Monday, February 2, 2009
Program Preview:
IP Telephony—Vantage Communications

by Richard Corzo

Our February meeting will cover the subject of IP telephony. You have probably heard the term VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a means of converting voice calls to digital audio for transmission over the Internet. Your cable company likely offers this service in addition to cable television and cable Internet. An IP telephony service for a business can go even further.

Robert Andresen, VP of Sales at Vantage Communications will be our guest speaker. Vantage offers their Vantage IP Telephony Service (VIP) for small and medium sized businesses, branch offices and schools. Their solution integrates voice, data and video for benefits such as—

• telecommuting and disaster recovery
• saving employees' time
• a single number
• improved customer satisfaction
• controlling expenses

To reach employees effectively, calls can be forwarded to multiple end points (home, cell phone, or Blackberry device), allowing the use of a single number to reach someone. Networked based voicemail enables voicemails to be sent as e-mail attachments. Voicemails are accessible not only from phone devices, but also from the desktop using the VIP Service's Microsoft Outlook integration.

Customer service can be improved with the increased ability to reach mobile workers. Secure instant messaging is also offered.

Protection is provided from interruption due to power failures or weather-related disruptions.

Costs can be controlled with a predictable monthly billing plan. Web-based administration and self-service, and single data cable runs can also reduce cost.

Vantage Communications is a partner with Cisco Systems and can leverage their network and IP telephone equipment.

Join us at our February meeting to learn more about IP telephony and the VIP Service from Vantage Communications.

DACS meetings are held at the Danbury Hospital auditorium. (Click here for directions.) Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with registration and casual networking. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. with a question and answer period (Ask DACS), followed by announcements and a short break. The main evening presentation begins approximately 8:00 p.m. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.

DACS General Meetings are free and open to the public. Members and prior attendees are encouraged to extend invitations to anyone interested in this topic.

Danbury Area Computer Society (DACS) is a registered nonprofit and has been serving the region since 1990. Members receive an award-winning newsletter, members-only workshops and events, and access to volunteer phone support.