VoIP – What is it?

Hailed by many as a 'transformative technology', Voice over Internet Protocol networking allows the transmission of packet-sized and compressed voice, along with fax and data information, over the Internet or a corporate intranet, resulting in cost-savings to the customer.

So voice and data applications are converging and the same infrastructure can now be used by both, but is VoIP worth pursuing?

VoIP is appropriate for organisations with more than one networked branch; single site organisations have nothing to gain, although some features may interest small businesses, specifically, the ability to divert all calls to a different number when travelling/on holiday and, the immediate transfer of a call to a mobile phone.

For SMEs, VoIP has an increasing role to play, offering:

• Connection of remote workers to enable calls to and from the office at no extra cost
• Integration of IP applications with telephones
• Connecting sites together at no extra call cost
• Easier system administration and better control of communications

Networking Fundamentals offer the Avaya IP Office product, which combines a standard PABX with optional VoIP to offer a hybrid solution. Some of IP Office's many benefits include:

• Full PBX features
• Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Conference calling, Voice messaging etc
• Support for 2-360 extensions
• Converged voice communications
• Call handling, queue manager, advanced call routing
• IVR applications
• GUI for attendants
• Text to speech
• Integrated messaging
• Voicemail
• CTI interfaces
• Data Communications capabilities
• LAN hub switching
• Management tools - Windows PC software application
• Call centre/customer management
• Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
• Variety of telephones
• Wireless mobility

Avaya provides the best of both worlds - PABX now, VoIP when required.