Choosing a VoIP system for your enterprise can be a daunting task. But, if you do your research carefully, making the switch to internet telephony can reap big benefits. Fergal Glynn, Systems Engineer at BlueNote Networks, spoke to TMCnet.com recently about the things enterprises should think about when making this important decision. The Top Ten list below, based on Glynn's expert advice, can be used to evaluate any VoIP system you’re considering.

 

The VoIP system you choose should be installed in the same location, and on the same hardware, as your data servers. Software-based VoIP fits the bill nicely. “There's no need to purchase specialized hardware to run your VoIP system,” Glynn told TMCnet.com.

 

The VoIP system you choose should provide centralized management tools that engineers can access on the same console used to control your data network. “It's tough for enterprises to train their staff on four to five systems,” Glynn pointed out. It’s also unnecessary.

 

The VoIP system you choose should come with easy-to-use web services that allow your developers to create and customize extensions. The web services interface should connect directly with your enterprise’s service oriented architecture (SOA). “There are systems out there that tie the telephone world very, very neatly into the data world,” Glynn informed TMCnet.com.

 

Proprietary protocols create unnecessary layers of complexity, and counteract the power of internet telephony. An open standard like Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a very important feature of any VoIP system you purchase.

 

The VoIP system you use should be able to utilize the various networks at your disposal—intranet, extranets, PSTN, Internet, etc.—to route each call in the most efficient way possible. Some calls may, for one reason or another, be limited to the PSTN or some other network. But whenever possible, a call should travel to its destination using the cheapest route available.

 

The VoIP system you choose should be able to tie directly into your enterprise’s existing directory or directories used to store employee and customer data. Adding a VoIP system to your enterprise should not require adding another directory. You also should have the flexibility to connect a call using a variety of look-up options—including dial-by-name, dial-by-number, and dial-by-email-address.

 

You can choose to install VoIP adapters on your existing phone system, but in the long run that’s not the wisest course to take. The only advantage you get with an adapter-based is being able to transport calls over IP; you won’t get all the other benefits of VoIP, such as the ability to connect data directories with the phone system, or the ability to route calls efficiently using all available networks.

Every employee should—using any type of VoIP calling device, from anywhere in the world—be able to log into your system and receive their calls. Such a system works much like webmail—the sender needs only to know the receiver’s identity, and the receiver needs only to log in and retrieve his or her messages.

 

“I don't think everybody needs to have a telephone with a color screen,” Glynn suggested, adding that, “Sometimes with the fancy phones, there is vendor lock-in as well.” Computers today often come equipped with speakers and microphones built in; you can take advantage of that and set up softphones for employees that don’t need a separate phone. Using softphones whenever possible can greatly reduce costs.

 

The VoIP system you choose should be selected based on how it will help your enterprise reduce costs and increase productivity. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on how much money you’ll save on your phone bill. The system is unlikely to be worth the investment if it’s hard to manage and doesn’t increase productivity. Choose a VoIP system that ties data and voice together seamlessly, and you’ll be patting yourself on the back for a long time to come.

 

 

Back to Small Business VoIP