Why Find Me/Follow Me?

Find Me/Follow Me is a calling technology that allows you to create a phone call schedule so that callers can find you wherever you are, just by dialing one phone number. Consider Find Me/Follow Me as a virtual phone locating system. The Find Me/Follow Me calling feature provides you with a virtual phone number for which you may establish a schedule, complete with the days and hours you are available, and the numbers where you may be reached. When a caller dials your office phone number, the system first reviews your schedule and then begins to dial your forwarding phone numbers based on your schedule. If you have multiple numbers where you can be found, the system may dial them simultaneously or sequentially.

With Find Me/Follow Me, your virtual phone number gives you the freedom to be away from the office without worrying about missing any important calls or opportunities. There is no need to give friends, family and associates multiple phone numbers to reach you anymore. Let Find Me/Follow Me find you!

With so much flexibility and control, Find Me / Follow Me calling gives you better control over the calls you receive. Call Screening lets you know who is calling and gives you the option to answer or forward the call to your voicemail. 

Top 10 VoIP Features for Small Business

Top 10 VoIP Features for Small Business

Here is a look at the Top 10 VoIP features for small businesses:

1.  Automated Call Distribution helps businesses make the most of their contact center staff, by automating call distribution to the next available agent.

2.  Call Routing and Forwarding provides remote access for a mobile workforce. Features include “Find Me-Follow Me” , which forwards calls from office desk phone to mobile phones, laptops, home phones, and more.

3.  Data Integration links the softphone system with inventory, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales systems.

4.  Auto Attendant routes calls to a standard greeting, voicemail, or a self-service directory.

5.  Conferencing. VoIP business softphone systems feature instant conferencing, as well as video and Web conferencing applications.

6.  Directory Service relies on interactive voice recognition (IVR) to support automated directory access and call routing. Callers navigate the directory system by speaking a name or extension number.

7.  Voicemail. VoIP voicemail services feature unified messaging, which sends messages as an audio recording or an email. Users can access voicemail from any device, including mobile phones, laptops, and home phones.

8.  Wed-Based Administration Interface allows users to set routing and call preferences, as well as make adds, changes, and moves.

9.  Presence Management helps business employees work together across the world. The presence tool identifies who is available and the best way of contacting them (email, phone, IM).

10. Unified Communications Collaboration Tools help business workers collaborate with partners, clients, and colleagues worldwide. Features include screen sharing, document sharing, wikis, virtual whiteboarding, and business “social networking” applications.

Today’s small businesses face many logistical challenges as they compete in the global marketplace. Without the global office network of large enterprises, small businesses rely on their data networks to bridge the locational divide. VoIP services afford small businesses access to basic and advanced IP communications features, bringing together colleagues and supporting relationships with business partners and customers worldwide.

Why VoIP?

Why VoIP?

 A regular telephone system uses a PSTN (Public Switch telephone Network) which is connected through a network of cables and wires. Maintaining and upgrading of these wires and cables make recurring costs for the users high. On the other hand  VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) for the layman can be understood as a combination of technologies that facilitates the conversion and transmission of sound and voice data over the internet.

VoIP is ideally suited to small and large business houses who need to communicate between clients and branches through telephonic conversations and conferences where the PSTN communication expenses rise beyond validation.

Statistics from 2008 onwards signify that 80% of all new PBX lines were VoIP. The reason for the switch in telephony systems by users are numerous and very obvious. Not only are  VoIP lines cheaper, they are also much more efficient. VoIP systems lets you connect seamlessly through various interfaces and locations through your computer using voice and video technologies. It not only saves on telephone costs, but organizations are also saving huge amounts on travel. Meetings and reviews can now be held through video conferencing, cutting down travel costs of executives based in different locations. The benefits are so apparent that 80% of the users of normal PBX systems have shifted to VoIP systems, a statistics that just underlines the communication trends of the future.

VoIP also allows efficient monitoring of employee calls and productivity. Additional effective communication tools can be integrated into the system through various software that enable employees to communicate efficiently. Call logs and costs too can be accessed at the click of a button on your computer.

VoIP can not only communicate voice but also transmits textual data applications like fax, sms, etc. It can also be used to communicate data like spreadsheets, presentations and can communicate across interfaces and mediums of PSTN telephone, Mobile telephones, VoIP systems and computers.

