Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Verizon To Open Nework to Outside Devices

ADAPTING TO A SHIFTING MOBILE landscape, Verizon Wireless said Tuesday that it will allow customers to connect to its network with any device or application that meets minimal technical standards starting next year.

The move comes only weeks after Google announced an alliance with a group of wireless carriers and handset manufacturers, including Sprint and T-Mobile, to create a new mobile platform that will be open to third-party developers.

During a conference call, Verizon Wireless CEO and President Lowell McAdam said the decision to open up its network was driven by a rapidly expanding universe of options for mobile consumers. "We're constantly monitoring market forces, and have seen the accelerated pace of innovation and expanding degree of customer demand for multiple business models," McAdam says.

McAdam and other Verizon executives emphasized that its "Any Apps, Any Device" initiative would not change its existing "walled garden" business model. "We believe most customers still want the full-service model that exists today," McAdam says. "This will complement, not replace, our successful full-service model."

But he acknowledged that subscribers increasingly want more choices as cell phones turn into mini-multimedia players. "What this separate and distinct model does is really tap into those customers looking for complete control of their device," McAdam says.

Through its V Cast data service, Verizon already offers subscribers a variety of content from music to video clips to mobile TV at an additional charge. But the major carriers' own media offerings compete with a growing selection of "off deck" applications provided by outside companies and developers.

The largest U.S. wireless carrier plans to unveil open access nationwide by the end of 2008. Early next year, it will publish technical standards that allow outside developers to create mobile products that will run on Verizon's CDMA-based network. Any device meeting the criteria will be approved for use, and will allow consumers to run any application they choose.

Customers will be able to activate devices either online or by calling an 800 number set up by Verizon. Otherwise, responsibility for troubleshooting problems with devices or applications will rest with device makers themselves.

Verizon intends to host a conference early next year to explain standards and receive input from the development community on how best to meet consumer needs. In seeking to attract developers to create new devices and applications for its network, Verizon will be competing with Google's planned Android platform.

Google has already begun offering cash prizes to developers who come up with applications that are included its own mobile platform. The first Android-powered phone is scheduled to come out in the latter half of 2008 from T-Mobile.

During the conference call, John Stratton, chief marketing officer for Verizon Communications, said the company's move toward open access has no bearing on whether it will join Google's Open Handset Alliance of more than 30 carriers and device makers. But he added that any devices or applications created for the Android platform would not necessarily be precluded from using them on Verizon's network.

Some mobile analysts speculated yesterday that Verizon's initiative was prompted--at least in part--by the open access rules built into the upcoming auction of 700MHz wireless spectrum. The rules are intended to increase consumer choice on devices and applications used on the new spectrum. Google and various activist groups pushed for adoption of open access rules by the Federal Communications Commission.

But McAdam denies that regulatory pressure had any influence over its decision to open up its network. "What goes on Capitol Hill or what's being discussed about potential 700MHz rules really doesn't play into this," he says. "It's really focused on meeting customers' needs."

Analysts said the move could position Verizon well to expand its offerings while maintaining its traditional closed network. "Verizon Wireless' upside is that it will sell services to users that it wouldn't have had access to in its more traditional development and distribution model," said William Ho, a wireless analyst for technology research firm Current Analysis.

But they say questions still remain about how Verizon will monetize its open access business model and what impact it will have on quality of network service. "More devices mean more network usage, which means degradation of quality," wrote Om Malik, founder of the popular GigaOm technology blog. "Will Verizon keep investing ginormous amounts of money to keep the moniker, "America's most reliable network"?

