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Vonage And The State Of The Residential VoIP Industry

Considering their recent legal and customer service issues....Vonage did no favors to the residential VoIP industry. Neither did the untimely and messy demise of SunRocket. So just where do things stand now...and where may they be headed?

Vonage's biggest competition (and other independent VoIP providers) continues to mainly be the larger phone and cable companies, especially the ones that are bundling all of the various features (tv, internet, and phone).

Outside of the cable companies, Baby Bells, I think right now there are too many companies to list and too many companies without a successful plan thrown in the mix (think SunRocket).

For budget VoIP, there are lots of options today still. However, the legal issues that hit Vonage will likely bankrupt any of the budget providers. Although there's a strength in numbers that reduces the odds of any major issues should that happen, unlike the SunRocket fiasco.

Right now the market is pretty much a free for all and too many people are jumping into the business without truly understanding it. E.g., "We have VoIP! It never works!" These companies don't do the research into networking. Any glitches on the network will affect calls, call quality, etc. They dish out mega bucks (SunRocket) and flunk out because they're so focused on solely one portion of it.

The common concern in VoIP applications is a flurry of issues from the home based segment: One Way Audio, dropped ATA connections, etc. If you really look at what is happening, specifically who is being used for the internet connection (e.g. Cable companies + VoIP = headache), and what equipment is used, you'll see a pattern. It's the internet provider not the VoIP service provide who is at fault in over 95% of the cases.

But the general public as a whole just doesn't understand this. Until they do it will continue to be an uphill battle for residential VoIP providers.

Far too many companies don't take this into consideration on the home segment. Think about Farmer John or Grandma Jane who know next to nothing about the technology calling your company for help that has nothing to do with you. "Your VoIP service sucks! Now I can't even get onto Yahoo!". As a courtesy you would help them even though their cable provider or ISP is to blame. So how do you offset costs from that?

Companies such as Cox, Comcast, Qwest, etc. are providing reliable service for a fair price and offer "all you can eat" packages with arguably descent customer service to boot. As companies such as Cisco further refine technology for the Cable/Carrier markets, more and more options are going to present themselves (such as DOCSIS 3.0 = 100Mbps +, etc), and the market for companies with the copper/fiber to your home are in a great position to control the experience and leverage existing business (think Verizon's Fios).

However, I would argue that wireless companies are in greater position to displace or contend with companies such as Vonage. Again, you have a company that owns the transport, technology evolving at an amazing pace (e.g. WiMax, etc), and now you have a mobile delivery that will get better with time. I believe that options allowing for mobility and a cheap delivery to the masses is incredibly important (who doesn't have a cell phone these days?), and I believe that if you own the delivery method, you are in a great position to provide cost effective solutions to the consumer.

Many arguments can be made about the current stability of wireless, but I'm optimistic that it cannot get worse :). In addition, many arguments can be made about regulation surrounding these markets and that too can sway arguments - but politics drive me nuts, so I digress. I'll stand by and argue that those in control of the delivery medium (wireless, copper, fiber, etc) are in the greatest position to provide good customer service, have the resources to ride thru legal issues, etc. because they have the benefit of an annuity stream .... and additional value added services should be a 'no brainer' for them.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

posted by badrul-halim36838 @ 10:08 PM 0 comments

5 Tips On Selecting The Right Developer For Property In Malaysia

I don't know about your country, but in mine, Malaysia, when you're looking to buy property of any type, one of the important criteria you would want to look into is - the developer.

The project is important, but you would agree that the developer plays even a bigger role; in ensuring that you're getting the best property deal in Malaysia.

So, you might want to read on to find out, who would be your ideal developer...

Well, basically, these are the criteria to look for:

1. Reputation and Reliability

Need I say more? You know this already, don't you? But...

The most important thing is: How do you find out reputation and reliability of a developer, right?

Simple, just ask around residences or owners of previous property projects by your targeted developer! You should be able to get some hints from these neighborhoods.

While you're there, open you eyes; BIG and WIDE! Observe their workmanship. Would you be happy with the quality of work that you see right before your eyes?

You can also check who their financiers are. Do they owe their contractors, vendors and suppliers? You wouldn't want to be involve with a bad pay master, would you?

One more thing...

Find out if this is their first project? If they are not from a developer background, you should think again...

2. They should be registered under REHDA

REHDA, or the Real Estate and Housing Developer Association, is the association that keep track of a developer's records.

Reputable property developers in Malaysia are members of REHDA... and if it is not registered... well, you know what to do, right?

3. Timeliness in Delivery and Quality

While checking out the previous projects by the developer, find out about their timeliness. Are they delaying project consistently? What is their compensation for the delay? Is the compensation fair and following the legal requirements?

4. Credibility, Management Effectiveness, After Sales Services.

These are the normal things to check. A MUST!

When youre uncovering the background of the developer of property projects in Malaysia, find out about their credibility, their management teams and effectiveness, and what is the quality level of their services?

And now... the most outrageous criteria!

5. License!

Huh? Property developers in Malaysia MUST have a license, don't they?

Alright, before I go about embarrassing my lovely state... let me explain:

You see, there are certain licensing requirements for properties in Malaysia. And not all property projects are necessarily regulated. Thus, there's no pre-requisite to have a valid license for certain project types.

Property projects that requires a valid license in Malaysia are any buildings that are intended for human habitation, partly or wholly. Examples, low and medium cost apartments, condominiums, terrace houses etc.