VoIP is easily installed through plug and play options which can be fused with your computer. The scalability cost of VoIP is virtually nonexistent, you just plug another system on the network and another work station is ready.

An archetypal setting of VoIP  integration is where an existing client calls one of the sales managers through your VoIP PBX systems. On the connection of the call all previous data of the client is displayed on your computer. His previous records, requirements, outstanding and payment schedule are at the display screen of the manager while he is still exchanging greetings. This allows the manager to communicate effectively and efficiently with minimal wastage of time. The clients to have evolved in their outlook and expectations for services required through the technological advances offered by bigger business houses.

The VoIP systems offer more at substantially reduced costs. Most Fortune 500 companies are already using the VoIP systems because they have been able to identify with the advantages of the use of VOIP systems.

Don't change the need to communicate instead change the way you communicate to achieve better results and rewards.

Why Virtual PBX?

A virtual PBX is a hosted private branch exchange phone system that does not require installation of any equipment or hardware that is otherwise required for a traditional PBX phone system. The virtual PBX, a cloud base phone system is typically hosted and managed by third party vendors. The users require an internet connection and VoIP enabled phones to access the phone service.


A Virtual PBX phone system provides access to the most advanced and feature rich phone system that is easy to install, configure, use and manage. With a cloud base phone system you can focus on your core business activities rather than focusing your time, cost and effort in operating a business phone system. This is possible as the Virtual PBX companies handle the installation, configuration and management of the system and you simply use it. Hosted PBX or a cloud base phone system works over internet through VoIP, public switched telephone network (PSTN) or both. A virtual PBX provides several benefits as opposed to a traditional PBX phone system such as the following:

• Big Savings:  The first and foremost benefit of a virtual PBX phone system is the low cost of ownership as it doesn't require purchasing expensive hardware and equipment that is required for a traditional PBX system.
• Low Call Costs:  A virtual PBX works over internet using VoIP which is cheaper as opposed to the traditional call using the PSTN.  All that is required is an internet connection and VoIP based phone systems.
• Faster Time to Market:  A virtual PBX is easy to install and doesn't involve complex configurations and setting up of systems. All the configurations and set up related tasks are taken care of by the Hosted cloud base phone system provider.
• Resource Optimization:  A virtual PBX phone system doesn't require resources or people to install, maintain and support the system as it is hosted and all these tasks are taken care of by the cloud base phone system provider. With a Virtual PBX, your business need not worry about the maintenance overheads, repairs or support of the PBX system which results in big savings.
• State of the Art Features:  Additional benefits include state of the art, Fortune 500 business features such as a toll free number, automated assistant, pushing voice mail to emails, call forwarding, call screening and many more. These Fortune 500 business features make the virtual PBX phone system a viable option for businesses of all sizes.
• Automation:  A Virtual PBX phone system allows automation of several tasks that otherwise require a physical resource or employee intervention, reducing the cost and effort. Automation can include, but is not limited to call screening, call forwarding, etc.  Automation can differ from company to company based on the business requirements.

With the ever increasing enhancements to technology, a cloud base phone system provides a robust and hassle free business phone system that provides state of the art features at an affordable price. The combination of easy to use, low cost, feature rich and quality of the cloud based phone system, makes virtual PBX a preferred choice for any business as opposed to the traditional PBX system.


About Us
Established in 1996, Datavo is a privately held, California telecom company headquartered in North Hollywood. We currently provide telephone service to over 12,000 businesses throughout Los Angeles and Orange County and recognized as a low cost leader throughout the state. Our primary goal is simple. We aim to provide you with cost effective solutions to meet your business's telephone and broadband requirements as well as provide the customer service experience you expect for your company.

BroadcastingCable.com: FCC Releases First Funds in Universal Service Fund Transition - Officially launches Connect America fund, part of its long-term National Broadband Plan

The FCC Wednesday officially launched its Connect America fund, an expansion of its phone subsidy program to broadband support, which is part of its long-term National Broadband Plan.

The FCC voted last fall to reform the Universal Service Fund with an eye toward freeing up money to help migrate phone subsidies to broadband subsidies, where all the telecom action is these days. 

