Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP as it is commonly know as can either save you lots of money or cost you lots of time. There are several options to consider and each has their own positives and negatives, you should think about what you want to accomplish before looking at all the different companies providing VoIP solutions.
For example, do you just want to make voice calls, or do you want to do video as well? Who will you be calling and where do they live? Will you be asking others to make changes so that you can call them on your new VoIP system and what will that cost them? Do you want lots of extra features, such as chat, computer integration, MS Office integration, desktop sharing, conference calling, etc.
Once you have made a list of options you want then start looking at providers. Some of which only supply a single solution while others have various options. Two main options are Vonage and Skype. At their core both provide a basic VoIP solution but do so in very different ways. Vonage is a pay for service and you get a hardware device that plugs in line with your current phone. It provides a low cost calling plan to the US and many countries around the world.
Skype is a software solution that has varying degrees of setup and scalability. At the beginners level you can create an account for free, install the software on a computer and within minutes be calling someone (that also has a Skype account). With Skype's free account you are limited to who you can call but for a small yearly price you can extend that calling group and give yourself a phone number that allows anyone to call you. Skype offers a wide array of options with hardware, software and calling plans.
Take a look at what your needs are and then begin looking at all the options, I have only listed two here but there are many more.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Home Solar System?
After my last post on solar I did some more research into different manufactures, types, levels of systems and electric companies. I found a poleathera of information with some key things to consider.
The first thing to consider when deciding on a solar system for your home is, how long do you plan to live there? If the answer is less than ten years you might want to hold off. Most comprehensive home systems will cost between $15,000 to $30,000 so unless you have a lot of cash just sitting in a bank account you will need to finance the project over at least five years.
Then if you live in newer home and have an association or CC&R (codes covenants and regulations) will they allow a system on your roof and if so what considerations will you need to make.
The next process you will need to do is to inquire about what are the rules or regulations imposed by you electric provider. Some may have programs to allow only a certain amount of customers introduced to their program and the progarm is full for the year.
Once you have gone through this list and still have a green light, then it would be a good time to call a professional to get a quote. Even if you are going to DIY the project it is always helpful to get a professional's view, also you will then know how much you could save by DIY the project.
So good luck and may the sun always be to your back and not in your eyes.
The first thing to consider when deciding on a solar system for your home is, how long do you plan to live there? If the answer is less than ten years you might want to hold off. Most comprehensive home systems will cost between $15,000 to $30,000 so unless you have a lot of cash just sitting in a bank account you will need to finance the project over at least five years.
Then if you live in newer home and have an association or CC&R (codes covenants and regulations) will they allow a system on your roof and if so what considerations will you need to make.
The next process you will need to do is to inquire about what are the rules or regulations imposed by you electric provider. Some may have programs to allow only a certain amount of customers introduced to their program and the progarm is full for the year.
Once you have gone through this list and still have a green light, then it would be a good time to call a professional to get a quote. Even if you are going to DIY the project it is always helpful to get a professional's view, also you will then know how much you could save by DIY the project.
So good luck and may the sun always be to your back and not in your eyes.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Looking To The Sun
A new technology gaining ground is solar panels. It seems that every where you look, either a business or a subdivision is putting them in. Small companies are starting up and ones that have been around a while are all benefiting from this interest.
Installing most systems appear to be expensive up front and while the savings to your electric bill may not be large. The bigger impact is to the environment and to future generations. Because for all the talk about not wanting to burden our children with debt or global warming this is the first time in generations that a major impact is actually occurring.
I think the bigger picture is who is it that is installing these systems, I don't mean who are the installing companies but is are the people paying to have these systems installed? They are the ones which are helping our children and future generations.
Just my thoughts.
Installing most systems appear to be expensive up front and while the savings to your electric bill may not be large. The bigger impact is to the environment and to future generations. Because for all the talk about not wanting to burden our children with debt or global warming this is the first time in generations that a major impact is actually occurring.
I think the bigger picture is who is it that is installing these systems, I don't mean who are the installing companies but is are the people paying to have these systems installed? They are the ones which are helping our children and future generations.
Just my thoughts.
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