Source:http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=71669

Monday, December 17, 2007

Conference Call Tips: A Common Sense Guide

No matter how often you speak on conference calls, a simple reminder or look at do's and don'ts can assist you with your next conference call. These conference call tips have been proven to eliminate annoyances and help you to convey the professionalism you desire. We will take a look at some conference call mistakes and how to avoid them. 1.Never use a cell phone to join a conference call. The only exception being if you are inside a car and everyone on the call knows you will be joining from the road. 2.Make sure the phone you are using has no static or other interference. There's nothing more distracting than someone's phone emitting strange noises, detracting from the year end review. 3.If you are a work from home employee, plan on immobilizing yourself for the duration of the call. Don't wash the dishes while the boss is detailing the fiscal year finances. It can really dry up your career potential if they hear that water splashing. 4.Know your devices. If you're using a speakerphone, know what buttons to push to mute the speaker. In fact, use the mute button to eliminate the chance of your coffee spilling onto your laptop and the explicative flying from your mouth. If you're using a headset, become accustomed to it before doing your first conference call. Know how the mute button works and test it out. It's better to be prepared then telling everyone how miserable you are on the call, when you thought only your coworker would hear. 5.Know the times and agenda for each meeting before calling in to the call. This conference call tips will help you to stay focused throughout the call and not talk about something unrelated, when you believed you were involved on a different call. 6.Take notes, but try to do it on paper, not with the clacking of the laptop keys resounding in the speakerphone. If you must use your laptop, mute the microphone until you need to be heard. After all, you can't take notes while you're speaking. 7.If there are a lot of people on the conference call, introduce yourself when you speak. It can be done without much formality, but its better they know who is sharing the golden idea, before someone else slips in to take credit. There are many conference call tips that can assist you in dealing with behaviors and appearances. It is important to remember to use common sense. The best conference call tips come from knowing yourself and your own limitations. By being professional, courteous, and insightful on the conference call, the rest will just fall into place.

Source:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/articles-directory/writing/article-writing/conference-call-tips-a-common-sense-guide.html

Conference Call Tips: A Common Sense Guide

No matter how often you speak on conference calls, a simple reminder or look at do's and don'ts can assist you with your next conference call. These conference call tips have been proven to eliminate annoyances and help you to convey the professionalism you desire. We will take a look at some conference call mistakes and how to avoid them. 1.Never use a cell phone to join a conference call. The only exception being if you are inside a car and everyone on the call knows you will be joining from the road. 2.Make sure the phone you are using has no static or other interference. There's nothing more distracting than someone's phone emitting strange noises, detracting from the year end review. 3.If you are a work from home employee, plan on immobilizing yourself for the duration of the call. Don't wash the dishes while the boss is detailing the fiscal year finances. It can really dry up your career potential if they hear that water splashing. 4.Know your devices. If you're using a speakerphone, know what buttons to push to mute the speaker. In fact, use the mute button to eliminate the chance of your coffee spilling onto your laptop and the explicative flying from your mouth. If you're using a headset, become accustomed to it before doing your first conference call. Know how the mute button works and test it out. It's better to be prepared then telling everyone how miserable you are on the call, when you thought only your coworker would hear. 5.Know the times and agenda for each meeting before calling in to the call. This conference call tips will help you to stay focused throughout the call and not talk about something unrelated, when you believed you were involved on a different call. 6.Take notes, but try to do it on paper, not with the clacking of the laptop keys resounding in the speakerphone. If you must use your laptop, mute the microphone until you need to be heard. After all, you can't take notes while you're speaking. 7.If there are a lot of people on the conference call, introduce yourself when you speak. It can be done without much formality, but its better they know who is sharing the golden idea, before someone else slips in to take credit. There are many conference call tips that can assist you in dealing with behaviors and appearances. It is important to remember to use common sense. The best conference call tips come from knowing yourself and your own limitations. By being professional, courteous, and insightful on the conference call, the rest will just fall into place.

Source:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/articles-directory/writing/article-writing/conference-call-tips-a-common-sense-guide.html

Advantages and Disadvantages of Conference Calling

As businesses evaluate the type of conference calling that is right for them they will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. In this article we will evaluate and compare the three major types of conference calls including audio, web, and video conferencing.

