This article outlines the more common methods of Premium Rate Scams. We have tried to elaborate the commonly used techniques used by scamsters and make people aware. The first example of a scam is related to missed calls on your mobile phones. If you get a missed call on your phone from an unknown number that starts with 0709 prefix there may be something fishy.

The scam is simple yet effective and you can be taken for a ride. The scamsters dial in a number for a fraction of a minute in anticipation that the person will call back, and that is when the game starts. Once you call into this number which is being used for the fraud your telephone bill immediately starts ticking. What happens is pretty simple to understand. You are dialling into a premium rate number and getting charged for a call which you never wanted to make.

There has been some kind of exaggeration on the rates though. Some people have claimed that you can be charged £50 per minute for a scam call. ICSTIS, the regulatory body of Premium Rate Number services has very clearly outlined that a premium rate number cannot be charged at more than £1.50 per minute.

The point to note is that even if you are not losing a huge amount, definitely you are losing some money and the fraudsters are making a windfall. The remedy is simple and you can easily save yourself from getting duped by using a little common sense. When you get a missed call from a 0709 number and you are not sure, preferably do not call back.

If you feel that the call may be from a business associate, call up but the first instance you feel that the person on the other end is trying to take you for a ride hang up immediately. These kind of scams die a quick death because the authorities take stern action or people become aware of them.

Another scam that has happened in Luton in the United Kingdom is even more shocking. A well dressed distressed lady knocks on your door and asks for help. Her story goes this way. Her car has broken down and she needs a phone to call up her husband. As a good samaritan you help her out with your phone. She makes a call but the call is definitely not to her husband but an Interactive Voice Recording system.

The lady has in fact called a prime rate number from your phone. She will make money out of a call which she is making from your phone. You will not realize that you have been duped until the time you get your bill. Here again there is some kind of exaggeration on the amount you can be billed. The rumor mills put the figure at £50 per minute but again it cannot go beyond £1.50 per minute.

These scams are common place in UK and you should take due care from falling into the hands of one of these fraudsters.

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This article outlines the regulatory services offered by ICSTIS. The article will help to understand what individuals, service providers and phone networks can expect out of ICSTIS. It is an independent body that regularizes premium rate telephone services in the United Kingdom. It is a non profit making organization and consists of twelve board members and supported by a full time executive.

In order to operate as a Premium Rate Service operator in the UK you need a registration with ICSTIS. At the time of registration the service providers must provide certain information to the regulatory body. After verifying the details an ICSTIS premium rate number is offered to the service provider.

The service provider must provide some minimum details to ICSTIS for getting a license. Some of these details are the telephone number ranges with which it wants to offer services, any website address that the service provider may need to link as part of the service, and the contact details of the directors. Once the registration is done the service provider is given a Service Provider Registration Number (SPN).

The important point to note here is that you need to register only once as a service provider. The charge that a service operator can charge for premium rate numbers is up to £1.50 per minute.The service providers should take care of any relevant legal and regulatory conditions before embarking on the service. There are some areas of Premium Rate Number services which are outside the purview of ICSTIS. These are legal, technical, commercial and matters related to services that do not charge via premium rate.

Phone networks planning to offer premium rate services should also register with ICSTIS before they can start their services. This applies to communication providers who wish to start originating services and terminating services for premium rate numbers.

If you start your services without registration then ICSTIS has the rights to initiate investigation against your firm. Also you have to pay a levy on the revenues that you generate to the regulatory body.

ICSTIS also takes initiative to ensure that people using the premium rate services are not taken for a ride by the service providers and the network companies. It has given a mandate to the service providers to offer precise and accurate pricing information, genuine advertising and service content.
ICSTIS has certain powers to bar companies from operating Premium Rate Services if they breach the code of conduct of operations. It takes around 30 days to get a clearance from ICSTIS and start services. The investment for a service provider can be from nil to £50.

Once you have a service provider license from ICSTIS you can start any premium rate service such as weather forecasts, adult entertainment services or technical support services for hardware. ICSTIS plays the role of a father figure in the Premium Rate Number industry. ICSTIS is offering relentless service for the benefit of consumers, providers and operators. Without its presence we could have been in a jungle that is Premium Rate service numbers.

