3 ways to implement VOIP for your business

We all know that VOIP is the way to go to replace your existing phone lines.  The question is.. How should I implement it?

Here are the 3 most common ways to do so:

IP PBX- great for multi locations, uses existing cabling, can use SIP trunks

If it is time to replace your old phone system, this would be a perfect time to do so.  There are several VOIP IP-PBXs on the market today.  The phones use your existing data cabling and provide many more features than your traditional phone system, often at a cost much less that traditional systems. These systems range greatly in price and features.  One key benefit to look for is ease of administration.  Also look for any hidden licensing costs.  Some manufacturers will tell you about all the great features their phone system will provide, but at a substantial additional cost to “unlock” it. Professional assistance is suggested for the install.  Changes to your internal IP tables and connection to the internet and open ports may be needed.  An IP-PBX can have several options to receive dial tone.  Default of which is usually SIP Trunking.  

Channel Gateway for existing phone systems.

This is a great option if you have a phone system that you do not want to replace.  Depending on the amount of simultaneous calls you plan to have.. it may be a good idea to have a dedicated internet connection for the gateway.  The gateway, once configured, will translate your VOIP SIP Trunk into usable phone lines for your phone system. There are several manufacturers of gateways.  Consult your VOIP provider to see which works best with their system.  Choose a professional grade gateway.  This will greatly impact your call quality.  There are gateways for one telephone line up to 24 lines available with 3 types of interconnects. Some gateways will have several phone jacks.  Each to represent a phone line.  Other gateways will provide a PRI out to interface directly to your phone system.  A popular one is the gateway that breaks out 24 lines on to a phone block.

Hosted or Virtual PBX

This is a very popular choice of many companies.  This option gives you an instant Enterprise-Class phone system at your fingertips.  You purchase VOIP phones from your provider that are pre-configured for each extension.  You then connect them in-line to the internet enabled network and your done!  Most service providers will provide you access to a web portal to configure your phone system.  Hosted PBX solutions are great for companies that need high availability and uptime.  In case of a disaster, simply take your phone to another location and plug it in.  It also works well for companies with multiple locations.  Internet speed is of less concern with this option.  This is due to various types of compression that your provider may use.  For example.. Using the correct compression protocol, you can have up to 60 simultaneous calls on a standard T1 line of only 1.5 up and down.

Any one of these solutions will save you a considerable amount of money on your phone service and provide you with additional features that regular phone service just cannot provide.

Talk to your VOIP provider to see what is the best option for your situation.
If you do not have a trusted advisor, please feel free to contact ClearTrunk.com at 1.866.328.2356 x301 or 1.817.535.8056 x301.  email: sales@cleartrunk.com

Clear Trunk Communications is a VOIP Service provider that provides Carrier-Class Solutions.