, call screening, voicemail, fax mail, music on hold, automatic call distribution, and more. The system is also greatly scalable, enabling quite a lot of extensions to be added. There isn’t any further infrastructural development or investment required for adding extensions. The hosted VoIP PBX system doesn’t require businesses to purchase or maintain any equipment. Everything is taken care of at the site of the service provider. The costs of a virtual PBX service are also comparatively less as the service is shared among many clients.
Cheap Call Center System:
Call centers were termed so because in their initial days they only used to receive voice calls over the telephone. But the explosion in communication mediums and the emergence of the Internet as one of the primary modes of interaction has propelled call centers towards handling two-way interactions over Web in the form of chat and e-mails. The name “call centre” no longer encapsulates their core area of operations. Hence, the better name for them now is “contact centre”.
The Alcatel-Lucent Omni PCX Office PABX Phone System is equipped with a stylish & business PABX phone system from one the most trustworthy phone system companies in the world.
The Alcatel-Lucent Omni PCX PABX Phone System combines a range of applications including voice, email, internet and other applications into a single east to use and easy to manage platform. Applications include email, voicemail, Internet access and more. Purchasing this phone system will guarantee your business PABX phone system needs are always able to be met, whether for today’s or future business requirements.
Installing VoIP office phone systems is a positive step for businesses to maintain efficiency in communication profitably.
For more information please visit: http://www.excelcom.com.au
Resource: http://www.articlesbase.com
Hello, I am seo webmaster. I have written many articles on Alcatel System Maintenance, Alcatel Repair Melbourne an also on many other aspects of Data Cabling.
Differentiating Between Isps’ and VoIP Providers
Today, communication over Internet has brought revolution in the world by making people come closer. To avail Internet on PC, one requires availing connection from ISP. The Internet service provider is a business or organisation that offers consumers and businesses access to Internet and other related services. ISP or Internet service provider is also known as Internet access provider or IAP. The provider offers Internet access through various technologies like dial-up and DSL. Depending upon the services and geographical constrain, ISPs are defined as local and national. A national ISP provides access to most part of the nation, while a local ISP offers the service to limited geographical regions. Connecting to Internet requires a telephone line to dial-up an ISP using a computer and modem. The work of an ISP is to provide efficient route onto the Internet for connecting with the world. The ISP uses IP packet switching technique of the network for transferring the voice, video and data.
ISPs’ are the Internet access providers while VoIP providers deliver superior voice quality to Next Generation carriers, businesses and individual users. The main motive of any voice over IP provider is to offer low cost communication over long distance and international calling. VoIP providers’ services are offered to wholesale carriers, contact centres, ISP’s or ITSP’s. With its state-of-art-technology, Voice over Internet protocol offers it end users with a completely flexible, scalable and reliable communication. The VoIP process is based on IP packet switching technique of the network. Seamlessly network transition in business helps to minimally affect the network operations during switching process.
The ISP provides access to Internet services, while voice over IP providers, use the Internet service to offer their VoIP services. Moreover, the communication through VoIP offers excellent voice quality with minimum latency and interruption.
ISPs’ are the Internet access providers while VoIP providers deliver superior voice quality to Next Generation carriers, businesses and individual users. The main motive of any voice over IP provider is to offer low cost communication over long distance and international calling. VoIP providers’ services are offered to wholesale carriers, contact centres, ISP’s or ITSP’s. With its state-of-art-technology, Voice over Internet protocol offers it end users with a completely flexible, scalable and reliable communication. The VoIP process is based on IP packet switching technique of the network. Seamlessly network transition in business helps to minimally affect the network operations during switching process.
The ISP provides access to Internet services, while voice over IP providers, use the Internet service to offer their VoIP services. Moreover, the communication through VoIP offers excellent voice quality with minimum latency and interruption.
To know more about the service providers, visit: VoIP Providers offering enhanced quality VoIP Service and VoIP Solutions.
Increase your Earnings With VoIP Business Solution
A number of VoIP resellers and wholesale carrier service providers presently exist in the telecommunication sector. The reason for this sudden boom of VoIP services has a lot to do with the evolving requirements of both businesses and residentials. Globalisation is one of the main reasons for this change in the way people communicate. Communication is no longer restricted to making local calls to the clients. People need a cheaper way to communicate without sacrificing on the quality of service.
This is where business VoIP comes in. VoIP business solution provides a cheaper alternative to traditional modes of communication along with the same voice quality, if not better. Moreover, it substantially increases the productivity of a business entity.