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Teleconferencing refers to communication among three or more people that is done via an electronic medium. The participants of teleconferencing do not have to be in the same place in order to talk. They can be located at polar ends of the earth and still be able to discuss matters. In short, what teleconferencing does is bring individuals together in one virtual location.

The American Telephone and Telegraph introduced the concept of teleconferencing in the 1960s through its Picturephone device. During the time, people didn’t really see the need for such technology, but over the years, as the cost of traveling from one place to another increased, more and more people were beginning to see the merits of of the Picturephone.

There are basically three kinds of teleconferencing deviec: one that allows audio conferencing and verbal communication, which is carried out using the telephone, one that allows video conferencing, and one that allows computer and printed conferencing via computer terminals.

Areas that are far from the city are able to maximize the use of teleconferencing services and devices; so do businesses that have branches or micro-staff in other parts of world. Businessmen no longer need to travel to meet a certain client. He can just audio- or video-conference with the other party and close deals through this medium. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of using teleconferencing devices to communicate.

Advantages of Teleconferencing

The main advantage of teleconferencing is the reduction of communication costs. The savings come because people do not need to travel miles to meet with each other anymore. In fact, according to statistics, teleconferencing can cut down business travel-related expenses by around 30 per cent every year. That could translate to billions of dollars!

Another advantage is that people who are unable to attend meetings personally can still gain access to important discussions. Follow up meets have also become more often because of the reduced expense and greater ease. Unless, there is a major blackout, no storm or amount of traffic will stop participants from holding a meeting, as these external annoyances are bypassed.

Disadvantages of Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing, while considered a savior of many businesses, is not without its share of negative characteristics. For instance, in the event of a major blackout or a technical failure, you will not be able to teleconference. This communication method relies heavily on technology and modernity to operate well. When these factors are suspended, meetings are likely to be suspended, too.

It’s also difficult to negotiate and bargain if you’re teleconferencing. This is because the other party can simply turn you off if he or she does not fancy what you’re proposing, as opposed to face-to-face interaction, where the other party is compelled to stay and continue to listen to you. The impersonal feel of teleconferencing also makes persuasion difficult to maneuver.

In sum, while teleconferencing is highly convenient alternative to person to person meetings, it still isn’t able to deliver the personal touch that is present in all FTF transactions. It is more difficult to judge another person’s reaction to a certain issue if you just teleconference. However, the cost factor is a major issue and it cannot be denied that teleconferencing can save us millions of bucks.

Learn more information about Business Teleconferencing at the online Conference Call website http://conferencecallit.com

Free reverse directory for phone number lookup can provide us with a lot of information that can be very useful. Nowadays we are to a greater extent overwhelmed by various new ways of communication. With just one simple touch of a button we can send emails, call people around the world, and locate the phone numbers, names and addresses of people living across the world.

Most recent additions to the info investigation method is the Free reverse directory for phone number lookup, offered by numerous cell phone companies.

In what ways can we benefit from free reverse directory for phone number lookup? Through a normal phone directory assistance service, all of us are skilled enough to utilize a persons name or address to find a phone number.

You can on the other hand, get a persons name or address by means of a cellular or regular phone number that you currently have.

If you have a phone number on hand, you can look for it by searching on the internet, and in any case, whether it is a regular or cell phone, you are going to be able to find the phones owner identity.

Other info can additionally be gained by using a variety of agencies and for varying charges. For example if you wish to find out more about a person you plan on hiring in your company, you can make use of investigative agencies to inquire about not merely the persons name associated with phone number, but additionally you may find out background information, like for example prior legal issues or current warrants.

You can like wise come across information about employment location and contact info, in addition to family record and other even more uncomfortable info.

Then again large parts of the free reverse directory for phone number lookup is limited as a result of privacy laws imposed by the federal government.

Financial information are impossible to be found merely by way of reverse cell phone lookup, and, should the phone owner chooses to go for an number that is unlisted, nearly all of the personal information is going to be also exceptionally complicated or even totally impossible to unearth.

If that is the case, you are going to have to search for a professional search company to aid you in finding additional information regarding the person in question. The good side to this is that, with the recent development of internet, this sort of companies are no longer tough to hire or expensive.

