Skype Video Voicemail

June 25, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Video messaging from Skype has graduated from the testing phase to a full-fledged feature for:

Windows and Windows 8
Mac, iPhone, iPad
Android
Blackberry

Skype video messaging is completely free and will help busy people everywhere “catch up whenever, wherever.” It can also help you avoid the tedious step of logging in to listen to voicemails on your phone.

It’s Why We Use Video

We use video conferencing because it’s easier to understand what someone’s talking about when you can see them. Skype’s video voicemails have the added benefit of using video even when the other person is not around.

This feature is a much nicer way for people to stay in touch and with the ability to show someone what you’re working on, it should make it easier to solve a problem or, get answers to a question.

We can also add “TL;DW” to our list of text abbreviations, to send to anyone who leaves long messages (Mom).

And remember, Skype looks better when you’re using one of these HD Skype webcams.

Via TechCrunch

How To Choose a VoIP Service Provider

June 22, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Choosing a VoIP service provider is just as important as choosing the right VoIP phones.

VoIP Service Guide

VoIP Supply’s Guide to VoIP Service is now available for download.

Just like with any technology purchase, it always pays to do your homework.

If you ask the right questions up front, you can avoid signing with a risky provider — or one that doesn’t offer what you need.

Most VoIP service providers offer basic capabilities such as voicemail or call hold but may not give you the advanced features, service options, or scalability that your business needs.

This buyers guide looks at:

What is VoIP Service?
VoIP Phone System Anatomy
VoIP Requirements List
How to Choose a VoIP Service Provider
Ways to Improve Call Quality

Click here to download the VoIP Service Guide today.

VoIP Supply One of Western New York’s Fastest Growing Companies

June 21, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

This past Wednesday, June 19th, Buffalo Business First held its annual reception for the Fast Track Companies of Western New York.

When the list was unveiled, VoIP Supply ranked #33 out of 65 area companies with 30.93% sales growth over the last three years.

WNY Weathers The Storm

Congratulations to all of the other great companies on the list that help drive the success of our region.

Business First honors privately held companies in two categories, Established Companies and Young Companies, and ranks them based on the largest percentage increase in sales from 2010 to 2012.

Peter Marlette, managing partner of Fast Track sponsor Damon Morey LLP, expressed that it’s “refreshing to see that Western New York has weathered the storm” of the recent economic turmoil.

“Our region’s strong business community, supportive environment and passionate people demonstrate why WNY is a great place to start a business,” said Marlette.

Doing Well So That We Can Do Good

VoIP Supply’s CEO, Ben Sayers, is thrilled that his company not only made the list but was able to do so as a Certified B Corporation.

As a sustainable and responsible company, VoIP Supply’s mission is to “Do Well, Do Good, Suck Less:”

Focusing on these six words, we have climbed back on the list of fast growth companies in our region as well as focus on giving back to our local community and environment. It is our hope that our actions will inspire and challenge other businesses in the area to step up and deliver in kind, demonstrating clearly that a company can accelerate and grow even when the focus is not solely on revenue or profits.

I am extremely proud of the team at VoIP Supply and want to thank each and every one of them for their belief in what we do, why we do it and for delivering excellence every day.

Congratulations to Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) WNY Companies

VoIP Supply is also a Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in the WNY chapter. Congratulations also go out to all the fellow EO WNY companies that made the 2013 Fast Track list:

Kegworks | Ranked #10
360 PSG | Ranked #23
Avalon Document Services | Ranked #54

VoIP Headsets for Polycom, Cisco, Grandstream Phones

June 20, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Jabra Headsets

It’s a popular question:

“What headsets work with my Polycom/Cisco/Aastra/Grandstream phone?”

To find the answer you can navigate the fun maze of manufacturer websites, read thrilling product product data sheets, or just make it easy on yourself and check out these links:

Simply browse the list of VoIP headsets that have been tested to sync with your phone.

Also, you can download the VoIP headset cheat sheet for future reference.

