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	VoIP- Are You Ready? It’s a buzzword that has been tossed around the industry for years—VoIP or “voice-over-internet-protocol” has been called one the most important developments in history – after all, it is the primary protocol of the Internet! What does VoIP mean? Residential VoIP In residential terms, a company like Vonage or Voicepulse brings VoIP into your home. This is usually a product and service that uses a cable modem, DSL, or other high-speed residential provider to deliver voice. You plug in an ATA-like device (Analog Telephone Adapter) to your high speed connection (modem, router, etc) and then plug your regular phone that you have used for years into this device .. and voila! You have phone service. The providers will even simulate the traditional dial tone for you and your phones! Your phone uses the ATA to communicate over the IP network and calls, voices, etc all travel over this network instead of through the traditional telephone company. The VoIP provider manages the setup of the calls, routing, etc. and is able to do so at a lower cost. Typically long-distance rates are lower too as the calls can be routed over the IP network for a fraction of the traditional costs. Finally, VoIP providers have some interesting features not available on traditional phone service. Of course with every new technology there are some concerns. For residential users, one concern is that of 911 and emergency response. How can we translate an Internet address to something meaningful (e. g. an address) so that if someone dials 911 the appropriate response occurs? Residential providers are still dealing with this issue as they race to comply with local, state, and federal law. VoIP for Business VoIP within the business context can mean several things: The entire system is VoIP - this means that one common network is used to deliver the voice application. All phones or phone software, cabinets, voicemails, etc are 100% IP. Part of the system is VoIP - this is a blended approach where traditional wiring and IP are used to deliver the voice application. Some of the phones or cabinets may be IP. IP Networking - This means using IP to connect multiple cabinets and locations. IP is used to link cabinets, even if the cabinets use traditional, non-IP phones. Only the cabinets are connected, usually between locations, while the phones, phone lines, etc can still the traditional technologies. The Truth about VoIP We find that many of our customers cannot fully realize VoIP benefits or the technology is not needed today. There are several reasons: Upgrade network – The network must be upgraded to allow voice to be a priority over data, since voice is time-sensitive—delays, echoes, latency, etc become a larger issue. Typically this involves upgrading switches, routers, computer operating systems, as well as making power available to all of these devices. VoIP expertise – many of our clients have a small IT staff or outsource this expertise, focusing on the needs of the business and not necessarily monitoring the network to constantly “tweak” the network to ensure that voice communications are not compromised. Economics – to fully enjoy the economy of scale benefits, a pure VoIP solution is more economically appealing to larger organizations as the cost curve declines. Normal network concerns – the integrity of the network becomes more important; this means security, virus/spyware issues, user knowledge, acceptable use policies, etc all come to the forefront as potential threats to voice communications. “As your network goes, so does your communication system.” Where VoIP Makes Sense Maybe a pure 100% IP phone system is not for you, and that’s OK. We have found that VoIP is application dependent, meaning it really depends on our customer’s needs. Here are a couple of applications where VoIP is very useful: Linking multiple locations – Some of our customers have used IP to link offices locally, regionally, and/or nationally. This can be great for locations that would incur long-distance charges, and improves communication between locations. Internally, locations may use traditional or VoIP technology but IP is the link between the locations. An example may be two locations connected together via a WAN, full or fractional T-1’s. Remote workers – a small number of workers in remote locations (home, branch office, hotel), needing to connect to the main phone system. The requirements are similar to Residential VoIP (see above) with additional “tweaking” needed. An example might be remote workers using a cable modem or DSL connection with an IP phone or IP phone software (connected to computer) to connect to the main location where a cabinet is housed. The IP advantage While there are many potential fixed and recurring costs with VoIP deployments, there are several real advantages: Toll-bypass – if your company uses a large amount of long-distance, using IP may eliminate or reduce long-distance costs. Centralized management – your IT staff can now act as administrators and more easily make necessary changes to your configuration. Mobility – Travelling and/or remote workers can easily be users of the phone system, as long as their connection meets requirements. Reduced wiring costs – instead of multiple cable runs, one cable can serve both the voice and data needs for an organization. Is VoIP for You? Ask yourself this question: How can we use VoIP to improve our business communications? We can help guide your organization to a sensible, practical answer that makes sense for your business.
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