Like all the other older phone assistant services, the reverse cell phone lookup assistance is not ideal, however the additional plus of this service is that is a valuable fund of broad-spectrum personal information under specific situations.

By upholding safeguards such as discretion restrictions the pros of free reverse directory for phone number lookup will considerably outweigh its bad sides for years to come, building a wonderful source for obtaining personal info.

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Latest technology of the information investigation procedure is the free reverse telephone directory presented by many of the internet searches.

Today, when we are increasingly overwhelmed with a variety of new systems of communication, by simply touching a button we can send e-mails, call people around the world, and find the names, addresses, and phone numbers of people from across the globe.

In what ways can free reverse telephone directory lookup be used? By way of the normal phone directory assistance service, all of us are skilled enough to employ a persons name to track down a phone number.

We can if we wish, also get a hold of a persons address or name, based only on the cell phone number that we possess.

Then again we were not always competent of searching for private information by using only free reverse telephone directory.

In a situation when you have a phone number available to you, you can search for it on the Internet, and regardless of, whether it is a cell phone or a land line, you are going to be able to find the phone owners name.

Other significant information may also be gained by utilizing a mixture of search companies and for different charges.

For example if you wanted to discover more concerning who is calling your house phone and constantly hanging up, you can use investigative agencies to investigate do not only the name connected to the number of the phone in question, but in addition you may find out background information, like former legal matters or present warrants.

You can in addition get info on the subject of work location and contact info, in addition to family past and other even more private facts.

However large parts of the examination is limited due to privacy laws made obligatory by the federal administration.

Private financial information can not be found merely through free reverse telephone directory, and, if it so happens that the cell phone number owner goes with an unlisted phone, the majority of info is going to be or exceptionally complicated or even out of the question to get a hold of.

If that is the case, you will need to find a specialized search service to assist you in finding extra info regarding the target in question. The positive side of this is that, with the most recent progression of web, this sort of agencies are no longer difficult to locate or costly.

Just as all the preceding directory assistant services, the free reverse telephone directory is not flawless, however the added bonus of this service is that is a helpful virtual mine of broad private information in some situations.

By maintaining safety measures like discretion restrictions the pros of free reverse telephone directory will greatly offset its bad sides in the next few years, creating a magnificent basis for gaining private info.

During last ten years Manfred Stohl has been employed by some of the largest names in communication industry. On his web site you can discover everything about free reverse phone numbers lookup as well find tons of free info, tips and advice.

Toll Free Service Overview

The 800 Service Management System (SMS/800) is an operations support system (OSS) used for the creation and maintenance of North American toll-free call-processing records. SMS/800 is also the source of toll-free number availability and reservation status information. Many users call the 800 Service Management System the “National Database”.

All service providers that assign toll-free numbers for use within the US and Canada use the SMS/800 to verify the availability of specific numbers, reserve them, create customer records, and download records to local exchange carrier Service Control Points (SCPs) to facilitate call processing.

New Customer Records (CRs) and changes to existing CRs are loaded into the SMS/800 by a Responsible Organization (Resp Org). The Resp Org (usually a telecommunications provider) is an organization designated to manage and administer a customer’s SMS/800 records. Resp Org’s must go through a certification process to gain access to the national database.

After the CR is created or changed SMS/800 then downloads the appropriate information to the Service Control Points (SCPs) which directs toll-free traffic by providing routing information and carrier identification. The CR contains the call handling instructions and options chosen by the customer. These options could include choosing multiple carriers (e.g. Verizon or Qwest) for different time periods or routing calls to alternative destinations.

Toll Free Provisioning

Currently, there are 200+ Resp Orgs which input data into the SMS/800. There are four basic methods of provisioning (inputting, changing, or creating) this data:

Mechanized Generic Interface (MGI)

Some MGI users are large telecommunications providers (e.g. AT&T). Others Resp Orgs purchase access to sophisticated front-end systems that increase their toll free provisioning users efficiency. In each case, as the user sets up customer records, the record is automatically transferred, via the MGI, to SMS/800.

The MGI is connected to the SMS/800 by a high-speed data link (56kbps) or frame relay (64k). Resp Orgs may search for and reserve numbers, as well as create or update customer records, through the MGI.

The primary benefit of MGI access is that a user can update hundreds or thousands of toll free numbers with powerful on-line mass change commands (with no need for tapes or email to the help desk.)

