Planning a Major Enterprise VoIP Solution

When a large company is planning to make the transition from traditional phone service to VoIP PBX service, the first assessment will involve the needs of the company. For some companies, the continued use of their current Centrex (PPhone) or legacy PBX system is more advantageous than switching over to the newer VoIP technology. The reason may lie with the actual size of the undertaking or contractual agreements involving equipment and service. However, should a larger company make the decision to switch over to VoIP calling technology, a logical approach is needed. This approach should ensure uninterrupted ongoing communications while the switch-over is being made.

Communication Cost Considerations

Reliable, effective communications is one of the critical keys to any successful business venture. It represents the best way to stay ahead of competitors by keeping track of current and potential clients. Additionally, it represents the best means to provide information on new and up-coming products and services that can increase business revenue. A VoIP PBX gateway, either hosted or on-site, can effectively handle these business demands. For those companies that are making this transition, there are a number of considerations that eventually led to their conclusions.

First of all, there is the bottom line cost effectiveness of running a VoIP PBX system. An initial analysis would have been made that indicated lower overall costs when compared to a traditional legacy PBX system. This includes less equipment maintenance and less expense due to equipment service calls. This will also translate into more reliability which will provide long-term advantages.

Data and voice system convergence is another business consideration. With the emergence of more advanced Internet data applications, companies are considering using their Internet data connections to relay voice communications. Network managers can see the advantages of directly transmitting voice over their IP networks, rather than using their company’s standard switched phone network.

VoIP Network Flexibility

A large organization will need to transmit many types of data to include video, extensive email communications and various conferencing sessions. It makes sense for many companies to incorporate different forms of communication into one managed system. Add to that the fact that the VoIP PBX has become a mature technology. This is due mostly to cutting-edge router and data-switching hardware and codec designs. Because of this, QoS problems have become a thing of the past. In some cases, even traditional telcom providers have made the move to VoIP PBX technology in order to take advantage of its exceptional service. The benefits of this have trickled down to a large number of telcom subscribers. This development has not gone unnoticed by larger corporations. There is also the fact that the technology, itself, is in a state of constant growth. As time goes on, there will be even more advantages presented by enterprise VoIP solutions.

For companies that wish to keep in touch with employees in the field, VoIP can also be set up to offer secure communications through cell phones and laptops. Setting up a secure private network will also be a major business consideration. A discussion of security options will need to made, prior to setting up a new VoIP network. The benefits of mobile communications will always need to be balanced with concerns of security. This is especially true when using Wi-Fi services at an airport or hotel.

With the implementation of a VoIP PBX system, area codes may be chosen that are not related to the actual geographic area of the company. This can translate into free calls made from an office or home to another business branch located in another city. This can even allow for world-wide communications with incurring additional costs. All that is needed is a virtual phone number that a VoIP system can provide. For many companies, this represents a huge capital expense savings. This means that the desired phone number configuration will need to be set up and implemented.

Business Efficiency Factors

The use of VoIP technology can certainly benefit many small businesses due to the merging of data with voice communications. However, this benefit is exponentially increased when applied to a larger company. For example, business presentations are more effective when video is combined with conference calling. Efficiency is also increased by the fact that the same VoIP line can be used to transmit more than one stream of data. This is in contrast to a legacy PBX system that would limit the dedicated line to just two connected callers.

The setting up of a VoIP communications system that utilizes current technology that is mostly already in place has distinct advantages. This means that there is no interruption in phone communications while the solution is being designed and put into place by the IT engineers.

Also, Since the VoIP PBX is easily managed through user-friendly software, training can be set up in a manner that will not interfere with normal business operations. Of course, this will take place according to schedules that have discussed and approved by management.