Virtual phone numbers

NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Vumber today announced the launch of its secure, disposable two-way calling service. The service can be used to protect an existing phone number and provide subscribers with privacy, control and freedom when providing a phone number.

Vumber provides subscribers with a safe and secure means of connecting with the outside world via a regular telephone. Subscribers can create multiple phone numbers in an area code of their choice and associate those numbers with any phone.

Subscribers can use Vumber to protect themselves in their virtual lives when using online dating websites, social networks, and online job and message boards, as well as filling out everyday online forms, such as credit card applications, email lists and making online purchases.

Subscribers can also use Vumber to project a specific image for themselves or their business. For example, an entrepreneur can set up multiple phone numbers in different area codes to increase the perceived size of a business. Callers can dial into a Vumber in LA, NY or Miami to name a few. The Vumber service can be used in many ways and is limited only by the user’s imagination.

How Does Vumber Work?

Vumber is your virtual phone number. The service enables subscribers to choose an additional phone number that can be linked to any existing phone number. Subscribers pick an area code (most markets are covered), and Vumber will then assign a seven digit phone number in the area code of choice. Calls can be made to and from a Vumber at any time. All calls made to your Vumber will ring on your regular phone. Customers can also change their Vumber at any time.

To make a call, simply dial your Vumber, and then dial the number that you wish to call. The recipient of the call will only see your Vumber on their caller ID. When callers dial your Vumber, you answer your call normally and an automated prompt will ask you to press 1 to accept the call. No PCs or special phones are required. The entire process is similar to using a regular phone.

Every Vumber has a unique voice mailbox. Messages can be retrieved from the system just like any other voicemail system. Incoming calls placed to your Vumber never reach your regular voicemail. Subscribers can also set up multiple personal mailboxes.

The service is fully customizable. Customers can also change the way incoming calls are handled by setting commands, which automatically send calls to voicemail, play busy signals or do not ring. Vumber subscribers can also set up an automated message to inform callers that the number is no longer in service.

7 Questions You Must Ask Your Virtual Phone Service Provider

If you have researched virtual phone services for your business lately, you will most likely have noticed one major glaring fact. They all appear to be the same. If you took the top 3 or 4 providers and compared them side by side, there would be very little difference between them. They would have similar feature offerings at competitive pricing. That being the case, how do you pick which one to go with? You have to dig deeper than features and prices. Underneath, all providers are not the same and to uncover the best one you have to ask the right questions.

Here are 7 questions you must ask when choosing your virtual phone service provider.

1. How long has the provider been in business and how many customers do they have? Check to see how long a provider has been in business. There are going to be companies that have been in this business a long time and others that are just trying to jump into virtual phone service because they see it is a growing industry. The company that has been in business since the beginning will have the best infrastructure, the best experience, will have laid down their foundation, have established a large customer base, and will not be going anywhere soon.
2. What steps has the provider taken to ensure you don’t experience any interruptions in the quality of your service? You don’t have to know a lot of technical jargon or understand how the back end of your virtual phone service works to find out if a provider is right for you. All you need to know is whether they have taken the steps to make sure your service stable. A provider that is serious about providing quality and reliable service will have taken the steps to make sure there are redundant systems and back ups just in case they have problems with their servers and equipment.
3. How is the provider’s customer service? Call the provider and rate their customer service on friendliness, helpfulness, and availability. You don’t want to be stuck with a provider that is not there for you after the sale.
4. Can they customize a system to suit your needs? Not all businesses are the same. Your virtual phone service needs may differ slightly, or even greatly, from the provider’s standard offerings. If that is the case, ask what they can do to accommodate your specific needs.
5. Does the provider allow you to easily upgrade, or even downgrade, your service as your needs change? Businesses change over time and this means that their telephony needs can change too. This is especially crucial for a small business just starting out that has plans to grow in the future. Issues such as usage, features, and the number of users make scalability an important factor when considering a virtual phone service provider.
6. Does the provider have a number portability policy? Nearly everything in technology is portable nowadays. Your virtual phone number should be too. A confident provider will give you the option of taking your number with you should you choose to leave their service. A company that is not confident in their service may resort to holding your virtual phone number hostage in order to keep you from going elsewhere.
7. Does the provider offer a money back guarantee or free trial? Again, a confident provider will offer you the chance to try the service without risk. Take them up on it. Then if the service does not perform as you had expected, you are free to move on without having lost anything.