Batch Tape

Batch tape users write customer record data onto a digital tape. The tape is then physically sent to the SMS/800 production site (e.g. via US mail) where it is loaded into the SMS/800. Resp Orgs may create or update customer records by batch tape, but they cannot reserve numbers by batch tape. Due to the real-time nature of number reservations, those activities are handled online.

Online Access (3270 Terminal Emulation)

Online users access the SMS/800 via a dedicated private line which is generally a 9.6kbps link, or via dial-up facilities. Resp Orgs may search for and reserve numbers, as well as create or update customer records through online access. Most updates are made to a single toll free number at a time.

Web Based Access (WBA)

Internet users access the SMS/800 via a dedicated line or a dial-up connection to an Internet Service Provider. Most updates are made to a single toll free number at a time.

Overview of Basic Toll Free Provisioning Activities

The SMS/800 provides three basic support functions: 1) number search and reservation; 2) customer record creation and modification; and 3) reports generation.

1. Toll Free Number Search/Reservation

The Resp Org can search for available ten digit toll-free numbers that reside within the database. Random searches and pattern matching (for vanity numbers) are available.

A Resp Org can reserve a spare number for a maximum period of 45 days . Reserved toll-free numbers not activated within 45 days will be converted from reserved status and returned to the pool of spare numbers.

The maximum quantity of toll-free numbers a Resp Org can have in reserve status at any given time is equal to 8 percent of its working numbers or 2,000 numbers, whichever is greater.

2. Customer Record Creation And Modification

The Resp Org may create and modify customer records in the SMS/800 and schedule the date and time the records are to be activated at the SCPs. SMS/800 also supports a variety of special capabilities intended to allow the Resp Org and the subscriber to administer, monitor, and control the traffic associated with the toll-free number.

3. Reports Generation

Numerous administrative and exception reports are available.

Data Output

The SMS/800 downloads information to the Service Control Points (SCPs), as appropriate. There are approximately 20 mated pairs of SCPs spread throughout the United States and Canada. The SMS/800 is connected to the SCPs by data links.

Summary

This article provides an overview of North American Toll Free Service Provisioning. Concepts covered include the national database, Customer Records, Resp Orgs, Service Control Points, Access Technologies (MGI, Batch Tape, 3270, Web) and Search/Reserve, CR Creation and Modification, and Reports.

About the Author:
Matthew J. Noreen PMP® works for csf Corporation. csf’s flagship software, 8MS is the powerful and easy to use alternative to SMS/800.

8MS was designed from the ground up by a group of former Bell Labs engineers to be a superior MGI based toll free provisioning system that eliminates traditional dependence on SMS/800. Developed originally as a standalone tool for large corporate customers, 8MS is now available to Resp Orgs of all sizes.

8MS allows you to Reserve, Activate or Re-Route hundreds or thousands of toll free numbers with our powerful on-line mass change commands. Rather than force your toll free provisioning users to redundantly key in similar data (over and over again) with the possibility for error and lost revenue, 8MS uses modern computing techniques to speed up your provisioning and get your word done in less time.

Imagine spending less time keying in changes, and more time solving your critical business problems! For more information see http://www.8msweb.com

Nowadays our society is to a greater extent overwhelmed with a variety of latest methods of communication.

With just touching a button we are able to send emails, call anyone, and trace the addresses, names and phone numbers of people from across the globe. Newest technology of the information exploration method is the free reverse phone search, a choice offered by a range of internet searches.

How to use free reverse phone search? Through a usual phone index, anyone can use a persons name to track down a phone number.

You can also conversely get hold of anyones name or address by using just phone number that you have. However we have not always been competent of finding info only by using phone number. Nowadays, on the other hand this can be very easily done.

In case that you have a number of the phone available to you, you can investigate it online, and in any case, whether it is a cell phone or regular phone, you are going to be able to find out the phone owners name.

Other info may also be gained through using various web based agencies and for different cost.

For example if you wish to gather more info in relation to who is having phone conversation with your daughter since you are concerned that these person or persons can have a bad influence on her, you can make use of investigative agencies to research person linked to the cell number.

