5 reasons why you should join the VoIP Users Conference -VUC? [Opinion]

If you are looking for a resource (other than TruVoIPBuzz obviously) where you can learn about VoIP, I would urge you to look at the VoIP Users Conference (VUC). VUC is not a traditional blog, it is an voice conference where topics related to VoIP are discussed every week. I have personally gained a lot from the VUC and I am sure you will also find it an invaluable resource. Here are some more details about the VUC and why you may want to participate in it:

What is VUC?

VoIP Users Conference, or VUC as it popularly referred, is a weekly discussion about almost everything related to VoIP and any telephony-related topic. The conference has been running for over three years new under the able guidance of Randy Resnick and Michael Graves and attracts participants from all across the globe. VUC goes live every Friday noon Eastern Time (New York). The format is very simple. Each week there is a topic of discussion and usually there is a speaker (who is an expert on the topic) who guides the discussion. The objective is to learn as much as possible about the topic, not only from the speaker but also from the discussions that follow.

There are several ways you can join the VUC for no cost:

• You can connect via SIP (sip:200901@login.zipdx.com). Remember, you can make SIP calls for free using your Voxalot account (or almost any other VoIP provider).
• If you are in US or can make calls to US number, you can dial +1 567 252 2286.
• You can also connect via the iNum +883 5100 123 94882.
• Dial using Skype (skype:vuc.me)
• Finally, you can use the browser based soft phone widget to connect to VUC.

Now that you know what is VUC and how you can join the same, here are 5 reasons why you may consider participating in VUC sometime in the near future…

1. Interaction: VUC is unlike any other thing that you may have experienced in the past. Unlike most shows that you may seen on the Internet, e.g., TWIT, TechCrunch TV, Gillmor Gang, VUC is smaller group (roughly around 50 participants). The small group enables high interaction. You are not only free, but encouraged to voice your opinions. If you prefer not to speak up, you can always use the IRC channel to share your opinions or questions and someone will pick it up.

2. Showcase your Products: If you have a product or service, this is a great platform to showcase your offering or get feedback on it. Please note that almost all the participants are considered in high regards within the VoIP space and their feedback or recommendation can go a long way. Let me know if you are interested and I can put you in touch with the right people. Keep in mind that your product needs to be interesting and distinct from what is available currently to be considered for discussion.

3. Learn from the Gurus: Even if you do not have anything to showcase, you will benefit immensely from the collective wisdom of the VUC gang. As I mentioned earlier, this is probably the most knowledgeable group of people on telephony. I do not know of any other place where you can speak to and get answers to your questions from experts for FREE. Ask any question and you are guaranteed to get the best solution to your problems. Even if you do not have any problems, the discussions will generate lot of new ideas in your mind. I have probably learnt more from this group than any other resource.

4. Network: If you are remotely interested in VoIP or any aspect of telephony, this is a great platform to network with the right set of people. These are some amazing people, not only professionally, but also personally.

5. Get FREE stuff: If all this was enough, you can even win some swags at VUC. VUC frequently has giveaways (see the most recent one here where I won a Gigaset DE380 IP-R courtesy e4 Strategies) which you can win. You may also gain to access to trials or beta releases of various products (e.g., VUC members got the Bria for Android recently)

I hope I was able to convince some of you to participate in VUC. If you find this exciting, please join us at 12:00 noon Eastern Time this Friday!!

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