Call Alert Whilst on Internet

[FL245]

Anyone come across any software that alerts you to an incoming call whilst you are surfing the net?

[spekesoftly]

Suggest you have a look at www.comtechproducts.co.uk (http://www.comtechproducts.co.uk)

[FL245]

Thanks!

[ASRAAM]

If you are in the UK BT now offers a free answerphone service that will take messages when your line is engaged, you just dial 1571 when you come off the net and pick up your messages.

Not quite what you were after but it might tide you over until you can buy a box.

[SLF 999]

Have a look at this device from those people at innovations. Remeber that catalogue that you get ever so often with all the totally useless gadgets you never need http://www.innovations.co.uk/gus/product.asp?brand=newInnovations&cat%5Fid=25332&zone%5Fid=&prod%5Fid=52035&offer%5Fid=5 2035C&seq=&link%5Fid=&extra=&mscs_sid=K2C9F9APQFSR2LEB00A3HW7SW1VWDJC3

[Background Noise]

BT have recently started BT NetChat. If you have a BT line, irrespective of ISP, you can receive incoming calls whilst online - and answer them too through your PC. You can make outgoing calls to other NetChat users.

Or so it says - I'm not connected yet.

Look at: http://www.btnetchat.com/btnc/BTNetChat.htm

I think freeserve do something too.

[What_does_this_button_do?]

Welcome to voice over IP!

VoIP (voice over IP - that is, voice delivered using the Internet Protocol) is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol (IP). In general, this means sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A major advantage of VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone service.
VoIP, now used somewhat generally, derives from the VoIP Forum, an effort by major equipment providers, including Cisco, VocalTec, 3Com, and Netspeak to promote the use of ITU-T H.323, the standard for sending voice (audio) and video using IP on the public Internet and within anintranet. The Forum also promotes the user of directory service standards so that users can locate other users and the use of touch-tone signals for automatic call distribution and voice mail.

In addition to IP, VoIP uses the real-time protocol (RTP) to help ensure that packets get delivered in a timely way. Using public networks, it is currently difficult to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS). Better service is possible with private networks managed by an enterprise or by an Internet telephony service provider (ITSP).

A technique used by at least one equipment manufacturer, Netspeak, to help ensure faster packet delivery is to Packet Internet or Inter-Network Groper (PING) all possible network gateway computers that have access to the public network and choose the fastest path before establishing a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) sockets connection with the other end.

Using VoIP, an enterprise positions a "VoIP device" (such as Cisco's AS5300 access server with the VoIP feature) at a gateway. The gateway receives packetized voice transmissions from users within the company and then routes them to other parts of its intranet (local area or wide area network) or, using a T-carrier system or E-carrier interface, sends them over the public switched telephone network.

[FJJP]

Spekesoftly - thanks mate. Took your advice and looked up Comtech. Just received their 'Internet Alert Call Manager' model IACM 4000 and plugged it in. Works a treat.

However, everybody be aware that you need to subscribe to BT's Caller Display and Call Waiting (£6.74 per month for the pair). Standard Call Minder (1571) from your own phone is free (£5.99 if you want to access your voicemail from anywhere). Got all this info from an exceptionally helpful young lady at BT sales (0800-800-150)

Any more useful gadgets out there Spekesoftly?

Regards, FJJP :D

[spekesoftly]

FJJP - Glad to have been of some help. No other gadgets I can think of at present, but will keep in touch! :)

Regarding Voicemail; I've been using OneTel's Voicemail for about a year now, and I'm very satisfied. It also has remote access, and only costs £1.50 per month.

Regards spekesoftly

[ 07 November 2001: Message edited by: spekesoftly ]