What is VOIP software? & Evaluate and compare 3 software for effective communication

What is VOIP software?

VOIP - VOIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is another way of making calls instead of using a phone. If reasonable internet quality is available it is cheaper to use VOIP than to use a standard phoned using a mobile network company. Therefore an advantage of VOIP is that is cheaper or even free. An advantage of VOIP is it's portability as you can make and receive calls for free anywhere that has internet connection. Also most VOIP companies provide features which most phone company will make you pay extra for when added to you're service plan, for example;

• Caller ID
• Call waiting
• call transfer
• repeat dial
• return call
• three-way calling  

A disadvantage to VOIP is not as many people have access to the internet or even a VOIP software compared to how many people have access to a mobile phone. Another disadvantage is that fact that some VOIP do not include the emergency services such as 999. VOIP needs power to run, no power means no phone whereas if you have a phone and you have no power within you're home you're phone will still be operational.

VOIP would be used in situations such as if a business is holding a conference they could use a software such as Skype to form a video call therefore face to face talk amongst one another and show ideas via a white board which they have only in the room they are in.
VOIP will also be used for personal use such as if someone was trying to get hold of there friend they could call them for free and even use video chat and have a conversation a disadvantage is that if you do not have a stable connection the chat may drop and be ended. Businesses mainly VOIPs to keep their telecommunication costs down to save money. The company Allstate insurance co. used a VOIP to deal with hurricane Katrina

Evaluate and compare 3 software for effective communication

Skype - Skype is a type of effective communication as you can easily and efficiently start a chat with someone whether it be video or just voice, it is a reliable service as a lot of large companies and small businesses use it to have work meeting and conferences. A disadvantage of Skype is that if you do not have a stable connection the quality of the video and chat will be at a poor standard.
E-mail - E-mail is a useful way to message others or to keep in touch with people, it is also a quick and easy way to pass over files such as PowerPoint presentations or word documents if they are needed in a work environment you are not currently at but someone else is. A disadvantage of E-mail is the fact that it can take some time for someone to reply to their E-mail as they may not check it regularly.
Facebook - Facebook is ok for general chat between friends as you can talk to more than one at the same time, disadvantages of Facebook is that you cannot speak to each other using voice only text another is that their video chat is very poor quality and hard to see what the camera is showing.

Skype would be the best form of effective communication as it involves instant messaging and also voice chat as the others don't. Skype and Facebook both have video chat but Skype's is far more superior in terms of quality and simplicity.