Voice over IP, a
CIO’s perspective
What is Voice Over IP?
Voice
IP is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a
computer network
Is VoIP different from IP Telephony?
Some people define VoIP as a part of IP Telephony. They define IP telephony as the science
of making voice calls over a computer network.
What is IP Centrex?
IP Centrex is an ASP model for telephones. Customers are able to lease handsets
and take advantage of centrally located hardware. Customers do not have to purchase or
maintain a PBX, voicemail and associated hardware.
Why will IP Centrex companies try harder to make you
happy?
It is no secret that once you purchase a PBX there are few
choices for service if you have a disagreement with the vendor you
purchased the PBX from - you are 'stuck’.
With IP Centrex a company always has the option to use their
handsets with service from another company. Two lessons to be learned:
- Make
sure the handset you purchase or lease support industry standards. That ensure flexibility in picking
a partner to provide voice services
- IP
Centrex companies will try hard to make you happy because you, the
customer, have real choices after the sale.
What does the FCC think about IP Centrex? Is it illegal?
You can read about on the FCC site -
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
What are some benefits for a multi-site company?
1.
Single operator for all sites - Customers can save
money by only having one operator for multiple sites instead of needing
one operator per site.
2.
Mobility of phones - Phones can move from site to
site with no reprogramming or need to pay someone to make the change.
3.
No charges between sites - When calling another
site, there are no long distance charges, even
if the other site is on another island, on the mainland, or in another
country.
4.
Seamless transfers - Any use can transfer a call to
any other user, regardless of site.
5.
Centralized administration - All administration can
be centralized and done by internal employees saving expense.
What are some benefits for small businesses?
1.
Capital expenditures are kept to a minimum; there is
no need to purchase an expensive phone system and voicemail. Handsets can be leased for a low
monthly fee.
2.
With IP Centrex a small business has features that
are usually reserved for large businesses:
a.
Direct numbers - Every phone will have a direct
number instead of having one main number and having to transfer the call
to the appropriate party
b.
Caller Name and Number - Every phone will be able to
view the caller name and number of incoming before answering the call
c.
Unified Messaging - When a user receives a voicemail
they will receive an email with the voicemail attached. This way users
may sort and save voicemails just like they do email.
d.
Graphical based administration - Administrators can
add, delete, and modify user information from any browser; this saves
time and money.
3.
Mobility - Users are able to move and use their
phones at any location where there is broadband.
4.
Softphone - When out of the office, users can run a
program on their laptop that allows them to make and receive calls on
their direct number. The laptop
only needs to access the internet - DSL, cable, or wireless
What issues are there with IP Telephony?
Power - Unlike traditional telephones, IP telephones need
external power. Power can be
provided one of two ways, Servpac will help you
decide which direction is correct for you.
1.
Local power adapter - You can plug the IP phone
directly into a wall outlet, like a cordless phone or a computer.
2.
Power over Ethernet - There are network LAN
switches that can run power over your existing local area network cables.
Quality of Service (QOS)- Your
LAN and WAN must be programmed to give voice traffic a higher priority
over data traffic. Be sure to talk
to an expert before you begin any VoIP install. QOS issues are the number one reason
VoIP roll outs do not succeed.
