Virtual PBX Receives 2011 INTERNET TELEPHONY Product of the Year Award

Posted on January 18, 2012 by C. Sensendorf

Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere Recognized for Innovation

Since its release in February 2011, Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere has been turning heads. People from a diverse range of businesses have praised and acknowledged Virtual PBX Complete as a cutting-edge service that delivers powerful features while reducing operational costs. This product has really hit home with small and medium businesses everywhere.

So far, Virtual PBX Complete has received two Product of the Year awards, two Excellence awards, a Best Products award, a Leadership award and an Innovation award. To add to the list is Virtual PBX’s latest 2011 Product of the Year award from TMC, a global integrated media company.

“I am happy to grant Virtual PBX with a Product of the Year Award. The editors of INTERNET TELEPHONY have verified that Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere displays quality and innovation plus provides real needs in the marketplace,” stated Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “I would like to congratulate the entire team at Virtual PBX for their commitment to advancing IP communication technologies.”

CEO of Virtual PBX, Paul Hammond, explains, “Our mission is to deliver communications tools that help businesses improve customer service and business productivity,” He continues, “This recognition from INTERNET TELEPHONY affirms the value of Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere, which is making a huge difference for our business customers, who are also able to reduce their operational costs.”

For more information on Virtual PBX and this award, please click here.

Filed under: general telephony, phone system, Virtual PBX Awards, VoIP | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Are You Ready for 2012?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by C. Sensendorf

5 ways to start the New Year right

With the end of 2011 at our heels, it is time to look ahead to 2012. Focus on setting your goals and putting plans is place to achieve them. Need some help? Here are five ways Virtual PBX can help you start the new year with a bang.

  1. Examine your History – One great way a business can plan ahead for the New Year is to look at data collected from the previous year. Use you Virtual PBX reports to analyze your call stats from 2011 to help you staff more appropriately. Run a Call arrival Pattern Report to see what times of day you took the most calls. This report will clearly show you peaks and valleys in call traffic. This way you know what hours and in which queues to staff more representative.

  2. Use Call Recording to Monitor Agent Effectiveness – Using free call recording, managers are able to ensure rules are being followed, representatives are giving the best possible customer service, and customers are given accurate information. You can also use the call recording feature to train new employees.

  3. Save Money by using VoIP Phones and Soft Phones – There is never a bad time to save money so why not start saving this year. With Virtual PBX Complete, most companies will save between 40% and 80% on monthly phone costs. Use our VoIP phone service with a VoIP phone or soft phone and stop paying for expensive analog phone lines.

  4. Improve your Greetings – The main greeting is the first thing a caller hears when calling your number. This greeting should welcome callers and direct them to your departments and information. With Virtual PBX, there are multiple ways to customize your main greeting and make your small business sound like a big company. For instance, you can create different daytime and nighttime greetings and use our Day/Night scheduler to switch between them automatically.

  5. Keep up with the Latest Virtual PBX News and Offers – Make sure to check out our Virtual PBX Facebook page to hear first about news, new products and special offers. In addition, read tips to help you grow your business and connect with other business owners.

Filed under: call recording, day/night mode, Softphone, Virtual PBX Reports, VoIP | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Enter to Win Free Movie Tickets

Posted on January 5, 2012 by C. Sensendorf

Do the increasing costs of movie tickets have you staying at home? If you love seeing movies on the big screen but can’t justify the cost, Virtual PBX has the contest for you. And it couldn’t be easier. Through March 1, 2012, Virtual PBX is offering you a chance to win free movie tickets. All you have to do is send us your best tech tip for using Virtual PBX.

Just think of all the ways you use Virtual PBX in your day-to-day life to improve your business and make your life easier. It could be a way you customize your greetings or use the Virtual PBX reports. Now Pick you favorite example and send Virtual PBX an email explaining how and why you use this particular feature.

Please see one of Virtual PBX’s tech tips below to help you get started:

Tech Tip
Route Callers Using CallerID

Are you in the situation where you need to route your inbound callers to certain extensions, queues, or to a voicemail box based on their caller ID? Do you get annoying calls from the same phone number? Virtual PBX’s AutoRoute feature can handle that for you.

AutoRoute can route a call to any extension, queue, voicemail box, or even block the caller by using some or all of the caller ID. AutoRoute is located under the Admin tab in the web interface. Just create a new entry, enter a portion or all of the caller ID, and then select the Route Action.

To enter, reply to this message or send an email to sales@virtualpbx.com with the following information:

  • Your name and the phone number where we can best reach you
  • Company name
  • Mailing address (to send your movie tickets)
  • Approval to reprint your tip using your name and company name
  • Your tip

Virtual PBX will send two free movie tickets for tips we quote on our web site or include in emails, and your business will get some free publicity.

