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The benefits afforded the enterprise today that leverage communications across the Internet are clear, driving the growing demand for VoIP. But implementing the technology takes a little more than just deciding it’s time to have it. Technical teams need to pay attention to specific elements before VoIP is put in place. A failure to do so can cause problems down the road.

To ensure successful deployment of a VoIP rollout, there are four things in particular that must be included in the strategy: integration with 911 emergency services location reporting; compatibility with current communications infrastructure; end user training; and voice peering. As laid out in a recent Network Computing article, let’s take a closer look at these elements.

First, it’s easy to overlook the implications in an emergency situation when planning a voice deployment strategy. We like to think that the worst will never happen, but pretending it can’t only leads to problems later. Legal implications are really just the tip of the iceberg if accurate location reporting with emergency calls is lacking. Location reporting has to have a prominent place in the cut-over test plan, as applying it as an afterthought can be cumbersome and costly.

Second, current infrastructure is likely a significant investment, even for the smaller business. Any phone system put in place must integrate with these systems in a variety of different ways and not all of them are apparent to the IT director. He or she may not be aware of the call accounting software packaged used by the finance department of the paging system that only exists in the warehouse.

Many of these specialty solutions are tied to analog systems that may or may not work with the VoIP solution. If deployment happens without working these solutions into the plan, it can take away key capabilities from important divisions who may view the change with distain. To avoid this problem, it’s critical that IT examine all current systems and talk with department heads to know what needs must be met.

Thirdly, end user training is essential in any type of technology deployment. If the key people who are supposed to use the technology aren’t able to easily navigate the system, they are likely to reject it. The benefits afforded by VoIP technology will quickly elude the organization that fails to properly train its users. Even if there is an added cost to extensive training, it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Finally, voice peering is another important consideration for the VoIP rollout. Tying into existing networks is a critical step to optimizing the productivity and cost benefits of VoIP technology. Determining the relationships that need to be in place for completing transactions to connect end points must be completed before the initiation of the network.

The preplanning stage is just as important as the VoIP rollout as it ensures you have the right steps in place for an experience with little disruption and maximum benefits.