The biggest advantage, for many companies, in choosing audio or web conferencing over video conferencing is the cost. Audio conferencing tends to be the cheapest. Virtually the only costs involved when choosing audio conferencing is the cost of a telephone and then the charge of a long distance call. Many companies already have phones with a built-in speakerphone and if not they can be purchased for as little as $100.

However there are disadvantages in choosing audio conferencing as well. The first distinct disadvantage is that businesses lose personal relations when all they hear is a colleague's voice. Jokes and remarks can be taken the wrong way or be offending when those involved can not see a caller's smile of facial expression. Another disadvantage to audio conferencing is that the quality of the call declines as additional locations are added. When several parties are involved the chance of two of them talking at the same time are great and neither of them will have their thoughts heard.

Web conferencing offers its rewards and shortcomings as well. While web conferencing can be free, it is usually in the companies best interest to choose to pay a little more to avoid annoying ads and pop ups. Web conferencing is especially useful for business calls that involve viewing digital files because these files can be sent in an instant via email to all parties involved. Documents can be viewed, analyzed and returned so they can be discussed all at once rather than waiting and communicating through mail or several phone calls. Web conferencing also allows more than one person to talk or type at once without going unheard.

Like any type of conference calling though, web conferencing also has its disadvantages. One of these down sides is that, again, it is difficult to gauge a person's seriousness or humor in a comment. There is no personality in a typed sentence. It is also difficult for those who are uncomfortable with technology to use web conferencing efficiently.

Finally the biggest advantage to video conferencing is that it offers a visual connection with the other attendees. When using video conferencing callers are able to view each other on a TV screen and hear each other through the speaker system. Associates are able to hear each other's voices, put a voice to a face, and understand each other's joke and comments. Financially, the cost of video conferencing is quite a bit higher due to the equipment that is involved. If equipment is not high quality it can also be limiting because the video feed can be jerky or delayed. Whatever type a business chooses, every type of conference call has it ups and downs.

Source:http://www.articlecircle.com/technology/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-conference-calling.html

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Multiple Conference Call Options Can Best Serve the Organization

It should be a given that communication within the enterprise is an important element. After all, one of the first things installed when opening a new office is the telephone. In the enterprise of today, planners must look at more than just this traditional communication channel to allow for a conference call to be made.

Organizations throughout the world operate as global corporations with offices, employees and customers located anywhere and everywhere. Often, the telephone can serve as a great means of communication, but in business processes today it is not necessarily the first. Instead, the corporation must be structured such that the communication channel, like a conference call can be selected to fit the communication need.

A Conference Call is especially handy when trying to conduct meetings or training sessions with dispersed employees. Organizations have found that significant costs can be cut in travel budgets by bringing together key employees on a conference call using teleconferencing platforms to conduct meetings or training sessions. With a conference call, the platform helps to facilitate team work and increased participation, without incurring travel costs.

As beneficial as a conference call can be, organizations must also rely on a video conference call to realize advanced benefits. With a video conference call, each member of the meeting can interact visually as well as audibly, and capture non-verbal communication, in addition to verbal communication while allowing participants to feel more valuable as a part of the team. In addition, a video conference call can play a key role in communicating with distant or overseas clients who desire a more hands-on relationship.

The enterprise can also take advantage of web conferencing options for their conference calls. Such a platform can deliver all of the benefits of teleconferencing, while also facilitating web interactions for live, interactive presentations. For those meeting or training participants who want a chance to review the content, it can be available online for reference or to be used again.

With so many options in communications, it can be challenging for the organization to select just one. The good news is that only selecting one will limit the organization’s ability to communicate in the method that best suits the meeting and its audience and the best method is to offer more than one option.

Take for instance the CEO who must sit it on the year-end meeting to appease board members and ensure the company is ready to release its quarterly reports. The CEO is actually vacationing in Mexico and the meeting is scheduled in the middle of his beach time. He can still adequately participate in the conference call via teleconferencing, but is likely to dislike the video conferencing option as he is sporting his latest beach wear.