Filed under: general telephony, phone system | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Recommended Routers: Airport Extreme and Netgear

Posted on December 28, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

Here at Virtual PBX, we do everything we can to ensure each customer’s system always runs as quickly and effectively as possible. From using fully redundant systems with backups to guaranteeing 99.999% uptime, we take every precaution to give you the most reliable virtual phone service in the market. However, there are also steps our customers may take to ensure their Virtual PBX is running as smoothly as possible at all times. Below, we discuss one such method to improve your Virtual PBX experience.

To ensure your network can support VoIP traffic and keep your network within recommended parameters for jitter, latency, and packet loss.  With that in mind it is important to have a good router. Reports from our customer base have revealed some routers work better than others with SIP traffic and VoIP calls with our Virtual PBX service.

Routers are specialized computers connected to two or more different networks that perform “traffic directing” functions. They run software that allows the device to move data between different networks, determining the most optimal path. Routers move information in “packages” called Packets and can be wireless, wired or a combination of both.  Another primary function of a router is to share one Internet connection with many devices on the network.

The Apple Airport Extreme is reportedly best for people who want complete ease of use and 100% compatibility out of the box; the Apple Airport Extreme offers superfast wireless network access throughout just about any home, office, or classroom. This router includes:

·           Both wired and wireless connectivity

·           Single Ethernet WAN port for connecting to a DSL or cable modem

·           3 Ethernet LAN ports for connecting network devices

More features and specs can be found on Apple’s website.

Please note the Apple Airport Extreme does not support Quality of Service (QoS). QoS is a feature that enables routers to prioritize traffic, allowing the most important traffic to pass first. This results in improved performance for critical network traffic like your VoIP phone call. QoS equipment is useful with VoIP phones on LANs with high volumes of traffic.

For customers that need the utility of QoS, Virtual PBX’s customers found significant value in the Netgear WNDR4500 router. This router is perfect if you need advanced functionality like QOS and stateful pack inspection. This router features:

·           Both wired and wireless connectivity

·           Single Ethernet WAN port for connecting to a DSL or cable modem

·           4 Ethernet LAN ports for connecting network devices

·           Supports QOS and stateful pack inspection.

A product overview and technical specs can be found at Netgear.

We recommend checking all network equipment on site before deploying our service in your office. A good first check of your network can be done using our VoIP Speed Test. If your router is not one of these we discussed here, you may contact our Virtual PBX Support department via email at support@virtualpbx.com or via phone at 888.825.0800 option 2 to with any questions you may have.

As a part of our award-winning open systems initiative, our phones will work with a wide variety of other routers. For more information, please visit our Recommended Routers page at http://www.virtualpbx.com/support/voip/routers/.

Filed under: Open VoIP Peering, Routers, VoIP | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Virtual PBX Receives 2011 Unified Communications Excellence Award

Posted on December 21, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere Recognized for Outstanding Innovation

 

Virtual PBX is no stranger to winning telecom awards. In the past two years alone, they have won 11 Product of the year awards, more than any other hosted PBX provider.

Now they have a new award to add to their quickly growing collection of achievements. TMC, a global, integrated marketing company, has named Virtual PBX Complete with VoIP Anywhere as a recipient of its 2011 Unified Communications Excellence Award. The Unified Communications Excellence Awards honor products that have unique features and have made significant contributions in advancing technology in unified communications.

Virtual PBX Comple

te is perfect for small and mid-sized businesses, allowing professionals the freedom to carry their business extensions all over the world.

“Our customers have embraced the idea of attaining freedom to access VoIP business features on any smart device, which reflects our dedication to delivering a quality and cost-efficient product,” explains Greg Brashier, CMO of Virtual PBX. “This recognition reflects our dedication to meet our customers’ need for products and services that deliver powerful value while reducing their operational costs.”

Rich Tehrani, CEO of TMC gave his “Congratulations to the entire team at Virtual PBX for their commitment to advancing UC technologies” and commented, “we look forward to future innovations.”

Unified Communications Excellence Award winners are published in the November 2011 issue of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine.

For more information, please visit www.tmcnet.com.

Filed under: Open VoIP Peering, phone system, Virtual PBX Awards, VoIP | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Virtual PBX Reduces International Dialing Rates

Posted on December 8, 2011 by J. Coyle

Making international calls has often been an expensive proposition for small and medium businesses. If you have clients living overseas or live abroad yourself, you know keeping in touch with people around the world can be extremely expensive.

