VOIP is the current buzzword and its exact meaning can be confusing as it does cover a wide range of technologies. Some Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) providers offer just a phone line that allows for cheap calls. Some offer free calls between its users, some offer a few added extras. All this can be done because they use the internet to transfer the information.

A VOIP PBX allows you to control exactly how your calls will be routed. A PBX server ( a fairly basic computer) sits either at your or our offices (depending on your requirements) and controls the system. IP phones can then be added to your network or to remote offices. When a call comes in the PBX server will then route it to the correct phone. This routing can be as simple as a direct dial or use any of the following to determine were the call ends up

• IVR (virtual receptionist)
• Callers phone number
• Time conditions
• Queue conditions (rotate agents to answer the call)
• Repeating Announcement
• Ring Groups (multiple phones ringing simultaneously)

The clever bit is that the extensions can be anywhere, at your office, in another country or even a mobile phone or another POT (plain old telephone) number.

On top of all this the following services can also be added (at no extra cost)

• Voice Mail (including remote and online access)
• Call redirecting and forwarding (including mobiles)
• Outlook Intergration
• Conference Calling
• Customised Hold music or speech
• Phone Number/Caller ID look up
• External ring in (allows mobile users to ring customers using your phone number )

Customised applications can also be written if required. In short if you want your phone to do it the chances are VOIP can do it.