Voice over IP is a way to route phone and voice conversations over the Internet this not only creates many cost savings but since the telephone conversations are handled by the server, many interesting things can be created by programming the servers to handle the calls in new ways.

VOIP systems allow you to do things like check your voice mail though a web based interface or even send your voice mail through email. You can also create corporate private telephone systems that use the Internet to bridge geographical distances, so a local call to your extension in the office in New York can automatically ring to your laptop while traveling to Hong Kong if you are connected to the Internet.

With VOIP systems IVR can be used to provide the same information through automated voice menus to your clients as they would access through your web site.