For the 'normal' joe public you are correct - Skype fits the glove. However for some Nerds who like to push the limits - Skype is a closed source tool. That's where SIP comes in handy (open source) especially with tools like the Gizmo Project.
Since SIP is open source, it is much easier to develop other tools to integrate etc....
So to make a long story short - If you're happy with Skype - use it - however if you want to push the limits of VOIP - then use gizmoproject / SIP or any of the other SIP compatible tools out there.
I love using Asterisk with SIP since asterisk acts like a bridging platform for any open VOIP protocol. Allowing you to perform Least Cost Routing on your own phone system (or setting up PBX style features for your home phones!!!)
Bundled with a ATA adapter (Sipura - spa 1001) you can turn your normal phone into a VOIP capable phone for under $60.
But that's if you're interested in experimenting and not just receiving a dial tone.
It's all about choices and that what I like.
Exactly, Asterisk comes to the rescue. I'm using sipphone and voipjet (which charge no monthly fee) but you pay for the calls as you go (which if you use voipjet is really cheap!) 1.3c per minute US / UK. SO not all VOIP users are paying a Vonage monthly fee.
On the other hand I did purchase a sipphone virtual number for $70 a year - so there is where some of my contribution comes in to this figure, but this fee is a 'must have' for me since I'd like people outside of VOIP to have the chance to call me.
I'm still looking for a way to purchase cheaper DID's - any ideas to beat $70 a year?
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For the 'normal' joe public you are correct - Skype fits the glove. However for some Nerds who like to push the limits - Skype is a closed source tool. That's where SIP comes in handy (open source) especially with tools like the Gizmo Project. Since SIP is open source, it is much easier to develop other tools to integrate etc.... So to make a long story short - If you're happy with Skype - use it - however if you want to push the limits of VOIP - then use gizmoproject / SIP or any of the other SIP compatible tools out there. I love using Asterisk with SIP since asterisk acts like a bridging platform for any open VOIP protocol. Allowing you to perform Least Cost Routing on your own phone system (or setting up PBX style features for your home phones!!!) Bundled with a ATA adapter (Sipura - spa 1001) you can turn your normal phone into a VOIP capable phone for under $60. But that's if you're interested in experimenting and not just receiving a dial tone. It's all about choices and that what I like.
Exactly, Asterisk comes to the rescue. I'm using sipphone and voipjet (which charge no monthly fee) but you pay for the calls as you go (which if you use voipjet is really cheap!) 1.3c per minute US / UK. SO not all VOIP users are paying a Vonage monthly fee. On the other hand I did purchase a sipphone virtual number for $70 a year - so there is where some of my contribution comes in to this figure, but this fee is a 'must have' for me since I'd like people outside of VOIP to have the chance to call me. I'm still looking for a way to purchase cheaper DID's - any ideas to beat $70 a year?