Furthermore you can search for additional info, like for instance previous legal matters or present warrants. You can moreover get info on the subject of job location and contact information, on top of family past and additional even more secretive facts.

On the other hand big areas of the examination is limited, due to privacy laws enforced by the federal administration.

Information of financial nature can not be found simply through free reverse phone search, and, if it so happens that the cell phone owner decides on an unlisted phone number, the majority of personal information is going to be also extremely tricky or even totally impossible to get a hold of.

If that is the case, you are going to need to pay for a trained detective service to aid you in finding further information about the individual in question. The good news is that, with the recent development of web, this sort of services are not any more tough to locate or cost a lot of money.

Like all the other earlier people assistant services, the free reverse phone search is not faultless, nevertheless the further bonus of this service is that it is a helpful fund of broad individual info in certain situations.

By upholding safety measures, like secrecy restrictions the benefits of free reverse phone search are going to significantly overshadow its bad sides for years to come, building a grand source for acquiring personal info.

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Many businesses apply VoIP much like electronic voting machines have been done- a solution in search of a problem. They get VoIP not because it’s better, or provides things they need, but because it’s the latest technology.

Despite the all too frequent uneducated decision making process in the business world…..there are some advantages to VoIP over the standard alternatives.

For example site-to-site IP links can save a bundle over point to point T1’s. With an IP pbx you can (depending on who makes it) offer interactive services to your customers and deploy other similar features that are far more costly with old analog PBXs. Videoconferencing is as simple as buying worksites video IP phones or videochat software (expensive or impossible with a standard PBX). Expansion is also quite easy. But possibly the biggest selling point is that the best is yet to come- sure we don’t have dial by name or anything like that yet, but wait a few years…

Where many businesses differ is in their view on the benefit of Open Standards and the cost savings this will bring. While Open standards can yield big dollar savings in the right situation….that shouldn’t be persued blindly without regard to all potential ramifications.

Some businesses view the dollar savings as holy mantra in their decision making process. Often to the detriment of common sense, technical application, and overall business impact.

While those businesses who follow a well informed and well thought out approach to an educated decision tend to take the position…..”When I buy a solution for my business, I want reliablility, accountabillity and stability.

For this reason they prefer to buy from a major vendor with a track record, and are reluctant to use an Open source product like Asterix, because they do not know who to shout at when it needs fixing, as it surely will sometime during its life.

Other advantages such as mobility and branch office IP trunking make VOIP a winner for many. The ability to design custom integration apps for instance gives HUGE productivity gains. IP phones are every bit as reliable as other digital phones when they are placed on a properly designed network. Properly designing such a network does not cost a fortune, but it does require a little common sense and planning. Regardless of the technology, a phone system is only as good as the connection between the box and the station.

A hybrid is having your systems still rely on tried and true POTS and T1/PRI trunks for your PSTN connectivity at your offices. It works, so why change it, in my opinion (but thanks VOIP for bringing down Bell prices). You then can use VOIP for expanding your capabilities and saving money (IF it isn’t at the expense of reliability/stability) rather than trying to be “bleeding edge” just for bragging rights. The “bleeding edge” pursuit can definately prove a costly one.

Overall the best advice for a business considering a VoIP solution for their telecommunication needs is that one must keep a number of things in mind. At the moment, there’s little reason to tear out a perfectly good analog PBX and replace it totally with VoIP unless you are rewiring your building, have expanded beyond its capacity, or require VoIP style features. But at the same time, for a business buying or doing a full upgrade, purchasing analog gear isn’t really a good investment.

In the end make a smart informed business decision. To VoIP or not to VoIP….that is the question. The answer may be yes….no….or even maybe.

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.

Narrowing Your Choices

The most important step in finding a phone system is eliminating the systems that you don’t want. You can do so by determining the system size and features that your business needs.

System Size

The term “Business” describes many different sizes from SOHO to Fortune 500 - and there is a phone system out there to fit the needs of any company. Thats why refining your needs in terms of size will qualify or eliminate more equipment than any other factor.

For the purpose of choosing a phone system the size of your business is measured in terms of extensions and phone lines.

• An extension is any device plugged into a system - desk phones, wall phones, conferencing units, etc. Generally you need about one extension per employee.
• A line is the connection between your phone system and the outside world. Generally you want about one line for every two or three extensions.
• Phone system size is often described in the form LINESxEXTENSIONS. For instance a 6×16 describes a six line, sixteen extension telephone system.

