Have you heard the buzz about VOIP (Voice Over Internt Protocol)? Basically, it's like communicating over the phone without a phone. Instead you plug your microphone into your computer log on to a website and "boom" you're talking baby. You may be saying "Hasn't this been around for a while?", and you'd be right. But with the advances recently made to internet technology this once "nice to have" product available to everyone, dial-up or broadband. No long distance charges, no entry fees, no codes to remember and even better, with the better services, you can share applications and web browsers.

The ease and convenience of unlimited global calling from your computer. In addition to voice communication, you can send and receive group or private text messages. When you make a presentation to a group, everyone can see the same visual on their own screen.

VOIP technology is turning telephone technology upside down! VOIP will soon become the preferred method of communication. This technology allows business managers to conduct meetings with full audio-visual interaction from the safety and comfort of their office or home. Uses are limited only by your imagination.

Here are a few of the uses we have discovered VOIP applications being used for:

• One-On-One Tutoring
  

• Online Computer Classes
  

• Communicating with kids in college
  

• Business Teleconferencing
  

• Board Meetings
  

• Blueprint review
  

• International calling (no extra cost)
  

• Establishing online communities
  

• Supporting International
  
  
  Downline Members
  

• Online Church Services
  

And the list goes on...There is no need for anyone to know that you are working from your home. One person I spoke with is using the system to conduct a computer class. She simply announces the class topic, dates, times and price. When people sign up she sends them an email with her link and a passcode. No one even knows that she is working from home or that she is the only person in her organization. The technology is reliable, clear and rivals or exceeds any of the online learning environments offered by "online schools". Another person is using the system as a means of conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions. Because of the fact that she is no longer constrained to people in her "immediate area" her business has expanded and she has actually had to turn away clients.

There are several service providers and the best by far that we have discovered is ICon Communicator by Madison Dynamics Incorporated. The voice clarity is incredible and the options available set it apart from the rest. The prices are more than reasonable and are often lower than their competition for the same number of "seats" (Seats ore the number of people you can have online with you). You can review their service offer at www.MDIVOIP.com.

Other capable service providers are Go To Meeting and Intranets.

Yvette McDonald has been an IT Analyst for 14 years and has designed an programmed on platforms from the AS/400 to the Internet.

biz@yomack.com