October 24th, 2008 by Robin Green

As security threats rise along with VoIP popularity, there are some preventative measures you and your service providers can take to protect your LMS data and VoIP communication. Most companies and organizations using LMSs should already have firewalls in place. These barriers do a great deal to ward off hackers and virus mongers. If a network is controlled by a central server, firewall software should be installed on that server to protect all the machines and devices using the network.

Another way to protect your LMS information and VoIP security is authentication. Just asking for credentials–user name, password, etc–distinguishes legitimate users from false ones. Unfortunately, very few VoIP service providers are equipped with authentication technologies. Encryption is one more helpful preventative measure. For more information, check out VOIPSA’s (Voice over IP Security Alliance) website at voipsa.org.

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October 23rd, 2008 by Robin Green

Everyone knows how to set up a software-based VoIP account and communicate using the programs’ audio, video and text messaging tools. But VoIP gateways offer a world of communicative experiences you may not even be aware of. Whether it’s for personal knowledge or the advancement of your organization, you may consider a VoIP crash course or more in-depth VoIP online courseware.

Oasis Knowledge is one company offering VoIP Business, VoIP Tech, and VoIP with SIP online courseware. Their training is based on IETF/ITU standards and includes quizzes, instructor demos and hands-on practice with real equipment. VoIP online courseware like this tends to be geared toward network administrators, engineers, consultants, and managers. Also available online are free VoIP tutorials and online courses.

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October 23rd, 2008 by Robin Green

A great alternative for your learning management system communication is device-based VoIP providers. As with hardware-based VoIP providers, learning management system users can use their normal phone. A few VoIP devices available are PhoneGnome, Ooma, and MagicJack.

PhoneGnome was one of the first device-based providers. One convenient PhoneGnome plan is the “PhoneGnome for Business,” which provides a “virtual receptionist” to its users. Using this system, calls are answered and directed professionally and efficiently to any person, anywhere in the world. Ooma is a more expensive version of PhoneGnome, with some additional benefits. You buy the Ooma device once, and never pay again for the service. MagicJack is relatively cheap, but requires a small annual fee.

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October 22nd, 2008 by Robin Green

Unlike subscription/hardware-based services, software-based VoIP services are popular and available to people in all countries, making them a good system for LMS users overseas. Software-based services are free when LMS users call from computer to computer, anywhere in the world. All you need is to download and install the software, register for a free account, and talk using your earphones and microphone.

Some pros are its user-friendliness, video tools, free international calls, and accessibility. Cons include the necessity of a computer, charges for calling to and from regular phones, some quality concerns, and less security (spam, etc) than hardware-based VoIP services. Video conferencing makes this a great way for your organization’s LMS users to get to know each other. Software-based VoIP services have become a popular social networking tool.

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October 22nd, 2008 by Robin Green

Subscription or hardware-based VoIP service might be suitable for some members of your LMS who work from home and prefer to communicate using their regular telephones. Upon signing up for the service, the provider will send the LMS user a phone adapter that he or she plugs into an ADSL line on one side, and on the other, to a regular phone set. Then all the user’s calls will pass through the phone adapter.

Two bonuses of this system are that the caller doesn’t need a computer and can make unlimited calls to certain locations. The cons include a monthly bill as well as the fact that this hardware isn’t available worldwide. If some of your LMS users don’t have access to the internet at home, this system might be a viable option.

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October 22nd, 2008 by Robin Green

Your organization and its LMS users already have a speedy internet connection. What else will you need to utilize a VoIP gateway for communication within your LMS community?

Subscribe to a VoIP service provider. Just as you need to consider your LMS users’ lifestyles, habits and budgets when choosing an internet service technology, you’ll need to consider carefully these same factors when you choose a VoIP provider. Choosing wisely, based on the activities and purposes of your organzation, will help you make the most out of the technology you have, reap greater benefits, and cut costs.

Choose between subscription/hardware, based-software-based, mobile, device-based, and business VoIP services. Each serves a different purpose and caters to a different user base.

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October 21st, 2008 by Robin Green

With all the VoIP providers out there, how can you know which is best for your purposes? Skype is undoubtedly the most popular program, enabling people to make phone calls between computers that have installed the Skype software. Skype-users can also call landlines and cell phones from their computers at a low rate, internationally. Skype is a user-friendly option for companies looking to implement audio, video and IM communication between LMS users.

Yahoo! Voice is a service that is integrated in the IM system of Yahoo, which enables users to call landlines and cell phones. Another good one for LMS users of all tech skill levels. Google Talk is a VoIP program allowing calls from PC to PC. Other trusted providers include Webcalldirect, Betamax, Wengo, Live Messenger, Jajaj, and Gizmo. To find out which is most compatible with your LMS user base, do a little research online to compare these providers.

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October 21st, 2008 by Robin Green

VoIP gateways and IP audio-video conferences are features that more and more organizations are integrating with their LMSs. Along with free recording and delivery of instructional material, VoIP gateways can provide other functions to companies, schools and other organizations using an LMS. VoIP gateways can provide connection with your existing phone and fax machines, through regular telephone networks, PBXs, and key systems.

The potential of VoIP is comparable to that of email. VoIP software offers cost-effective business communication. Some offer possibilities of multiple-person conference calls. Many VoIP providers include unique features as well, like SkypeFind, a business directory for listing and reviewing businesses.

Businesses and schools looking to enhance communication between trainers and trainees, teachers and students, and its LMS users in general should consider applying a VoIP gateway to their system.

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