In some situations if you are unable to handle severe file system and hard drive problems, you need data recovery solutions. The wide range of data recovery software, file repair, password recovery and email migration tools are available retrieving your inaccessible data. There are several data recovery companies which offer data recovery software and tools that are easy to use and cost effective. The data recovery software helps to quickly recover the important data or file from damaged hard drive and guaranteed to provide accurate and secure data recovery. You just need to get appropriate data recovery software that support file system and operating system.

Hard drive data recovery

The hard drives are the dynamic storage devices and human errors are the real threat for hard drive breakdown. Hard drive failure usually occur due to wear and tear, software damaged or any virus. Hard drive data recovery experts recuperate the lost data by restructuring the platters and the structure of the hard drive. There is also variety of hard drive data recovery software that helps you to solve the problem itself. Hard Drive Recovery software is the best option to handle logical data loss situations. Hard drive data recovery software are designed to have excellent capabilities to scan and extract lost data from affected hard drives.

How data recovery services are helpful?

The data recovery software may vary from operating system to operating system and file system to file system. When your data is lost or inaccessible, you need a fast and reliable data recovery services.

1. Data recovery services saves lot of time and effort.
2. The data recovery services provider prevents the critical data loss by safely back up your data to their online servers.
3. Data recovery services are the most effective and economical way to recover valuable data or files.
4. Data recovery solutions ensure the comprehensive recovery of lost data, emails and tasks.
5. They work hard to recover the lost data by using specialist data recovery techniques.
6. Data recovery services provider advice the ways on protection of data or information.

Five Rivers provides easier and cheaper data recovery solutions to protect your data against any loss and can recover from damaged hard drives, all operating systems, emails etc. We have wealth of experience and facility to recover data from all storage devices. We offer various data recovery services including daily backups, hard drive data recovery, email recovery, data centre recovery, network recovery to highly secure your critical data on individual or entire networks. We offer fast, professional and cost-effective data recovery solution with advanced data recovery services.

Author Info:
Smith Jolene has written many articles for Five Rivers that meets all the IT Support requirements for business continuity. In this article, he has explained about Fiverivers effective and secure Data recovery services including Email Recovery solution.

 

Online Tech Support

Online tech support through email, online chat or remote desktop connection is quite comprehensive service without considering the obvious choice of support through a phone call. Remote desktop connection is a method by which the PC user grants the control of his computer to a technician by making use of internet. Software connects the two computers and its control is completely enjoyed by the technician. He can even reboot the computer if such a need arose.

Computer Tech Help for Anti-Virus Support

Online computer security is maintained by PC technicians by taking some of the following steps:

Firewall Issues – Installation and configuration
Updating the security of firewall after evaluating the potential threats
Set up Online Virus Scanner
Scheduling Virus Scans at regular intervals

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the services under computer tech help as the computer support hardly excludes any problem if the service provider chosen by you is credible with years of experience.

 

Computer Troubleshooting Service Plans

If you are looking for computer tech help to relieve you from having anything to do with your PC except working or having a good time, take the unlimited service plan of annual payment provided by some companies. You only need to pay once and Microsoft certified technicians will be available 24×7 to help you sort out your problems with their prompt phone or online tech support.

Computer tech help provided by these computer support companies is a must for those folks who have very little technical understanding or they simply do not have the inclination to get their heads into it. You can search for “online computer support” on Google and look for PC experts who give support on all kinds of issues of the PC. Computer tech help is available anytime by making a call or through online chats.

Cloud computing, as pioneered by the Google Apps suite, is the name of the game for small business computer network services in Manhattan. But what is cloud computing? And what does it mean for your computer network services (http://www.uptimeus.com/Services/systems-integration.html) and IT security?

Cloud-based Network Services Save NYC Companies Money

At its core, cloud computing is all about virtualization—of infrastructure, applications and even security.  This cloud-based NYC IT infrastructure benefits small businesses in particular because it offers consolidation of servers, applications and even operating systems. This translates into IT efficiency and significant IT cost savings: your team can begin working immediately with cutting edge collaboration and presentation tools from diverse locations without investing a lot of money in computer network services.

But cloud computing, in conjunction with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the ilk, are also exposing NYC small business computer networks to an unprecedented number of security risks.

Does Virtualization Make Manhattan Computer Networks Vulnerable to Hacking?

