In Vodia Networks' upcoming version 60 build, a new feature allows users to log in with their Google accounts seamlessly. This is made possible through a JavaScript library from Google, providing a secure and convenient login experience. The process involves obtaining a token from Google, and users can benefit from features like two-factor authentication. Setting up this feature requires configuring the domain on the Google API site and integrating a Client ID into the PBX web interface. Scheduled for release in version 60.2, this enhancement simplifies user logins.
A cool feature we had on our wish list for a long time will be in our next version 60 build: Login with your Google account.
The way this works is the web front end pulls a JavaScript library from a Google server that handles the details for the Google login; once the login is done, Google provides a token the PBX backend can use to pull the email address of the logged-in account and set up a user session, just as if the user had logged in with his or her username and the password.
Google has done a lot to make the login convenient and secure, providing two-factor authentication and email notifications as part of Google G Suite service. There is nothing the end user needs to do to make this work.
The email address in the user account must match the email account in the Google account; if a user has multiple email addresses, one match will be sufficient. It makes no difference if it’s a free Gmail account or a paid Google business account.
The domain for this feature must be set up on the Google side: for this you have to log in to the Google API site and create credentials for the domain. It isn’t possible to use wildcard domain names, so every domain name that can be used for the login must be listed; if you are using a secure connection you should only enter the https address; if you are using multiple domain names, they must be listed separately. There is a wizard at https://developers.google.com/identity/sign-in/web/sign-in you can use to set this up:
After picking a name for your login, you need complete some minimal configuration. The PBX uses "Web browser" as configuration; the URL must match the URL that you use for logging in:
The final screen shows you the Client ID you need to copy into the PBX web interface. A typical client ID has the form xxxxxxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.apps.googleusercontent.com.
Copy the Client ID into the domain settings, "Google sign in client ID." Hit the save button.
The next time someone visits the login page, there will be a small login field under the login submit button to trigger the login process; right now this service is only available for user accounts.
System and domain administrators still need to use their username and password credentials as before. Fortunately, most browsers today support storing those credentials, so repeated logins shouldn’t be too inconvenient.
This will be generally available for 60.2 builds. We have already included it in some 60.1 test builds.
Vodia Phone 2 turns your Android device into an extension of your Vodia Phone System, making it easier to stay connected wherever you work. Native Android integration lets users make and receive business calls using their office number and identity, even when the app is running in the background. From one mobile app, they can hold, transfer and park calls, access voicemail, messages and contacts, review call history, view extension activity and manage important settings such as Do Not Disturb and call forwarding.
The new Vodia PBX Installer Wizard makes it easier for administrators to deploy Vodia PBX on Windows. It automatically detects the latest supported version, while still letting admins choose a specific V68, V69, or V70 build. The wizard downloads the required files, creates the Windows service, sets up the installation folder, and generates the access details needed to open the PBX. A download-only option is also available for preparing and inspecting the files without completing the installation.
Business communication is no longer tied to a single device. Desk phones remain valuable for employees who manage high call volumes, mobile apps give remote and travelling teams access to business calling wherever they work, and browser calling fits naturally into computer-based workflows. This article looks at the strengths and limitations of each endpoint, explains which roles they suit best and shows why most organizations benefit from building the right mix rather than selecting one option for everyone.
.svg)
