Web VoIP Directory

Archive for October, 2009

VoIP is becoming an increasingly popular choice for communication as an alternative to the telephone. Some however are still reluctant to switch to a VoIP service as they think that the quality is not that of a regular telephone. This isn’t necessarily the case though, and there are many advantages. This is even more the case when it comes to Business VoIP, especially for businesses that make a large number of calls.

As many people are aware VoIP offers cost savings when compared with landline telephones, and especially mobile telephones. Businesses can save a very significant amount. This is even more the case for businesses that make many long distance calls – this is where the real savings can be made. The premium put on long distance (especially international); calls by telephone providers are not a reality with VoIP. This is because VoIP works via a broadband connection so it is less expensive for the provider and therefore the customer. Many packages are just a flat monthly free for a set, or even an unlimited, number of hours. Therefore making a high number of calls could mean significant savings in comparison with using a regular telephone.

This is why call centres often choose to use this technology. They can base their call centres in countries where labour is cheap and use VoIP so they can call internationally at a reduced rate. Some would say the quality of these calls is sometime poor, but this is due to the broadband connection and not simply the fact that a VoIP provider is being used. A better quality broadband connection would result in better quality VoIP.

Maintenance costs are also often lower. In is inexpensive to set up, especially if simply installed onto a computer. VoIP phones, which are similar to telephones in terms of the user experience and look, are more complicated by still relatively cheap. If you already have a broadband connection, which the majority of businesses now do, then there is no need for an extra phone line to be installed. If you move premises there are no high costs involved.

The call quality of VoIP is traditionally poor and has this reputation. It is seen by many as the main disadvantage. This, however, is no longer necessarily the case. Contrary to popular belief a VoIP service can be of just as higher quality as a normal phone service. As mentioned above, it is dependant on the broadband connection. Poor broadband will mean poor VoIP, but a good quality broadband service will mean a good quality VoIP service.

Unlike landline telephones, VoIP can be portable. With VoIP phones this is not the case, but if installed on a laptop, then as long as you have a broadband connection you will be able to use it. If using wireless the quality will depend on the quality of the internet connection.

All the services that are available with a telephone provider are also available with VoIP. Conference calling is easy to perform and other services such as answer phones and forwarding systems are available. Depending on the VoIP provider and the package you choose, you can get fully integrated business systems and extension for different members of staff.

Andrew Marshall ©

Business VoIP

VoIP provider

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) involves the transmission of voice signals over Internet lines and data networks. VoIP allows users to place phone calls from just about anywhere using a broadband Internet. VoIP calls are placed using conventional telephones, computers, or special IP phone systems. Customers with computer-based services place calls using a microphone or headset.

Because of mobility, cost savings, and flexibility, millions of businesses have switched to PBX VoIP, with many more in the process of switching. The business VoIP industry has been projected to double by 2010. In most cases, Business VoIP PBX includes an Internet connection directing calls over a private network. A business VoIP PBX phone provides many advanced features that include desk to desk calling, quality phone calls, automated attendant, managing extension, and much more.

One important advantage of using PBX VoIP for businesses is the low long distance rates compared to traditional land line telephone services. This is important for businesses with employees that are located in many different geographic areas. Lower rates are the result of digital technology where users are on the same network even if they are in different locations. Also, VoIP providers do not have to maintain infrastructure like traditional telephone providers so the savings are passed on to the customer. VoIP consulting often use the savings to offer special features with no additional fees such as conference calling, follow-me call forwarding, voice mail, voice mail to email, and synchronized ringing of cell phones and home phones.

Another benefit to using PBX VoIP is its mobility. After a PBX provider installs the VoIP service, transferring phone numbers is as easy as unplugging the IP phone and plugging it into the new location. There is very little hardware and no expensive circuit reconfiguration. As well, employees who travel frequently have the ability to use the system no matter where they are in the world. They can answer the business phone from their cell phone or laptop. Some PBX VoIP providers sell “virtual numbers” that have other area codes allowing the customer to be charged for a local call.

