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Make the call: VoIP for the beginner boss
Updated December 19, 2005

You may be the head honcho, but as a start-up, you still have to be careful with money. While computers and printers should be your first priority when equipping your office, don't forget the small things that add up, such as phone calls. Long-distance calls could really put a dent in the budget, so if you spend a lot of time on the phone, consider a VoIP (Voice over IP) setup instead of a landline. A lot of larger corporations use VoIP systems that span multinational offices, but you can easily find a scaled-down version for your small office that will be cheaper than paying Ma Bell.

For a flat monthly fee, you'll get unlimited long distance within the United States and Canada and reduced rates to other countries, as well as a wealth of features. You can also sign up for a professional-looking 800 number or choose a high-rent area code, even if you're in a low-rent neighborhood. And when you travel, you can take the telephone adapter with you and turn any landline into your own VoIP line. How's that for a CEO on the go?

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Product name	AT&T CallVantage	Packet8	Vonage	Verizon VoiceWing	BroadVoice

Review date	June 28, 2004	July 16, 2004	February 16, 2006	January 25, 2005	September 20, 2004

Editors' rating (Editors' rating explained)	8.0 Excellent	8.0 Excellent	8.5 Excellent	6.8 Good	7.3 Very good

Buying choices	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...

Review summary	Though its plans cost a bit more than those of competing VoIP services, AT&T CallVantage stands out for its consistently strong call quality and long list of features.	Packet8's support for E911 calling sets it apart from the rest of the VoIP crowd and makes it the safest VoIP service for replacing your current phone service.	Though not the cheapest VoIP service, Vonage offers the features and the call quality needed to replace your traditional telephone service.	If you're an existing Verizon DSL customer, VoiceWing is worth considering. If not, you'll find a better deal and better call quality elsewhere.	Until BroadVoice adds 911 support, this otherwise feature-rich Internet phone service is best used as a second line, especially for international callers.

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Basic Specs

Product name	AT&T CallVantage	Packet8	Vonage	Verizon VoiceWing	BroadVoice

Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications

Price range	Click here to find VoIP service in your area.	Click here to find VoIP service in your area.	Click here to find VoIP service in your area.	Click here to find VoIP service in your area.	Click here to find VoIP service in your area