VoIP solution is not meant for any particular segment of the industry, but it can be utilised by all sectors to provide a complete package, which enhances the way they communicate. Various VoIP service providers offer different tailor-made services to give corporates an added advantage. For instance, there are different services and features for contact centres and Internet service providers through which they can increase their profit margin.
How Can Contact Centres Gain From VoIP?
1. The most important benefit that contact centers get is the ability to provide customer support service through long distance calls at a much cheaper rate. This greatly cuts down on their total telephony bills
2. Some VoIP service providers also provide them with predictive dialers which help in enhancing their operations. With the help of the predictive dialer, agents do not have to manually call the clients; rather the outgoing calls are automatically routed to the customers. It can also distinguish between a voice mail and a live voice from the receivers end. If it’s a voice mail, it disconnects that call and calls another number thereby saving a lot of time
3. VoIP providers can also offer virtual or DID numbers to contact centers. With the help of these numbers, contact centers can operate from off shore wherein reasonable manpower is available. Their clients would be calling on the local numbers which would be provided to them but the call will be transmitted to the place where centres agents are situated
How Do ISP’s Make Profit With VoIP?
1. Internet service providers can bundle up their existing broadband connection service with voice over IP service, thereby giving their customers the benefit of using two services at reasonable cost. This way ISP’s can increase their earnings from their existing client base.
2. They will also be able to increase their customer lineage with the help of business VoIP service. Customers do not have to worry about taking care of two separate bills every month and coordinating with different service providers. They can opt for a single ISP provider who will be able to provide them both with broadband services and cheaper VoIP calls round the globe. Business VoIP solution has come as a boon for both its providers and users.
This is where business VoIP comes in. VoIP business solution provides a cheaper alternative to traditional modes of communication along with the same voice quality, if not better. Moreover, it substantially increases the productivity of a business entity.
VoIP solution is not meant for any particular segment of the industry, but it can be utilised by all sectors to provide a complete package, which enhances the way they communicate. Various VoIP service providers offer different tailor-made services to give corporates an added advantage. For instance, there are different services and features for contact centres and Internet service providers through which they can increase their profit margin.
How Can Contact Centres Gain From VoIP?
1. The most important benefit that contact centers get is the ability to provide customer support service through long distance calls at a much cheaper rate. This greatly cuts down on their total telephony bills
2. Some VoIP service providers also provide them with predictive dialers which help in enhancing their operations. With the help of the predictive dialer, agents do not have to manually call the clients; rather the outgoing calls are automatically routed to the customers. It can also distinguish between a voice mail and a live voice from the receivers end. If it’s a voice mail, it disconnects that call and calls another number thereby saving a lot of time
3. VoIP providers can also offer virtual or DID numbers to contact centers. With the help of these numbers, contact centers can operate from off shore wherein reasonable manpower is available. Their clients would be calling on the local numbers which would be provided to them but the call will be transmitted to the place where centres agents are situated
How Do ISP’s Make Profit With VoIP?
1. Internet service providers can bundle up their existing broadband connection service with voice over IP service, thereby giving their customers the benefit of using two services at reasonable cost. This way ISP’s can increase their earnings from their existing client base.
2. They will also be able to increase their customer lineage with the help of business VoIP service. Customers do not have to worry about taking care of two separate bills every month and coordinating with different service providers. They can opt for a single ISP provider who will be able to provide them both with broadband services and cheaper VoIP calls round the globe. Business VoIP solution has come as a boon for both its providers and users.
For best Business solution voip, visit: VoIP Solution Provider
How To Choose The Right Voip Providers
When you are considering signing up with one of the VoIP providers that are available right now there are various things to consider. Sure you want to have a telephone line with increased flexibility and lower costs you need to look at what services and features you or your business plan on using on a weekly or monthly basis. Doing this will enable you to choose between a growing number of VoIP providers out there.
To help you to find which of the VoIP providers is right to you and your needs here are a few questions that you should be asking yourself in order to make that decision.
Question one – what will you be using your phone for? Now before you think "For phone calls of course" think about what type of phone calls you’ll be making. For example you make a lot of overseas a long-distance phone calls? Do you tend to phone one area in particular? Do you make a lot of three-way calls? Will you need voice mail? Will you need call divert?
Question two – how many telephone lines will you need? If you are an individual or a one-man business you will need one of two. If you are a large business/call centre you might need tens or even hundreds of phone lines. VoIP providers will have no problem in arranging as many phone lines as you require, and if you find you need additional phone lines that will be no problem also. When VoIP providers assign new telephone lines it can be done in minutes without the need for technicians or actual new phone lines to be installed in the building.