As data based technology, PBX VoIP has a number of technological advantages. Some of these advantages include web and video conferencing, calls that are directed to an “Automated Attendant” giving the impression of a much larger company, can be used to screen where calls are directed, and allows customer service representatives to see customer information when a call comes through allowing for a quicker and improved quality of service. PBX VoIP can also be programmed to block specific phone numbers, or place them on “virtual ring”, where the call does not come through. For faster payments, the credit card machine line can be left on 24 hours a day 7 days a week thereby delivering fast card number validations at a low cost.

Not only is PBX VoIP telephone systems cost effective, they help boost employee productivity. Some productivity enhancements include reducing the time it takes to connect with contacts, employees have access to a central communication location that consists of fax, email, and voice which allows them to instantly retrieve customer information, both landline and cell phones can be programmed to ring at the same time before going to voice mail thereby reducing missed calls, and employees have the ability to hold virtual conferences.

Switching to business PBX VoIP has never been easier and affordable. It is important for business owners to do their research to find the appropriate service and features to meet their company, employee, and customer needs. To succeed in business, keeping up with technological advancements is essential. PBX VoIP is one of those technological advancements. To help make the decision regarding the best PBX VoIP provider, businesses can use comparison resources like www.VoipReview.org, a shopping source for residential and business VoIP phone services.

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Voice and data has been combined in a way that creates a single network but it has also created a new way for hackers to penetrate computer systems. The integration of voice and data has led to new risks to security that must be addressed with equally new approaches to protecting data. Called VoIP, the voice over internet protocol can be a new management tool for business success or it can be a big open window into your system that’s easy to enter.

VoIP penetration testing is designed to find that open window into the system and close it. Rigorous testing is done on the transmission technologies to determine where it is possible for the system to be breached. One of the mistakes companies make is believing the IP phones and related software have enough security controls built in to them already and they do not need additional enhancements.

How can the VoIP system be compromised or how does it allow unethical and criminal intent be carried out? There are lots of ways and one of them is as old as the telephone itself – eavesdropping. Inadequate security controls can also lead to attackers accessing the server data through the transmission technology, hackers stealing phone calls, service interruptions, and the use of sniffing tools.

When Manipulation is the Goal

VoIP penetration testing is a process whereby an attempt is made to purposely manipulate the VoIP system. All entry points into the WAN and/or LAN are tested and an attempt is made to gain access into the VoIP infrastructure. In other words, security experts try to penetrate both the VoIP system and then use it to see how deep a hacker can get into the computer system itself.

VoIP testing can be standalone testing or it can be one step in a larger security testing program. For example, password weaknesses can be tested for the component VoIP system or for the larger company-wide system. Naturally the broader the testing the more secure the system will be after implementing recommended controls.

With penetration testing, ethical hackers will attempt an authorised penetration of the computer system.

* Test ability to remotely access data network using VoIP technologies

* Look for vulnerabilities in system configuration enabling unauthorised access into system

* Test protection controls at each network layer

* Test remote IP phone locations

* Test ability to add IP address on the VoIP system through remote access

* Attempt to enter the main servers

* Look for ways for hackers to manipulate system at any point including Ethernet and cabling connections

* Look for vulnerability allowing sniffer software able to collect protocols

* Test traffic switching

* Determine if the ability exists to collect VoIP data

* Firewall testing between voice and data including potential for Tunnelling Attacks

* Wireless network security

* Testing of intrusion detection evasion capabilities

Vulnerabilities On All Levels

VoIP technology is relatively new and design of security controls has not kept up with the state-of-the-art technology in many ways. Yet any vulnerability in the voice and data network represents a point of vulnerability on the primary server. The only reason security for VoIP technology has not been a priority is because hackers are just now beginning to turn their attention to this new way to access company data.

Testing modern infrastructures and applications is a complex process. Finding the open window can be difficult because of the complexity of today’s systems and the ingenuity of hackers. It is amazing how often hackers are ahead of IT departments that have large budgets and highly qualified staff and are often able to breach million dollar networks from their garages.

VoIP penetration testing includes testing technical aspects of the system, analysing employee security protocols, completing IT operational assessments, interpreting testing results and making recommendations for security improvements. In other words, it is about mitigating security risks to prevent data loss at any stage.

Pure Hacking helps protect your Internet security by providing world-class penetration testing and ethical hacking risk management services. For a free consultation, please visit Penetration Testing.