VoIP - What is the Problem?

In the beginning, when the Internet Protocol was first designed, no one was thinking about the possibilities of sending audio and video. Real time communication was not an issue.

Perhaps the greatest single problem is that the Internet Protocol (the IP part of VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol) wasn't designed to ensure that the packets are delivered in the correct order. When information is transmitted using IP, the data is broken up into information packets, each of which is sent separately. The correct sequence of packets is part of the information in each packet, but nothing specifically exists to make sure that the packets are delivered, and, therefore, received in the proper order.

Now this isn't usually a significant issue for web pages, email, etc. Why? Because these aren't real-time applications. Audio and video however, especially live audio and live video are definitely real-time applications. For a real time conversation to work, the packets have to arrive - pretty much in order and also within certain time limits.

The first, and one of the major challenges then, is to restructure incoming packets into the correct order and to somehow cope with lost and/or trashed packets. Face it, the internet does not provide a quality of service guarantee. If enough packets are lost, an audio or video stream rapidly turns into a useless mess. While packets can be resent - the standard way lost/trashed packets are dealt with - real time communication means that you just can't wait around forever. After a certain time, it's simply too late to maintain a coherent stream.

What we've seen over the last few years is a gradual and now nearly explosive growth in the use of VoIP, and streaming audio and video. The reason is decline of dial-up and the growth of ISDN, DSL, ADSL, cable and other high speed, high bandwidth access modes. Bandwidth is the answer to most of the problems posed by IP. End-to-end high speed links can ensure high quality sound. The sole remaining problem is latency.

For most this is not an issue when they have high speed internet access, however, it can become a problem with satellite links or any other system where unusually long distances and many hops are involved.

On private networks, there is rarely a problem using VoIP and many companies with internal networks (such as telcos and power companies) use VoIP to communicate within their organizational network structure.

However, when the available end-to-end bandwidth is less than 256 Kbps, a good VoIP system will require mechanisms to overcome fragmentation of the data stream.

Security is an issue everywhere on the internet and what this means is that VoIP also needs to deal with firewalls and NATs (Network Address Translation). While some systems can do NAT and firewall traversal on their own, others require the use of SBCs (Session Border Controllers) to manage the traversal.

One major, though non-technical, challenge to VoIP, comes from traditional telephone service providers who are being by-passed by consumers who love the extremely low (or zero) long-distance charges they can get by using VoIP. Exactly how this works out over the long run will be fascinating to watch. In the meantime, VoIP services are continually being improved and extended. Enjoy them.

For more information on VoIP, conference calling, web conferencing and related subjects visit Alta Global Telecom. Find more on wireless and cellular subjects at Alta Global Wireless. For networking and security check Alta Global Net.

Insulting Spirit or Exposing the Me

While it isn't my intention to insult anyone (Alright, for the purposes of this article it IS my intention to insult any 'one', and I'll explain that later) I would like to offer a few suggestions for your reading enjoyment and/or disdain.

For what it's worth, I have examined and explored the Worlds authentic Spiritual Traditions for well over a decade, and have provided hundreds of workshops on Spirituality to thousands of participants. Recently I have surveyed much of western Canada on the topic of 'Spirituality', and what I have found is this: there is very little that actually addresses the nature of authentic Spirituality.

What is usually called Spirituality is actually self-esteem building, identity strengthening, various approaches that attempt to solidify, heal or grow the 'me', as well as entertaining New-Age fluff. And while some of these efforts are at times absolutely essential (and I can't say that strongly enough) they have little or nothing to do with Spirituality. Freud called Religion the "opiate of the masses". In discussions I hear many adamantly assert "I am NOT Religious, I am Spiritual". The Spirituality these people are speaking of is at best the same kind of opiate Religion offers: comfort and consolation through belief systems (again, absolutely essential). Make no mistake about it; anyone is free to call anything by any name they choose. You can call the earth flat, you can call asleep awake, and you can call the 'me' Spiritual, but the false ('me') does not become the Real (Spirit), no matter what you call it or how much you believe in it.

In my explorations and experiences, Spirituality has seldom been a 'feel good' endeavor. I would define Spirituality as 'the movement towards Reality', which often means away from comfort and consolation. This means disillusionment via the abandonment of unnecessary beliefs. What are unnecessary beliefs? All beliefs are unnecessary. Should I say that again? All beliefs are unnecessary. All. Do you need to believe you exist? Do you need to believe in your current experience? Do you need to believe you are alive? Do you need to believe in this moment? Do you really need to believe in anything at all? If so, why? Security? Comfort? Programming? Belief is what separates us from directly experiencing Reality here now. Belief is what we create to comfort us from the enormity of Reality and our fear of the Mystery that is Life. Beliefs are based on hand-me-down dogmas and un-examined stories and myths. Reality is what is left over when beliefs are seen through. Reality is not available to 'me'. Why? Because the separate 'me' IS unreal, ie an illusion. Upon close inspection and sustained scrutiny, no 'me' is ever found. But what am 'I' then, if not a 'me'?