While this example may be a little less likely, communicating with a client who prefers not to be on video is quite possible. Having the ability to offer this client their preferred method of communication is essential to making him or her feel comfortable – a key element to winning and maintaining his or her business.

For the most complete selection of conferencing tools available, organizations must turn to a vendor who can provide what they need and when they need it. A proven solutions provider can help to best identify those needs and the solutions to have in place to promote positive and productive communications. It is the necessary evil of the business world – and a great way to get things done.

Source:http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/conference-call/articles/15767-multiple-conference-call-options-best-serve-organization.htm

Friday, December 14, 2007

Conference Calling Services Extra Features

Choosing a conference calling service is not always simple as there are many types and options available. The type conference calling service a business chooses will need to fit their requirements and help their business to run more efficiently. The number and form of added options will also have to fit their needs bus also fit into their budget. A company should always remember that when choosing a service it should be what they need not what they desire. Conference calling features can add up and businesses don't need to break the bank when choosing them.

First, a company will need to choose which type of conference calling service is best for them. Un-moderated, pre-arrange conference is a popular option for smaller companies who do not use conferencing very often. When conferencing calling needs are low this type of service is extremely economical because it charges by the minute per participant. There is also the option of instant access conference calling which allows companies that use conferencing calling services frequently to not have to arrange the meeting in advance. When using this type of conference calling service a moderator is issued call-in numbers and room-access numbers that can be handed out and dialed in at a moment's notice. However, there are some limitations to instant access conference calling including limits set on the number of attendees. Also, there are not many add-on options available with instant access conferencing.

After choosing a type of conference calling service, businesses also have the option of adding extra features that can help enhance their conference calling needs. One of the most common add-on features is a meeting entry announcement function. When using this function, anyone who dials into the call will need to record their name prior to being admitted into the conferencing room. Once they are admitted their recorded name will play so all participant will know who is present.

Another popular add-on feature is combining voice conferencing with web conferencing, which includes not just hosting the conference call through the internet but adding a visual component. This visual component allows participants to follow along with a slide show presentation, discussion of a document or other graphic representation. This feature is especially beneficial to companies who have employees that travel often or companies that need to share data with associates across the globe.

A third add-on feature for conference calling services is the ability to record conference calls. Some services offer playback over the web which is available almost instantly after the meeting. Other services send recordings as a data file that need to be downloaded in order to play it back on a computer. Depending on your businesses needs some services can also provide a tape or CD of the recording. When choosing these extra add-on features make sure you keep in mind the budget and needs of your company. There is no need to spend money on a feature that will not be utilized regularly.

Source:http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Conference-Calling-Services-Extra-Features/92612

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Conference Call Tips: A Common Sense Guide

No matter how often you speak on conference calls, a simple reminder or look at do's and don'ts can assist you with your next conference call. These conference call tips have been proven to eliminate annoyances and help you to convey the professionalism you desire. We will take a look at some conference call mistakes and how to avoid them.

1.Never use a cell phone to join a conference call. The only exception being if you are inside a car and everyone on the call knows you will be joining from the road.

2.Make sure the phone you are using has no static or other interference. There's nothing more distracting than someone's phone emitting strange noises, detracting from the year end review.

3.If you are a work from home employee, plan on immobilizing yourself for the duration of the call. Don't wash the dishes while the boss is detailing the fiscal year finances. It can really dry up your career potential if they hear that water splashing.

4.Know your devices. If you're using a speakerphone, know what buttons to push to mute the speaker. In fact, use the mute button to eliminate the chance of your coffee spilling onto your laptop and the explicative flying from your mouth. If you're using a headset, become accustomed to it before doing your first conference call. Know how the mute button works and test it out. It's better to be prepared then telling everyone how miserable you are on the call, when you thought only your coworker would hear.

