Buyers Guide to VoIP

When investing in a VoIP solution the following areas of interest should be considered-

Does your company regularly make both internal and long distance phone calls? If so, what are your current system charges for doing so and what is the approximate monthly cost of that solution (including line rentals and per annum service / maintenance costs)?

Depending on your budget we recomend choosing a supplier that offers QoS (Quality of Service). This will help ensure that you have no nasty surprises when it comesto the actual quality of the telephone calls.

What is the total cost of the VoIP solution on offer, including any hidden costs such as call handling features, voice mail, equipment, networking (including xDSL circuits), training and tech support?

What equipment will be necessary for VoIP set-up? Often new data switches, routers and handsets will be required.

Is your small or midsize business already on a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), which facilitates setting up VoIP and reduces initial set-up fees?

Finally, always ask for reference sites to call (or visit) to check the service levels on offer. Many suppliers will also offer you a free demonstration or a free trial.

The Drawbacks of VoIP

Before determining that VoIP is right for your small business, you should take into consideration two major VoIP drawbacks. First, there are problems with maintaining an Internet-based system that don't occur with a standard landline. Software difficulties and internet outages will prevent VoIP calls. Because mobile phone communication is common today, this may not be a large problem for most businesses but it should be considered.

The bigger issue can be that VoIP increases your network demands (depending on the solution). Your broadband connection needs to have enough bandwidth to maintain call quality. If this is a concern, your business should look into Ethernet networks and frame relay networks to improve quality of service. Your company may also require an additional Quality of Service (QoS) application which upgrades the VoIP system to help improve communication.