The application has traditionally added a second line to an iPhone using Toktumi’s services. Now, with the iPad app – you can turn your tablet into a secondary telephone. The iPad has a built-in speaker and microphone, which allow it to act as a speakerphone without any special attachments.

Toktumi’s VoIP service functions on the iPad over either 3G or Wi-Fi data connections, and allows full access to voicemail, call waiting, and all of Toktumi’s other features.

Although most likely not the main use most people have in mind for the iPad, Toktumi’s service adds an interesting twist to Apple’s tablet.

To learn more, visit Toktumi.com.

• RingCentral Office is designed for larger businesses than their regular cloud-based VoIP service – generally being purchased by companies that are well established and have at least five employees.
• The service allows companies to run multiple offices and remote personnel off a single phone system. This makes it easy to transfer callers between locations or to salespeople on the go.
• A common system is the 4 line (unlimited extension) plan for $99.99, which includes unlimited calling. Visit RingCentral Office for information about larger and smaller plans.
• You need an IP phone or analog adapter for your existing telephones. These can be purchased at a discounted rate from RingCentral.
• In addition to low calling rates, RingCentral Office offers most of the usual features associated with RingCentral, such as call routing, and forwarding, visual voicemail, fax to computer, call queues, and a convenient online configuration utility.
• Finally, RingCentral is easier than many competing systems. You don’t need any special hardware or IT expertise, as everything is hosted by RingCentral.

RingCentral is the most popular business service linked to from this site, and its Office offering provides compelling cost savings along with excellent features for many businesses.

Click here to learn more or get started with RingCentral Office.

How does anyone know what to call?

Depending on your schedule, it might be next to impossible, which is part of the reason virtual phone numbers are becoming popular. You can have one phone number, and forward it to any number of phones – even ringing them all simultaneously. A single voicemail box can make checking voicemail easy, and if you add or switch numbers – no problem, just add it to the list.

If this sounds interesting, here are some services to consider:

Google Voice - The newcomer. It’s a free service with great features. Aimed at personal use, this is a great way to try out a virtual number.

Phone.com – A paid service, Phone.com offers several plans which can function as a virtual number. They have options for both consumers and businesses.

RingCentral – Specifically targeted to businesses, RingCentral offers a complete virtual PBX.

Nextiva – A close competitor to RingCentral, Nextiva offers businesses virtual PBX systems.

For more information on the paid options, read our Phone.com review, RingCentral review, or Nextiva review.

So what are some good VoIP choices for students?

• Skype – Skype is one of the most famous names in VoIP, and has a long history with students. Although you can use Skype calling from or to regular phones, its greatest use comes from free computer-computer calling. Particularly if you are calling abroad, Skype can save lots of money.
• Rebtel – Rebtel is another option for students looking to make inexpensive international calls. One of its greatest features is the ability to make free calls from a regular telephone, so long as the people on both ends have Rebtel accounts and are in two of the 50 Rebtel countries.
• Phone.com – Phone.com has a different focus from Skype and Rebtel. It does not focus on providing cheap calls over long distances. Phone.com instead brings some of the more unique features of VoIP, even at prices that are reasonable for an individual. If you want your cell phone to ring at your cell and at your dorm, or want a special number for job hunting, Phone.com’s virtual number might be your solution (for less than $5/month).

If you’re a student, and want to lower your expenses, particularly when traveling abroad – VoIP is probably the answer. It’s also capable of providing some really cool features. For more information, check out our consumer VoIP company reviews.

The main benefits fall in two categories:

• Cost Savings
• Larger-Company Features

Cost Savings – VoIP phone service allows you to achieve cost savings by making long distance calls very affordable. With current long distance prices, this may not seem like a big issue, but if you will be doing any international business the call savings may be compelling. I recommend checking out Skype for these types of services, as they offer easy use and extremely cheap calling. Some people think of Skype as just a consumer tool, but it offers a business control panel and the ability to call and receive calls on a landline phone.

In addition to cheap calling rates, VoIP makes it possible to add a phone number at very little cost. You can get a dedicated business number for much less than a regular phone line. For basic service, Skype is again an excellent option. You can get a regular number for as little as $60 per year (and in any area code you like).

Larger-Company Features – If you are more concerned about convenience or the image your business presents than cost, then some of the business features enabled by VoIP phones may be right up your alley.

Using a service such as RingCentral, you can get a business number that is forwarded to any phone you wish. Their intelligent call routing can forward certain callers to voicemail, others to your cell phone, and unkown numbers to a landline, or however you prefer. Faxes sent to the number are automatically delivered to your email, and voicemails can be delivered there as well. All this makes for a more convenient business life.

VoIP also has the ability to make your business look larger. Business VoIP services often include an auto-attendant – computerized recording that can answer calls and route them to various destinations based on extension dialed or the caller’s number. You can have music on hold, a dial by name directory, and call logs that make your one person operation sound like there is a whole office helping out. A few providers that offer this full suite of services include RingCentral, Phone.com, and Nextiva.

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