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Internet Telephony Technology

What is the difference between NetMeeting and Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phone?<
    Microsoft NetMeeting™ is a conferencing program with built-in Internet Telephony capabilities. Since it is software, it requires a computer (with NetMeeting installed). NetMeeting, like other software solutions, provides fewer features and the sound quality is inferior because the computer is designed to do everything from word processing to playing games. The Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phone are built from the ground up to do one thing very well -- send telephone calls across the Internet.
    While the best results will be obtained by using an Aplio/PRO or an Aplio/Phone on each side of the conversation, it is now possible to talk with people using NetMeeting on a PC. In this case, the sound quality may be limited to the software and computer equipment being used.
What is the difference between Internet Telephony carriers and Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phone?
    Internet Telephony carriersor Gatewaysare companies who offer PC-to-Phone servicesand in limited areasPhone-To-Phone communications. Using your computeryou place an Internet call to a service center that is close final destination they re-route the across regular phone lines calling party. So part of over it may end up being long-distance.
    The prices for these services are sometimes competitive, but only in areas where there is local phone access to the final calling party. In addition, the infrastructure cost is so high that they need to charge on a per-minute basis, just like traditional long-distance companies. Therefore, they are competing head-to-head with long-distance carriers but offering a lower quality service.
    Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phone are not dependent on any carrier. It works today and will work tomorrow. You don’t have to worry if your carrier will still be in business next time you place a call. And Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phone are the only solution to provide true Phone-to-Phone with a unique flat fee, unlimited rate.
I’ve heard the FCC is going to start charging companies that provide Internet telephone service – how does this affect you?
    First and foremost, any FCC decision concerning Internet telephone service does not apply to calls placed between Aplio/PRO or Aplio/Phones because there is no provider of telephone service – it is point-to-point and thus not able to be regulated. It is the same as PC-to-PC communication, which the FCC has already said it cannot regulate.
    The FCC has been discussing these charges for a long time, but has not come to any decision. The Clinton Administration has been very supportive of Internet technology companies and of Internet telephony companies in particular. They have stated repeatedly that to levy any charges on Internet companies would hinder the growth of the Internet and of the American role in the development of the Internet.


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