Is Skype Free?

June 19, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Is Skype free?

It sure is. But, is it worth it?

Businesses Can’t Rely on Skype, Google Hangouts

If you’re a remote employee, doing some freelance work, or you’re just calling your mom then Skype or Google Hangouts will work great. These are wonderful free video conferencing services that are easily accessible to everyone.

Well, just about everyone. Some countries are banning Skype.

That’s an example of where the problems begin, for businesses.

Quality and Reliability

Quality and reliability aren’t really concerns for one-on-one video chats. But as the number of people, sites, and the importance of the video call increases, the horsepower and available options (we’re talking about cars, right?) of your video conferencing system needs to be increased as well.

For example, medical researchers collaborating from around the globe will want to share large amounts of data in real-time, the R&D team unveiling a prototype in another state will need HD cameras with pan-tilt-zoom options, and the executives making a business deal don’t want to have to hang up and call back for a better connection.

Consider too the security risks of video conferencing on public networks. You’ll have stronger encryption with a private, business-grade system.

For more real-world applications read Angus Kidman’s article on Lifehacker, Why Business Video Conferencing Needs More Than Skype or FaceTime.

I Still Like Free

If you’re still not convinced that your company needs a fancy (read: “expensive”) video conferencing system, that’s great. But there’s no reason you can’t make your desktop video conferencing experience a lot better with a few simple add-ons like a USB speakerphone, an HD camera, or even a Skype headset.

Check these out:

ClearOne CHAT 60

Plug-and-play, no drivers to download, and hands-free operation describe the crystal clear ClearOne CHAT 60 Skype Certified USB Conference Phone.

Logitech C920

We like the Logitech C920 for the simple way it clips on to monitors and laptops and for its fantastic full HD 1080p video. It comes with the latest version of Skype for Windows, automatic zoom and digital PTZ, low-light correction, and records video and takes pictures.

Jabra SPEAK 410

The Jabra SPEAK 410 is a portable USB conference phone designed for office pros. With excellent sound (we use these all the time in the office or working from home), convenient carrying case, and wraparound cord it’s easy to take it wherever you go.

Logitech BCC950

One of our favorites (not because it looks like E.T.), the Logitech BCC950 helps small groups meet anywhere when the conference room is booked. With a noise cancelling 8-foot range microphone and the motorized pan, tilt, zoom camera, your group can hold meetings in the kitchen while scavenging for snacks.

I Still Need More Information

There are a lot of choices out there. This video conferencing buyers guide can help you learn more about the technology and your options:

And if you’d like to talk to somebody, contact one of these video conferencing experts.

Via Lifehacker

Jabra Discontinues Headsets, Migrating To Jabra PRO 9450

June 17, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Migrate to the Jabra PRO 9450

Say farewell.

Jabra is discontinuing a few headsets starting June 30, 2013:

Jabra GN9330e USB
Jabra GN9330e USB OC
Jabra GN9350e OC
Jabra GN9330e Wireless Headset with Lifter
Jabra GN9350e RHL Bundle (Part # 9326-617-205)

If these are your favorite headsets, be sure to order now while supplies last.

Jabra will make sure that accessories and full maintenance for the discontinued models will be available until the end of their product warranty.

Jabra Replacement

After the above models are gone, your best option is the Jabra PRO 9450 Mono Wireless Dual-Mode Headset :

Price and Features: Similar price point (Currently $313.95) with additional features
Future-Proof Investment: Field upgradable for easy installation and upgrades and users can make calls from either a desk phone and/or softphone.
Unified Communications (UC): The PRO 9450 is UC ready
Dual Use: Your Jabra PRO 9450 can be used with both your desk phone and softphone.
No Interference: DECT 6.0 connection allows for higher wireless headset density in confined spaces with no interference.
Wearability and Range: Choice of (3) wearing styles with a 450 foot range from the base.

Questions?

If you have any questions, contact a VoIP Expert today.

