Systems VoIP IP Telephony appropriate degrees in business who see the coup the cost savings achieved using this technology. Cheaper and lighter, it has attracted the services accounts! Yet not easy to find in the middle of the VoIP systems are so poorly known. A small checklist of things to check may be necessary to choose your service.
Analyze the existing system
This is the first point to consider when migrating to a VoIP service. Bids from suppliers of Internet access (ISP) may be sufficient for some small businesses that do not have specific needs related to telephony. Other SMEs already have a standard analog, in this case migration to a PBX or Centrex system may prove interesting. In all cases, analysis of the existing system should not be overlooked.
Size its project
Of course, we must take into account the needs of the business in terms of telephony, to fully optimize their system. If you only have one line in your business, you can just offer voice over IP is already included in the packages proposed by the ISP. However, if you have multiple lines in the business and you already have a standard, going through a PBX or Centrex system will prove necessary.
The PBX, what is it?
If you already have a PBX system in the enterprise, the principle is the same: IP PBX can connect the lines inside and call outside. Of course, the PBX also allows conference calls, call transfers and so on. The system is deployed directly in the company without going through remote servers. In fact it requires the intervention of network administrators either internally when the company has a CIO, or externally by using a provider. For example, offers IP telephony, via a PBX system starting at 40 € / HT by function, for unlimited calls to landlines or mobiles as the bids of the operators.
Centrex
Specifically, the extension user will not see large differences from the PBX. The features are exactly the same as a PBX system. Yet Centrex allows you to host the system on remote servers, with the ISP for example. The system really gets interesting as it allows functions to outsource network management, maintenance costs are therefore reduced. Centrex is particularly well suited to companies with many phones, economies of scale are so much greater. It is particularly well suited to companies with no prior installation PABX.
ISPs have, in addition, simplified service management, by providing user management consoles that manage very simply calls (answering by mail, call forwarding etc..) Count about 15 € / month per station.
Calculate ROI
This is probably what will help you determine which system to choose. This calculation must of course take into account your needs in telephony, the hardware you already have and one you should buy etc ... Having a multi-site can also affect the cost to start! It may be higher, but the economies of scale will be more important. In any case, do not expect a return on investment before the exploitation phase.
Choose your operator
The number of operators offering voice over IP solutions has flourished in recent years! Also, companies have plenty of choice to select an operator that will match their specifications! In general, study the options carefully: some providers offer unlimited call abroad or unlimited mobile phones. Others offer special rates to second on mobile.
Be as vigilant about security levels offered by operators: some you will ensure maintenance and 24h/24h 7d/7d, others less so: it is obviously a factor to be considered.
Finally, some operators offer platforms for collaborative work in their packs, it might be interesting for multi-site companies
In any case, feel free to operators in competition!
