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1. Exactly what is VoIP? Simply put, VoIP technology is the process of converting voice signals into data packets, using Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit over a data network.

   From FCC website: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/voip.pdf

   Background Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology for communicating using “Internet protocol” instead of traditional analog systems. Some VoIP services need only a regular phone connection, while others allow you to make telephone calls using an Internet connection instead. Some VoIP services may allow you only to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call any telephone number - including local, long distance, wireless, and international numbers. How VoIP Works VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can travel over the Internet. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. Depending on the type of VoIP service, you can make a VoIP call from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone with or without an adapter. In addition, new wireless "hot spots" in public locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet, and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly. If your VoIP service provider assigns you a regular telephone number, then you can receive calls from regular telephones that don’t need special equipment, and most likely you’ll be able to dial just as you always have.

2. What are the possible benefits of VoIP to your company? The most widely recognized benefit of VOIP is the ability to network multiple offices and thus save the long distance costs between the locations. Businesses that currently have a data connection between multiple offices can utilize VOIP technology to bypass long distance company switches and provide effective and lower cost communication between their offices. In other words, instead of dialing a long distance number, a person using VoIP can simply dial the extension number and connect immediately to the party in the other office.
   
   Phones are typically more reliable than computers, relying upon their own wiring infrastructure. VoIP systems, however, use a data network infrastructure. This convergence of voice and data into a single platform simplifies the administration of the communications network for multi-location companies. The ability to use remote IP phones with a single telephone number could benefit any size company. One of your employees, for example, could work out of his or her home in Dallas, utilizing a phone number with a Des Moines area code. This would enable your company to take advantage of having a virtual office or remote agents working from various locations.

3. Select a telecommunications partner who will thoroughly evaluate your needs. Identifying the right provider is as important as choosing the right product. A true telecommunications partner will analyze and understand your business needs and recommend the best solution. That solution should be implemented with as little disruption to your business as possible. Your telecommunications partner should guide you through the process to determine if VOIP is right for your company and, if so, making sure you are taking full advantage of all that VOIP has to offer. What are the implications of utilizing VoIP technology for your company? Will you need to upgrade your network connection between your locations? Will enhancements to your network infrastructure, server or switches be necessary to handle the demands? Understand that voice quality can vary and will ultimately be determined by your data network and / or the internet connection.

4. Do I do it now or wait? Determine whether to implement a system that will give you VOIP capability today or just have the ability to make the upgrade to VoIP in the future. Your company may not benefit from IP telephony at the present time. But it may make sense to install a system to which you can add VOIP in the future.

CONCLUSION: Adopting new VoIP technology can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. VoIP has the potential of reducing costs and increasing profitability. Just as a fully IP based system may not be the best solution for your company, a totally traditional style phone system may not be the wisest investment either.

For most companies, a traditional style telephone system that has IP capability is the best of both worlds – the reliability and features of the traditional system and the technological advantages of IP.

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