Using Google Voice to enhance productivity

I have used google voice http://voice.google.com for quite some time now.  The best feature is the voice-to-text voice mail service.  When a caller leaves a message it is automatically transcribed and sent to me as an email or text message. It is pretty good but not perfect.  When it fouls up the results can be quite funny. http://gvtranscripts.tumblr.com/

One of the other good features is the ability to send and read text messages from my pc using a web interface.Another feature I frequently use is the ability to select a phone number from my directory and dial using my home phone.  After pressing the “dial” button Google Voice calls my phone and connects the call.

Google has an app that runs on my Android phone.  It enables me to view texts and make phone calls.  I have the option of always using Google voice or it can ask when I dial whether to use Voice.  This can be handy when dialing local numbers since Google   voice requires 10 digits to dial a number.  I essentially have two phone numbers on my cell phone – my google voice number and the native phone number of the cell phone.

You can port your existing number over to Google voice.I use Google Voice every day and like many Google products it is completely free

For more information, see voice.google.com

OnSip business phone service

I have set up an account with OnSip.com for business telephone service.

Basic entry level is $50 per month which would provide up to two phones.  It also includes auto attendant, which automatically answers calls and interacts with the caller to direct the call to the desired party.   A la carte options with $50/mo minimum.

 Other options are available for a charge, including  up to 100 extensions, web phones, Music on hold auto attendant, dial by name directory, Call recording  , enhanced music on hold, .

Number of business oriented services like Automatic Call Distribution. (ACD). 

These are priced individually and the total is included in the $50/mo minimum.   They also offer a completely free service that works with SIP only. Analog phone can be done  through an analog terminal adapter.

I was able to set up using my existing Polycom Voice over IP (VOIP) phones.  They also offer phones for purchase.It is fairly easy to set up a basic system with two phones, auto attendant and voice mail.

No server is  required everything needed is in the "cloud".  They provided good US-based. customer service.

OnSip provides an economical and easy to use way to get started with business SIP telephone service.

Ting offers good value for mobile phone buck

I have a WiFi hotspot data device with Ting.com.   Ting is a Sprint reseller that offers a unique  billing model.  They charge a small ($6) basic fee and then charge for actual voice, text or data usage. 

This makes it very economical to have a hotspot device in my backpack that I only use occasionally. Where it gets to be uneconomical is when you use lots of data.  1GB costs $16 and you get the next 1GB for $4 more at $20.  Strangely enough any additional gigs are $10.    In general I recommend Ting if your monthly usage varies widely between zero and 2 gig. Still 20 gig for $20 is still a good deal at $10/GB.

Ting offers a variety of phones and other devices and also supports Sprint-compatible bring your own device. Besides WiFi hotspots and smart phones one of the more interesting devices is the "home phone connect" which allows you to plug a plain old telephone in and use it on the mobile network. The device is $97 to purchase.

At $6/mo this would be a good home phone service for light usage.

Overall, Ting provides good value for the dollar spent by only charging you for the voice, text and data that you use.

For more information, see www.ting.com