WiMAX is the abbreviation for “Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access”. ­It is a wireless communications standard that far surpasses the 30-metre (100-foot) wireless range of a conventional Wi-Fi local area network (LAN). It can actually have a radius of 30 miles. It can be used for a number of applications which includes broadband connections and hotspots at the top of the list. As this technology comes more prevalently used it could replace cable and DSL services and allow you to have universal Internet access everywhere you go.

How does the WiMAX System Work?

There are two parts to a WiMAX system which includes the tower and the receiver. A single WiMAX tower can provide coverage to approximately 3,000 square miles. A WiMAX tower station can connect directly to the Internet using a high-bandwidth or wired connection. It can also connect to another WiMAX tower utilizing non-line-of-sight, line of sight and microwave links. The line-of-sight connection is stronger and more stable than a non, and sends a lot of data with fewer errors. The receiver and antenna can be a small box or PCMCIA card. It could also be built into a laptop the way WiFi access is.

Note: WiMAX services are currently priced higher than WiFi services all around. There also may be a cost associated with the purchase of peripheral devices as well. Make sure to shop around before purchases from a provider.

A non ITer my thing of a cloud as that fluffy white object that floats around freely in the sky collecting condensation everywhere it goes, until gets so big and full that it rains. To the ITer the cloud is a technological development that has opened a new world for better communication. Cloud computing utilizes the internet for tasks that were traditionally performed on a computer or server. The cloud enables a variety of things such as storage, intensive processing, to programs to be delivered to end-users as a service.

There is lingo associated with “The Cloud” as with any other technology. If you find yourself swimming in confusion as to what some of it is we are here to help you.

• Cloud – global network that is most commonly used to represent the internet

• Cloudware – software that enables running, managing, creating or deploying applications in the cloud.

• Cloud Operating System – a computer operating system that runs in a provider’s data center and is delivered to users over the internet

• Cloud-based Phone System –hosted phone system that allows you to make or receive calls anywhere internet access is available

• Cloud Storage –service that enables users to save data by transferring it over the internet to an offsite storage system

• Internal Cloud – private cloud used only within an organization

• SaaS – stands for “software as a service”, or cloud-based applications delivered over the internet by a provider

• Mashup – a cloud-based application that takes data or functionality from a variety of sources

With the expanded capabilities of the internet we are learning about new products and services that are internet based every day. You may have heard of the term “VoIP services”. If you have and don’t know what it is you will be educated here today. If you know what it is but are not sure if you need it, we will explore the “why’s” today as well.

What does “VoIP” mean?

VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, also commonly called phone service over the Internet. You can get phone service delivered through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company if you have a decent quality Internet connection. Without a good connection this type of service is not a recommended choice.

What should I look for when picking my VoIP provider?

The type of services that each provides is integral and some services have a broader range than others in what they offer. For example, some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. Before you decide to go VoIP make sure the features you want are included (i.e. 911 service, phone directory listings, or 411 service often vary in availability). Depending on how the service is set up, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number.

What are the benefits of VoIP Services?

There is usually a lower cost associated with VoIP services. If your VoIP is hosted you have the added benefit of not having to invest in equipment. There is a laundry list of miscellaneous charges just to get setup with a traditional phone line, and you may be required to purchase special equipment.

Increased functionality is another benefit of VoIP. Depending on how you are setup, incoming phone calls can be automatically routed to your VoIP phone where ever you plug it into the network. This is a great option for someone who is always traveling, and something a traditional phone line can’t achieve.