In this first phase of funding, dubbed a "transitional mechanism to distribute high cost universal service support to price cap carriers," phone companies have 90 days to take the money and run with its aggressive build-out requirements. The FCC is expecting those companies to be spending some of their own money as well to help extend broadband to rural "unserved homes and businesses."

The initial outlay is estimated to deliver broadband to up to 400,000 homes and businesses.

The announcement comes only two days before the FCC plans to launch the next phase in reforming the Universal Service Fund, which is to seek comment on how to  "reform and modernize" how the funds are assessed and collected.  Telecom carriers pay into the fund -- and pass that fee along to customers -- to subsidize phone-now broadband service -- where there is not a business case for it.

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/25/2012 5:11:33 PM

Cutting Your Traditional Landline Service May Not Be The Best Idea.

TURN: The Utility Reform Network says cutting your traditional landline service may not be the best idea if you are looking to rely on your cell phone for significant calling.

POTS, or plain old phone service, may not be glamorous but it is affordable. Dropping it will only save you money if you can keep your cell bills low. And you’ll pay a price in convenience, as well.

Cost comparisons depend on usage
First of all, cell phones are not always cheaper than landlines. If you sign up for an unlimited cell phone plan with data service, you could be paying about $100 per month or more. Basic landline telephone service with no bells and whistles might costs around $20 a month. The key is to buy what you need. If you make a lot of long distance calls the cell might be cheaper since most plans include long distance with your bucket of minutes. If you don’t talk long distance very much, the landline is probably the cheaper option. You can use the landline for local calls and get a prepaid cell phone for long distance calls and come out ahead.

Fast, direct emergency 911 access
With a landline telephone you also get more reliable 911 access. Currently calling 911 and E-911 service on a landline connects customers with local emergency service providers directly and immediately. Cable and cell phone providers are not required to route 911 calls to the nearest emergency service providers. In many areas of California, especially rural areas, most wireless calls are not answered locally but are routed to California Highway Patrol (CHP) centers.
Internet Access

You may also need a landline if you want DSL service. In some areas, DSL is still the best high speed Internet option. Have cable Internet? If you lose power, you lose your cable and your Internet and your cable phone service.

Beware of power outages
During a power outage, you don't lose your landline. You don't lose your cell phone, either, but what if the power outage lasts awhile? Cell towers will only run on a battery backup for so long before they also die. Remember, cell phones need to be charged, and cordless phones require electricity.

The safest solution? Hang on to your old fashioned, plain old phone, and your plain old phone service too. And keep cell phone bills low by being a smart and savvy cell phone consumer. 

408 Area Code Overlay

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 669 area code will be added to the area served by 408.  The new 669 area code will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 408 area code.  This is known as an area code overlay.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (in this case 669) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (408).  An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code.

How does this affect providers of Public Safety Answer Points (PSAPs)?

As a result of the overlay, a new dialing procedure requires callers to dial 1 + area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 408 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using 1 + area code + telephone number. 

All PSAP equipment, such as speed dialers, located in the 408 area code and programmed to dial only seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all calls in the 408/669 area code.

When will the change take place?

·      Beginning April 21, 2012, customers should begin using the new dialing procedure (1 + area code + telephone number) when placing calls from the 408 area code.  If customers forget and use the old dialing procedure of dialing just seven digits, calls will still be completed.

·      Beginning October 20, 2012, customers must use the new dialing procedure for all calls.  After this date, if customers do not use the new dialing procedure, calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again.

·      Reprogramming of PSAP equipment/systems should take place between April 21, 2012 and October 20, 2012. This period allows either the old or new dialing procedure to be used to complete calls.  All PSAPs must make their programming changes during this period.

·      To enable you to verify that equipment can complete calls to the new area code, a special test number will become available on August 20, 2012.  This special number, (669) 669-1669will remain active through January 20, 2013.

·      Beginning November 20, 2012, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 669 area code, and it will be necessary to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all calls within the 408 and 669 area codes.

What will remain the same?

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay, and what is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811.

If you have any questions about the overlay, you may contact your local service provider or the CPUC at (800) 848-5580. Information about the overlay is also available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/408areacode.