VoipPRO.org

Microsoft integrates VoIP with its Share Point product to answer to the challenge of Cisco the subscribers of which are able to use presence awareness, IM and VoIP on select mobile phones. Redmond will release its new Communications Server product February 2009 in the unified communications space. It provides users with ability to change their phone system with Microsoft software.

This product will replace a PBX system with Microsoft’s VoIP software on a server and allow buyers to make calls to any phone number and from within Microsoft documents and to add audio conferencing.

We have already got the ability to connect via IM or VoIP in real-time simultaneously sharing online documents, but we’re still eager to get that one-stop depository for all our communications. And Microsoft offers us that depository tying the next generation Communications Server with its SharePoint software. This allows buyers to see presence and call within Microsoft programs, what means users don’t have to go to a separate presence application to talk over VoIP or IM about a spreadsheet or Word document. That will make Office the one-stop shop for all even real- time communications.

Cisco is taking another line. They are planning to make a separate layer of communications services such as IM and VoIP that will sit in the network and work across different applications. If it becomes a well-integrated, neutral distributor it will gain the upper hand over Microsoft.

There is a new VoIP service available in Delhi and Mumbai, India. Thanks to MTNL and Aksh Optifibre who started the service called “Pigeon VoIP” now you can call to over a hundred countries from India at Rs.1 per minute.

Any MTNL Broadband user can request for “Pigeon VoIP service“. Moreover you can take multiple VoIP on single landline and send it to different locations to use it as a hot line between friends or relatives all over the world.

Pigeon VoIP maintains a common standard and works on SIP. So they give you an 8 digit SIP ID number starting with 2. If only we knew their SIP address, then we could easily hack into their SIP and do lot of stuff for free J . Still Pigeon VOIP provides only Pigeon to Pigeon calls up to 400 minutes every month then it is charged at 20paise per minute.

What is more, you are free to use Pigeon VoIP as your landline phone.

They provide you with a VoIP adapter which is hooked into your broadband modem (supposedly ADSL). And finally they would hook one line from VoIP adapter into your regular landline phone jack.

The total price of it is quite acceptable. One time Installation Charges Rs.100 plus
Monthly Rental Rs.150. Above you get 400 minutes Pigeon to Pigeon free calling with 20paise per minute thereafter. International calling is extra and paid with coupons which are available in denominations of 100, 500, 1000. In addition you get free Telephone Adapter with the connection.

Are there some definite shortcomings in the service? If anyone using this service, your comments are very much appreciated.