What is VoIP all about?
VoIP
VoIP calls are carried over an IP network, which can be the public Internet or a
private network such as a company’s VPN. The conversation is sampled or digitized
into small blocks of data which are then reassembled back into a sample at the other
end and delivered to the recipient as an analogue signal. The route and the order
the blocks use to arrive at destination is irrelevant for a VoIP call to happen.
VoIP systems usually offer more sophisticated features to users, such as video call,
voicemail, fax-to-email etc. which are normally integrated in a web based user interface
for easy access and management. Expensive telephony features such as divert, music
on-hold, interactive voice recognition are also more accessible to businesses because
they are usually included in a VoIP solutions or relatively inexpensive compared
to traditional telephony.
For a further explanation of VoIP, see the article on Wikipedia.
Unified Communications
Unified communications (UC) is a commonly used term for the integration of disparate
communications systems, media, devices and applications. We can use many different
devices to communicate (wireless phones, personal digital assistants or PDAs, personal
computers etc.), and there are now new forms of communication as well, such as instant
messaging. The goal of unified communications is to break down barriers between
different communications modes, media and devices barriers through the use of applications
and software.
For a further explanation of unified communications, see the article on Wikipedia.
Hosted and Managed Solutions
Hosted and managed VoIP solutions are suitable for all size businesses and residential
users alike. They deliver telephony over a broadband connection but offer all the
features of a traditional sophisticated PBXs with the added benefit of significant
cost savings. There is minimal capital outlay required as only a few hardware network
components are employed at the user end (phones, switches and routers). The calls
are handled centrally by the carrier and the functionality is delivered by the service
provider. There are different solutions to cater for different company needs and
settings such as:
Full VoIP Office Solutions
No need for a PBX, ISDN and the same amount of lines, all calls are routed via a
SDSL/ADLS connection and with minimal hardware required.
Trunking Solutions
Integrated to an existing PBX through a gateway, so there is no need to lose the
hardware the business invested in and is currently using.
Teleworking Solutions
Home workers solutions, where workers are fully integrated to the business environment
from their home office, through the use of inexpensive network equipment and VoIP
phone. Soft phones are also available for use on laptops.