The future of enterprise telephony is clearer than ever. Circuit-switched PBXs are nearing obsolescence. IP technology is increasingly becoming the standard for corporate voice communications.
A recent report by Allied Business Intelligence predicted that premise-based (IP PBX) voice over IP (VoIP) gateways will grow from 4.3 million ports in 2001 to 47.6 ports in 2007. (See chart.) VoIP uses a TCP/IP network for the transmission of audio signals, enabling an enterprise to use an existing network for its telephone system rather than a separate PBX.
"To go out and buy a new circuit-switched PBX now is investing in a dead-end technology," says Raymond D. Keneipp, Vice President of Networks & Telecom Strategies for the Burton Group. "I think that everybody has accepted the fact that we will end up with a converged infrastructure. It's only a question of are you going to do it sooner or later."
on of are you going to do it sooner or later."
As with many establishing technologies, a realistic approach to VoIP's advantages and disadvantages is beginning to replace the initial--and sometimes irrational--enthusiasm of the early adopters. For example, one of the highly publicized selling points of VoIP has been the promise of significant savings on the cost of long distance using toll bypass. However, while some savings are possible, the true cost advantages are difficult to assess, especially for enterprises, whose long distance charges have already shrunk through dropping rates, calling plans, and existing PBX toll bypass.
A more realistic benefit is the consolidation of your current network infrastructure to support both data network and PBX functionality, which can result in operational savings, especially in offices where relocating employees and reshuffling facilities is commonplace. Rather than having to install a new phone and possibly even rewire for adds, moves, and changes, employees can just plug a phone into a network jack, or just log on from their PCs using specialized software at the new location.
Consolidation, however, can also mean a strain on bandwidth, depending on your organization's current setup. Companies that add an IP PBX can expect that some upgrades will probably be necessary. For example, you may need to upgrade your routers and/or router software, add more servers, or upgrade your protocols.
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