But then again, The Minister may by notification published in the Gazette, exempt any housing developer from any or all of the provisions of the Housing Development (Control & Licensing) Act, 1966.

So, these 'exempted' developers may not need any license as well!

Now, you probably would be asking: What else does not require a valid license?

Here's the loopholes...

If the developer is building less than four units; or the units are only sold after full Certificate of Fitness for Occupation has been issued. No license is required.

Besides that, any approved commercial development, no valid license are required.

Examples, service apartments, commercial buildings, shop lots, shop offices, bungalow plots and/or land, orchard land and/or agricultural land, industrial and/or factory lots, and other types of properties not specified as Housing Accommodation?under the Housing Act

Ouch!

Now, how are you going to find out about these?

Well, frankly...

Information about these are perfectly rare. You can ask even an average Malaysian, who lives her whole life here - she may not know all these either!

So, the most important task you need to do is to get hold of reliable and information-packed resources to aid your property quest in Malaysia, don't you agree?

And the good news for you is: There's such a material now available online for immediate download. Check out the link at my bio-data. It's a definite valuable resource for investors in Malaysia properties.

C. Guan Soo is a free-lance writer, copywriter and internet marketer who has produced few books before this. He has written a number of articles on various topics.

Recently, due to his rising interest in search of information for Malaysia property, he set on a trail in gathering useful information to share with the public.

He's a co-writer for the book, "How To Own Properties In Malaysia Without Been Ripped Off!" at http://www.MalaysiaPropertyGuide.com

posted by badrul-halim36838 @ 10:08 PM 0 comments

My Personal Review Of A Cruise Vacation Taken On Celebrity Cruise Lines

When planning a trip why not consider a Cruise vacation. Having sailed on Celebrity Cruise Lines after reading many cruise reviews, I can highly recommend Celebrity Cruises for a great cruise vacation.

Scuba diving? Exotic cuisines? Going to a spa? Different activities for a vacation you can choose from, but why not do all of them on a Celebrity Cruise vacation.

A Celebrity Cruise is a cost and time efficient vacation. You wont have to go to different destinations to enjoy the above activities. On a Celebrity Cruise vacation all the amenities you want, fitness center, restaurants, swimming pools, casino and gourmet food can be found on a Celebrity cruise vacation.

You do not have to worry about your luggage. You drop if off at the pier and it will be delivered to your stateroom. Unpack once and youre done for the duration of youre your cruise vacation. After you have unpacked go to lunch, one of the best cruising activities is the parade of delicious dishes in Celebrity cruise dining rooms.

Each Celebrity Cruise vacation has its own restaurant administered by the finest chefs in the world. Best of all, every meal and snack are included in your Celebrity Cruise package.

In every port tourist guides are readily available to assist you. Take a tour on a Celebrity cruise lines guided excursion. You do not have to worry about your children; there are several activities, which will keep them preoccupied while you are enjoying your own activity.

Taking a Celebrity cruise vacation enables you to enjoy every minute of your vacation and frees you from worrying about where to eat, what to do and how much it will cost.

All cruise lines offers these services to their passengers, however Celebrity Cruise Lines does it just a little bit better. Celebrity Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines available in todays market. They offer competitive packages and are just one step above other cruise lines. They have onboard upscale boutiques and entertainment ala Las Vegas, which was created and designed exclusively for Celebrity Cruise Lines by Cirque du Soleil.

You can try your luck at the Casino or even purchase some fine art at the onboard auction. Late in the evening check out The Bar at the Edge of the Earth, an exotic lounge provided exclusively by Celebrity Cruise Lines.

If you feel the need to relax, visit the famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. There, you will experience a deluxe manicure, facial treatments, and a relaxing massage. Celebrity Cruise Lines also has an onboard acupuncture center if you want to feel renewed and invigorated. You can book spa packages before you go on your cruise vacation over the internet

Your kids will also enjoy their cruise vacation on a Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity offers the X-Club Youth Program exclusively for your kids. It has activities and entertainment for specific age groups.

A professional staff administers all of these activities, which include science and nature exploration, treasure hunts, talents shows, dinner parties, and more. Celebrity Cruises have reserved areas on the ship for younger seafaring passengers such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center, and pools. This allows your kids to enjoy their own activities while you are off enjoying yours.

Celebrity Cruise Lines has designed its ships to accommodate mobility-impaired passengers. There are staff members that are always ready to attend to any of their special needs. Celebrity has an onboard clinic staffed by a licensed doctor and nurse who can speak foreign languages

Food on a cruise vacation is available 24/7 in cafeterias and dining areas. You can also request room service if you want have a romantic dinner with your spouse. We did this while we did a European cruise and the dinner came with a white linen table cloth, china, silver and crystal glasses. It was really beautiful and I have never experienced that on other cruise lines. There are formal dinners in the famous Celebrity Cruise Lines dining rooms two or three times during the cruise vacation, depending on the length of your cruise travel. If you do not wish to participate in this cruise activity there are casual restaurants that you can visit instead.

Celebrity Cruise Lines has a variety of itineraries from which to choose. Some of them are very exotic like the Galapagos or Australia. No matter which itinerary you choose you will always feel pampered on a Celebrity Cruise vacation. Celebrity Cruise Lines staff always go the extra mile to please you. Read some other cruise reviews and see if they dont agree with me.

Enjoy cruising with Celebrity Cruise Lines!

Copyright Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com, http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

posted by badrul-halim36838 @ 2:03 PM 0 comments