Back in 1999 and 2000, I worked for a telemarketing company that was just starting to look into VoIP services. As the MIS/IT Manager, I spent a lot of hours looking over the options before leaving the company. VoIP was still expensive back then (but still not as expensive as traditional long distance). That was back then, and this is now. VoIP services are very affordable at today's rates.

I've been browsing PBX (Packet8 Virtual Office) for the past hour and they have some really good plans for small businesses. Right now, they offer a free wireless phone with every Packet8 Virtual Office purchase. Value added services include:

• Unbiased advice and recommendations regarding all of your high-speed Internet needs.
• Max Spyware Detector to help prevent Spyware infection.
• Send and receive large files quickly and reliably with the YouSendIt file delivery service. (I have an account with YouSendIt.)
• The Packet8 Audio Production Store for effective audio branding.

If I was to invest in a VoIP solution, I would choose the Virtual Attendant and Unlimited Extension plans. You get a lot of bang for the buck with that combination. You pay for the equipment but there's no long term contract to contend with. As a small business, you need to optimize as much as possible. If you're a medium-sized business, the Unlimited Extension PLUS plan would probably be a better option. The equipment costs you nothing with a 2-year commitment. If you have an international business, I would recommend the Global Extension PLUS plan. Whatever the combination, you won't break the bank with any of the plans.

Packet8 has a lot of equipment options. I like the Packet8 Tango videophone myself. It's a steal right now at $99.99, but it won't be much longer.

Let's face it. Traditional long distance services, no matter how good the deals sound, are too expensive in our modern, Internet-enhanced society. VoIP is the communications medium we need to concentrate on in the here and now.