Choosing a virtual phone service provider can be confusing. Not because they are all so different, but because they all appear to be the same. Asking the right questions will help you uncover the best provider for you and your business.

Advantages of VoIP telephony

Today, VOIP phones are commonly used to make calls online. Making use of these phones and this system at a variety of offices is quite convenient. Besides being convenient, it offers incredible features such as call identification, call divert, and the contact books. All sort of types of communication methods and protocols are combined into these phones to make calls by using the Internet. VOIP transforms the usual talking in the audio signals and then gets changed into digital data.

By using VOIP phones you can contact anybody in any part of the World. And it is quite cheap as well. The VOIP providers are constantly communicating with the users to solve every problem (if any). They ensure a safe connection while talking and a great sound quality. The data and the tone are sent simultaneously with the VOIP phones. Free calls are also available.

Thanks to the advancement there is such a large number of VOIP phones that making a phone call is very easy. Another advantage is that they include some of the newest technology, clear audio when talking, and the possibility of extending a call for hours and not face any inconvenients. There are a lot of well-known firms for example, Philips and BT. There is a rough competition among service providers, and they are mainly used by corporate houses.

These phones have memory to save a great ammount of contacts. They give you the chance to identifiy each incoming call and to deicide whether you want to attend the call or not. You can transfer the call to another number if you are not at home, by using the "call divert" feature. By using “call waiting” you can make sure you will not miss any important calls while you are talking on the phone. Students also are benefited, as the “teleconferencing” feature allows them to contact univiersities/colleges around the World to, for example, disuss about different educational curriculums.

We are not wrong at all if we state that the VOIP uses the best technology available for distance communication. Internet is used to transmit the voice signals all over the World. Some of the features incluided have created a true revolution in the communication industry. Buisness companies are benefited with this techonolgy, their incomes and their power are growing. Individuals also see advantages in this system, as they pay much less for making calls from anywhere in the World.

The VOIP communication services only depend on the speed of the Internet. If we compare installation costs with standard phones, its cheaper as well. When purchasing a VOIP phone you should always look for those which provide voice mail, live chats and email. However if you are looking for a more economical VOIP communication system make sure to look around before acquiring one, as there are many copies that are being given away to attract clients. They offer many services such as three way calling or call conferences at competitive prices.

It is safe to asume that the VOIP solution have translated into important savings for big companies. Nevertheless, you must notice that prior to the acquisition of a VOIP system you should compare the prices available in the market.

Skype 3.6.0.248 for Windows

is the next phenomenon from the people who brought you KaZaA. Just like KaZaA, Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you to other users – not to share files this time, but to talk and chat with your friends. The technology is extremely advanced – but super simple to use... You’ll be making free phone calls to your friends in no time!

Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis. Skype created a little piece of software that makes communicating with people around the world easy and fun. With Skype you can say hello or share a laugh with anyone, anywhere. And if both of you are on Skype, it’s free.
Skype is available in 28 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding. Skype, based in Luxembourg, has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers and is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY).

