Digital SIP phones look like ordinary phones, but provide a digitized audio signal instead of the old fashioned analog signal that has been in use for the last 100 years. Instead of a phone connector that plugs into a phone line jack, they have an internet connector that plugs into a network connection. The Linksys 941, shown at the right, is our recommendation for this type of phone. It is a four line phone, which means you can conference up to four people, and it sells for $104.50 ($94.50 for a single line model). When you set up your system, we will provide phones completely programmed and ready to plug in.

If you already have a computer sitting on your desk, there is no need to add to the clutter by having a phone as well. With proper software, your computer can handle all of the functions of a telephone. All that is required is a headset or handset, either wired or wireless, and software such as Eyebeam, made by Counterpath. Eyebeam is a 6 line full featured phone, and will serve for the most demanding situations. It will allow you to set up conference calls, record your conversations, transfer calls to another extension. Eyebeam sells for around $45 a unit.

There are a number of devices called ATA’s (Analog Telephone Adapter), which will allow an ordinary phone to connect directly to the internet. Devices such as the Linksys PAP2 will connect two existing phones to your internet network. If you have a lot of money invested in telephone handsets, this may be the least expensive option for you. (The PAP-2 sells for $75.)