When was the last time that you were able to make a long-distance call for free? If you said "never", you probably have not been introduced to VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. But, is this new technology as efficient as its counterpart, analog telephone service?

Since the demand for world-wide communication has grown, the internet has become the most popular way of communicating. Although Communication via e-mail seemed to be the cheapest way to do business with those overseas, it wasn't always the most effective.

If analog phone service was always cost effective, we probably would not have to wait for someone to open their inbox and hit reply. Still, verbal communication is the best way to build strong relationships and eventually, "close the deal". VOIP service is a cost effective as e-mail and as effective as its alternative, the analog phone service.

When compared to analog phone service, VOIP is cheaper and has the same quality of service. Since VOIP uses a single network to transfer voice and data, the overall cost per call is cheaper to the service provider then using two separate networks.

When voice and data are transferred together on a single network, the service providers only need to build and maintain one network, thus hire less staff. These companies have also learned to manage both voice traffic and data applications correctly to reduce any sacrifice in quality.

Although there is a monthly charge for the service, VOIP phones cost about the same as a regular business phone. With all of its benefits, VOIP should take the place of analog telephone service within a few years.