Q - What is voice over IP or VoIP ?

In its simplest form it allows voice calls to be made across data networks instead of standard telephone lines.

It can be done across a local area network or within a single building as well as wide area networks or from building to building.

Home workers are taking advantages of this technology to have access to voice and data facilites from their office at home over broadband.

>The really exciting part is that it allows voice services and computer services to be integrated giving way to more automated business processes with seamless transition between communication methods.

Companies and individuals are using it to achieve cheaper phone calls as the only ongoing expense is the cost of the data connection and the occasional need to switch to the public network when needed.

Q - What else can VoIP deliver as well as cost savings ?

By adopting voice over ip or VoIP we can reduce the number of cables down to a single set which is great for new fields sites looking to save on cost and space.

An integrated voice and data network is more scalable and easy to extend and roll out features to end uers.

Operating costs become lower and its easier to manage and maintain while supporting your business to delivering a better and more enhanced customer service and increased work force flexibility.

Q - Why should a business use VoIP ?

Companies are using VoIP if;

• They have distributed locations and want only one centralised telephone system
• They want to network multiple office with ‘free’ inter-office communications
• They want to have a single voice and data infrastructure
• They want to start migrating to VoIP and investment protection
• They want remote workers to be part of the central telephone system
• They are moving to a new office location
• Existing telephone system lease is ending
• Need a major upgrade to their data network
• Need to add business application to their voice network

Q - Is it easy to do?

Be careful..

• You must have QoS or Quality of Service
• You must have reliability
• You must have security
• You must have support

Get a LAN audit done to make sure that your network will support the demands placed upon it.

If you really want to know about VoIP and how to make the best decision for your business and avoid the confussion and mistakes then download the Definitive VoIP Guide I co-wrote which can be found in the Guides section of this website.

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