Most of the People have heard this word “VoIP”, though they don’t know exactly what it is. With the gain of popularity, VoIP is drastically changed to a well known face. VoIP or voice over internet protocol is a modern way of voice communication with the use of internet connection. VoIP takes an analog audio signals and convert them into digital data and send that data through the internet at the destination device. So, VoIP is used to place online call for voice communication that normally was done using a regular landline phone. Actually VoIP brought a complete revolution in the business communication. Now more and more businesses are recognizing VoIP and started adopting it very fast.

VoIP has come into existence in the mid-1970s, but it becomes a known face after 2004. It expanded greatly after that, and also offered different methods to use it.

Most common three methods are as follows:

IP Phones – IP Phones are just like regular phone set with a receiver handset, buttons and cradles, which uses Ethernet cable rather than a phone connector which connects it into the internet router. Mostly businesses prefer this VoIP procedure for communication.

ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor – This is a commonly used VoIP method. Regular phone set connects to the computer system having internet connection by using “analog to digital converter”. Using this simple way, the phone signals are converted into the digital data which is then sent to the desired place through internet. Some ATAs needs to install first but most of them are simply plug-in-and-play.

Softphone or Computer to Computer – This is the most convenient and easiest method to use. The important things that you need for this method are the speakers, a microphone, installed software, a sound card, and the internet connection in that computer. Computer to Computer VoIP communication is great as you don’t need to pay anything for the calls. Even the long distance or international calls are also free.

Many people know the different advantages of VoIP but there are some disadvantages also and that too people must know.

Advantages of VoIP:

• Cost effective Communication
• Easily Scalable
• Easy to port to any place
• Many Advanced features
• Easy to maintain records
• Reflects Stylish or professional business communication

Disadvantages of VoIP:

• Unable to use VoIP during power cut
• Sometimes low sound quality
• Latency and traffic
• Calls drop or loose call connection

This article has been written by Cranvas for www.suppliercompete.com. Suppliercompete provides comparison Quotes for Business services as well as reviews on various products. To get a quote for selecting Small Business VoIP please visit the site.