It all started a decade ago when Skype blurred the boundary between international and domestic communications. Today, Skype has been used by over 300 million people all over the world, creating unprecedented bonds among people.

Well, that’s not the end of the story. Skype has further reached out to the business market, focusing on business communication tools people use at work. So, how is Skype for Business different from Skype? Let’s look from three main aspects: Capability, Cost and Security.

Skype v.s. Skype for Business

Capability

Both Skype and Skype for Business allow users to message, share files, and video chat. Simply install the software and prepare the required hardware, you are ready to chat! The difference is the number of people you are allowed to meet up simultaneously. While Skype allows you to have up to 25 people on group calls with 10 people video enabled, Skype for Business has the ability to raise the limit up to 250 people!

Cost

Skype is free among Skype users but calls to and from landlines, VoIP cloud services and mobiles are not free. Although they require Skype credits, many less expensive call plans are available for you to avoid hefty international call charges.

Skype for Business is not free in all cases. There are two basic plans available:

• $2/ month per user with an annual commitment
• $5.50/ month per user with an annual commitment

The cost of Skype for Business varies case by case, we encourage you to consult with Microsoft for a proper calculation. Visit our website for more detailed information.

Security

Both Skype and Skype for Business offer privacy settings that protect your account from being disturbed by scammers. In most cases, your account is secure and it requires some effort for criminals to invade. However, Skype for Business allow you to have better controls. In addition to the authentication and encryption for producing and archiving private communications, it also allows Skype providers to control their guests’ accounts. They can easily disable or enable certain functions or calls to make the communication more efficient.

Depending on your needs, Skype for Business could be a cost-effective substitute for other VoIP services considering the functions and costs. If you are interested in learning more about Skype and Skype for Business, please visit our website, or Skype’s website or simply give us a call at 1-800-398-VoIP, Our VoIP experts are here to help and will be happy to assist you with any questions you have!

Are you curious about what it is like to work in one of the Best Places to Work in WNY? Are you interested in trying out popular Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment? Whether you want to learn more about VoIP or you just want to have fun and network with VoIP Supply staff, now is your chance!

VoIP Supply is hosting an Open House event on May 25th at their office. This is an incredible opportunity for you and your business. It doesn’t matter if you are an existing VoIP users or VoIP beginners. Come visit VoIP Supply, one of the Best Places to Work in WNY, and learn how VoIP can save you a fortune. Register here today!

Grand Prize is a Polycom RealPresence Trio Conference Phone valued at $1,199! Must RSVP and be present at the event to win.

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Location: VoIP Supply | 80 Pineview Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228
This event is free and open to public. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.

Bring Your Phone Bill For A Free Consultation

We would like to give you a free consultation based on the phone bill you bring to us and evaluate how much you can save for you. On average, our VoIP specialists can save customers 23% off their monthly bill. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your phone bill and register now!

What Else Can I Expect From The Open House Event?

Here we provide a list of the things you can expect from the Open House event. You are welcome to participate the parts that interest you.

• Free VoIP Consultation
• 30 -minute Presentation: VoIP Introduction
• VoIP Supply Office and Laboratory Tour
• Try out Popular VoIP Equipment
• Polycom Giveaways
• Delicious Foods and Drinks
• Network with VoIP Supply Staff
• Register and Present to Win Polycom RealPresence Trio Worth $1,199!

If you are interested in attending VoIP Supply Open House event, please fill the form below to register. We look forward to meeting with you!

This event is sponsored by Polycom.

A common question we often hear from our customers is whether the VoIP network stays up when the power is down. My quick answer is no, unless you have another backup plan. But don’t panic! As long as you are well-prepared, your VoIP phones can be as reliable as landlines.

Acting like the heart of VoIP phones, VoIP network is no doubt an indispensable element for making VoIP calls. Here’s a list of solutions that will help tackle the power outage issue.

Solution 1: Prepare softphones on Battery-Powered Devices

The world has gone mobile. Most of our laptops, cell phones, and tablets run on their battery power. VoIP phones on those mobile devices will still work fine without AC power when you experience power outage.

Solution 2: Get The Backup Power Supplies (UPS) Ready For All The Required Elements

Make sure you have backup power supplies to support your VoIP network when the power is out. The required elements of a VoIP network that need a power supply include LAN switches, routers, firewalls, and other connection devices. With the proper backup power supplies, you will stay connected to the Internet even during a power outage. Usually these two backup plans are sufficient enough to avoid a VoIP network interruption. However, if your internet service provider experiences a power outage, then none of your VoIP phones will work, even with the additional power supply. In this situation, you can only make calls using a standard landline.

Solution 3: Keep Your Landline Service Available

Calls can still be placed over landline when the power is down. Landlines pull power through phone lines so they can work without extra electricity.

What is your solution for the VoIP network when the power goes out? Do you have more questions waiting for answers? Please utilize the comment box below or give us a call today at 1-800-398-8647 or email at [email protected] We will be excited to hear what you have to share!

If you are interested in a powerful solution for your business read on for a great option. If you landed on this page by accident as you browsed through the endless pages of the Internet, then you are in luck, and this just might be a match made in heaven- by VoIP Supply that is. 