5.Know the times and agenda for each meeting before calling in to the call. This conference call tips will help you to stay focused throughout the call and not talk about something unrelated, when you believed you were involved on a different call.

6.Take notes, but try to do it on paper, not with the clacking of the laptop keys resounding in the speakerphone. If you must use your laptop, mute the microphone until you need to be heard. After all, you can't take notes while you're speaking.

7.If there are a lot of people on the conference call, introduce yourself when you speak. It can be done without much formality, but its better they know who is sharing the golden idea, before someone else slips in to take credit.

There are many conference call tips that can assist you in dealing with behaviors and appearances. It is important to remember to use common sense. The best conference call tips come from knowing yourself and your own limitations. By being professional, courteous, and insightful on the conference call, the rest will just fall into place.

Source:http://www.affordableconferencing.com/conference_call_tips.htm

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

NoiseFree VoIP Enterprise Package Provides Significant Cost Discounts for Volume IT and Mobile Professional Teams

Noise Free, a leading provider of next generation software to enhance voice communications, announced today that it has created a new corporate pricing plan for its newly released noise free VoIP (call quality management software). The new noise free VoIP Enterprise plan gives large volume users a cost effective means to provide mobile personnel with call quality assurance solutions regardless of employee location and is offered in response to ever-growing requests from corporate customers.

"NoiseFree VoIP has proven to be a very effective tool for our company," said Bob Scarborough, President of Tensoft, (a multi-national software company serving semiconductor, software, and technology companies all over the world). "We make a lot of VoIP calls to a large division in India as well as customers and suppliers throughout Asia. Telecommunications is a critical component of customer satisfaction so we are using VoIP extensively. NoiseFree VoIP installed in our PCs and laptops has improved our call quality by removing background noise at both ends of our two party calls and our conference calls and we are very pleased with the results."

NoiseFree VoIP Enterprise is and easy-to-implement way to improve the quality of service for VoIP personal calls and VoIP conference calls. NoiseFree VoIP was launched as a beta version in October and the GA version was released in November and is available for individual download and purchase at the Noise Free Already more than three thousand users have downloaded the software application and Enterprise IT management is beginning to recognize the benefit of providing noise cancellation and the ability to boost voice signals for all VoIP based call services.

Since VoIP has no native noise cancellation or noise cancellation standard, NoiseFree VoIP provides a significant reduction in background noise which often hinders a VoIP call. Customers have marveled at the way in which the software reduces or eliminates such disturbances as PC/server fan noise, traffic and automobile noise, and many other types of noise that were prevalent in their VoIP calls from both home and office.

NoiseFree VoIP utilizes patented technology to deliver unrivaled transmit signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement in excess of 15dB, ensuring that callers can be heard clearly regardless of background noise environments including airport traffic, street noise and sirens, loud crowds, and even espresso machines. Noise in excess of 80dB is reduced or eliminated with the software. 80-85dB noise levels are prevalent in very loud restaurants where even a face to face conversation is difficult and around operating machinery such as tractors, airplanes, among others. For best results, both callers should install NoiseFree VoIP in their computers.

Noise Free VoIP Features-- Patent pending noise cancellation technology that detects and suppresses background noise to enhance user speech clarity -- Speech intelligibility enhancement -- Advanced Voice Activity Detection -- User-friendly installation -- Readily available through download -- Low power consumption -- Wide band codec

NoiseFree VoIP supports a wide variety of VoIP Software and Services Yahoo Messenger(TM), Google Talk(TM) and Soft Phones. It has been tested and is compatible with Windows(TM) XP and Vista (32 bit).

Source:http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,239914.shtml

Monday, December 10, 2007

Multiple Conference Call Options Can Best Serve the Organization

It should be a given that communication within the enterprise is an important element. After all, one of the first things installed when opening a new office is the telephone. In the enterprise of today, planners must look at more than just this traditional communication channel to allow for a conference call to be made.

