VoIP Apps Gaining Popularity

Voip phones and services have started gaining popularity recently with small businesses because of their convenience and affordability. This trend has began to shift towards the wireless industry, and with more and more cell phones now allowing third party applications, access to cellular VoIP services has increased tremendously as well.
 
We have all seen the iPhone commercials with the tagline that says “there’s an app for that”—even though Apple itself has yet to develop a VoIP application, here are some good third party programs that are set to revolutionize the market.
 
Skype — Skype has become very popular within the last few years but the Skype app is fairly new. There are two versions of this app: a full version with all the “bells and whistles” and also a “lite” version that doesn’t offer full-functionality. The full version will allow you to chat, call and share files with your clients and co-workers for free. If you already have a paid Skype account then this app will allow you to call local or international landlines just as you would with your regular plan. The downside to the full version is that it is currently only available on the iPhone and Windows Mobile devices. The “lite” version, however, is supported on most platforms (including the Android phone). On the downside, it cannot connect through the use of Wi-Fi or 3G signals so you will need to set up an actual Skype account in order to use this app.
 
Nimbuzz — This is a great app if you use MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, ICQ, AIM, or Google Talk to communicate with co-workers or clients. The Nimbuzz app allows you to import your contacts from these messengers, which allows you to call, text message, and share files with anyone on your lists for free. There is one catch, of course – your contacts will need this app as well for it all to work. Nimbuzz does offer calling accounts just as Skype does, and if you have one of these accounts you will be able to get a hold of any of your contacts even if they don’t have this app. While this option is not free, there are a few rate plans to choose from depending on your budget.
 
Fringe — Like Nimbuzz, Fringe allows you to contact people in many different messenger arenas. You can make and receive calls using Wif-Fi or your cellular data plan for free. This app also allows you to make local and international calls to landlines (with a Skype account).
 
Truphone — This app has been gaining popularity in the UK and other European countries. Like Nimbuzz and Fringe, it offers you the option to integrate your contacts from Skype, Google Talk, MSN and other messenger services. Calls to other Truphone app holders are free and you will be able to contact non-truphone app holders as well, but like Fringe, you will need a Skype account. This app is available for iPhone, iPods and Andrioid.
 
Business VoIP services are becoming more and more popular as technology grows. Because cell phones are becoming more technologically advanced, looking into different VoIP apps for your business is a great idea and will keep you on the cutting edge of technology.