Is your business ready for VoIP?
Is your network ready for VoIP?
Probably not. Here’s a fact: the LANs and internet connections (WANs) used by most SMEs are simply not ready to handle VoIP. The basic firewalls commonly used for security and virus protection often cause VoIP calls to break up. The low cost routers from the local computer store often don’t have the horsepower to drive quality VoIP calls.
Of course, your VoIP network includes not only your LAN but also your WAN. Your WAN begins with your broadband modem and ends with your broadband internet provider. Most people don’t understand that just having a broadband connection is not enough. You actually need a high quality connection to deliver the call quality you need to run a real business. Many SMEs connect to the internet via DSL or cable, most often with inexpensive modems. While such connections work fine for web browsing and email, they are not designed to handle VoIP transmissions, much less the combination of voice and data.
As if ensuring you have a great LAN and WAN was not enough, you also have to choose a high quality VoIP service provider (VSP or ITSP). Much like fixed line providers, VSPs provide you with VoIP calling over the internet. Like ISPs, not all VSPs are created equal in terms of network strength, proximity to the PSTN backbone and, of course, good old fashion customer service.
Summary
VoIP and IP telephony are not for everyone. When researching the market it is easy to get swamped with information but try this approach as a basic checklist:
- Who says you are locked in to buying certain types of phones?
- Which vendors say you are limited on how many extensions you can have?
- Who agrees to let your business trial the product at no cost and no obligation?
- Which vendors demonstrate good insight into your business domain, and market segment (retail, health, IT etc)?
And as a final note, it always pays to ask around for anecdotal information from other businesses that have moved to VoIP and IP telephony. There is no experience better than avoiding the bad experience of others.
–Marc Englaro is the vice president of international sales for Fonality Inc., a provider of commercial open source IP Telephony systems designed for SMEs, and managing director of Fonality Australia (www.fonality.com.au).
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