Organizations throughout the world operate as global corporations with offices, employees and customers located anywhere and everywhere. Often, the telephone can serve as a great means of communication, but in business processes today it is not necessarily the first. Instead, the corporation must be structured such that the communication channel, like a conference call can be selected to fit the communication need.

A Conference Call is especially handy when trying to conduct meetings or training sessions with dispersed employees. Organizations have found that significant costs can be cut in travel budgets by bringing together key employees on a conference call using teleconferencing platforms to conduct meetings or training sessions. With a conference call, the platform helps to facilitate team work and increased participation, without incurring travel costs.

As beneficial as a conference call can be, organizations must also rely on a video conference call to realize advanced benefits. With a video conference call, each member of the meeting can interact visually as well as audibly, and capture non-verbal communication, in addition to verbal communication while allowing participants to feel more valuable as a part of the team. In addition, a video conference call can play a key role in communicating with distant or overseas clients who desire a more hands-on relationship.

The enterprise can also take advantage of web conferencing options for their conference calls. Such a platform can deliver all of the benefits of teleconferencing, while also facilitating web interactions for live, interactive presentations. For those meeting or training participants who want a chance to review the content, it can be available online for reference or to be used again.

With so many options in communications, it can be challenging for the organization to select just one. The good news is that only selecting one will limit the organization’s ability to communicate in the method that best suits the meeting and its audience and the best method is to offer more than one option.

Take for instance the CEO who must sit it on the year-end meeting to appease board members and ensure the company is ready to release its quarterly reports. The CEO is actually vacationing in Mexico and the meeting is scheduled in the middle of his beach time. He can still adequately participate in the conference call via teleconferencing, but is likely to dislike the video conferencing option as he is sporting his latest beach wear.

While this example may be a little less likely, communicating with a client who prefers not to be on video is quite possible. Having the ability to offer this client their preferred method of communication is essential to making him or her feel comfortable – a key element to winning and maintaining his or her business.

For the most complete selection of conferencing tools available, organizations must turn to a vendor who can provide what they need and when they need it. A proven solutions provider can help to best identify those needs and the solutions to have in place to promote positive and productive communications. It is the necessary evil of the business world – and a great way to get things done.

Source:http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/conference-call/articles/15767-multiple-conference-call-options-best-serve-organization.htm

Friday, December 7, 2007

Three Forms Of Conference Calling Services

All businesses, be it a small business or a world wide business, are beginning to use conference calling. What is a conference call service and what different forms of them are there? Below you will find the definition of a conference calling service and the different forms of them.

Conference calling services have revolutionized the way that businesses are run and have now allowed businesses to be ran all over the world from one place. This means that customers, associates, and even business partners are now able to communicate without having to travel half way around the world!

There are three main forms of conference calling and they are: audio conferencing, web conferencing, and video conferencing.

The most popular form of conference calling used is audio conferencing. The reason this is the most popular form is because it has been around for the longest and its cost effectiveness saves the company money. This is also the easiest form to use because all you need is a telephone. The only problem businesses have found is they are unable to see the people they are talking with and they are unable to see any images or information instantly.

The newest of the three forms of conferencing is web conferencing. This form of conferencing uses webcams to broadcast the conference over the internet. The biggest bonus of this conference is that all the participants are able to send all files, text messages, and visual aids instantly so that all participants are able to see them. The great thing about web conferencing is that you get all the great benefits of audio and video conferencing and you gain the ability to share files instantly.

The third form of conference calling is video conferencing. This is probably the most expensive of all the forms because of the cost of the equipment which means only the big companies use this form. Changes in technology have brought the cost down a little bit allowing smaller companies to use this form but many try to avoid it. To perform a video conference call you need to have a television and a camera on every end of the call which allows all of the members to hear and see each other but it is expensive. Video conferencing is effective if you plan to hold meetings frequently but you should expect to have many problems with equipment.

Those are the three forms of conference calling services that businesses can choose from.