VoIP checklist

The typical modern phone system
The typical IP based phone system requires the following components:

• IP based PBX
• Compatible IP handsets
• Office data network
• ISDN2, ISDN30 or broadband connectivity

The IP PBX and IP handsets connect to the office network via regular Cat5 ethernet cables. Most IP handsets have two ethernet ports on the back for cabling convenience, allowing connectivity to be passed through the phone to their computer workstation.

Before deciding upon a solution, there are a number of questions you should ask...

• Is there a maximum number of extensions the system can support? - Businesses embrace growth. Can your system grow with the business without risk of extra licensing fees?
• What's the total cost of the system? - Many IP PBX systems have a basic price which is then gradually increased by adding modules such as voicemail or queue capability. Always find out the total cost of the system and make sure you compare like for like.
• What about call quality? - VoIP call quality is only as good as your external connectivity, and where a broadband connection might seem fine for internet browsing, voice data is usually less forgiving. What steps have been taken to reduce the chance of embarassing quality issues on important calls?
• What happens if our broadband/ISDN lines go down? - Can the system adapt to work around service outages?
• How complicated is it to make changes to the system? - You might want to change your IVR or night mode behaviour, or add and remove users... the list goes on. Can you do this without consulting a manual, or without taking the system offline?
• Is there a choice of compatible handsets available? - Every business is different, but with such a wide variety of IP handsets available, everyone can find a handset to suit them. You need to be confident that the handsets you choose meet your working requirements.
• Does the system support remote/home working? - The business cost of sickness and other absence can be reduced by remote and home working. Small business owners in particular are becoming ever more enthusiastic about the opportunities offered by flexible working - does the IP PBX system allow you to adopt remote working, if not now then in the future?
• Will the system stand the test of time? - An IP phone system should be designed to last. Find out the PBX upgrade policy to ensure that you won't be a victim of obsoletion.

With cost effective solutions available for SMBs and enterprise, IP based PBXs can allow flawless and flexible communication without sacrificing reliability.

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