Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Geemarc launches hearing aid-compatible VoIP headset

New VoIP technology allows deaf and hard-of-hearing people to make free phone calls over the Internet.
The hearing aid-compatible headset amplifies the sound of VoIP calls, enabling deaf people to make cheap and free phone calls over the Internet.
The headset was developed by Geemarc with input from deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
“Historically, deaf and hard of hearing people have struggled to use free online calls because of the lack of specialist equipment to help them hear the call,” said Andrew Grossman, Geemarc managing director.
“This headset means that people with hearing aids can hear calls more clearly and can now make better use of VoIP and similar chat services.”
The Geemarc CLA3 headset is compatible with PCs, mobile phones, MP3 players, and Geemarc cordless and corded telephones. It retails from £20, and is available now.
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Get your VOIP phone system in Atlanta
Voice Over IP Atlanta
mailto:info@voiceoveripatlanta.com

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

IP-Enabled Services

(source: FCC)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.

How VoIP works...

Frequently Asked Questions

How VoIP / Internet Voice Works
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.

Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

If I have VoIP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.

What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.

What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:

Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.

Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.

VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
In most cases, yes.

Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
Some VoIP service providers offer services that can be used wherever a high speed Internet connection available. Using a VoIP service from a new location may impact your ability to connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.

Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Only if your service requires you to make calls using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet connection to be active.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
If you have a special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.

Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
In June 2005 the FCC imposed 911 obligations on providers of “interconnected” VoIP services – VoIP services that allow users generally to make calls to and receive calls from the regular telephone network. You should know, however, that 911 calls using VoIP are handled differently than 911 calls using your regular telephone service. Please see our consumer fact sheet on VoIP and 911 services for complete information on these differences.

In addition, the FCC requires interconnected VoIP providers to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA) and to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which supports communications services in high-cost areas and for income-eligible telephone subscribers.

Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.

For more info, contact:
VOIP Atlanta - Botwin Communications - 678-391-9136 - info@voip-atlanta.net

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Sports World Is Abuzz Over ShoreTel Unified Communications Systems

SUNNYVALE, CA -- 05/11/09 -- Whether it's baseball, basketball, hockey or NASCAR, sports organizations are choosing ShoreTel® (NASDAQ: SHOR), a leading provider of Pure IP Unified Communications (UC) solutions. Increasingly, teams and stadiums are deploying ShoreTel UC systems not only for their excellent performance, but also because of the enhanced customer service and cost savings they provide.

ShoreTel's advanced IP-based communications system offers the industry's lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) and is designed for ease of use and optimum accessibility -- crucial elements for stadiums, arenas and other facilities that serve the public.

A SAMPLING OF SPORTS CUSTOMER DEPLOYMENTS

-- San Francisco Giants: The Giants are deploying 450 ShorePhone® IP Telephones throughout AT&T Park and other facilities, including their Scottsdale, Ariz. Stadium, to streamline communications and reduce costs. Along with the ShoreTel Converged Conference solution, the Giants will be using the ShoreWare Contact Center Workgroup application for ticketing, sales and customer service. Also, all park guests will benefit from improved emergency response thanks to ShoreTel's E911 Notification application, which pinpoints the location of calls from a ShoreTel phone anywhere in the ballpark, and automatically informs all designated security staff and emergency responders.

-- Verizon Center/Washington Wizards: The Verizon Center, a $200 million sports and entertainment facility located in the nation's capital, and the Washington Wizards selected ShoreTel's easy-to-configure, easy-to-use system with more than 650 ShorePhone IP Telephones and an additional 700 plus analog extensions serving its luxury suites and facility operations. ShoreTel was selected over the competition based on the system's features, price and reliability. The multi-purpose arena hosts an average of 220 events per year, and is home to the NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics and the NCAA's Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team.

-- Sacramento River Cats: The River Cats, a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's, deployed 170 ShoreTel ShorePhones, on a robust ShoreTel architecture based on ShoreGear® Voice Switches, ShoreWare® Director, ShoreWare Personal Call Manager, and ShoreWare Operator Call Manager. The system provides advanced communications for their front offices and the 14,400-seat Raley Field ballpark in West Sacramento. In addition to improved operational efficiencies, club employees now are able to better communicate and collaborate with fans and suppliers. The River Cats have won four Pacific Coast League Championships between 2003 and 2008.

-- HSBC Arena/Buffalo Sabres: The National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres deployed a ShoreTel UC system -- 19 ShoreTel switches and 680 phones -- throughout the HSBC Arena due to ShoreTel's attractive return on investment, built-in redundancy, and effective call handling. The system provides enterprise resource matching of calls based on customer and agent profiles, advanced real-time management and historical measurement tools. The HSBC Arena is also the home of the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse team and hosts regular events throughout the year.

-- Frisco RoughRiders: The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, chose to deploy ShoreTel's UC system throughout Dr. Pepper Park in North Dallas. The team selected ShoreTel because it offers a low TCO and increases staff efficiency, while providing an excellent experience to partners and fans, with features such as advanced call handling, Workgroups, and one-touch Web dialing. The team is deploying 170 ShoreTel ShorePhones throughout the executive offices, locker rooms, luxury suites, concession stands and ballpark offices.

-- Infineon Raceway (NASCAR): Speedway Motor Sports, owners of this famous track in Sonoma, Calif., and organizers of the NASCAR races, chose ShoreTel because of the system's flexibility in expanding and contracting to meet spikes in user traffic. The ShoreTel deployment comprises about 50 ShoreTel ShorePhones but can quickly scale to several hundreds of phones in a variety of locations to support crowded race events. As a result of the ShoreTel UC implementation, Infineon has reduced its costs of having unused lines in place, and has turned the media center into a profit center with the ability to readily pass on expanded phone service charges to vendors.

QUOTE

Kevin Gavin, vice president, marketing, ShoreTel:

"In the fast-paced sporting world, all eyes are on the game, and communications have to be almost invisible while supporting effective, safe operations in an intense, public environment. Sporting facilities and organizations are turning to ShoreTel for this type of reliable, scalable and cost-effective unified communications system that also offers the flexibility to tailor applications around specific communication needs. ShoreTel is helping these customers stay ahead of the game with an agile, distributed communications platform that is so simple to manage, everyone's a winner."

For detailed information on ShoreTel products and features, click here.

RELATED LINKS & CONVERSATION

--ShoreTel Customer Success Stories (videos and case studies)

--ShoreTel Features

--ShoreTel Blog

--ShoreTel Awards

About ShoreTel, Inc.

ShoreTel, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOR) is a leading provider of Pure IP Unified Communications solutions. ShoreTel enables companies of any size to seamlessly integrate all communications -- voice, video, messaging and data -- with their business processes. Independent of device or location, ShoreTel's distributed software architecture eliminates the traditional costs, complexity and reliability issues typically associated with other solutions. ShoreTel continues to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, ease of use and manageability while driving down the overall total cost of ownership. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has regional offices in the United Kingdom, Sydney, Australia and Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com or call 1-877-80SHORE.