What I AM, is 'AM-ness' or pure BEING.
BEING is PRIOR to the 'me' or 'mine' thought.
BEING is IMPERSONAL, not 'mine'.
BEING is KNOWING, direct, unmediated, and immediate.
BEING is the SPACIOUSNESS experience arises within.
BEING is EVER-PRESENT, always here and now.
BEING is HEALING, because it is REAL and TRUE.
BEING is SPIRITUAL i.e. BEYOND the 'me'.

But what I really AM is often obscured by what the mind and body produce as their natural function, which is combinations and patterns of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and interpretations. These combinations are called 'experiences', and seemly produce an 'experiencer', some 'one' that experiences, called 'me'. Seemingly.

Consider this: Before you can be anything, first you must BE. You must simply BE. BEING is primary and is the underlying aliveness of existence that is ever-present. BEING is recognized as an ever-present Fullness in the center of the chest radiating outward through the body and beyond. BEING is not dependent upon outward circumstances and cannot be contained. Therefor, BEING is also unconditional Freedom. I AM that Fullness. I AM that Freedom. I AM that BEING. And so are you. This understanding is the place of genuine healing, because it allows us to be with our experience AS IT IS, however it is, without resorting to dramatic stories and fearful interpretations that cause us to recoil and pull away from the immediacy of our present life experience.

Now, if you have been insulted by the harshness of these words I apologize for my polemics. My point is this: the feeling of insult is a result of becoming temporarily lost in the limited and limiting story of a 'me', produced by the mind and felt in the body. The 'me' was exposed, and BEING was lost in favor of the story of 'me'. That story is not what you are, but does produce the illusion of a 'me' to which it belongs. If there's a story there must be a storyteller, right? Wrong! Authentic Spirituality is not about improving the storyteller or the story, but recognizing that the storyteller and the story are both part of the same illusion. That may not feel good or safe, but if it's all about 'feeling good' and safety, then maybe Spirituality can wait until Reality becomes the most attractive force in your Life. Until then there are plenty of worthy endeavors to explore, and of course you can call them Spirituality if you like. But when you are ready, you will be drawn to the realm of authentic Spirituality, and it will be seen and known that there is no one to heal although healing may happen; no one that grows although growth may occur; and the 'me' is but a playfully insulting belief that happens to no one at all. And that's just the beginning. Believe it ? or not?

May these words remind you of what you truly are, helping you to live and express your deepest truths.

Aaron McNaught is an Educator, Consultant, Author, Psychiatric Nurse and Certified Hypno-Therapist, specializing in 'De-hypnosis' & Waking Up, as it relates to healing, growth, and beyond. He lives in Red Deer Alberta Canada

Future Business Key Element In Sales

A challenge facing many businesses is how to maintain a constant stream of customers in order to provide a regular cash flow.

One method is to choose a location that ensures a steady flow of traffic past the door, creating a constant awareness of the business. While position is important, it is not always possible to afford or be lucky enough to occupy a prime location.

Another method is to advertise sales or other specials, which are designed to bring customers, both new and existing, into the store or business. While this method may prove successful in increasing sales in the short-term, often the true ongoing value of the sale is overlooked. That is, one of the desired outcomes of the promotion should be in capturing the future business of those customers.

Future business?

It is a commonly overlooked that a customer's true worth lays in their value in subsequent business dealings.This can be demonstrated by a reverse view, in that poor service, low quality goods or other undesirable factors in the customers eyes, is quick to bring the business into ill repute. Business failure or a dramatic downturn in turnover can result. Equally, a favorable outcome for the customer means they will not only be more likely to come back, but also to tell their friends about the experience.

Therefore, it is a disconcerting fact that many customers leave a store without any attempt being made by the business at capturing their vital information. This information, if gathered, not only allows the business to communicate with that customer at a later date, but to also begin to refine its view of its customer and their needs. This principle applies whether the business be a retail outlet, a service firm or a manufacturer. Typically a business can use a variety of methods to capture customer information.

