There’s no question that voice over IP (VoIP) is the future. From Skype to Vonage (News - Alert) to mobile VoIP offerings by traditional telecom providers, the days of the analogue phone are making way for IP-based voice communications.
Despite the inexorable move toward VoIP, however, many people still are weary about VoIP and not ready to buy VoIP hardware such as IP phones.
There are several options for gradually moving toward VoIP without having to make an initial investment in an entirely new set of telecommunications equipment, however. The four leading ways are computer-to-computer connections, computer-to-any-phone connections, mobile softphones and apps and landline phones using an analogue telephone adapter.
“These device-less connections offer VoIP service with minimal risks and without sacrificing cost efficiency and quality,” according to a recent blog post by Michael Ventimiglia at GetVoip.com. “Though price and function varies between methods, these connections are perfect for weary consumers who are still unsure of VoIP.”
Computer-to-computer connections are the easiest starting place.
“For users that aren’t ready to fully switch to VoIP service, this type of connection is a great starting point. These connections are typically free to use,” noted Ventimiglia. “Additionally, set-up fees are cheap or non-existent, as all users need is Internet.”
A little more expensive than free but almost as easy and cheap is the computer-to-any-phone connection. This is similar to computer-to-computer connections, but users can try out VoIP as a substitute for analogue calling because they are able to use their computers to all others on mobile phones or landlines.
“Here a computer-to-phone connection uses a provider’s software/service to connect to any out-of-network phone. In this process, the digital data is then converted to be sent through telephone lines,” explained Ventimiglia. “While there may be a cost, it is substantially less, especially for international calls. For example, you can use Skype or Google (News - Alert) Voice to dial out to an out of network user, even landlines.”
A third option for those looking for a gradual transition to VoIP is the use of mobile softphones and apps. With mobile softphones and apps, users are able to make VoIP calls, as well as utilize premium features, directly from their mobile device.
“While these apps vary in price, they come with full VoIP capability that is accessible and user friendly (and in some cases don’t require a fixed provider). Additionally, these apps are typically available on various platforms including Android (News - Alert), iPhones, Windows, etc,” noted Ventimiglia.
Roughly 28 percent of mobile voice minutes in the U.S. will be made up by mobile VoIP by 2015, Analysys has predicted.
Finally, a fourth way for users to try VoIP without having to first invest in IP phones is through analogue telephone adapters (ATAs). These are devices that make calls over the Internet by connecting an analog telephone to a digital network or VoIP system through either a computer or a network device. In doing so, ATAs convert your voice into data to be sent over the Internet.
So even though some people still are weary about the move to VoIP, there are plenty of options for a gradual transition. Users can discover the wonder of VoIP before making that initial leap in terms of investment.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey