Telephony and Convergence

Converged solutions are changing the entire communications infrastructure. The convergence between telecommunications and IT has made it possible for both voice and data traffic to be carried through the same cable networks.

VoIP uses IP Protocol to transmit voice packets over the Internet. In other words, VoIP can send voice, fax and other information in discrete packets over the Internet, rather than through the regular telephone network (PSTN). Each IP Telephone has its own IP number and memory and is easy to move, therefore making it easier to add and remove users and physically move handsets.

The choice and range of solutions is growing all the time. Most companies are choosing IP-enabled PBX (Hybrid PBX). The good thing about hybrids is that the business can reuse a lot of its existing components. The reliability of the traditional PBX and the investment protection of existing handsets, where there is no business case to replace it, are combined with a level of IP integration that best fits the organisation's requirements and where it really adds value.

VoIP can provide call switching and routing, interactive voice response, pre-paid telephony, emergency call-out, call centre and virtual call centre, interactive chat, multimedia messaging, internet service integration, audio conferencing, SMS and remote-worker management.

Benefits:

• Sending voice communications over the Internet avoids the call charges normally applied by telecoms providers. For example, when sending an e-mail it will cost the same to contact a client next door as it would to contact a client in another country. This also applies to VoIP as the voice traffic is being sent as data across the Internet, just like an e-mail, and the only cost of contact is that of connecting to the Internet.
• A single cable point providing both voice and data services, so therefore reducing cabling requirements.
• A single management system controls the entire voice and data infrastructure, rather than having to troubleshoot and manage services through two applications.
• Only one maintenance contract is required as opposed to separate contracts with data and telephony suppliers.
• Productivity is increased via unified messaging, video conferencing and the provision of flexible communications to support remote workers.
• Hybrid solution allows for costs to be kept down and investments protected by reusing existing PBX components and the existing knowledge and training of personnel.