Features:
- Free unlimited worldwide phone calls to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world
- Skype video (webcam), see who you are talking to with free video calls
- Chat with up to 100 people in group chats
- Conference call with up to four people for free
- Call ordinary phones with SkypeOut
- Superior sound quality – better than your regular phone
- Your calls are encrypted “end-to-end” for superior privacy
- Friends list shows you when your Skype friends are online and ready to talk or chat
- Works with all firewall, NAT and routers – nothing to configure!
- Super-simple and easy to use
- Based on cutting edge peer-to-peer technology developed by the creators of Kazaa and Joltid In order to use Skype for Windows software, your computer must meet the following minimum system requirements:
- PC running Windows 2000 or XP
- 400 MHz processor
- 128 MB RAM
- 15 MB free disk space on your hard drive
- Sound Card, speakers and microphone
- Internet Connection (either dial-up: minimum 33.6 Kbps modem, or any broadband: cable, DSL, etc.)

Changes in 05.02.2008, Skype 3.6.0.248 for Windows:
* feature: Public API access whitelist/blacklist
* improvement: Improved connection speed to Skype network from restrictive network environment
* bugfix: Skype cross-zone scripting vulnerability
* bugfix: Skype crashed sometimes when leaving groupchat
* bugfix: Skype crashed when current Skypename field was empty
* bugfix: MySpace tab was not reachable via keyoard navigation
* bugfix: Editing avatar resulted “Cannot focus a disabled or invisible window” error
* bugfix: It was not possible to answer second incoming call
* bugfix: Dynamic Content message overlaying contact list toolbar and group controls on reduced Skype window
* bugfix: Check update web link was incorrect
* bugfix: Call on hold image was wrongly displayed
* bugfix: USB webcam plugged in while on call did not allow to start video
* bugfix: It was not possible to open video settings panel while on video call
* bugfix: Skype crashed sometimes when expanding chat history
* bugfix: Presence were shown wrongly to conference call participants sometimes
* bugfix: Incorrect message was shown when when sender cancelled file transfer
* bugfix: Voice Mail greeting playes again when viewing profile
* bugfix: Wrong flag was displayes for Democratic Republic of the Congo
* bugfix: File Transfer relayed message was displayed after File Transfer had finished
* bugfix: Language name for Belarusian was wrong
* change: Language files updated

Homepage - http://www.skype.com

Size: 21.5 MB

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Use Right-click on Download and "Save Target As..."

Download Skype For All OS

Virtual Phone Numbers makes you secure

Maybe it was the overenthusiastic upstart you met at a trade show who's now hounding you for a job. Or the guy/gal at the bar who looked cute after three martinis. Whatever the scenario, there are undoubtedly times when you've regretted giving out your phone number.

Telecom startup Vumber is now offering a service that lets you dole out your digits with far less remorse. The company, which charges a $4.99 monthly fee, assigns you a virtual phone number that rings to any permanent phone number you choose.

"It protects your privacy," Vumber President Cliff Wener said. "It allows you to gain a second persona or number on your cell phone or your home phone."

Many Internet-based phone companies, such as Vonage, offer virtual numbers as an add-on to their services, but you may not be able to use it with, for example, your cell phone. There are also services — some free — like Tossable Digits, Google's GrandCentral and (the intentionally misspelled) numbr, that give you disposable digits that forward to a permanent phone you choose, but you generally can't use them for outbound calls directly from your phone.

But with Vumber, you can disguise your private numbers when you dial. You have to first register the permanent number from which you're calling in your account on the company's Web site. After that, you dial your Vumber number, then follow voice prompts and dial away. The service is "as close as you can get to a second line" but cheaper, Wener said.

The base fee allows you to change your Vumber number up to three times monthly. It's $1.99 per change after that. Additional Vumber numbers are $1.95 a month. You can determine how incoming calls are treated, such as being sent straight to voicemail or told your number is disconnected. Wener promised users will soon be able to set up a schedule so calls will be treated a certain way between certain hours, such as sending all calls to voicemail at dinnertime. Each Vumber number has its own voicemail, allowing users to keep private or pesky messages separate from ones on their regular phone.

Since Vumber users get to pick an area code from most of the country, Wener hopes small business owners will see the service as a way to project a local presence. For customers, "there's a certain ease if you think you're dealing with someone local," he said.