At the heart of the issue is the very thing that makes virtualization so attractive to begin with: everything is linked. This means, on the most basic level, that if your employees’ email account is hacked (as was recently the gmail account of Twitter founder Ev Williams), your process and management systems, servers, Docs, Calendar, and Contacts are also compromised.

Unfortunately, while more and more companies are adopting virtual collaboration tools and cloud-based network services, only a portion of these businesses are simultaneously adopting virtualized security measures.

“You can’t simply rely on your existing New York network security infrastructure, although making sure traditional security measures and maintenance plans are in effect before adopting any sort of cloud-based strategies is a good idea, says Einat Aviraz-Sibony, President of Manhattan IT services firm UPTIME. (http://www.uptimeus.com)  “Because in essence, the basic IT security concepts are the same: data protection, identity and access, and business continuity.”

But as you take your team to the cloud, you need cloud-based security measures to protect your NYC-based computer network. And a number of security vendors are reworking their current applications to fill the current gap: Check Point, for example, has a new WebCheck feature that protects browsers from known malicious sites and analyses unknown sites for potential damage.

Virtualization will bring your team’s capabilities to a new level without overtaxing your IT budget, but keeping an eye on web-based security as it emerges warrants your attention. If you outsource your computer network services, make sure your provider performs routine virus detections and inoculations and ask them to check if your Software as a Service (SaaS) vendor—like a Google Apps reseller–offers the Novell Cloud Security Service, the newest in cloud security offerings.

The computer is not required,but the network resources are required. The same protocols or rules that are used for sending data over the internet is used for sending voice transmissions. Data is usually sent over the web in packets. With VOIP, these packets also include the both the sender’s and the receivers MAC or Media Access Control address, along with the voice signal.

Advantages of VOIP

There are many advantages of using VOIP over traditional POTS or Plain Old Telephone Systems. VOIP can be used to make free phone calls.

Because VOIP uses packets, more information can be sent over the network. The data can be compressed, which now uses less space and time, resulting in lower transmission costs.
More dynamic routing to others routs if the selected rout is unavailable.
VOIP works over all kinds of networks, and with any IP enabled device such iPhone, iPads and others.
VOIP is much faster
VOIP can integrate all other forms of communications including videoconferencing and audio streaming.
VOIP runs on computer lines and no other additional lines are required.

It is not outside the realm of possibility to expect that VOIP will eventually replace the traditional telephone systems. The easiest way to use VOIP is calling on your computer. All that is required is the software,a microphone,speakers and sound card along with your internet connection.

VOIP also offers the ability to check voice mail via the Web or to attach messages to an e-mail, which is sent to your computer or handheld device.

Some disadvantages of using VOIP

One of the biggest disadvantages of VOIP is the reliability. VOIP relies on electrical power to keep circuits running. No power to your computer, means it cannot work unless it includes battery operation such as a laptop. This can be easily overcome by using VOIP on mobile devices.

VOIP may also depend on the specification and power of your computer.

When VOIP uses an Internet connection, it may become susceptible to all the effects normally associated with home broadband services. These can include packet loss, jitter and other factors that affect call quality. There are also some misguided beliefs about VOIP that may be slowing widespread adoption.

VOIP does not run only on the Internet: The term VOIP includes internet, but what VOIP really uses is not the Internet itself, but the protocol or the set of rules for governing how transmission is handled.

POTS may be cheaper and faster
Suspect quality
911 calls may not work
VOIP call can be intercepted.

It is important to remember that VOIP service is still offered by providers and not all providers offer the same level and quality of service. You should try to find the best VOIP Service to suit you particular situation.

If you already have Hi speed Internet, it will be an easier addition to add VOIP services, if they are provided. The Best VOIP Services should also include additional features such as call waiting, call forwarding and videoconferencing at no extra cost.

oip may eventually replace other methods of telephony and it is increasingly important to adopt the best VOIP services now

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The first thing you need to realize is that not all VOIP services are created equally. One of the limiting factors is your high-speed Internet connection, since that will be used for your home VOIP to make and receive calls. VOIP will work reliably with DSL or cable (or better), but is not recommended if all you have is a satellite high-speed Internet connection, and VOIP is not recommended if you have access only to a wireless connection.

