Historically, two communication infrastructures have existed in most companies, data networks and traditional telephone systems. Due to this, it is necessary to have twice as much knowledge for operation and maintenance of both systems, and because each system is based on different technologies, rapid developments of new applications have been hindered.
Traditional Telecommunications system
Traditional telephony normally consists of a central control unit normally located on a wall, with handsets, and establishes an end to end connection with a reserved bandwidth of 64kbytes for every phone call.
IP-PBX Telephony
The IP -PBX (also LAN-PBX, Soft PBX, or Packet PBX) is a new concept. In this concept, the voice is not directed through a separate system, but becomes an integral part of a converged voice and data network. By integrating the voice with the computer network, IP telephony digitalises, compresses, converts, and packs the voice data into IP packets and then sends them over the data network together with other IP traffic.
- One voice and data network which can be administered more easily, and in house
- BT 21st Century Network rollout means no more PSTN lines (ISDN 30/ ISDN 2/ Analogue), will your system be able to make calls in 2011?
- One infrastructure to support all forms of voice data and video products
- Organisations with multiple sites can make use of their existing data circuits and add voice calls, saving money
- Home workers can become an integral part of their company even when working miles away from the office
- Multiple site companies can work as one, even sharing applications such as voicemail and centralised operators
- Potentially free calls using the internet anywhere in the world
- True 'hot desking', companies which have mobile employees can load a 'soft telephone' on a users laptop which can be plugged into any network point and used in conjunction with a portable headset/handset to make calls. The user can then dial at random using the keyboard or portable handset, even from applications such as Microsoft Outlook at the click of a button
- Potentially, IP handsets and applications from any manufacturer can be integrated into the system, you will not be tied into buying from one manufacturer
- One single network connection for your computer and handset, halving the amount of cabling required
- Pocket PC ( PDA ) devices can potentially be used as in house cordless telephones
- Applications are normally cheaper, some are being offered as standard, such as the ability to dial from screen
- Presence information, find a user regardless of where they are or what device they are using