Altigen Altiware OE 4.0 Guide Manual page 11

5. Which device should I use?
The answer to this question really depends upon the customer's environment, their requirements
and the amount of money they are willing to spend.
5.1. NetMeeting?
If price is the biggest factor, then NetMeeting is your answer. The only thing you will need to buy
is the headset, which should cost less than $50. However, it has the following drawbacks:
•
A PC is required for your phone calls (you won't be able to reboot your PC while talking
on the phone)
•
Since NetMeeting shares the CPU with other applications on the PC, the voice quality
may be unpredictable if you have several applications open while talking on the phone.
•
You don't have a physical phone, so you have to get used to talking on he headset
without a physical phone.
•
You have to be physically at the desk to take and make calls. For example, you won't be
able to use a cordless phone whereby you can move around your office and still talk to
people on the phone.
5.2. Quicknet?
If you want to use a standard analog phone as you do today, and still want advanced functionality
such as Message waiting and caller ID, Quicknet is your answer. It is relatively less expensive,
does not require a separate IP address for the phone, and you don't have to get used to a new way
of making and receiving calls. However, you should be aware of the following drawbacks:
•
A PC is required for your phone calls (you won't be able to reboot your PC while talking
on the phone)
5.3. Siemens?
If you want a true IP phone, but are willing to sacrifice advanced features such as Message
Waiting, Siemens is your answer. It is relatively more expensive, but it is from a well-known
company, you get a standalone phone that does not require a PC to function and provides a very
good speech quality. However, you should be aware of the following drawbacks:
•
You need a separate IP address for the phone. If you use a PC with your phone, you need
to get two IP addresses from your ISP.
•
Advanced functionality such as Message Waiting are not supported on the LP5100 at this
time.
•
You have to be physically present at your desk to take and make calls. For example, you
won't be able to use a cordless phone whereby you can move around your office and still
talk to people on the phone.
•
The way you use the phone is slightly different. You will need to train yourself to use it.
IP Extensions in AltiWare OE 4.0, © Copyright 2000, AltiGen Communications, Inc Page 11/11