The vast majority of problems with VOIP from virtually any VOIP provider comes down to a lack of a reliable high-speed Internet connection. Your Internet provider may CLAIM you are getting reliable service and a fast connection, but if you are having trouble getting something as simple as VOIP to work on it, then they are blowing smoke at you and it may be time to look for another Internet provider. In terms of the Internet connection part of VOIP, that is just about as simple as things will ever get, and your Internet provider should be able to handle it. If they cannot, they may have purposely blocked it because they want to sell you VOIP services themselves … at twice the price!

Now you need to determine what VOIP features you need. Almost all the VOIP providers and VOIP plans provider caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting, so let’s see what else needs to be considered, and this is where things start to differ and get quite interesting.

Almost all of them offer unlimited long distance calling in the continental US. But do you call Canada a lot, or make frequent calls to Puerto Rico? If so, there are VOIP providers who include Canada and Puerto Rico in their unlimited calling plans.

Do you have friends, perhaps your parents or a sibling that you talk to a lot but they do not have VOIP? Is it the case where they call you frequently? You may wish to consider a plan that includes a virtual number or where you can get a virtual number cheaply. A virtual number is a phone number in that city. Say you live in Detroit so you of course have a Detroit phone number on your VOIP phone. Say you talk to your sister a lot in Houston who does not have a VOIP phone. You can get a Houston phone number in addition to your Detroit phone number, so now your sister can make a LOCAL call to your Houston number, and when she does, your VOIP phone at your home in Detroit will ring so it doesn’t cost her anything! Is that cool or what?

Determine your needs and then start comparing VOIP features to see which VOIP provider offers the most bang for the bucks, based on what you need. Don’t pay extra for VOIP services that you will only use once in a blue moon.

Well, it can be said that VoIP is gaining popularity over conventional public switch telephony network. Branded VoIP resellers are considered as intermediaries between VoIP providers and end users. VoIP resellers avails some portion of VoIP switch from VoIP service providers and give it to end users. Thus, it can be said that relationship with VoIP provider and reseller is a one-step opportunity to connect with the best carriers. Before selecting a VoIP provider, any reseller must opt for the provider that gives more features and services.

VoIP telephony reseller platform is best suitable for those business houses that have strong client base spread in their geographical area. Well, with good customer base, efficient and sound sales department is mandatory for venturing in VoIP services. So, without spending more on setting up infrastructure or investing in capital, resellers have an ability to terminate over 20, 000 calls. Moreover, for being a VoIP reseller, one must have a deep knowledge of VoIP.

Reseller of VoIP provide high speed of Internet access and allow end user to make more than one call at any time. To improve the efficiency of resources, VoIP resellers allows it’s end users to share data, video and voice through single line. Besides that, VoIP reseller services enable users to access long distance or international calls at cheaper rates. To consider reseller’s benefit, VoIP providers offer two different VoIP resellers program. Standard and white label or premium VoIP reseller program provides various advantages to end users.

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Recently, my neighbor asked me about how to call international long distance with no-minute charge. He also was interested in learning how to lower his home phone bill. I told him about a phone system called VoIP that would benefit his interest. This article is a brief information to introduce VoIP to you.

First, do you know how many people are using VoIP services? Here are interesting numbers… In 2007 there were almost 65 million worldwide voip subscribers. In the USA, over 16 million US VoIP subscribers, with continue to grow 6-8 million new subscribers every year, about 24 million US VoIP subscribers expected by 2008. By 2010 , US VoIP Subscribers will reach 44 millions, and the number of worldwide subscribers is predicted to rise to over 197 millions.

So what is VoIP – VoIP is standing for ” Voice over Internet Protocol “. VoIP also is referred to as Internet Telephony, IP Telephony, or Voice over the Internet, VoIP Telephone, Broadband Telephony, Broadband Phone, Voice over Broadband, or simply Internet Phone.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a protocol optimized for the transmission of voice hrough the Internet or other switched networks. It’s described as the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks, a unique technology that allows us to make calls using a broadband Internet connection ( through broadband modem ) instead of a regular (analog) phone line. At first, the Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking systems. Later, with its success in data networking field and the explosion of Internet Era, the IP has been developed in voice networking and nowadays it is bringing us the most profit in this field. VoIP has become more and more popular because of the cost advantages to consumers compares to traditional telephone networks.