An added bonus of being able to pick your area code is that you can choose one where you have lots of friends and relatives. That way, if your grandmother in Iowa doesn't have unlimited long distance service, she can call the Vumber number you've set up with a 563 area code, and she'll be billed as if it were a local call.

Virtual Phone Number a wise choice

Ever feel reluctant to give out your personal phone number in a situation where you wanted to be reachable, but also wanted to protect your privacy or preserve your anonymity? Some examples that come to mind are making an initial contact through an online dating service, or filling out a credit card application.

On the other hand, did you ever wish your phone could project a caller ID other than your personal one.

A solution to both problems was announced last week with the launch of jetnumbers, a secure, two-way, "disposable" calling service.

Enterprise VoIPplanet.com had an opportunity to speak with co-founder Cliff Wener and get the whole story.

"The concept is we can give you a new phone number in any area code you want—almost instantaneously—and that number then works," Wener explained.

That is, for a mere $4.99 per month, Vumber (as in Virtual number) customers get to pick a DID (direct inward dialing) phone number in any area code. Calls to that number will ring the phone of their choice—usually their mobile phone. Outbound calls made through that number (you dial you Vumber plus the number you wish to reach) reflect that caller ID, not your personal one.

While DIDs have become commonplace, thanks to their availability through services like Skype and Gizmo Project, Vumber is different in one vital respect: "You don't need a PC for our system," Wener pointed out. "It's phone only; there's no VoIP from the desktop."

For indeed, all of this magic is carried out through IP telephony, but "the VoIP only exists from our switch into the Internet," Wener told VoIPplanet.com. As with many IP based schemes, termination is through the PSTN.

"It behaves just like a regular phone number," he continued. "The difference is it's disposable. You can get rid of it when you want to; you can get a new number when you need to do that. You can customize who calls you and when they can call you."

That last piece certainly caught our attention. Asked to elaborate, Wener explained that as of today, Vumber can "change the call treatment based on the caller ID of the person calling you. So if there's someone who's been bugging you, you can just give them a ring-no-answer—or you can deliver a custom message saying, 'The number you've just dialed is no longer in service.' "

Scheduled to be out shortly, according to Wener, is "a completely customized scheduling case as part of our new release." Scheduling can be on an individual basis or by group. "As in 'The following group can only call me after five o'clock' " Wener said.

Moreover, on request, Vumber will compile lists of who called your DID over a given time period, and from what area codes—an outgrowth of one surprising piece of fallout from the product launch: Whereas the founders created the service with online dating, personals, and classifieds in mind, it is being taken up, increasingly, by business people.

As examples, Wener cited marketing companies buying blocks of numbers for marketing campaigns, sales people having local numbers in multiple cities that all ring the same phone, and tradeshow exhibitors who want to compile stats on how many leads their show participation generated.

"Our users have said, basically, 'We're going to use it for what we want to use it for, not what you tell us to use it for,' " he said.

Calling services Virtual Phone Numbers

Move over Skype-out, the Magic Jack might be a better option for VOIP calls

I don’t know where Ive been but this little product is one I would definitely find interesting but only recently heard about. The Magic Jack is a nifty little USB VOIP device that allows you to use your broadband connection to make phonecalls anywhere in the US, for free. Well not exactly free, there is an annual fee but the calls are free.

The Magic Jack is basically a USB connection on one side and a regular phone jack on the other. You pop it into your USB port and plug any landline phone into the jack and your ready to make calls. You do have to go through a small setup once you purchase the Magic Jack. You sign up, and pay the $20 a year fee and start making calls. Your accounts is tied to the USB device, so once you got it set up, it should work on any PC as long as there is a high speed connection. With the device, you will get a local phone number, free voicemail and call forwarding.