The Renegade, VoIP Supply’s line of fully scalable IP PBX Appliances, was released in 2015 and has been designed in three different models: mini, 1U, and 3U chassis, to complement the needs of any user. The Renegade is a full featured IP PBX that integrates well with many open source platforms, one of them being Elastix– a free Asterisk-based PBX platform.

Elastix is free to operate and update, has no recurring licensing fees and allows for unlimited users. Combining the Renegade with Elastix offers many benefits to the end user, some of which include call features, advanced reporting, and an easy to navigate web-based interface (GUI). Features of Elastix include email, instant messaging, fax, and video conferencing.

The Elastix open source PBX platform can be combined with all three Renegade appliances, each meeting different needs depending on the size of the business.

Check out all three options below to find the best solution for your needs. As always, if you have any questions, or are interested to find out more about the Renegade or anything VoIP, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-398-VoIP.

Renegade mini with Elastix | Renegade 1U with Elastix | RenegadePBX Pro with Elastix

As we all know, VoIP is one of the hottest topics in the telecom industry that has changed the way people think about communications. You may have already heard a lot of benefits that VoIP can bring to your business; however jumping into the VoIP trend without much knowledge about it is not a wise move.

Understanding how VoIP systems work can help you fully utilize this new technology to your own advantage. Now, let’s take a glance at the VoIP telephone systems.

How VoIP Telephone Systems Work

Basically, a VoIP system converts the analog audio signals (your voice) into digital data that can be understood by the VoIP devices and transmitted over the Internet Protocol (IP) network to the other end of the call. Because the calls are generated through the Internet, VoIP system perceives long distance calls the same as local calls (do I hear cost savings? No pun intended).

There’s more than one way to make VoIP calls. With the required VoIP hardware and VoIP system, you can make VoIP calls to landlines, cell phones, computer, or other applications. Our Bundled Solutions and Refurbished VoIP hardware gives you the best deal to save money on your VoIP system and hardware.

How A VoIP System Can Help Your Business

Your business can save money and enhance productivity from the flexibility that VoIP brings. VoIP users are paying for the Internet service rather than landline service; therefore, most customers experience lower monthly bills. Also, with VoIP systems, long distance calls are as cheap as local calls and communications from office, home, or even on the road with Internet service becomes easier than ever before.

Unified Communications further take VoIP system to the next level, collaborating a variety of communication medias such as video conference and instant message, increasing work efficiency.

Which Is The Best VoIP Solution?

There are two types of VoIP solutions available: On-premise and Hosted. The best solution varies depending on your business requirements such as the number of concurrent calls, number of phone users, existing system, company size, and more. The chart below will give you some insight about the two types of VoIP solutions:

 

Are you considering deploying VoIP in  your home or business, but are apprehensive about going through with it because of the cost of VoIP hardware? Or perhaps you are an existing VoIP customer looking to replace or update your current VoIP equipment? If so, look no further than VoIP Supply’s Refresh product line.

Refresh is VoIP Supply’s line of refurbished equipment that undergoes a detailed 10-step process by our dedicated Refresh team members to assure that all Refresh products are good as new.

TEN STEP REFRESH PROCESS

1.  Visual Inspection
2. Deal on Arrival
3. Settings Cleared
4. Firmware Upgraded
5. Components Replaced
6. Product Cleaning
7. Final Inspection
8. Product Repackaged
9. Product Reboxed
10. Ready for Sale

After the 10-step reconditioning process, Refresh products offer a cost-effective solution for customers looking to enjoy all the benefits of VoIP hardware, at a discounted price.

Check out some of our best selling Refresh products:

The Polycom VVX 410 is a 12-line IP Phone with a rich feature set. It offers a 3.5 color LCD display and dual Gigabit ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE). The VVX 410 is perfect for knowledge workers and office staff with the ability to easily integrate with third party UC environments and applications.

Another Refresh top pick is the Polycom IP 550. This is a 4-line IP Phone with Power over Ethernet (PoE), an integrated XHTML  micro-browser, which allows users to enjoy web-based applications, and a busy lamp field (BLF).

If you prefer Cisco IP Phones, take a look at the Cisco SPA504G. This 4-line, feature-rich phone has been tested for broad interoperability with top VoIP providers. Features include wideband audio, dual switch, Ethernet ports, and a monochrome backlit display for ease of use.

The Cisco SPA303G is also a great Refresh pick. It is a 3-line VoIP phone ideal for basic IP needs, suitable for common areas and kitchens. The SPA303G features dual switched Ethernet ports, a speakerphone, call hold, caller ID and conferencing abilities.

Six Month Warranty That Covers Mechanical Failures and Defects

VoIP Supply offers an extensive line of Refresh products, from phones, to switches and gateways, as well as IP cameras. We guarantee that our refurbished products provide value and reliability at an affordable price, thus all Refresh products come with a standard six month warranty that covers mechanical failures and defects. So, when looking for refurbished VoIP products you can trust, don’t second guess it, VoIP Supply has you covered with Refresh: Refurbished and Rocking!