Is an IP system right for me?
Even if you don't need an IP telephone system yet, Telephones.com still recommends going with an IP system. Most IP systems actually come out of the box as a conventional digital telephone system. You would install, program, and use it just like any other telephone system. Once you are ready to add go IP, you simply add the optional IP module and IP telephones. This keeps your initial costs down, and similar to a conventional telephone system.
Are you still using *TDM? Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) is used in traditional digital phone systems. TDM could very well be reaching its expiry date, and the timeline for support for TDM is shrinking. It's inevitable. TDM is being quickly displaced with VoIP and IP Telephony.
Some IP Systems require the licensing of optional equipment and software. Larger, more advanced IP Systems like the Allworx, Samsung OfficeServ, and the Vertical SBX IP320 have optional advanced features and functions that may require the purchase of separate licenses and/or equipment in order to activate that particular product or feature. An example of this would be adding an off-site IP telephone in a different city or state connected to the main system that might require a site license. License costs and optional features vary from IP system to IP system, so please research them thoroughly. Smaller systems that DO NOT require licensing fees are the Vertical Xcelerator IP, Panasonic KX-HG400 IP, Avaya Quick Edition IP, and the Inter-Tel 3000 IP.
IP Phone Systems have features and optional equipment that are EXTREMLY advanced and unlike most features found on conventional analog, digital, or hybrid systems. IP Phone Systems are NOT harder to install than regular conventional systems, but they may require additional expertise when it comes to programming and configuring them. Besides the basic telephony knowledge required for phone systems, a complete understanding of LAN’s, WAN’s and Data Networking is also required for programming and configuring most IP Systems for off-site operations. The provided system manuals will fully explain this in technical terms, but depending on your knowledge on IP addressing, you may also require help from your local Network Administrator since the provided manuals will assume you already have a basic knowledge of computer networking fundamentals. An IP phone system will become PART of your computer network system (LAN), so if you understand your LAN's operations, you should have no trouble integrating the phone system to it. The rule of thumb here is that if you can configure a computer network system using IP addresses, MAC addresses, routers and switches, etc, then you should be able to set up an IP phone system as well. Most IP Systems tend to cost more than a conventional analog or digital phone system due to the more advanced features they contain. If you DO NOT have multiple offices that require integration or require off site locations for telecommuters, then most likely a regular analog or digital phone system will meet all your business needs and requirements.
Are there disadvantages to an IP phone system?
- On the average, and IP phone system will cost you more. If you don't have multiple business locations that need to be networked together, a conventional analog, digital or hybrid phone system may be a better choice for you.
- Most IP Phone System require CAT5/6 wiring. Its the same wiring used for your Computer network system. This may be advantages when adding a phone where a PC is already located because you can use the same wiring for both the IP phone and PC. If you don't have a networked PC at that location, then you will need to run Cat5/6 wiring to that location for the IP phone.
- There is a myth that an IP system is not reliable. The fact is, an IP system is just as reliable, if not more reliable, than a conventional digital phone system. The MOST commonly reported problem with an IP system has to do with Quality-of-Service (QoS). The fact is, if you do not have the proper amount of bandwidth at all locations, then you will experience poor voice quality. The rule of thumb is simple. Maintain proper bandwidth for the amount of equipment is use and you will be extremely happy with the features and functions of an IP system. Period.
Need more help? ask us or download the free dummies manuals below provided by Avaya (also apply to all other IP phone systems):
 Download SIP for Dummies by Peter Gregory |