System Features

“Features” describes the capabilities of a telephone system. Does it support Caller ID or VoIP? Can it pick up and route calls to the appropriate department. Does it have Voicemail. While many features are provided via add on equipment some systems may not have the capability to use this equipment. You want to make sure that your choice of system has or can have the features you deem necessary.

Features which commonly limit your choice of systems are:

• Caller ID
• VoIP
• Automated Attendant

Manufacturer Preference

If the phone system you are purchasing is intended to be an upgrade for an obsolete or outgrown system selecting equipment from the same manufacturer may provide significant cost savings. Heres why:

• Reuse of old equipment. Both Nortel and Avaya offer modern systems which are backwards compatible with legacy phones. Considering that individual phones make up the majority of the cost on most systems this reuse can translate into a large savings.
• Minimal learning curve. Employee training is expensive and time consuming. Sticking to a brand that your workers know can often minimize the training time necessary - as many manufacturers make new product lines identical or similar in functionality to legacy lines.

Reliability

In recent years a number of software based systems have entered the PBX market. While these units are - in general - feature rich and low cost, choosing a software PBX often proves detrimental to system reliability. If phone service is optional then these hybrid solutions may well be worth exploring. On the other hand if phone service is necessary to take orders or make sales, then choosing a more traditional hardware PBX will often prove a better long term investment.

Summing It All Up

Determining the system thats right for your business is about finding a good fit at a great price. Limiting your choices by defining the size, features, manufacturer, and type of system you need is a great start because it allows you to comparison shop from the handful of systems that fit your business and eliminates the thousands of other systems which do not meet your criteria.

Nalin Singapuri serves as Director of Internet Technology with Business Phones Direct a vendor of Small Business Phone Systems

Nalin enjoys creating customer friendly resources such as the Telewiki Resource Library

Are you a small business owner? If so, you likely already know how important it is to be on your toes. As a small business owner, you have to compete with larger businesses and corporations. One of the many reasons why small businesses are successful is because of the services they offer their clients. It is a known fact that most customers and clients are more than pleased with the customer service received at a small business. The only problem with this is that you constantly need to live up your customers’ expectations. If you fall short, you may find yourself losing valuable customers and clients. That is why you may want to think about subscribing to a business answering service.

Before examining exactly what an answering service can do for you, it is important to understand exactly what an answering service is. An answering service, which is also commonly referred to as a telephone answering service, is a service in which real people answer your phone calls. The people answering your phone calls are from another location, often their own business headquarters. Although an answering service can be used at just about any point throughout the day, telephone answering services are commonly used when you are outside of the office or unable to answer your own phone calls. Business owners are not the only individuals who use telephone answering services. That is why if you are looking for the best service possible, it is advised that you do business with a business answering service.

Now that you know exactly what a telephone answering service is, as well as a business answering service, you can better understand the benefits of subscribing to one. As previously mentioned, a business answering service results in all of your phone calls being answered by a real person. It is a known fact that customers want to speak to you when they are calling you. If you are unavailable, your customers may turn to someone else, namely your competition. Not being available to your customers and your clients, twenty four hours a day seven days a week, is one of the quickest ways to lose your client base. If this were to happen, your business may see a reduction in profits.

It is also important to note that your customers talk to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. This communication most often occurs under negative circumstances. If you do not subscribe to a business answering service, your clients may be unable to reach you when they need to. As stated above, this often creates an unhappy customer. It has been said that an unhappy customer often leads to more unhappy customers, through communication. That is why it is advised that you, at least, think about subscribing to a business answering service, especially if you are unable to be available all of the time.

All small business owners are urged to examine telephone answering services, but there are some professions where telephone answering services are not only a good idea, but they are necessary. If you have your own medical practice or if you operate your own law firm, your clients need to have access to you at all hours of the day. A business answering service will enable you to give your clients the service that they deserve, while still allowing you to enjoy a life outside of the office.

Rob Porter is president of 1-800 We Answer Answering Service, a nationwide provider of virtual office services including Answering Services, Mail Forwarding Services, Voicemail Services, and Fax Services