Communications Rob Maynard COO IS360
With the introduction of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone systems into the market, communications have changed dramatically. As this technology has matured costs have come down, features have improved dramatically and the phone system has changed from purely a voice conduit to a fully unified communication platform with significant collaboration capabilities. So what are the benefits of this new technology?
Cost of ownership
- When implementing VOIP systems all voice and data traffic is carried over a common network. This eliminates the cost of managing and maintaining two separate networks.
- Provides better bandwidth utilization by taken advantage of dead time during phone conversations to send data.
- If companies have branch locations calling between branches is done over IP thereby eliminating Telco local and long distance charges.
- If companies use audio conferencing, VOIP systems set up conference calls over the internet thereby eliminating expensive audio conference charges.
- Additionally, VOIP brings new options with company’s carrier services often resulting in cost savings.
Combined, these savings can be as much as 40% versus a traditional phone system for a typical medium sized business.
Unified Communication
With VOIP all communication is now running over a common network. This allows all incoming and outgoing communication to be handled in a “common mailbox.” Faxes can be sent to voicemail, voicemails sent to email…… All of these messages can be managed in a common platform greatly simplifying communication and improving productivity. Additionally these same features can be transported to mobile phones, home offices, or remote locations such as hotels, conferences, etc.
Collaboration
With more and more personnel working remotely and companies getting further geographically dispersed, the need for document and desktop sharing is becoming more and more important. With VOIP systems this is accomplished with ease as audio conferences can be set up “on the fly” and desktops can be shared and edited by multiple people in multiple locations. This eliminates the need for travel, mailing documents, and significantly improves productivity.
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What should a small business do?
1 – Develop a plan to review their overall communication’s strategy.
2- Review all costs associated with their communication needs.
3- Review network infrastructure to insure readiness
4- Review optional technologies and applications, including data base lookup’s screen pop and click to dial.
5- Consider Disaster Recover options with Hosting or Hybrid model.
6- Develop business case and deployment strategy.
How to plan for Disaster Recovery!
IS360 has built out Co Location space and offers customers multiple choices to make DR planning easier and less expensive. Hosted is a good choice depending on company size but also consider a hybrid approach which is not offer by many vendors.
How can IS360 help?
IS360 has years of experience developing and managing communication systems for companies around the world. Our experience and implementation methodology allows IS360 to deliver cost-effective solutions while limiting the risk of technology obsolescence.
Next Steps – IS360 Communication Review
IS360 is offering a free initial consultation to any business interested in learning how they can improve their communication system while saving money. For additional information visit our website at WWW.is3sixty.com