Companies today are enhancing their communication systems by transitioning to IP-based services. By operating all lines of communication through IP networks, these companies can access a host of tools beyond the standard phone call, such as voice and video conferencing, and unified messaging. And all of these services can be easily accessed using IP phones.

But while many companies have realized the benefits of IP communication, it is taking government agencies and organizations longer to adopt, due to the costly and complex nature of replacing their vast legacy systems. But for the Tallapoosa Courthouse in Alabama, the ordeal was well worth it in order to improve its ability to serve the county.

The courthouse recently began a major communications overhaul, revamping its data network and installing a new VoIP-based phone system. After upgrading its existing network, the courthouse is already seeing a noticeable decrease in call wait time. That means happier callers, as well as more cases being processed more efficiently. And in a courthouse where there is a constant stream of cases rolling in, that is a pretty big deal.

“Probate Judge Leon Archer tells me everyone is happy with [the upgrade],” said County Administrator Blake Beck. “We have already seen increased speeds in processing titles.”

The new system is particularly fast thanks to its use of fiber, allowing for an extra bandwidth at 100-megabyte capability compared to the previous T-1 connection at 1.4 megabytes for the old system. This means that VoIP calls, which run over the IP network, are placed faster and are better quality, and the courthouse’s overall connectivity is hugely improved. Tasks such as sending emails and instant messages, downloading and transferring important documents, and more are all easier to handle and are more efficient thanks to the new system.

“The voice over IP will allow us to reduce our telecommunications costs,” Beck said. “At the courthouse we are having to change out the phones to a digital system that then will go over to the voice over system. The phones installed at the courthouse just seven or eight years ago will not work on the voice over IP system. At the sheriff’s office and annex they will be voice over IP from the start.”

This week, IP phones were installed at the courthouse, and more will be installed at the sheriff’s office next week, followed by the annex the week after that, according to Beck. The courthouse expects the upgrades to be completed by the end of the year.