10 Best Education Apps for Android and Apple

June 15, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Wonders of the Universe App

Parents and teachers are looking to their phones and tablets to help teach kids.

But, where do you start?

There’s almost too many choices on iTunes or the Google Play store.

From the writers at eSchool News come 10 of the best Apple and Android apps for education in 2013.

The list includes some of the highest rated apps, as voted by parents and teachers, with information on features, price (some are free), compatibility, and even suggested uses.

There’s a surprising range of functions:

Video editor
Math tutors
Picture dictionary
Educational games
Poetry
Mobile learning
Flash cards
And more…

All the apps seem pretty comprehensive so if you’ve forgotten more than you’ve learned, you might find yourself using them more than your kids.

Via eSchool News

How to Set Up Wireless, Mobile VoIP Systems

June 14, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Wireless VoIP Guide

VoIP Supply’s Guide to Wireless VoIP Solutions is now available to download.

Like most people you’re probably accustomed to using cell phones. So, why not have that same freedom of movement in the workplace?

Mobility is one of the major benefits of a Wireless VoIP solution.

This educational guide will walk you through:

Explain the how wireless VoIP works
Discuss the benefits of wireless VoIP
Describe the different wireless options
Provide insight on how to select wireless IP phones
Show you how to design a wireless VoIP system
Give you a comparison of wireless phone choices

Types of Wireless VoIP Phones – DECT vs WiFi

One of the major things that you’ll learn in this guide is that there are two basic types of wireless VoIP phones. Which type you choose will determine how it is connected to your network:

WiFi VoIP Phones: A wireless access point is needed to connect and register with a service provider or PBX. These phones normally work with the 802.11b/g standard and will scan to find the nearest access point.
DECT VoIP Phones: Operating with a wireless handset but, these phones have a base station that is hardwired to an internet connection and then the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the handset. These are single line phones, have a range of 300 square feet from the base station, and signal repeaters are available if you need to increase the handsets range from the base station.

Why Virtual Workplaces Need Video to Establish Trust

June 13, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

A new Frost & Sullivan whitepaper was shared by the Polycom Video Conferencing division that shows how video can be used by businesses to gain a competitive advantage.

Click here to check out the tips in Video Collaboration in a Virtual Workplace that explain:

Benefits of Video Collaboration
Power and Value of Video shown in Frost & Sullivan data
How to Match Technology to Business Needs
How to Choose a Video Partner

Frost & Sullivan Video Collaboration Data

Trust in a Virtual World

The Frost & Sullivan research shows that fact-to-face meetings are more important than ever.

You need to trust who you’re dealing with in a virtual world. Using video allows you to “read body language and facial expressions and deepen [your] relationships” in a way that’s cost-effective.

Additionally, “Video collaboration can also be a boon to corporate training, saving employees and trainers time, and delivering content on demand as needed.”

Via Polycom and Frost & Sullivan

Pay Phone Makes Comeback in Saudi Arabia

June 8, 2013 by Nathan Miloszewski

Lonely Pay Phone (Courtesy: Eric Hauser)

If you’re trying to make a free phone call using Viber or Skype in Saudi Arabia, forget about it.

Dig up some change and use a pay phone.

The telecom regulator in Saudi Arabia has suspended use of the Viber web-based communication service, which normally allows users to make free calls and send free texts and photos.

The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) is the regulatory agency that issued this ban and the one who sent a warning back in March to Viber, Whatsapp, and Skype for breaking “local laws.”

The thought is that “the kingdom appears to be pushing for greater control over cyberspace as Internet and smart phone usage soars.”

Could it just be about money, like a lot of things usually are?

Nandagopal J. Nair at Quartz comments that:

In the neighboring United Arab Emirates, many features of Skype and Viber are already blocked, but WhatsApp isn’t. That might be a hint that, at least in the UAE, business interests are at play: Skype and Viber, unlike WhatsApp, allow users to make voice calls for free, and international calls are where the telecom operators are likely losing most of their revenue.

Via Reuters and Quartz