Softswitch technology allows companies to communicate over highly efficient VoIP-based networks. But while many companies have realized the benefits softswitch and VoIP can bring, it is taking longer for government agencies and organizations to get up to speed due to the complexity and cost of replacing vast landline systems. This is no longer the case for the Tallapoosa Courthouse in Alabama, however.
Recently, the courthouse 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.
“The data portion of the upgrade was completed three weeks ago. Probate Judge Leon Archer tells me everyone is happy with it,” 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.”
The courthouse expects the upgrades to be completed by the end of the year.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi