VOIP recording, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a subset of telephone recording, previously used by call centers. Today it is widely adopted by different types of businesses. Because VOIP technology travels digitally on computer networks rather than conventional telecom cables, VOIP recording is conducted by tapping into the computer network (rather than tapping in from conventional telephone cables) via a hub, switch, or router on the local area network (LAN).

Such connections can be established in various ways. They can be achieved by connecting to the Switch Port Analyzer (SPAN), enabling a VOIP recording unit to monitor an entire network’s traffic. To do this, an Ethernet cable is connected between the VOIP recording unit and the hub, switches, or router.

Such recording can also be achieved by Setting up Virtual LAN (VLAN), connecting all the phone lines to the LAN, enabling the recording of all in/outbound traffic. VOIP recording can also be achieved by embracing a concept known as Remote SPAN (RSPAN). Here the VLANs that are SPAN are trunked across various switches to a receiving switch.

Immediately telephone conversations are recorded, and safely stored in storage devices using popular audio formats such as .WMA & .MP3.

There are various reasons why organizations record their telephone conversations and they include:

Customer satisfaction. Recording enhances client satisfaction. This is because the employee knows that there is a backup in the repository that can be followed up later to evaluate his/her work performance. These recordings can assist to identify incompetent or careless employees.

Employee Evaluation and Training. With pre-recorded telephone conversations, the call center manager is able to assess the competence of their employees and recommend them for promotions, or initiate training sessions in case their performances are not up to par with the company's benchmarks. These pre-recorded calls can also be used when training new employees.

Enhancing company security. Most security breaches are usually a result of careless telephone conversations, where confidential information is disseminated through normal telephone conversation, be it intentional, or unintentional. When call recordings are performed, these security breaches are avoided.

Legal. A fair number of companies face legal lawsuits as a result of misunderstandings in their telephone conversations with clients or employees. When these conversations are recorded, verification of contractual compliance is easily accessible.

VOIP Call Recording Tools. There are various tools that can be used to record ordinary telephone conversations, including both hardware and software. These tools can include a VOIP service or an application, like a soft phone. There should also be hearing and speaking devices, like headsets and microphones. Finally, a storage media will be needed store the huge quantity of audio that is recorded.

It is also advisable that before any conversation is recorded, rules governing call recording of particular locations are strictly adhered to.

You can get more information about VOIP Recording and VOIP technology by visiting CVDS.