Say you have a shoe store. Using a computerised system, you can capture the size, style and colour of shoe, plus its value (and therefore profitability). It is also not uncommon these days to ask for a person's name and telephone number as part of the transaction process. Be upfront, say you are using the information to build a better understanding of customer's needs to provide improved service. Sure some will refuse, but most won't. You can now start to build a profile of your customers.

Other questions to ask include how the person found out about the business (if by advertisement, which one), have they shopped there before (in which case you have some data already). Don't forget to ask if they would like to be informed of new shoes that meet their size/colour/style needs.

This information can be used to determine the recency and frequency of sales to particular customers, enabling specific promotional programs to be offered to those identified as most desirable.

Ongoing communication with clients gained through data capture when they are visiting your business is vital to ensuring they are constantly aware of the goods and service you provide. This can be via letter, email or SMS.

Future business direction can also be gleaned through recognition of customer requests, especially if they are for items not normally carried in a store's inventory, or included in the overall service package.

By better meeting your client's needs, many businesses find location less important and customer loyalty and repeat business far more valuable.

Matt Eliason is CEO of PlusOne Marketing a business offering Marketing, Media and Communication services and advice. Read the regular blog for Ongoing Tips

This article may be reprinted unaltered and in full including author bio and this statement

Just What Kind of PR Matters to You?

Parties, videos, booklets and column plugs?

Or public relations that does something positive and directly about those important outside audiences of yours whose behaviors most affect your operation?

How happy are you -- as a business, non-profit or association manager -- when you see your PR folks futzing around with special events, brochures, press releases and TV talk show mentions?

Especially at a time when you probably need to create the kind of key stakeholder behavior change that leads directly to achieving your managerial objectives?

What it comes down to is this: are you simply looking for publicity, or do you want public relations that really CAN change individual perception and lead to equally changed stakeholder behaviors that help you get your PR money's worth?

If that sounds more like it, here's the roadmap for you: people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired- action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is accomplished.

Here's where that roadmap can go: customers starting to make repeat purchases; membership applications on the rise; fresh proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures; community leaders beginning to seek you out; welcome bounces in show room visits; prospects starting to do business with you; higher employee retention rates, capital givers or specifying sources beginning to look your way, and even politicians and legislators starting to view you as a key member of the business, non-profit or association communities.

Do you believe your PR team will accept such a blueprint? Will they show commitment to its implementation, starting with key audience perception monitoring? Fortunately, your PR people are already in the perception and behavior business, so they should be of real use for this initial opinion monitoring project.

What they really need to accept is why it's SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Namely, the reality that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.

Review your game plan with them, especially details for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?

You may find that using professional survey firms to do the opinion monitoring work can be costly so, as noted, you may wish to use those PR folks of yours in that capacity since they're already in the perception and persuasion business. But, whether it's your people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.

At this juncture, you want a PR goal that does something about the most serious distortions you discovered during your key audience perception monitoring. It may be to straighten out that dangerous misconception? Or correct that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful rumor cold?

Naturally, without the right strategy to tell you how to proceed, you won't get there at all, So please remember that you have just three strategic options available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like whipped cream on your barbequed ribs, so be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You wouldn't want to select "change" when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.

Fact is, it's always a challenge to create an actionable message that will help persuade an audience to your way of thinking. Nevertheless, you must produce that well-written message and send it to members of your target audience. So you must use your strongest writer because s/he must build some very special, corrective language. Words that are not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view and lead to the behaviors you want.

With draft copy in hand, you move on to the communications tactics most likely to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. There are scores available. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But you must be certain that the tactics you pick are known to reach people like your audience members.

The need for a progress report will crop up about now which is your signal to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of your external audience. You'll want to use many of the same questions used in the first benchmark session. But now, you will be on red alert for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in your direction.

Please remember that efforts such as these usually can be accelerated simply by adding more communications tactics and increasing their frequencies.

Experience shows that the kind of public relations that will matter most to you will be PR that recognizes that the people you deal with behave like everyone else ? they act upon their perceptions of the facts they hear about you and your operation. Which means you must move rapidly to create the kind of key stakeholder behavior change that leads directly to achieving your managerial objectives.

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Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Word count is 1070 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly ? 2005.

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communi- cations, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net Visit:http://www.prcommentary.com

Children?s Birthday Party Planning: When and When Not to Have a Big Party

Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only because this birthday is more for the parents than for the child. At age 1, a child doesn't understand the concept of "Birthday Party." He or she is getting a lot of attention---which is all a 1-year-old wants or understands anyway. You should not go overboard on presents because too much could scare or confuse a child. You should consider getting specialty items such as a plate that says "First Birthday," a 1-year-old candle, and possible a table cover that everyone could sign with fabric paint to have as keepsakes that can someday be shown (or given to) to your grown child.