VoIP Date: How to Find (and Avoid) Love

The dating scene. Most of us have been there, and most of us are doing whatever we can to get out. Sure, trips to the bar and the occasional dinner are OK, and maybe having to tag along with him to check out his favorite local jam band that doesn’t believe in drum solos that are shorter than 17 minutes is alright, too. But is he really the one? And what do you do if you can’t even find someone to settle for? Well, VoIP is making things a little bit easier for you.

A while back, we touched on Match.com’s foray into the world of cell and VoIP phone dating as covered on ZDNet :

"…look for your cell carrier to push Match Mobile very aggressively. Web site copy, SMS promotions, bill-stuffers to targeted demographics, and most of all, tv ads. Lots of them…Why? Well, let's cut to the chase here, people. Everyone who wants a cell phone already has one, but not everyone who wants a significant other has one."

Match.com is not the only game in town, though. More VoIP providers are starting to market their ability to help you meet the person of your dreams. B2Day had this to say:

"the interesting thing about VoIP is not cheap phone calls. It is the new voice applications VoIP allows you to create."

There are systems that can be used for: "instant messaging, VoIP phone calls, and even video chat to its members, call forwarding." These services are being marketed directly to those looking for love (or online gaming opportunities, which is a little different than love but kind of in the same ballpark). The article goes on to suggest that, "The idea is that such PC phone features would make the dating services more appealing (and further justify their monthly subscription price)."

So what happens when VoIP leads you to someone and you find yourself staring across the table at a person you simply can’t stand to spend more than three minutes with? VoIP has got you covered there, too. According to an article in USA Today, your phone can get you out of even the worst date:

"Here's how it works: Before your date, go on the Internet and scribble a message to friends and family. Set the time for the message to be sent — by cellphone, e-mail or instant messaging. If the date is going well, cancel the message by logging on to the Internet from your cellphone. If you don't cancel, your friends will spring into action, such as by placing a call that could give you an excuse to say an emergency has come up."

Are you sabotaging yourself before you ever go out by setting up the "parachute" call? That is for others to decide. However, it’s always nice to know you can get out mid-meal or mid-drum solo if you have to.

check your Voicemail

You can log onto your online account and select the option that allows voicemail to be sent to your email address. From then on, when someone leaves a voicemail for you, you’ll receive it as a .wav file attachment in your email inbox. Open the file to hear the message over your computer speakers. Voicemail will also be stored in your online account for 30 days. You can access your online account from any Web browser. Of course, you can also pick up your voicemail by phone by dialing your number and accessing administrator options. When you dial your RingCentral number to access your account, an auto-attendant will tell you if you have any new messages and then will play the voicemail.

Ring 9 Launches Web Meeting

July 09, 2007; Gainesville, Florida— Ring 9, Inc., a leading provider of business Voice over IP services, today announced its entry into the fast-growing web conferencing market. In addition, Ring 9 is announced an unique offer, Web Meeting/Hosted PBX bundle. For a low, flat monthly fee a Ring 9 user has access to web meeting, unlimited local and long distance calls and a full featured IP phone system.

Ring 9 Web Meeting enables businesses to host and attend collaborative and interactive meetings, sales presentations, demonstrations, webinars, remote support, training and marketing events using a standard Internet browser. Ring 9 Web Meeting provides an easy-to-use yet feature-rich virtual meeting experience. Attendees can share screens, documents and spreadsheets and even applications, and pass control to other attendees to enable real-time information sharing and collaboration. Other features include whiteboards and drawing tools, desktop recording and playback, email and instant messaging, polling, document sharing, and video.

“Ring 9 Web Meeting is a natural next step in our mission to increase productivity, reduce cost structures, and enhance business relationships for our customers,” stated Bob McCarthy, CEO of Ring 9. “Like our VoIP services, the Web Meeting product is provided over a hosted platform. Ring 9 customers do not need to make large, on-site capital investments to take advantage of IP technology. In addition, Web Meeting bundled with our hosted PBX delivers phenomenal value to our customers”. Virtual phone numbers