Google Voice is a telecommunications service launched by Google in 2009 that allows users to make calls and send texts from existing phone numbers or new Google numbers for free within the US and Canada. It offers features like voicemail transcription, call recording, call blocking, and conference calling. While it faces challenges from competitors and phone companies, Google Voice is seen as having potential for success due to its cost savings and managerial benefits. However, some view its invite-only status and recording of calls as potential limitations.

1. Google VoiceLindsay MullenGia BradleyPaul RaflaJ.PaulSuydam

2. BackgroundTelecommunications service by GoogleLaunched on March 11, 2009Formerly GrandCentralOriginally founded in 2005 by Craig Walker and Vincent PaquetAcquired by Google on July 2, 2007 for $95 millionGoogle team worked on the project secretly after the time of purchase until the launchAdded many additional features while still keeping the same general services previously provided

3. How It WorksGoogle Voice can be used with an existing phone number or a new Google phone numberhttp://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

4. FeaturesWith an existing number:Google VoicemailVoicemail TranscriptionInternational CallingNotificationsShare VoicemailsWith a Google number:One NumberFree SMSBlock CallsRecord CallsConference CallsScreen Callers

5. Layout

6. Additional OverviewInbound and domestic outbound calls (including calls to Canada, Alaska and Hawaii) are freeInternational calls are billed according to a schedule posted on the websiteCurrently, it is only available in the United StatesRural areas within the U.S. are not heavily supportedInvite OnlyAs of October 30, 2009, Google Voice reported over 1 million users

7. Benefits

8. Lowering CostsCutting costs of long distance callsFree calls and SMS in the US and CanadaInternational calls as low as $0.02 per minute

9. Managerial BenefitsVoicemail transcripts. Reading of voicemail messages online.Downloading of voicemails.Call recording and online archiving.Blocking calls from specified numbers.

10. Personal BenefitsAnswering incoming calls on any configured phoneSwitching of phones during a callConference callingNotification of voicemail messages via email or SMS

11. Risks and challenges

12. ChallengesGoogle Voice faces the challenge of getting approval from other companies

13. Tech giant Apple has already denied the usage of Google Voice because it alters the way the iPhone is used.

14. Google Voice must challenge with all phone companies for a spot in the game

15. Google Voice has already been looked at for hiding information, even though, it is not known what they were hiding.

16. You must be invited to Google Voice, thus leading to less people ever hearing or even using it. The Devils AdvocateIf we hit a recession, Is Google Voice allowed to start charging for usage? YES

17. If you want to take your number elsewhere if you are displeased from the service can you take it? NO

18. If advertising on Google Voice does not succeed and the advertisers decide to release their contracts, what happens to peoples numbers if Google Voice goes underEmploying Google Voice

19. Google Voice ApplicationsFor Blackberry and Android phonesGV Dialer- routes your call by dialing to your Google number and connecting you to the destination number. GV Mobile- dial, retrieve and delete recent call history, playback and delete voicemails take calls from different phones other than your iPhone, forward calls, etc.Google Voice Desktop App- quick desktop access to your voicemail and SMS messages.

20. PartnersPartners supporting Google Voice, Google’s find-me-follow-me-help-me-manage-my-calls service includes:Level 3 Communications, Global Crossing, Broadvox Communications, Bandwidth.com, Pac-West Telecomm, IBasis, Neustar and Syniverse Technologies.