Age 2: 2-years-olds should have one or two playmates over for a small Birthday Play Day. Again I suggest you keep a birthday plate and other keepsakes for your 2-year-old.

Age 3: 3-year-olds should have three to four playmates over, and at this age you might have try a birthday game such as "Who can stack the blocks the highest?" I do not recommend having a clown or playing any games that require a blindfold over a child's eyes such key due to the fact either can scare children at this age. Remember your child has just turned 3, and the playmates are around that age. They are still not able to understand fully structured games very well. They only know if they do something good or better than other children, everyone will give them attention. Again I suggest you collect keepsakes.

Age 4: At 4, children should now be ready for a "real" party. I suggest four or five playmates. 4-year-olds are ready now for party decorations, but I suggest you do less and save your money for the big number "5" birthday (or buy decorations that you can put away and use again). Games such as Musical Chairs, and carrying a hard boiled egg on a spoon to the finish line without dropping it relay race can be appropriate, but remember that games will be played and finished much sooner than you think. Consider having a few of your child's favorite videos on hand. Even if the kids have seen them 100 times, they will enjoy them. After an hour or so, you will probably need a break and the children might be cranky. A movie they are all spellbound by will be a great way to relax the kids and you. You might want to consider spreading a couple of blankets on the floor and have some pillows handy for sleepyheads!

Age 5: 5-year-olds should have a big party, but remind them that this is because they are the big "5," and either starting school or just in school, and having a "big" party will not happen every year. Explain to them that big parties are only for special birthdays such as 5 because they have started or are starting school, 10 because that is the first double-digit number, and of course 16 ("Sweet 16" for girls and "Driving Age" for boys). This will save you money in the long run. On the fifth birthday, I suggest you first decide if you want to do it yourself, rent a building or park area but still do it yourself, or call local businesses (like McDonalds) to see what party-planning packages they offer. I personally suggest renting a park area if weather permits because the kids will be just as happy playing on park equipment as they would if you spent a ton of money on a professionally planned party. Have several inexpensive disposable cameras on hand and let your Birthday Boy or Girl take pictures of his or her first "big" party!

Great games for 5-year-olds whether inside or outside are:

Hitting a Pi?ata that is full of candy.

Relay races, which can be held in a garage, carport, or park.

Water balloon fights if weather permits (and you have advised the parents that the children are likely to get wet).

Dancing to music and "freezing" when the music is stopped to see who looks the silliest (this is a great game and everyone should win a party favor).

Pin the tail on the donkey (consider a game that uses Velcro instead of pins).

You can also do face painting and movie time. As with the 4-year-olds, you need to over plan for games and activities and a movie is a great back up (or a much-needed rest time). Another helpful hint is to take enough large plastic trash bags to cover your kitchen floor and lightly throw all colors of paint on them. Allow for adequate drying time before the party. Then you can use these bags to cover your kitchen floor before cake time to catch cake droppings and milk or soda spills (which WILL happen).

Ages 6-9: Birthdays can be simple overnight parties ("slumber parties" for girls and "all nighters" for boys) filled with popcorn, junk food, movies, and video games. As long as you let the kids stay up all night and sleep in half the next day, this type of party can still be "cool"---what kid doesn't love the idea of staying up all night (even if they don't make it all night). If it is summer time, think about letting them sleep outside in a tent or on a screened-in porch (just be sure to let the parents know exactly where their children will be sleeping and you should plan to check in on them a few times during the night).

Age 10: This should be done about the same as age 5 in terms of it being a "special age" (and reminding your child that "big parties" like this will not be done every year. Ten is a good age to consider renting a facility such as:

Pool parties: most local pools offer after-hour times when you can rent the pool for birthday parties.

Roller- or ice-skating parties.

Local arcades or pizza parlors often have special birthday packages.

A day at the Zoo for your child and their friends.

Hint: To save money, check with the place where you plan to hold the party to see if you can decorate, bring in the cake, and other party favors instead of buying the supplies from them.

Ages 11-15 do the same as ages 6-9 with a simple overnight party.

At 16, if they even agree to let you have a "party," then consider yourself lucky. If they do, then you need to let the teenager decide what kind of party it should be. Remember kids at that age are very "into" who is popular and who is not. Don't push your child into inviting everyone you might think they should (because they might be afraid of being made fun of for having a party at home with their parents.) They know who to they can invite and who they can't without fear of peer pressure. My best suggestion for this age is either a pizza party at home or at a pizza parlor or a pool party, depending on the teenager's interest.