A brief explanation on how does VOIP work? – The traditional phone system is using analog phone signals to deliver and receive calls, with VoIP system, it’s using digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. If you have quality Internet connection – DSL (digital subscriber line), described as High Speed Internet Service which makes fast Internet connection ) you can get phone service delivered through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company. In basics, here is how system works:

PC to PC: Computer connects to Broadband Modem connects to Internet connects to Broadband Modem connects to Computer

PC to Phone: Computer connects to Broadband Modem connects to Internet connects to Telephone Network connects to Telephone

Phone to Phone ( using Router ): Telephone connects to Phone Adaptor connects to Router connects to Broadband Modem connects to Internet connects to Telephone Network connects to Telephone

Benefits of using VoIP: There are two major reasons to use VoIP: Low Cost and More Profits

Low Cost: Phone services via VoIP costs less than equivalent services from analog systems. With the traditional analog phone services, users pay a flat monthly fee for the service, and pay other fee for long distance call service plus per-minute charge. With VoIP, the users who already have High Speed Internet service (DSL), can take advantage by using VoIP over this service – Many VoIP Service Providers allow you enjoy unlimited in-network calling – it means you can call any other in-network customer without charge. Other companies allow you to call any number, including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. For International calling, the users who using VoIP can get big savings with lower rates. Depends on each VoIP service offer, you can enjoy unlimited calling worldwide to many destinations for a flat monthly fee with no minute charge or low rates.

More Profits – Compares to analog phone networks, VoIP has more advantage functions. You can make calls from your personal computer to other’s computer or other’s regular phone, or you can make calls directly from your regular phone to other’s regular phone. Besides, The digital signals let you enjoy high quality voice and many advantage services such as Voice Mail, Caller ID, 3-Way Calling, Call Waiting, Speed Dial, Repeat Dial, Do Not Disturb, Call Forwarding, Emergency 911 Service, Online Account Management, Virtual Calling Card, access the service to your cell phone…

Further more, Incoming phone calls are automatically routed to your VoIP phone where ever you plug it into the network, so you can take your VoIP phone with you on a trip, around the world – anywhere you can connect it to the High Speed Internet, you can call and receive your incoming calls anytime. The VoIP Router can be set up anywhere with High Speed Internet, it provides you the advantage of savings. For example, a VoIP provider allows you get the US number and connect the router outside of the US. So when you call to that number, just like you call locals, and the person who is in other country calls you by using this service ( connected through router ) just pay a very small charge per minute, or sometimes it’s free.

It is not just businesses who lose data; data loss can affect anyone who does not back up their data and test the backups regularly. Most modern households own at least one digital camera, these units use small storage devices storing the data (Photographs), the photographs could be parental baby / children growing up. This sort of data cannot be replaced ever.

In the event of data loss many people start to search the internet to seek help or guidance, often unaware that if they are using a PC with the same data which has been lost, that they themselves are actually overwriting data. Thus harming their own chances of a recovery.

It is better for anyone suffering from lost or damaged data to seek the help of a professional data recovery company. Many companies offer hard drive data recovery services to recover users damaged data. The extent of recovery is dependent on the state of the storage media, lost data recovery services tend to be logical recoveries which are simple. Damaged data recovery is a much more difficult process although not impossible. In the event of any data loss do not use the storage media at all, if it is on a laptop or PC then turn it off until you speak with a professional.

As the population grows, the electronic storage market also grows, you will find many hard disk data recovery companies globally, usually there is a hard drive data recovery company in most cities these days.

Does your homework call the company and test them out, make sure they know what they are talking about, ask them for contact details or reference from customer who will recommend their services. When you are seeking professional help make sure the company is reputable, your damaged data or lost data should be as important to them as it is to you.

The company you choose should also be capable of recovering data from many different storage media devices and file systems.

Some examples of hard drive recovery services offered by your selected company should include RAID recovery, database repair and recovery, physical and logical data recovery. The company should also be familiar with the applications used to create the data such as MS Word, MS Access, SQL, Lotus, Tally there are many other examples, far too many to list here.

The company you have chosen will give you a better level of service if they also are capable of repairing damaged files and reconstructing data, this level of service will also cost more but is worthwhile if you need that data.

Finally your chosen recovery company must be proficient in recovering data from a range of storage devices and be familiar with all major manufacturers.

