VoIP is the name of a communications technology that allows you to make “Voice” calls over the Data Networks which encompasses the Internet. The term “VoIP” stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP technology enables you to merge your telephone service with your data network. Because your data and voice services have merged there are many more choices available to an average business owner for getting communications into your building. 

As your business experiences this “convergence” where voice, data and Internet services become integrated you must understand the pitfalls and advantages that will impact costs, efficiency and productivity. At Transformyx, we are experts at understanding and implementing all of these technologies and can provide an unbiased solution and generally at a lower costs than other providers.

One of the biggest myths of VoIP is that it can run over the Internet. Theoretically it can and does run over the Internet but most successful VoIP installations run over a dedicated private network. These dedicated circuits provide a high quality of service. Early adopters and people trying to save every penny have been very disappointed in VoIP services as a primary voice carrier. This is largely due to the fact that the “Public Network” is just not reliable enough for voice transmissions. Making sure you have proper amount of Internet bandwidth and Voice bandwidth is essential. Simply buying a bundle isn’t going to provide you with the quality of service you may need for your business. 

Integrated VoIP Service
Integrated VoIP is often the first step for many small-to-medium sized businesses looking to switch from a traditional telephone service to a new VoIP service. This allows you to keep you existing telephone equipment even if is not IP enabled and get many of the key benefits of VoIP, including better feature, move flexibility, and significant cost savings.

A dedicated T-1 or similar circuit connects your premise-based key, hybrid, or PBX system to the communications carrier’s VoIP enabled network via an IAD – integrated access device. Instead of separate networks, all voice, data, and Internet traffic is combined on a single T-1 line. VoIP technology dynamically allocates bandwidth in real time to meet your voice and data needs.

Hosted IP PBX Service
Hosted IP PBX services is a hosted server based solution in the service provider’s IP network delivers a complete suite of enhanced PBX functionality over any IP connection. The service provider can connect your business simply by setting up and configuring your business feature and applications. This solution is suited from five to several thousand users distributed across the globe. 

One great feature of this type of service is that each extension in the system is associated with an individual not a specific telephone location. This allows the user to actually take his/her phone with them anywhere in the world and the phone will still work as if it was never moved.

Managed IP PBX Service (Premised Based)
Most communications carriers now offer a turnkey-managed IP PBX service for organizations with a centralized headquarters but lacking the resources to manage, monitor, and maintain a VoIP system.

With a managed IP PBX Service, the communications carrier provides you with the PBX, phone, and network as part of a bundled package. Generally this includes, installation, training, maintenance, monitoring and moves, adds and changes support. This is a great option for businesses that don’t have an IT department but still need the capabilities of a VoIP solution.

SIP Trunks – IP PBX (Premised Based)
In a VoIP converged network with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), organizations can choose from a variety of vendors to create a seamless, converged communication network. SIP trunks enable seamless voice and data convergence connected to an IP PBX that is owned and managed by the business. SIP is a protocol which uses IP and therefore can use a data circuit. Think of it as layers, you have a circuit from a provider which uses IP thus allowing SIP traffic to pass over the circuit. HTTP between a browser and server would be another example of this layered anology. SIP trunks simplify network management and optimize network expenditures.

SIP has emerged at the forefront of most if not all, VoIP related applications. It is faster, easier to scale, and easier to implement then previously deployed VoIP protocols. SIP integrates with traditional voice circuit switched interfaces and IP switched interfaces. 

Top Ten Reasons to Switch to VoIP

1)       It is the Industry Standard now

2)      Feature Rich and Cost Effective

3)      Existing Investment Protection

4)      Flexibility and Portability

5)      Enhanced Network Management

6)      Better Utilization of Personnel

7)      Productivity Applications

8)      Better Bandwidth Utilization

9)      Reduced Costs

10)   Ready Industry Support

So, if you are ready to get started utilizing the benefits of a VoIP telephony solution, be sure to give us a call at 225.761.0088. One of our expert VoIP solution engineers will be eager to discuss your business requirements and put together a system that meets your needs and budget.

 

Claude Bethea
President/CEO - Transformyx, Inc.