Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the basic term used for the ability to transmit voice conversations over the Internet. It takes many forms; from computer-to-computer, to computer-to-telephone, even (with the right hardware) telephone-to-telephone. It is used by large corporations such as Microsoft and IBM to support far flung call centers and by computer hobbyists to get free telephone service. More and more consumer VoIP services are providing this service to those with high-speed Internet connections in their homes.