VoIP enabled on the Sony PS3

The saga of one-upmanship between two titans of gaming consoles continues. But this time, it’s with a twist. It’s not better graphics or improved game play that is the matter of concern.

Sony has recently introduced inter-user VoIP communication in its games with the result of firmware update 2.4. While this feature had already been available on the Xbox and the Xbox 360 since its launch, via the Xbox live feature, the question at stake is not that why didn’t Sony retaliate it at that point of time? If one remembers correctly, in May 2007, Jajah, an Austria based VoIP provider, had announced that it has developed a web interface which would support the PS3 in making and receiving calls. After that announcement, that news was lost in anonymity, probably because the PS3’s interface might have suffered or the game performance would have been lackluster. There is no mention of the same anywhere on Wikipedia also, which is very strange, considering almost ‘tying’ up with a brand like Sony could have done wonders to the market value of Jajah, If it would have worked. Apparently, it didn’t.

As far as the recent upgrade is concerned, it is still for the users to see whether it is effective or not. But if it is, it would definitely be a huge hit among PS3 fans. There would also be an improved in-game chat feature, which could be integrated in the Xross Media Bar. And for your information, the Xross bar has been awarded an Emmy award for its interface. So, things seem to be finally falling into place for Sony. However, this could be a little too late as the Xbox 360 has already taken a huge lead over the PS3 due to its early launch. While Sony did claim that the delay in its release was due to problems in the digital rights management (DRM) of its revolutionary Blu-ray interface, the fact still remains that the Xbox took the early initiative and has benefited immensely.

Earlier in March also, the PS3 had sort of followed the Xbox to create a community of its own. What amazes me is the constant news that Sony is repeatedly doing what the Xbox has done. While learning from your competitors is a good thing, you must also use your own brains for once. The PS3 has had a rather disappointing 2007, with Playstation boss Jack Tretton admitting that there were “missteps” (according to an article on pcworld.com). While this latest ‘innovation’, if it can be called that, is the latest in the list of the Sony PS3, the future for this console looks very uncertain, due to two factors; for one, the Xbox and Wii are going as strong as ever, and the rising expectations are continuing to lead to the downfall of this gaming console, which is the successor of the original and the PS2, both of which were huge hits even ten ears after their launch.

Hosted VOIP Services - The growth continues.....

The way we communicate is changing by the day. And the implementation of new and innovative techniques is playing a significant role in this context. One could take the example of hosted VOIP services, for instance.

In hosted VoIP services, the physical telecom equipment is located off the premises of the client companies, this means that maintenance of equipment is not the client's liability. This inherent flexibility of hosted services makes them very much popular among corporate houses - more specifically, the small and medium businesses.

Hosted VOIP services have special significance for small businesses. And the reasons are quite evident. Small businesses often lack the capital or the infrastructure to deploy and manage full-fledged enterprise-wise VOIP solutions. For this category of business users, subscribing to hosted VoIP services is the next logical alternative. In this discussion, we are assuming that the business groups are thinking rationally. They want to employ the best that technology has to offer to enhance their profit margins.

Recent figures substantiate the claim mentioned above. According to the result of recent research, the use of hosted VoIP services has increased significantly, more so among small businesses. The future global trend is that the growth in hosted VoIP services would continue.

These results should not cause any raised eye-brows. In addition to flexibility, hosted VOIP services have several other factors going for it as well. Significant cost savings and feature functionality are two of the more important factors that need to be mentioned in this context. Easy integration with other data networks also go in favour of hosted VoIP.

The popularity of hosted VOIP solutions is expected to increase further with the convergence of voice, data, video and mobility.

On A Marathon with VoIP

There is no doubt about the fact that VoIP has begun to gradually spread its wings across the globe, facilitating so much of our daily communication needs. VoIP brings along with it various business opportunities too.
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One of my long time friends has been thinking about becoming a VoIP reseller for quiet sometime. However, the thought of spending thousands of dollars needed for the initial set up was a huge deterrent.

Well, there are premium VoIP service providers who offer hosted VoIP service thereby managing the entire technical backend process and infrastructure needed for call termination. The service would allow you focus only on the marketing aspect of the business. Talk about reaping the harvest without sowing the seed!

As a result, there is no capital investment, low set up charges and no recurring costs. You can easily become a VoIP reseller and get an added advantage of selling a very lucrative technology which is only going to grow in future, with minimum risks involved.

Additionally, it is not essential for the reseller to understand VoIP technology inside out. Anyone who has a strong and widespread client base can become a voice over IP reseller. There are 2 reseller plans on offer namely- standard and white label reseller program. The only difference between them is of the branding. White label offers you the benefit to re-brand the services in your existing brand. So, you get to use the brand image that you have cultivated to your advantage when you launch this new service. Not just this but it also increases your product line.

So is it time to become a VoIP reseller and gain along with this propitious technology....definitely a thought to mull over. I would definitely answer in the affirmative.