Why Gmail VOIP Integration Is Compelling

Yesterday, Google announced the integration of Google Voice and Gmail allowing Gmail users to place calls using their Google Voice number from a PC. It essentially allows for free domestic calls and very inexpensive international calls to land lines and cell phones.

While it's true that making phone calls from a PC has been possible for many years, it hasn't always been easy and voice quality has varied greatly. Initiating a voice over IP (VOIP) call with caller ID has been a challenge, for example, and receiving calls is often impossible.

The most popular form of VOIP right now is Skype and for good reason. Skype has made it easy for the average computer user to avoid high long distance tolls. For many international travelers and those with friends and family abroad, it is their primary form of communication.

Many people may wonder about the practicality of making phone calls with Gmail and it's worthwhile to point out that a good headset with microphone will make all the difference. Using a noisy laptop with the built-in mic and speakers will take away from the experience.

Gmail may not become anyone's primary telephone, although it very well could be just that and this is what makes the offering compelling. Many people who still have landlines may be hanging on just so they don't rack up cell minutes at home or maybe cell coverage isn't great where they live.

Google has finally streamlined the process of using one number inbound or out to any phone, and now PC, that you have access to and this is what really sets it apart. You can now reach anyone from anywhere and anyone can reach you using a single number/username.

Lastly, converting to a Google Voice number as a primary number now has greater benefits. It gives the user complete control of where calls are routed (cell, work, home, and now PC). For Google Voice users who have no home phone and want or need to disconnect their cell service can still maintain a voice mail box and make/receive calls from their PC.

Whether or not calls are possible from outside the US isn't quite clear, but this will be the next frontier if Google intends to overtake Skype.