Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP Implementation Guide

VoIP offers substantial benefits and the technology has now advanced to the point where it can be an attractive alternative for business use. But, unless there is a clear rationale for it, scrapping all your analogue PBX kit and handsets and replacing them with a total VoIP solution is likely to be costly and is probably unwise.

Usually it makes sense to introduce VoIP as an addition to your existing PBX-based system and gradually increase your level of sophistication as and when you need more functionality. Opting for a hybrid system will enable you to retain your installed investment in many popular handsets whilst providing a scalable platform to support future applications and user growth.

An important strength of VoIP architecture is that it can operate side-byside with your existing systems. By initially restricting the roll-out of VoIP to a single department such as sales, and then extending it to the rest of the business as your needs dictate, you can minimise disruption and stagger your costs.

If you decide to use VoIP it is vital to check out the robustness of the networks you will be relying upon to ensure smooth implementation. Voice communication is too important to not work reliably in all conditions.

You need to look at four main issues:

• Quality of service
• Reliability
• Security
• Support