Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software, simply speaking is software that allows you to make calls from your computer over the Internet as opposed to the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN). It is gaining in popularity due to the convenience and decrease for money that the customer has to pay for Internet and phone service. There are several providers of VoIP software and each has a variety of plans to choose from that can be either free or as costly as $49.95 per month. There is VoIP software for both residential and business consumers. One major benefit that many people enjoy with VoIP software is low International rates. This article will look at five reasons you should switch to VoIP software for your telephone and Internet needs.

* Bottom line is your pocket book - VoIP software plans are less expensive than traditional phone service. When you switch your phone service over to VoIP, you are taking advantage of the broadband network to meet to needs; phone and Internet thus, lowering your monthly bill.

* VoIP software packages offer competitive rates for local, long distance, and International calls. You can choose between limited and unlimited local calling, limited and unlimited calling in the United States and Canada, and most plans offer significantly lower rates on International calls than you would pay through your traditional phone service provider.

* The majority of users enjoy free calling features that they were accustom to using in their daily lives with traditional phone service. Those features include voicemail, call forwarding and waiting, caller ID, and much more. For added convenience users of VoIP software can choose to have their voicemail messages sent directly to their email. In addition, several VoIP software packages are compatible with Outlook and other computer applications, which allows for effective managing of both incoming and outgoing calls.

* Who does not enjoy convenience and this is an optimal word when it comes to using VoIP software for your phone needs. You are not required to buy fancy equipment that is cumbersome to connect. You can use you traditional phone and connect it to an adapter that then connects the signal to the computer. The adapter is many times provided free of charge through your chosen provider for VoIP services.

* For those of you who love to travel you will enjoy the ability to take your phone anywhere in the world and still have access to calls at no additional cost. Your phone number anywhere you go, as long as there is a high-speed Internet connection, you can take your phone worldwide.