Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP Implementation Checklist

Research & Analyse

SET OBJECTIVES

Do you want to:

• reduce the cost of communicatingm externally?
• enhance internal communications?
• improve communications support for remote and mobile workers?
• introduce integrated voice/data services?

Agree specific, measurable objectives for what you want to achieve.

ANALYSE YOUR NEEDS

• What proportions of voice calls are internal, external, between corporate locations?
• Identify the level of data and voice traffic at peak times. Is this likely to change in future?
• Do you need to upgrade PCs? You will need Pentium PCs or Apple G4s as a minimum.
• Is there sufficient bandwidth during periods of peak activity?
• What management and monitoring tools do you need?
• If you intend to introduce high bandwidth applications like videoconferencing does your cabling/wireless infrastructure deliver sufficient bandwidth to each desktop?

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

• Will you need to upgrade your existing network? Allow for the cost of this.
• What is the cost of additional equipment, installation, training and maintenance?
• What are the anticipated call savings?
• What are the expected savings in operating costs?
• Can you assess any productivity benefits?
• How long will it take to plan, install, configure and trial a new system?

EXPLORE THE OPTIONS

• Look at VoIP-enabling your switchboard.
• Do you want to use VoIP to bypass the public telephone system?
• Should you use an ITSP (Internet Telephony Service Provider)?
• Look at interoperability with your existing systems.
• Look at your needs for mobile communications and check for SIP compatibility.