VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL

(VOIP)

Jhan Schmitz

SCSH Computer Club

March 23, 2016

Why VOIP?

• Always available wherever you can access WiFi

• Bypass – or use – 3G/4G data plans

• User-to-user calling is generally free; e.g., Skype.

• VOIP is (or can be) a lower-cost solution

• Multiple platforms – smart phone, tablet, PC/Mac

• VOIP systems encompass voice calls, video calls,

conference calls, IMs, texting, chatting

• Features such as voice mail, caller ID, call waiting

• VOIP can be an alternative to a residential land line –

replacing your fixed land line with the internet

• Call the grandkids – for free – wow them with your

technical prowess

VOIP Apps Discussed Today

• Skype

• Viber

• Google Voice

• Apple FaceTime

• Ooma

What Do You Need to Make a VOIP Call?

• Access to the internet

• WiFi or 3G/4G for mobile devices and tablets

• DSL/cable internet or broadband for home computer/laptop use

• VOIP software and/or hardware

• VOIP service provider

VoIP

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)

Skype

What Is Skype?• An app that allows you to make phone calls, video calls,

text messages, and IMs to other Skype users for free.• 800 calls are also free

• Skype is available on WiFi or 3G/4G and on multiple platforms, including PCs/Macs, IOS, and Android devices

• You can call or text any non-Skype number at competitive rates, paying as you go or by subscription.

• You can use Skype for file transfer as well as calls/texts

• You can make video conferencing calls to up to 25 users

• Skype has over 300 million active users

• Skype was purchased in 2003 by Microsoft for $8.5 billion

• Nearly 25% of “Millennials” use Skype

How Do I Sign Up For Skype?

Skype Demo

Viber

What Is Viber?

• A app that allows you to make phone calls, text

messages, and IMs to other Viber users for free.

• Viber is available on WiFi or 3G/4G and on multiple

platforms, including PCs/Macs, IOS, and Android devices

• You can now call or text any non-Viber number at

competitive rates using ViberOut.

• Viber uses y our phone number as your “identity” and

utilizes two-step security for account access

• Viber has approximately 235 million active users

• Viber was purchased by a Japanese company in 2014 –

Rakuten – for $900 million

Viber Demo

Viber Demo

Skype Versus Viber

• Both are easy to install and use

• Skype may be better on PCs/Macs and tablets,

and Viber may be a better choice for smartphones

• Both Skype and Viber are free to other same-app users,

and both have competitive rates for calling other users

• Call quality is higher with Skype for both audio and video

• If you use your 3G/4G data plan instead of WiFi,

Skype consumes more data than Viber

• Skype has more features than Viber; multiple participants

per call, call recording features, advanced settings, etc.

• Skype has a larger installed base, but Viber is catching up

FaceTime

What Is FaceTime?

• A video chat application developed by Apple

• FaceTime s available on WiFi or 3G/4G and on

Macs/OSX and IOS devices

• You can only call other OSX and/or IOS users (?)

• If you call someone iPhone to iPhone you dial their

number, or you can use email addresses on Mac or iPad

• When you receive a FaceTime call, all your OSX and IOS

devices will ring – in theory

• FaceTime functionality is limited; it does not include IMs,

conferencing, file or screen sharing available on Skype

FaceTime Demo

What Is Google Voice?• VOIP service providing call forwarding and voice mail,

voice and text messaging

• Google Voice provides a unique US telephone number chosen by the user

• Calls from this number are forwarded to user designated mobile, home, and/or work telephone numbers

• Missed call notifications, voice mail, and text messages can be forwarded to a user’s email account

• Domestic US+Canadian calls are free, as well as calls back to the US from international locations

• But – Google Voice may no longer be relevant as phone configurations and other VOIP applications have improved

• Google Hangouts may replace Google Voice in the future

Top 16 VOIP Providers (Review.com)

for Land Line Replacement

• 8x8

• AT&T

• BroadVoice

• Comcast

• ITP

• Lingo

• magicJack

• Ooma

• Skype

• Phone.com

• Phone Power

• RingCentral

• VOIP.com

• VOIPo

• ViaTalk

• Vonage

OomaExample VOIP Replacement of Fixed Phone Line

Oomamyooma Inbox

Oomamyooma Call Logs

OomaMonthly Taxes and Fees

OomaFree Versus Premium Service

OomaRouter Details

1. Ooma is a full router capable of prioritizing

voice data and directing traffic to ensure the

most reliable phone service.

2. A USB port supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

accessories and provides future expansion

opportunities.

3. Built in speaker provides the ability to screen

calls prior to answering.

4. A keypad provides one-touch access to

voicemail.

5. DECT radio supports up to 4 wireless

handsets and over 4000 sensors.

6. Built-in 900MHz dual-core processor

provides the power for Ooma PureVoice™

including HD Voice and adaptive redundancy

for a more natural sounding voice without

stuttering or interruption.

7. 1 GB NAND Flash with dual system image

for the ultimate in reliability and upgradability

to new services

Ooma InterfacesOoma + Apple iOS

See who is calling your home phone on

your Apple Watch or iPhone. Connect

Ooma Telo with your Apple device.

Ooma + Android

You can also connect your Ooma Telo with

Android devices and wearables.

Ooma + Dropbox

Automatically save your voicemails to your

Dropbox when you receive them.

Ooma + Google

Email yourself a copy of your voicemails

when you receive them, keep a log of your

incoming calls, automatically save your

voicemails to your Google Drive, and more