Just in time for the busy holiday season, Virtual PBX is making it easier than ever to stay connected by lowering their international dialing rates. With Virtual PBX, you no longer need to purchase an international calling card or waste time searching for lower rates. Virtual PBX is excited to announce new international rates, with some cut by as much as 80%.

Virtual PBX worked hard with its carriers to push rates lower while maintaining high quality, crystal clear calls, and they are passing all the saving onto you. Call land lines in London or Buenos Aires, or mobile phones in Hong Kong for as low as 1.9 cents per minute. So stop watching the minutes on the phone when you are calling abroad and enjoy the savings.

Virtual PBX also offers two other great ways to save big for global phone calls.  If you have employees in other countries, you can set them up with an extension that incorporates a VoIP phone or softphone.  Then, calls to their extensions can be free.

If your client base is international, Virtual PBX can get you a local phone number in thousands of cities around the globe for a low monthly rate.  Your clients can call in at little or no cost because the number is local to them, and you get no extra per-minute fees for the inbound calls.  .

These discounted international options give excellent value and are part of the many reasons Virtual PBX is an easy choice for companies with global interests. With Virtual PBX You can be sure that you’re getting the best value for your dollar no matter who or where you call.

Specific rate information can be found on our website at www.virtualpbx.com.

Filed under: Call tracking, CallerID, day/night mode, follow-me calling, general telephony, mail only extension, music on hold, phone system, Softphone, Vanity Numbers, Virtual PBX Features, Virtual PBX Reports, virtual receptionist, VoIP | Leave a Comment »

Why Vanity Numbers are worth their Weight in Gold

Posted on December 1, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

In today’s world, vanity numbers have become extremely common among business owners. Once only associated with big corporations, vanity numbers are now readily available to anyone who wants them.

A vanity number is an alpha-numeric telephone number containing a word or phrase which is memorable and usually defines their corporate identity.  Some companies such as 1-800-FlOWERS and 1-800-PET-MEDS build their company around their business defining vanity number.

But what are the benefits of owning a vanity number and does your business need one?

One of the main benefits to having a vanity number is they are super easy to remember. All the advertising in the world won’t get your phones ringing unless your audience can remember your phone number. When you try to remember a phone number, you are using your short-term memory. The human brain can only keep so many things in short-term memory and that information is only stored for a few seconds to several minutes before it is gone forever. The best way to transfer incoming information into long-term memory is to link, associate or connect the incoming information with something in your memory which is meaningful. Switching a phone number from random numbers to words allows people to make memorable connections with that phone number and your business, therefore increasing the chance it will remain in their long-term memory.

Aside from the connection, you are reducing the amount of data prospective clients have to process from seven digits to a single word or phrase. This makes memorizing the number quick and easy and thus people are much more likely to call that number when they need that service.

In addition, memorable vanity numbers will help you generate more business by increasing effective word of mouth advertising and the potential to reach tons of people you would otherwise never reach. Studies show that a good vanity number can increase word of mouth advertising by as much as 200% and the percentage of return customers is higher.

Furthermore, a great vanity number will establish your brand and leave a lasting impression with current and future customers. Therefore, it is important to obtain vanity numbers that reflect both your industry and business name. Vanity numbers were once only associated with established national corporations thus people perceive a company with a vanity number as bigger and stronger.

Overall, if you are interested in increasing your potential customer base, securing your reputation and letting people know you are a true professional, consider getting a vanity number for your business.

For more information on vanity numbers please click here: http://www.virtualpbx.com/plans-and-prices/phone-numbers/toll-free-numbers.asp

Filed under: general telephony, phone system, Vanity Numbers | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Analog Telephone Adapter

Posted on November 17, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

Analog Telephone Adapters (ATA’s) turn a standard analog phone device, such as a standard touch-tone phone or a fax machine, into a Voice over IP (VoIP) device.  An analog-to-digital converter, it takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data which is transmitted over the internet. Conversely, the digital signals received from your internet translate into analog signals you will hear through a telephone headset. This allows you to make calls over the internet without an IP Phone.

The obvious advantage of using an ATA is that you can use the phone you have on hand, either wired or cordless, with any VoIP service. So, if you want to take advantage of VoIP and not lose your favorite phone, an ATA is a great way to go. The same is true for businesses using analog lines.

An ATA needs to have an underlying VoIP service, such as VoIP service from Virtual PBX to work.  Typically, you will get credentials from your VoIP provider that will include a username/URI and a password.  You then need to configure the ATA to use these credentials.  Once you have this done, assuming you’ve attached a phone and the ATA is connected to the internet, calls can be made over the internet to and from the analog phone.

