IP PBX: SIP Phones
IP PBX
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Differences
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Branches
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SIP Phones
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Features
SIP Phones bring the different aspects of VOIP together. When you have an IP PBX and at least one trunk, the last part of the puzzle is the phone. SIP Phones connect to your already existing data network. Power can be supplied remotely and they can even share the connection for your computer. They allow you to make and receive calls; but that’s not all.
IP PBX: Branches
IP PBX
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Differences
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Branches
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SIP Phones
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Features
IP PBXs offer the ability to instantly connect branch offices together like they were in the same building… for FREE!
That’s right. No more long distance calling to your own locations. You could have a main office in New York and a branch office in Los Angeles. You can dial an extension at the other location, intercom, conference, transfer, page, etc. just like they were in the cubical next to you.
IP PBX: TOC and Differences
IP PBX
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Differences between traditional analog and IP PBXs
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Branches
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SIP Phones
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Features
In a traditional PBX, you buy a number of phone lines with each one getting a phone number. This is fine but not very proficient. There is no flexibility with how you can use those numbers and lines. And each line is tied to it’s specific number. With an IP PBX running SIP trunks, you have the flexibility to organize them however you want? You can get one DID(phone number), five trunks(phone lines), and each line shares the number. You can have five DIDs, one trunk, and each DID can be assigned to a different extension.
IP PBX: Introduction
I just got back from my conference and wanted to elaborate on IP PBXs. A PBX is simply a telephone system. One or more phone lines coming from outside and one or more extensions inside. An IP PBX is based over computer networks. They can have traditional analog lines, digital lines, or newer SIP lines. This allows much more flexibility to do almost anything. Read more >>
Mobile Mini-Computers?
If you’ve seen commercials, seen one in person, or have a Motorola Atrix 4G smartphone, you understand the title of this post a little better now. The Atrix is an Android powered dual-core phone; but it has a dock and WebTop. This allows you to dock your phone and use a full size screen and keyboard like it was also a computer.
I’ve thought for a while now that smartphones were heading this direction, but I think the natural evolution will bring greater capabilities. Android specifically has an obvious progression option. Google is also developing notebook computers using ChromeOS. This is simply a Linux based operating system only running Google’s Chrome web browser. This OS focuses on web based in the cloud applications and access. Many people wonder why Google is offering ChromeOS when Android should cover that territory nicely. Read more >>
Mobile News
Mobile Word Congress is going on right now where mobile device manufacturers are making announcements everyday. There isn’t too much exciting happening besides the announcements of upcoming phones, but one theme is standing out. Tablets are hear to stay.
It doesn’t seem too long ago that laptops outsold desktops; then netbooks outsold laptops. I believe the next stage is… tablets outsell netbooks. And this year’s MWC is starting to show that trend. We now have several competing tablet platforms. Apple’s iPad, Google’s Android tablets, RIM’s Playbook, and now HP’s WebOS tablets. Also, Microsoft is starting to add Windows as an option.
Microsoft started a little too early by offering resistive touchscreens requiring a stylus. The hardware was not very capable and software needed much improvement. Apple started this trend by expanding off their already popular iPhone and used capacitive touchscreens allowing nothing more than a finger(or more) to use. Now that the hardware and software has caught up, this looks to be the popular computing platform until something better comes along.
Android Vs. iOS
In this post I am going to attempt a “fair” comparison of the two most popular smartphone operating systems. To give you just a little background, I have owned an iPhone and an Android based device. It is not exactly an apples to apples* comparison, but they serve the same purpose and have similar functions. Also, I will not get into the iPad or Galaxy tab for this comparison and I will plan on doing a future post comparing tablets.
* pun intended
Apple iPhone hits Verizon
It finally happened! The iPhone is available for the Verizon network. Many have said they would by an iPhone if it wasn’t exclusive to AT&T. Well, now we shall see what actually happens.
This couldn’t be a better time for Apple or Verizon. AT&T is currently the largest wireless provider, even considering they are rated worst in customer service and network coverage. Verizon is rated number one but cannot manage to catch up with subscribers, largely because of the popularity of the iPhone.
Also for Apple, they finally lost their smartphone OS position to Google’s android recently. This is perfect timing on Apple’s part that could help them jump back ahead.
In my next post I will compare Apple’s iPhone to Google’s Android. Check back to learn the major differences.
Quick CES Update
CES is humming along and there really aren’t too many surprises so far this year. Most announcements are focused around a few different categories.
- Many new TVs have been announced including more 3D options and larger displays.
- A plethora of phones have been introduced; a majority of these phones run Google’s Android operating system, which should push it even further along in it’s quest for global supremacy of the smartphone OSs. Also noteworthy is the introduction of more 4G networks from the major carriers.
- And the hot new device of the year would have to be tablets. Those touchscreen mini-computers with no keyboards, also many of which are running Android.
Nothing too exciting, but definitely a step forward in the consumer electronics arena. I’ll update as more information is made available.
CES News Updates
The Consumer Electronics Show is getting underway in Las Vegas. Technology gadgets, TVs, cell phones, and more are being announced constantly. I am going to make a few brief posts about the most popular and relevant announcements as they happen over the next few days. Stay tuned to find out what exciting products the major tech manufacturers have in store for us.