VoIP systems revolutionized office phone systems and phone system capabilities allowing more businesses on-the-go capabilities at a low cost. Just recently, cell phone providers realized this could revolutionize the mobile industry as well.

Last week the media networks went crazy covering the two major VoIP service and cell phone developments. First, Verizon announced that it will be working with Google’s Android software and will begin incorporating it into their new cell phones. Therein, new Verizon phones will be Google Voice compatible. Shortly after this announcement, AT&T made public that they would be amending their current policy which restricted usage of VoIP applications such as Skype on their Apple products to a plan which almost fully enables VoIP. Pressured from customers, VoIP providers and the Federal Communications Commission, AT & T lifted the ban because it was interpreted as obstructing competitors’ applications and features thus preventing net neutrality.

These two announcements are just the beginning.  A VoIP service can now save a company money both in the office and on the go. Here’s a quick explanation on major VoIP options for cell phones:

• Skype is one of the more basic VoIP applications allowing calls, instant messaging and less expensive international calls. Most smart phones allow Skype including AT & T products now after the announcement last week (before AT&T restricted Skype calls on Apple products to be available only in Wi-Fi zones). The application is free to download at the ITunes store or from the Skype website. International calls are relatively inexpensive but the fee per minute is dependent upon the country being called. Theoretically, AT&T customers could significantly lower their monthly allotted minutes if they were to use Skype for both local and international calls.

• Google Voice: AT&T has blocked Google Voice in the past but is now reconsidering it; this is probably in light of the FCC’s investigation and Verizon’s new contract with Google. Google Voice is different than other VoIP applications because of how it routes calls - through a new phone number that is assigned to the user to an existing number the user assigns - and the features it offers. Users create one number to accept all of their phone calls and then the user decides which calls should go where. For example, mother in-law calls always go to the house while office calls always go to the cell phone. This streamlines all of communications while still offering voice mail. Much like how Google launched Gmail, Google Voice is currently accessible by invitation.

• Vonage Mobile: Vonage offers free and inexpensive international calling (60 countries are free). Vonage Mobile is now available via a free application to IPhone, IPod Touch and BlackBerry users and operates much like Skype but the billing structure is different. With Apple products, calls made over a Wi-Fi connection are free while those outside of Wi-Fi will count toward monthly minutes used. AT&T customers will also pay a $25/monthly World Rate Plan to have access to the international calling benefits. BlackBerry’s will be charged for minutes used and the calls will not be made through Wi-Fi.

VoIP applications on cell phones with inexpensive long distance and international calling available on cell phones seems too good to be true but it is true… at least for now. The introduction of VoIP to cell phones could dramatically reduce any profits related to international calling and depending on service and application, VoIP could cut down on the monthly minutes used by callers. The huge profit losses associated with this will require a restructuring of the current US cell phone billing practices. It is probable that to compensate for these losses, the cell phone companies will increase data transfer charges or have a fee like Vonage for participating in the service. Until then, call all of your international contacts and celebrate, it could be free!

Some questions to consider that has not been widely discussed are: How will the cell phone providers deal with this increase in data transfers on their networks? Have they planned for this? How will this impact how VoIP services are provided in general? Comments?

Even if you missed Google’s official announcement last week you’ve probably heard by now: Google Chrome, an operating system designed to work seamlessly with the Google Chrome browser, will roll out in 2010.  Chrome is the company’s attempt to “re-think what operating systems should be-” it relies on cloud computing, and will be targeted at net books- inexpensive laptop computers purchased mostly for internet use.

It’s been a big year for Google.  In addition to announcing Chrome, they also unveiled Google Voice- by invite only, naturally- after purchasing the GrandCentral online phone service.  Google Voice isn’t quite as revolutionary as Chrome, though it has plenty of fans already.  Both Google Voice and Chrome are free, and provide most-if not more- of the features of competitors who charge for services.  A small business owner’s dream, right?  Cutting-edge services that offers professional functionality and easy user interface…for free?  Did Google just become your business’ new best friend?

Here’s an overview of these products and how they can have a big impact on your business:

Chrome- What Makes An Operating System So Important?
The operating system is one of the most basic components of your computer- chances are, you use a Microsoft OS if you’re using a PC (most business owners do).  The cost of the operating software alone can send the cost of a new computer into the thousands- you need to pay for the software itself, plus a license for each user.  Google Chrome, which uses cloud-computing technology, is free.

This means you can purchase net books, used, or refurbished computers- saving big on hardware costs.  Research company DisplaySearch has already reported a large surge in net books to retail outlets, anticipating that around 32.7 million will be sold next year- up from 16.4 million this year.

Using a cloud computing based OS (Operating System) is not only less expensive; it also allows more flexibility for business owners that travel or that work from the field.  You’ll have more data storage available at a less expensive cost, and are not tied to licensed products.  Ever tried to open a document that someone stored in WordPerfect?  A seamless OS/Browser experience eliminates this problem.  You can’t download WordPerfect or other Microsoft programs immediately, but you can install Google Docs or Open Office - two completely free office applications that create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations as easily as the Microsoft programs many of us are used to- in seconds.

Chrome isn’t available yet- it’s set to roll out at some point next year.  If you’re holding off making a computer purchase or upgrading operating software, waiting until then could be a good idea.

Voice- The Future of Phone Systems?
Voice is the new, Google-branded version of the GrandCentral technology the company purchased two years ago.  Google Voice works similarly to GrandCentral’s service model- you choose a phone number (the example on the Google blog shows how you can choose a number that spells out words) and program your own mobile devices or IP-enabled phones to ring when it is called, similar to most basic VoIP phone systems.

Voice has a host of cool features that are ideal for business owners: You can store voice messages and make calls using your computer, automatically transcribe voicemails for viewing as an email (enabling you to search emails and voicemails based on certain key words), and program certain phones to ring (office, home) based on who is calling.  Business owners who want a “mobile office” will be served well.  You’ll still need to pay for cell phone service in order to have your calls, texts, and data routed to your mobile device, similar to the way most other VoIP telephone systems operate.  Google Voice is currently available to past GrandCentral users and the general population by invitation only.

The New “Empire”?
Google’s motto, “Don’t be evil,” is often seen as sarcastic reference to Microsoft’s (the “evil empire”) industry domination.  A recent article in the Los Angeles Times pointed out this irony as Google introduces more and more products that are designed to work with other Google offerings.  Many worry about the security risks involved when one source is relied upon for every key business operation- especially when data is stored using cloud computing.  Time will tell if Google has plans to usurp Microsoft or even follow their established model for obtaining a customer monopoly over certain segments.  For now, enjoy the competition between the two- it seems to be producing better options for all small business owners.