It may be slightly cheaper to use an existing phone with an ATA than it is to buy a new VoIP phone.  However, you won’t have all of the same features that you would usually receive with a VoIP phone.  For example, system directories, call logs, and other features of a VoIP phone won’t be available in the same way on an analog phone.  So if you want the extra features and capabilities, your best bet is an IP Phone. However, if you would rather not invest in a VoIP phone at the moment, an ATA is the way to go for affordable VoIP service. You may lose some features but in some cases you will save money.  You can visit our VoIP Phone List page to compare prices and capabilities of our VoIP and ATA devices.

Some of our clients use ATAs to connect hardware fax machines to their Virtual PBX service.  While most clients simply use our virtual fax functions for both inbound and outbound faxing, some people want to employ a standard hardware fax machine.  It gives them a paper printout of their fax and may fit better into existing processes.  Typically, this is done by setting up a VoIP-enabled extension for faxing and then using an ATA to connect the fax machine. Adding a fax phone number that rings directly to the fax extension allows the fax machine to work just like it would on a separate analog phone line, at a fraction of the cost.

Virtual PBX sells and supports the Cisco/Linksys SPA2102 ATA.  Other ATAs may work with our service, but we’ve found that some don’t handle faxing well.  For more information, give us a call at 888-825-0800.  We’re here to help!

Filed under: Analog Telephone Adapter, general telephony, phone system, VoIP | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Salute to Our Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

Today on Veterans Day Virtual PBX would like to honor the service and sacrifices of the men and women who have bravely protected our country. Their devotion has granted us all the freedoms we enjoy today.

We believe it is important to take some time out to honor those who have fought for and those who continue to fight for our country. We would also like to thank their families for their sacrifices and the support they provide for our troops.

We salute these men and women on this day for there dedication to serving others. Happy Veterans Day!

Filed under: phone system | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

6 Ways A Hosted PBX Can Help Your Business

Posted on November 8, 2011 by C. Sensendorf

Using a hosted PBX can be extremely advantageous compared with a traditional phone system.  Below are just a few of the reasons you should consider trying a hosted PBX system.

Cost Savings – There are many ways using a hosted phone service can help your business cut costs. First, with a Virtual PBX, your employees are free to work from home, which could reduce the cost of renting a large office space.  Next, you can save 40-80% in traditional phone system and landline costs by cutting the ties with your landline carrier and using a VoIP Phone and Virtual PBX service. Furthermore, with a hosted virtual PBX there is no expensive equipment to buy and maintain.

Advanced Features – With a hosted phone service, like Virtual PBX, you will not only save money, but you will also get tons of great features at no extra cost to you.  Maximize your business efficiency with Features such as call recording, follow-me-calling, conferencing and real time reporting.  And with Virtual PBX, you can also have sophisticated call routing through departments using our exclusive TrueACD queues.

Work from Anywhere – Employees can stay connected with clients and friends from anywhere around the world so you can stop missing calls when you are out of the office. With a hosted PBX, you can easily forward calls to your cell or home phone. In addition, using VoIP Anywhere from Virtual PBX, you can make free outbound calls easily from anywhere in the world through your computer or smart phone.

Reliability – Hosted PBX software resides in a secure, hardened data center so you don’t have to worry about network failures or power outages. If your business power or phone lines are down, we can send your calls to alternate locations like cellular or home phones.  In addition, with Virtual PBX, every component in our network and database infrastructure is redundant and backed up. Multiple components can fail without affecting customer calls. With all of the redundancies in our electrical and telecom providers combined with the redundant network and switching components, Virtual PBX has attained 99.999% uptime.

Scalability – Hosted phone services are flexible and quickly adapt to the changing needs of a growing business. With Virtual PBX it is easy to set up new employees as your business grows especially since all of our VoIP phones are plug and play.  Easily add and remove extensions and ACD Queues, add a new phone number or route calls to a new employee, all for a fraction of the cost of traditional phone systems.

Quick, Easy Set-up – Traditional phone systems are notoriously difficult and time-consuming to set-up and support.  Why bother, when you can quickly be up and running with Virtual PBX?  Save yourself the time and the hassle.  Virtual PBX is easy to set up and even easier to upgrade as your company grows.  And we do all the system maintenance and upgrades!

As you can see from the above list, there are huge advantages and benefits to using a hosted PBX system like Virtual PBX.  For a small or medium sized company, these advantages can make the difference in running a successful business.  Looking like a Fortune 500 company does not have to cost a lot of time and money.  With Virtual PBX you can easily have that kind of professional look and feel at a fraction of the cost.

Filed under: phone system | Leave a Comment »

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