Understand VoIP

About VoIP

What is VoIP? - VoIP means Voice over the Internet Protocol. It works by allowing people to use the internet to communicate rather than ordinary telephones... [Read More]

The future of VoIP - As access to the internet becomes more widespread and prices are reduced for broadband access and internet call technology; VoIP will increasingly become a viable option... [Read More]

Why VoIP? - The main reason for a business to change to VoIP technology is to save costs. Naturally, calls using the internet are generally perceived to be free of charge. However, this is not always the case... [Read More]

Benefits of VoIP - Organisations can gain a number of benefits by implementing VoIP but these will depend on the requirements, the situation and the type of organisation... [Read More]

Potential pitfalls - You need to be aware that with VoIP, your organisation will potentially be using the same network for transfer of all files, emails and voice communications... [Read More]

Alternatives to VoIP - One alternative to VoIP is to use a hosted or managed telephony service... [Read More]

What can I expect to gain by implementing VoIP? - It is difficult to give a typical figure that you should expect as a Return on Investment (ROI) because there are a number of factors that influence this calculation. For example... [Read More]

Buying and installing VoIP

Six simple steps to successfully buying a VoIP system - Start with identifying the needs of your organisation and your users... [Read More]

Points to remember when installing a VoIP system - It is unlikely that you will install a VoIP system yourself but by knowing the following steps you will be aware of what the process is, and ensure you achieve a fully functioning system. As a simplistic guide for a small business of, for example, 10 users in one office, the following would be necessary... [Read More]

Hosted VoIP

What is hosted VoiP? - As a potential user of VoIP, you have two choices. You can either purchase a system and have it installed in your office; or your can rent the service and facilities from an organisation that has the ability to support, implement and maintain the system on your behalf... [Read More]

Benefits of hosted VoIP - For example, hosted VoIP allows business users to focus on business issues rather than technical issues. This is especially important if you don’t have adequate technical resources in house... [Read More]

VoIP case studies

Powerful telephony solutions - As communications provide a business-critical function for MWA, it is imperative that their systems are reliable and scalable... [Read More - pdf]

Migration to VoIP - For healthcare workers, voice communications are mission critical and need a telephone system that is able to provide a consistent user experience for all workers, be they healthcare workers on the go, in the hospital, GPs working in a local surgery or a clinic, or working from a remote site based in the community such as an NHS Dental unit... [Read More - pdf]

Reliable maintenance support - Keeping up with technology developments is a key component for Universities to attract students and staff. The ability to stay at the forefront of new developments is essential to maintain a vital competitive edge... [Read More - pdf]

Telephony maintenance - Installation of two Mitel solutions has given WMP the opportunity to trial VoIP telephony and plan the best way forward for the Force’s future telephony infrastructure... [Read More - pdf]

Questions and answers

What is VoIP? - VoIP means ‘Voice over the Internet Protocol’... [Read More]

How does it work in practice? - VoIP allows you to communicate via the internet. So, rather than using a phone or mobile, you can speak to someone using VoIP. Calls over the internet are usually free-of-charge... [Read More]

Can I speak to someone who doesn’t have VoIP? - Yes, you can call either fellow VoIP users or people who have a standard telephone and telephone number. You will have to buy credits so at this stage the phone call is no longer free but it is still usually far cheaper... [Read More]

What do I need? - At its simplest level you can download some software, set up your details and you’re able to communicate with anyone with the same system... [Read More]

< Read more questions and answers.

In summary about VoIP

There are many VoIP systems and options available and needless to say, what you and your organisation should purchase ultimately depends on your requirements and plans for growth.

Initially it may make sense to introduce VoIP as an addition to your existing phone system (assuming you have one) and then gradually increase your level of sophistication as and when you need more functionality.

For many small businesses, perhaps a managed or hosted option might be the preferred option, but for larger organisation, it is unlikely that this would be adequate.

The key issue here is whether VoIP is best for your company. Make sure you fully investigate traditional call services before taking the plunge.

Glossary

1. IP – Internet Protocol is the way in which information is passed across the internet.

2. Wireless Network - a network connected by radio waves to keep communication rather than using wires or cables. This allows users to travel and communicate either by phone or by their mobile computers rather than having to find a specific place in order to connect to the internet.

3. Public Services Telephone Network - PSTN is the way that we have always communicated by telephones that transfer the voice signals over copper cables.

4. Private Automated Branch Exchange - PABX allows a single telephone number to offer multiple lines to outside callers while providing a range of external lines to internal callers or staff. A company often has a general telephone number into a switchboard that can divert the call to users across departments and locations.

5. ISP - Internet Service Provider. This is a company that lets you or your organisation access the internet for a monthly or annual fee.

6. Analogue - Generally seen as the ‘old fashioned way’ of sending information or making telephone calls. The internet and computer systems are in a digital format which changes your voice end email into a series of ones and zeros rather than travel via cables.