IP Phones

[lisafire]

Hello

I'm trying to define the difference between using digital phones and using IP softphones with a view to functionality (which I think is very similar ?) and reliability/performance (more difficult to quantify, but of the highest importance).
Can anyone tell me where to look for this kind of detail ?

Cheers
Lisa

[Dadi Bhote]

Lisa,

You need Digital networks to be able to use a Digital Phone to its advantage . IP softphones run off computers .

You could look up http://www.iptelephony.org

[lisafire]

Thanks Dadi

Actually I think we'll use VOIP within the call centre so call takers will already be receiving calls over VOIP. The issue I have is whether a softphone or a normal 'hard' telephone will be best for reasons of stability / voice quality / functionality.
I can't find any mention of these issues online.....any suggestions ?

Lisa

[Dadi Bhote]

Lisa,

Computer softphones suffer from the drawback they they depend on the sound card and most headsets do not have noise cancellation and such features required for professional calling. Additionally softphones voice quality has a lot to be desired ( most computer sound cards are not designed for professional voice) Comparatively digital phone instruments have very superior voice quality.

You would do better to use even ordinary analog telephone sets with voice gateway like the Cisco ATA ( among many others) . If you would still rather use a vice feed from the computer , I would say use a USB amplifier with a headset/ telephone set.

The kind of voice quality you can achieve with a good VoIP gateway and good headsets is simply amazing , my experience is that they can match IPLC quality anytime.


Dadi

[Dadi Bhote]

Lisa,

Computer softphones suffer from the drawback they they depend on the sound card and most headsets do not have noise cancellation and such features required for professional calling. Additionally softphones voice quality has a lot to be desired ( most computer sound cards are not designed for professional voice) Comparatively digital phone instruments have very superior voice quality.

You would do better to use even ordinary analog telephone sets with voice gateway like the Cisco ATA ( among many others) . If you would still rather use a vice feed from the computer , I would say use a USB amplifier with a headset/ telephone set.

The kind of voice quality you can achieve with a good VoIP gateway and good headsets is simply amazing , my experience is that they can match IPLC quality anytime.


Dadi

[lisafire]

Cheers Dadi

That helps me out.

Lisa

[Dadi Bhote]

Lisa,

I am a great advocate of VoIP after I have seen it proven and working. Unfortunately many people make the mistake of not finding the right inputs for good quality VoIP , hence poor quality.

Glad I could contribute my two bits: if I can assist further call me on 1 312 893 2679 or email : dadi@hypersoftindia.com

Dadi

[James DOW Networks]

Soft phones work great but they are dependant on the computer, sound card and a good headset with a DSP chip. A good softphone system can still be cost effective when built right.

I went to a really big 500 seat call center with cheap computers (old 300mghz 1995 Gateways) with no USB slots. They then tried to add USB cards. They wanted VoIP because "Softphones do not work".

[Dadi Bhote]

That i exactly the point. Soft phones are too dependent on a whole lot of variables.

Yes, a USB amplifier is certainly better than a regular sound card. But no substitute for a good VoIP gateway with efficient codecs on it. With a good ISP and low latency one can use a VoIP gateway at as low as 6.4 kbps witout sacrificing voice quality !

Regards

Dadi

[Appan]

Hi,
IP phone- Internet Phone is available as stand alone Phone from leading vendors like CISCO.. This phone can be used like ordinary phone but the quality issues to be taken care before using the phone. The PC based dialler phone are not suitable for heavy usage of call centre but dedicated IP phone- looks like telephone can be used for call centre. The VOIP technology is maturing and once the technology is proven there will not be any PSTN phones.
The IP phone usage require VOIP technology- Gateways, GK etc..
But a dedicated application like call centre we can get the required quality by designing the network properly. We have call centre using only Internet with IP phone. The cost will be lower than IPLC

apapn kh

appankh@yahoo.co.uk