Hosted VoIP works by using a broadband internet connection. Through this fast connection, internet protocol is created (IP). The internet telephone systems create business communication services which are efficient and very fast. However, an IP connection offers far more features and benefits than normal PSTN lines.

Business communication services are converting more frequently to VoIP services by the day. PBX systems are becoming unnecessary as VoIP services are the favourite of businesses globally. Companies remaining on a PSTN and PBX supported line are literally falling behind in providing adequate services for their clients as they cannot deliver at their potential best. Old technology is restricting their functioning capabilities.

How hosted VoIP works
VoIP business communication services allow subscribers to control their phone systems over the internet through application servers provided by a hosted VoIP service provider. When making a call, voice signals are converted into data packets and sent via a hosted VoIP platform to the PSTN line or VoIP terminal to which the call is being made. When the voice data arrives at the required destination, the system converts the data packets back into voice signals.

The features
A VoIP system can have many branches. This means that the system can have many extensions and lines, carrying usability further. This allows companies to build large communication networks without expensive line rental, as VoIP is run through the internet and over a centralised platform. Receptionists can manage multiple calls through this centralised system if required.

VoIP subscribers are able to exercise much greater control over their phone systems than previously. System controls are run over the internet and allow subscribers to customise their requirements in real time. Training is generally not an issue as the user-friendly features are very easy to navigate. The phone systems are able to follow a user when moving locations through the use of softphones: software functioning as a telephone handset on their computer which does not need to be limited to one location. Calls are also very manageable. A subscriber will be able to choose when, where and from whom they receive calls.

The controls on a VoIP interface can be configured by any user and do not require technicians or specialists. Call-outs are not required and professional VoIP providers will offer a free 24 hour help-line, 365 days per year with qualified and experienced technicians to help with any problems experienced. Companies wishing to manage the controls and user features of a hosted VoIP system can use a tool for managing each branch of a system, usually overseen by IT managers. In addition, detailed billing is offered allowing businesses even greater control and awareness surrounding their subscription.

Voicemail and faxes are easily manageable with hosted VoIP. Voicemails can be listened to through an internet connection or through a normal PSTN phone or converted to emails and sent to an inbox to be listened to when convenient. Similarly, fax messages are converted into data and also sent to the subscriber’s inbox, where the data can be read as well as forwarded on.

The benefits
These features have enabled VoIP systems to become the most successful business communication systems. There are many benefits to using hosted VoIP, especially to users needing superior business communication services.

A business can cut costs drastically by using professional VoIP providers for their communication needs. Calls between VoIP sites are free. Call rates to PSTN lines and cell phones are reduced to far below regular call fees and line rentals are charged at a reduced rate. Because a VoIP subscription is inclusive of services, there are no support fees, saving large sums of money normally spent on call out fees.

Because VoIP lines are flexible and easily managed, businesses can add and subtract extensions at will and configure them in real time without needing support staff. Sites can be moved from one location to another and are not restricted by fixed lines. This enables employees to stay in contact from remote locations across the globe when on business trips or working from home.

SIP Trunking Solutions
Many businesses are heavily reliant on their PBX systems and the switch to VoIP may seem a possible liability to them. The option of a SIP Trunking solution is available to those looking to gain the features and benefits of VoIP services, yet retain the use of their PBX. A SIP Trunking solution works with a PBX which a hosted VoIP line is passed through, giving a business all the benefits of hosted VoIP services yet retaining the use of their original PBX system. This option is perfect as a slow introduction to the benefits of VoIP and necessary features to benefit a business.

Business communication services have certainly evolved into a popular communication service with far greater capabilities than PSTN lines and PBX systems. Through reduced costs, increased functionality and greater control, these improved business services have a far greater ability to offer clients the best service they can give. Communication is a primary factor behind business success, and with VoIP services, companies across the globe have started to experience the true potential of their businesses.

Many consumers still lack the information about VoIP phones and Internet phone service plans they need to make a shift to VoIP. Many will wait until there is a critical mass effect. That’s when a large number of people will shift to VoIP and when VoIP lingo is a common part of people’s vocabulary. Since VoIP operates seamlessly with current phone systems, it’s not a technology that jumps out at people.

Not long ago Google was an obscure web search engine that had little consumer usage. But then Google started to make noise, and it did so with the help of students and web marketers who believed it had something to offer. Now, the word Google is used as a verb and people wonder how they ever got along with its info finding magic. VoIP is starting the same way but still hasn’t found a way to move into mainstream consumer lifestyles. Rest assured though, that VoIP companies are targeting a variety of consumer demographic groups such as teens with cell phones, migrating people to Europe and North America who want to stay in close contact with their relatives back home, and businesses with multiple distant office locations who need inter-office phone communications. For regular home phone users, the value proposition they’re receiving is not as compelling. That will change too as VoIP companies research ways to make that home phone service more valuable to consumers, or to make it unnecessary to keep it.

That critical mass event happens when users believe they have a clear cost savings advantage to make the switch from using their regular telephone service to a VoIP phone service. Being able to dump the home phone would certainly provide a reduction in monthly bills, but consumers aren’t dropping their expensive land lines, even though they may have cable television and cell phone bills to boot. In telecommunications, it seems consumers are over-serviced, and a solution is needed. Internet telephony has that potential to eliminate some of the redundant services, but it hasn’t matured to the point where it can shape the phone services market by itself.

Phone companies in defending themselves, put a fair amount of effort into discussing the possible downside of VoIP and some have even put restrictions on VoIP transmissions to try to thwart VoIP service providers. Old stories of lost calls, garbled voice quality, non functional 911 assistance, and loss of privacy don’t carry much weight anymore though. Quality and technical issues are almost all resolved and the services continue to improve. So, if it’s not technical issues that are preventing widespread VoIP adoption, then what is the problem?

Need to Drop the Land Line

Many consumers won’t adopt a VoIP service until they can drop their current phone company land line completely. Despite the desire to do so, many appear to be resisting eliminating their dependence on the old lines. Most don’t want to be paying for two phone services at the same time, yet they do. A billion people on the planet have cell phones now, so that means there are a lot of phone lines that aren’t necessary, or that are too expensive given the value they offer. As long as phone companies can make customer’s land lines indispensable, or encourage them to stay put, they know their customers won’t switch to VoIP plans. So that leaves many consumers with more than one phone, a home phone and a mobile phone, and it’s costing them a lot of money.

For those who don’t make frequent long distance phone calls, the cost savings from VoIP service plans aren’t compelling enough. However, when you add the cost of the call and line features that phone companies add onto the monthly phone bill, the scenario changes. Call features such as caller ID, call blocking, call waiting, and voice mail, are free with VoIP plans. If these aren’t enough to entice consumers, VoIP companies will certainly look to sweeten the offer. Internet protocol communications are improving all the time and there will be more to offer the consumer such as; services via PDA’s, Blackberries, and IP hard phones connected to WiFi and WiMax services.

Internet Phoning Drawbacks

When VoIP users make a call to another VoIP user, the call is essentially free. However, not everyone has a VoIP-based phone to receive VoIP calls. Many only have their land line or in some cases, a cell phone. That means the call has to go from the Internet into the PSTN or public switched phone system in the destination state or country. This is where the cost of a call shows up. Usually the cost is low for terminating the call to the end user. If the caller is making a long distance call however, this nominal cost is a small sacrifice compared to what they’ll be paying on their traditional home phone service.

High speed DSL customers must have their basic phone service, so as long as they need the high speed Internet connection, they might not switch to VoIP. For cable subscribers, a land line is not needed and VoIP works very well with Cable Internet service. For cable subscribers, the land-based home phone really isn’t needed so the jump to VoIP should be an easy one for cable subscribers. If they aren’t making the leap to VoIP, it might indicate a lack of confidence in cable networks. Most people still have trouble comprehending that a voice telephone call can go through the cable company, or that it will be reliable. Cable companies have come a long way with their technology and networks and are more than capable of providing top notch phone services.

With better education of telecommunications consumers and the presentation of a solid value proposition that offers more than a little cost savings, VoIP will grow steadily. For those with international calling needs, VoIP is already the solution they’re looking for. For small businesses with lots of long distance calling, the savings are even more pronounced. What’s needed is more consumer education. With that, many will finally wean themselves from their dependence on that old analog-based land line telephone and launch into an era of cheap digital phone calls. That day is coming soon as the major phone companies are under increasing pressure to raise the price of local phone service in the face of a major shift to VoIP transmission. Critical mass will occur when price plus features create a force that overcomes consumer’s inertia.