Question three – would you or your business benefit from an unlimited call package? This is a type of call package that allows users to make unlimited telephone calls to other telephone numbers for one set, fixed-price each month. For businesses or individuals who make many outbound telephone calls each month this type of package would be hugely beneficial as it would provide massive reductions in costs for the business or individual.
Question four – do you want to make free PC to PC calls? If so the vast majority of VoIP providers on the market right now offer this as one of their features. To take advantage of free PC to PC calls you don’t even have to pay for one of the other packages, simply create an account with one of the VoIP providers, then start making your free PC to PC calls. You must be aware however that in order to the call to be free PC did you are calling must also have an account with the same VoIP providers.
Once you have answered all these questions it is very time to take a look at the various rates and packages offered by the different VoIP providers. To do this go online and check them out, you can even get online quotes and compare prices and plans to ensure that you are getting the very best deal possible from your VoIP provider.
To help you to find which of the VoIP providers is right to you and your needs here are a few questions that you should be asking yourself in order to make that decision.
Question one – what will you be using your phone for? Now before you think "For phone calls of course" think about what type of phone calls you’ll be making. For example you make a lot of overseas a long-distance phone calls? Do you tend to phone one area in particular? Do you make a lot of three-way calls? Will you need voice mail? Will you need call divert?
Question two – how many telephone lines will you need? If you are an individual or a one-man business you will need one of two. If you are a large business/call centre you might need tens or even hundreds of phone lines. VoIP providers will have no problem in arranging as many phone lines as you require, and if you find you need additional phone lines that will be no problem also. When VoIP providers assign new telephone lines it can be done in minutes without the need for technicians or actual new phone lines to be installed in the building.
Question three – would you or your business benefit from an unlimited call package? This is a type of call package that allows users to make unlimited telephone calls to other telephone numbers for one set, fixed-price each month. For businesses or individuals who make many outbound telephone calls each month this type of package would be hugely beneficial as it would provide massive reductions in costs for the business or individual.
Question four – do you want to make free PC to PC calls? If so the vast majority of VoIP providers on the market right now offer this as one of their features. To take advantage of free PC to PC calls you don’t even have to pay for one of the other packages, simply create an account with one of the VoIP providers, then start making your free PC to PC calls. You must be aware however that in order to the call to be free PC did you are calling must also have an account with the same VoIP providers.
Once you have answered all these questions it is very time to take a look at the various rates and packages offered by the different VoIP providers. To do this go online and check them out, you can even get online quotes and compare prices and plans to ensure that you are getting the very best deal possible from your VoIP provider.
Looking for best voip providers? Vbuzzer provides quality voip services. The company offers all in one communication and collaboration software for pc to phone calling, internet fax and web conferencing.
VoIP Resellers – the Benefits of Becoming a VoIP Reseller or Agent
For those seeking business opportunities, becoming a VoIP reseller or agents has become a popular enterprise. There are many benefits to the reseller as well as their clients. Because the use of VoIP is on the increase, the prospects awaiting VoIP resellers are very positive. VoIP resellers can work as VAR’s (value-added resellers) as either an agent or a reseller. Both types of VoIP vendors have different advantages to benefit both the vendors and consumers.
What do VoIP Agents and Resellers do?
An agent will sell VoIP services and products under the name of the VoIP provider and maintain its brand and work, whilst having 24-hour support from the provider in various aspects. The Network Operation Centre (NOC) of the relevant company under which the agent functions provides them with a highly trained support team plus the use of a successful marketing programme.
A reseller will generally manage their own brand and work without the support of the provider but resellers have many great rewards to offer. The product and specifications broaden, allowing the reseller greater flexibility with client’s needs and also to stretch their brand as far as they want. Competitors will also feel a bigger threat from resellers.
The many opportunities VoIP offers Resellers and Agents
VoIP telephony presents many business opportunities for resellers, especially in the small business sector. SME’s (small business enterprises) have a very different communications needs and specifications to large enterprises and corporations.
A leading research company specialising in research in the fields of messaging and collaboration, security, email archiving, regulatory compliance, wireless technologies and web services has stated that within three years, three quarters of businesses will be reliant on VoIP technology for their communication needs. This illustrates the possibilities for success in VoIP reselling due to the large market available for value added resellers not only to make a living, but to establish themselves in the market as well.
Traditional PBX systems are heavily reliant on hardware for telephony services, whereas VoIP services rely on a software-based application. Despite the prices of PBX dropping and thus increasing the attraction towards lower price telephony systems, VoIP services deliver a higher value service to customers through their package in general. VoIP resellers can offer clients and subscribers software licences and other services as well as hardware sales, propelling VoIP services into a much higher value status.
