Voice-over-Internet Protocol, better known by the acronym VoIP, continues to garner interest from companies large and small due to a variety of factors, the most important of which seems to be its low cost.
But there are other points to consider as well, and before you make that fateful leap on behalf of your company, there are some important things to keep in mind.
To that end, Jason Volmut, CEO and Founder of CPUrx -- a high tech firm that solves business problems related to computers, networks, and the Internet – posted a blog recently wherein he identified what he said were six keys to a successful VoIP implementation. Among his ideas:
Install a Second Internet Connection to Ensure Continuous Service: “Installing a second Internet connection is like having a backup generator if your power goes out,” Volmut said. “Simply put, if your primary Internet goes down, a second (backup) connection automatically kicks-in, providing continuity for voice and data services.”
Choose Your SIP Provider Carefully: “A number of low-end SIP providers out there use a technology called least-cost routing (LCR). Basically, this means the provider routes your VoIP calls in the cheapest way possible, so choose your solution provider wisely,” he cautions.
Implement Quality-of-Service (QoS) on Your Network: This one should be self-explanatory, Volmut cautions. “Since VoIP calls are data packets by nature, without QoS calls may sound choppy, fuzzy or jittery, contain echo or even drop out. Failure to implement effective QoS on one's internal network leads to undesirable user experiences and unsatisfied customers.”
Consider Using Cloud (Hosted) PBX: The cloud is getting a lot of attention these days, and with good reason. “Phone (News - Alert) systems today don't mount on the walls, they run on enterprise-class servers, preferably in the ‘Cloud’ where 100 percent uptime guarantees on Power and IP (Internet Protocol) service are offered,” he said. Why settle for less?
Fully Secure Your VoIP Setup: “Be aware that if your system is compromised, and unauthorized calls are made, it could be costly,” Volmut warns. Take the time to do it right.
Measure the Quality of Your VoIP Service: “If you are currently using a VoIP system, ask your IT or Telecom service provider for something called an ‘MOS’ score,” Volmut suggests. “MOS stands for ‘Mean Opinion Score’, and has been used for decades in telephone networks to obtain the human user’s view of the quality of the network.”
So there you have it. VoIP can be a boon to your business, but make sure you get what you pay for, and that it’s secure and worthwhile. Spending some time and money up front will pay huge dividends down the road.