Given how some resources in the Internet have used the terms “VoIP” and “cloud PBX” interchangeably, it’s not at all surprising that most people who are new to these concepts can be confused. Are these two terms really the same, or they actually very different from each other? How do we tell the difference? Does it really matter?

First: They are actually very different, but related terms.

Second: We can tell the difference by keeping in mind that one term refers a technology, while the other refers to an incarnation of that technology.

Third: It actually does matter, if you want to evaluate the right kind of phone solution for you.

The difference

VoIP or Voice over Internet protocol is an Internet-based technology that allows you to use your computer and Internet networks to make phone calls. Essentially, it takes sound data (such as your voice) and turns it them into digital signal packets that can be transmitted quickly and easily over a virtual connection. While the primary incarnation of this technology involves using the computer itself as a phone – just add a headset and microphone – you can also use VoIP with your regular phone provided you attach an analog telephone adaptor (ATA) to it.

Cloud based PBX, on the other hand, involves a more advanced approach to using VoIP. Beyond simply allowing you to make and receive calls, this gives you an entire virtual private branch exchange for professional use. Essentially, this term more accurately refers to having an entire phone system (including features like voice mail, call forwarding and the like) functioning over the Internet. The service provider pretty much delivers the phone service to you, without forcing you to connect to static lines.

How does knowing the difference help you decide on a phone solution?

Knowing the difference gives you a proper gauge of what you can actually use for telephony. If you simply want to be able to make phone calls using the Internet, then a standard VoIP phone service ought to be good enough for you. But if it’s full-on business-appropriate functionality you’re looking for, you have to look at a more specific incarnation of VoIP: cloud PBX.

Now that you know how to differentiate VoIP vs. cloud based PBX, you can have a better idea of how you can approach telephony in the 21st century.

Direct Edge stock exchange is located in Jersey City, New Jersey. It is the fourth largest US exchange, and regularly trades 1 billion shares or more on a single day. This is the newest exchange, but since its approval by the SEC in 2010, Directedge has seen unprecedented growth. Their technology gives traders an electronic advantage and the opportunity to have better control and foresight of the transactions.

Originally started in 1998, Direct Edge was known as Attain ECN. The company was owned by Knight Capital Group, who then sold its majority shares to the International Securities Exchange (ISE). Before this transaction took place, the capital group renamed the company Direct Edge. From that point, the ISE began reorganizing its executive departments, and appointed several former NASDAQ and Knight Capital Group employees as leaders of the new company. Today, the company is owned by several multinational banks, with the ISE in control of the majority shares.

Directedge is unique because it offers a dual platform exchange. This innovation sets them apart from other platforms, and gives their clients better trading opportunities. Because the market has responded so well to the company, it is now seeking a headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The deal is expected to continue, and is awaiting regulatory approval. The opening of this facility is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012. The company has preemptively launched a Brazilian website, and has listed information on the site about their decision to open their international platform in that area.

EDGA and EDGX are the two platforms that Direct Edge operates. Clients can access the system from a variety of share points that the company makes available to them. The information is secure, and all exchanges can be tracked.

The company was selected to receive the Wall Street 2012 award for Best Exchange Operator. The judges recognized Direct Edge for their technology, innovation and achievements over the past year.

Dealers and brokers looking to become members of Directedge can find the necessary paperwork and information on their website. It does not require a log on for access, and there is also technical information on the website about the different share points and software needed to access their platform.

The company is exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) as it continues to grow. Clients can expect even greater innovation as both platforms are updated with technology.

It can be considered that the outstanding services of A&M Auto Repair Bellevue have served as the standard when it comes to topmost quality level of auto services. With more than two decades of productive existence in the automotive industry of Washington, this auto shop is now the most trusted provider of various repair, diagnostics, and other car-related services. Its undeniable success over the years can be attributed to its primary mission of providing nothing but superior customer care in all lines of its services and business operations. This auto repair shop has also been able to establish and nurture healthy partnership with the prominent auto parts and equipment manufacturers. Thus, customers are assured that only the best part replacements are employed by this auto shop to their beloved cars.

In order to uphold A&M’s optimum level of services, only automotive professionals with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accreditation are employed. They are also consistently trained with the latest technology used for innovative auto repair and servicing. The regular trainings are intended to further improve both their technical skills and workmanship as well. In addition to that, A&M’s auto technicians, representatives, and other employees are engaged in seminars and workshops from time to time. Its main purpose is to keep them connected to the company’s core principles of excellence and integrity, particularly when providing the services to the valued customers.

The auto shop center of A&M Auto Repair Bellevue is spacious enough to accommodate a number of cars at the same time. It features an array of accurate and convenient automotive equipment for vital car parts testing and diagnostics, repair, and maintenance. There is also a dedicated area in the shop where the computerized records of the services are processed. Customers who wait for their car to be serviced can also stay in the shop’s well-ventilated waiting area equipped with TV system and other entertainment media. They may also avail the shop’s rental services or the free shuttle ride if ever they need to travel while their car is under repair.

Because of the outstanding services of A&M Auto Bellevue, it is undeniable that its customer base in the entire state of Washington and in other states has consistently flourished. A&M has also successfully retained its good reputation with its suppliers and associate companies in the industry as it has continued to expand its facilities and scope of services. With the joint efforts and expertise of A&M’s business leaders, the strategic plans for the company’s transition to a higher development phase are about to be completed.