Mobile VoIP
Mobile VoIP has become an increasingly popular service with consumer demand growing steadily. With the arrival of high speed internet and easy international travel, employees are spending more time out of the office on business trips and call-outs than ever before. Mobile VoIP allows employees to travel from the office and make use of mobile functionality whilst keeping costs low. VoIP resellers have a large market available to provide mobile VoIP services and push their brand to its capacity.
Other Benefits
The other benefits of being a VoIP agent or reseller include minimal capital outlay, allowing resellers and agents to begin the process of selling VoIP to customers sooner rather than later without major risk of financial turmoil and uncertainty. Revenue streams recur and increase monthly, also providing a greater financial freedom.
The marketing used by VoIP agents and resellers makes use of a strategy that carries the product to market quickly. Through understanding the communication needs of the next generation of consumers and the benefits of VoIP to a business creates loyal customers requiring multiple sales.
Technically, the resellers will also benefit from a product that is high performance with a reliable network through a first class carrier if they choose the right provider to partner with. A good provider will make sure that high quality and thorough training is available for agents and resellers. Sales and technical staff should also be updated regularly through extensive training plans to offer the best service.
A VoIP reseller or agent provides a service to the product, service provider and clients, who gain many benefits themselves. Although VoIP agents and resellers may seem like a difficult business to establish and achieve success with, using the right service provider will lead to proper training, a quality product and thorough delivery to clients that is reliable and worth marketing.
What do VoIP Agents and Resellers do?
An agent will sell VoIP services and products under the name of the VoIP provider and maintain its brand and work, whilst having 24-hour support from the provider in various aspects. The Network Operation Centre (NOC) of the relevant company under which the agent functions provides them with a highly trained support team plus the use of a successful marketing programme.
A reseller will generally manage their own brand and work without the support of the provider but resellers have many great rewards to offer. The product and specifications broaden, allowing the reseller greater flexibility with client’s needs and also to stretch their brand as far as they want. Competitors will also feel a bigger threat from resellers.
The many opportunities VoIP offers Resellers and Agents
VoIP telephony presents many business opportunities for resellers, especially in the small business sector. SME’s (small business enterprises) have a very different communications needs and specifications to large enterprises and corporations.
A leading research company specialising in research in the fields of messaging and collaboration, security, email archiving, regulatory compliance, wireless technologies and web services has stated that within three years, three quarters of businesses will be reliant on VoIP technology for their communication needs. This illustrates the possibilities for success in VoIP reselling due to the large market available for value added resellers not only to make a living, but to establish themselves in the market as well.
Traditional PBX systems are heavily reliant on hardware for telephony services, whereas VoIP services rely on a software-based application. Despite the prices of PBX dropping and thus increasing the attraction towards lower price telephony systems, VoIP services deliver a higher value service to customers through their package in general. VoIP resellers can offer clients and subscribers software licences and other services as well as hardware sales, propelling VoIP services into a much higher value status.
Mobile VoIP
Mobile VoIP has become an increasingly popular service with consumer demand growing steadily. With the arrival of high speed internet and easy international travel, employees are spending more time out of the office on business trips and call-outs than ever before. Mobile VoIP allows employees to travel from the office and make use of mobile functionality whilst keeping costs low. VoIP resellers have a large market available to provide mobile VoIP services and push their brand to its capacity.
Other Benefits
The other benefits of being a VoIP agent or reseller include minimal capital outlay, allowing resellers and agents to begin the process of selling VoIP to customers sooner rather than later without major risk of financial turmoil and uncertainty. Revenue streams recur and increase monthly, also providing a greater financial freedom.
The marketing used by VoIP agents and resellers makes use of a strategy that carries the product to market quickly. Through understanding the communication needs of the next generation of consumers and the benefits of VoIP to a business creates loyal customers requiring multiple sales.
Technically, the resellers will also benefit from a product that is high performance with a reliable network through a first class carrier if they choose the right provider to partner with. A good provider will make sure that high quality and thorough training is available for agents and resellers. Sales and technical staff should also be updated regularly through extensive training plans to offer the best service.
A VoIP reseller or agent provides a service to the product, service provider and clients, who gain many benefits themselves. Although VoIP agents and resellers may seem like a difficult business to establish and achieve success with, using the right service provider will lead to proper training, a quality product and thorough delivery to clients that is reliable and worth marketing.
Inclarity is a UK based Telecommunications service provider offering a VoIP reseller programme called the Inclarity Channel partner programme which allows VoIP resellers to market and sell Inclarity’s high quality and reliable VoIP services and products.