Any party that you give should be "Fun" for your child. Expect that your only reward will be the memories you create for yourself. If you happen to get a hug and a kiss from a very happy child at the end of the day, then it will be a bonus to remember!

? Copyright 2004 All rights reserved.

About The Author

Kimberly Hargis owns and operates Mom's Break PMS. Printables Madness Syndrome n. 1 : a chronic condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to find Free Printables on the Internet: sometimes known as PMS. Please visit http://www.MomsBreak.com.

Makes Cell Phones Ring at Airports

International Terrorist and insurgents to detonate bombs to kill innocent people have used cellular phones. These devices could be used as partial components of weapons or in plots for aircraft suicide bombing missions as well. I propose a device in airport terminals, which will send out a harmonic test using directed sound as the carrier of the cell phone passes by. When the person says "hello, hello, hello" their voices are recorded against the NSA database of voices on their "watch list." Additionally I propose that all bags on the conveyer belts also have a choke point, which is bomb resistant with a harmonic signal sent attempting to contact the phone. If a suicide bomber is on the plane and leaves his cell phone connected to a bomb underneath he could use this to detonate the bomb on the plane he is on, but if it goes thru a pre-detonation device system on the conveyor belt it will be eliminate and a disaster prevented.

Similarly if a cell phone does not ring then once the passenger comes up to the check in he will be further scrutinized and the phone checked to a larger degree, to insure it is not going to be used as a detonation device. If the phone does not ring; 1.) it is not a phone but rather a small bomb of plastic explosives or 2.) it is turned off and must be turned on and checked prior to boarding.

A harmonic pre-detonation device will either ring peoples phones or it will set off a bomb, which was meant to down an aircraft, kill innocent people and further propel the Al Queda message. Therefore a simple system can be installed to further protect the airline traveler without any additional due hardships on personal freedoms. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Do Payday Loans Deserve a Bad Rap?

We have all heard the stories about cash advance lenders charging their customers excessive interest fees. It is true that most payday loans have the highest interest rates compared to any other type of loan. As unfair as this may sound, payday loans do serve a purpose and there are many people who use them to their advantage.

The majority of people who need the assistance of a payday loan have poor credit and cannot obtain a loan by going through the traditional routes. Banks, credit unions and other lending institutions require for their customers to have a credit score of a certain level that a lot of people just simply do not have. Cash advance lenders have reasons to justify the high interest rates that they charge. Where else can you go and receive cash on the spot? Lending cash to people with questionable credit is a big risk to the lender. They have to make up for this risk and for having a large amount of cash on sight by charging higher interest rates on their loans.

Critics of the payday loan say that the short terms of the loan and the high interest fees can cause people to become trapped in a never ending cycle of payday loans. In some circumstances this case may be true. It can turn into a bad situation when people take out a cash advance loan that they know they cannot payback in addition to leaving enough money left over for other bills and living expenses with their next paycheck. In this situation, the person who is in need of a cash advance is better off to ask a friend or a relative for a loan who will not charge them interest and will be more lenient on the payback terms.

In response to the allegations that the problem with payday loans lies with the lender instead of the borrower, cash advance loans are not meant to be a permanent solution to cash flow problems. They are intended to be used only for unexpected expenses and in the case of an emergency.

If someone finds themselves on the payday loan merry-go-round, they more than likely need to step back and asses their budget. If they do not have a budget, that itself may be a large part of the problem. If someone cannot afford to pay all of their bills and necessities after cutting out all unnecessary expenses and going on a budget, they may want to seek higher paying employment or look into debt management solutions.

Even if you have good credit, there are benefits to using a payday loan. The limit on a cash advance loan tends to be much lower than the limit for a traditional loan. Many circumstances call for the borrower to only need $500 - $1,000. They can easily obtain the money through a cash advance without the hassle of an application, a credit check and waiting for approval. Many online websites such as Easy Approval Personal Loans offer both unsecured personal loans and payday loans so you can easily find the loan that best suits your needs.

In conclusion, only you can decide if a payday loan is the best option best for your situation. There are pros and cons to every situation. By being responsible with your finances and educating yourself on all of the possible loan options available to you, you will have the best chance of coming out on top.

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Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the authors bio paragraph at the bottom of this article is included, the article is published "as is" (unedited) and all URL's are made active hyperlinks with no syntax changes.
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This article was written by Beth Pardue who has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more about your personal loan options or to apply for a personal loan online please visit: http://www.easy-approval-personal-loans.com