What is IP Telephony?
IP = Internet Protocol. IP is the communication language that
enables a network of computers to talk to each other so that
companies can send emails, share documents and other files. IP
is the underlying mechanism for the worldwide network of
computers that make up the Internet and the language that your
browser software uses to access websites.
The use of IP has evolved over the last 30 years and so has the
range of applications and devices that can be supported. The use
of IP is no longer limited to computers but is now common in
multimedia communication. Many of us listen to music or videos
streamed over the internet.
IP can also be used with telephones and telephone systems to
provide a highly efficient means of making phone calls across
the internet. Commonly referred to as Voice over IP, or VoIP,
this technology has been used for some time by public telephone
operators to maximise the efficiency of their networks.
VoIP is usually associated with the new wave of low-cost phone
services via the public internet promoted for residential or
home use, but has many uses in the business world which go far
beyond the ability to reduce point-to-point call charges.
The use of IP within a business’s network offers a compelling
return on investment. It enables a single network to handle all
communications needs – voice, data and multi-media services
across IP networks of all types, from home networks to business
intranets to the Internet.
Cost Savings through IP
Telephony
Cost
reduction is one of the main drivers for adopting IP telephony
systems. Savings can be made in a number of ways :
-
Voice calls
made over the public telephone network can be routed over IP
networks for little or no cost between company sites and from
home and mobile workers using broadband internet connections.
-
Businesses
can use spare capacity on their existing office and
inter-office computer networks to transport voice traffic
alongside data.
-
The cost of
managing a converged system could be up to 50% lower than
managing separate voice and data systems.
Compelling Reasons to Adopt IP
Telephony
-
Reduce the
cost of calls;
-
Increase
features such as unified communication, real-time billing,
speech recognition, video conferencing;
-
Add and
remove users and rearrange services easily and inexpensively;
-
Self-manage
communication networks from a single control point;
-
Reduce
business continuity risks in the event of disruption at any
business site in the company.
Bespoke Solutions to Suit Your Needs
IP Integration provide reliable, high-functionality
communications systems to areas including contact centres,
converged applications, Internet, messaging and more. All of our
solutions are tailored for the needs of each individual customer
and their unique requirements and are backed by the highest
calibre support by our team of engineers who are skilled in the
multi-vendor, multi-location and multi-technology environments
of today’s education sector businesses.
Final Analysis
In a few years time less than half the people will count the
traditional office environment as their main place of work.
Mobile and flexible working are already becoming dominant
working models.
IP telephony offers considerable advantages for the mobile and
remote working community that form part of many companies’
workforce.
Another key driver is productivity. According to research by
Avaya Corporation (2004), although 70% of UK workers currently
carry more than two communications devices, 68% of those receive
important messages late more than once a week. Workers say they
often send emails to chase voicemails, or make a phone call to
draw attention to an email that they have sent. This suggests
that businesses need to take control and unify communication.
This is precisely the market for which IP telephony is equipped
to provide solutions.
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