VOIP or IP Telephony Implementations: Tips for Success
Few IT professionals have practical experience in implementing
IP Telephony solutions because there is both a voice and data
component. It is not as simple as loading software on a server,
assigning IP addresses and dropping telephones on employee
desks. The voice professionals understand PBX and voice
technologies and the IT professionals understand LANs and WANs.
Implementing an IP Telephony solution requires expertise in both
the voice and data world. A complete understanding of the two
will ensure success.
As the business community migrates its voice and data systems to
IP telephony, it is important to understand what elements need
to be considered. An IP telephony implementation is very
different than installing a traditional TDM PBX. Consideration
must be given to the following when developing the initial
project plan:
·Assessment and planning of current voice and data
infrastructure
·Network readiness (QOS, capacity, network management, security,
IP addressing, etc.).
·Voice and Data Infrastructure preparation (cabling, power,
etc.).
·Equipment or data room preparation (back up power, cooling,
etc.).
·Integration of applications such as Voice mail, ACD or branch
office solutions.
·Validation of System design.
·New goals and expectations from affected departments.
·Organization readiness (aptitude and training of voice, data
and user groups).
·Risk Assessment.
·Sign Off of the Project Plan by all team members
Now that the project plan outline is developed, take the
following items into account to ensure project success:
·Ensure the Project timeline is realistic.
·It is imperative that the voice people talk to and understand
the data people.
·Order any Telco services well in advance of assumed time frames.
·IP Telephony will require more planning than you expect.
·Have regular POTS circuits in place for back up.
·Ensure the IP Telephony PBX or Server supports POTS analog
circuits or telephones.
·Treat station reviews as an important task.
·All PC's connected to IP Telephone sets must have all the
latest patches loaded.
·IP Telephone sets require power to operate. What's your power
continuance plan?
·Simplify your LAN architecture.
·Communication is key to users and department leaders.
·Minimize the number of vendors in your architecture.
·Identify any potential hidden and often overlooked costs of
implementation.
·Don't underestimate the importance of network management.
·Prepare and draw out all call flows including the call center
and voice mail back door.
·Analyze voice traffic and understand trunking traffic studies.
·Don't upgrade your data network at the same time of IP PBX
cut-over.
·Make sure all software is compatible.
·It is useful to develop a multi-phase plan.
·Watch out for alarm circuits, HVAC and fire safety equipment
circuits.
·Elevator telephones, Overhead Paging?
·Test, test, test.
·Any 911 issues?
·Address any additional network security concerns.
·Ensure all users are properly trained.
·Develop a post cutover action plan.
·Do not try to save money on the installation.
This is by no means a comprehensive plan as every project is
unique, but I hope that you may have found some items to
consider that maybe would have been overlooked.
About the author:
John Leonardelli, President, Gale Force Communications. John
brings 20 years of voice, data and wireless telecommunications
experience in various sales, management and operational roles.
John is a Certified IP Telephony Expert where his expertise has
been focused on IP Telephony, Contact Centre and complex
technical solutions. John has a degree in Electronics
Engineering, Telecommunications and Sales Management.
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