VOIP Colocation

VOIP PBX

In telephone systems, a PBX (private branch exchange) is the switching device that manages calls between internal or local users. It shares a number of lines that connect to the external, public phone system and parcels them out to the local users. Enterprise PBX systems have features that allow them to take incoming calls, send them to specific extensions, connect calls to answering services, etc.

A PBX includes external phone lines, a computer server to manages call switching, internal phone lines and a console for manual control.

The VoIP PBX does all this and more. It switches and connects VoIP calls. In dual technology systems, it performs the same for regular telephone calls.

The VoIP PBX is programmable for advanced functions like voice menu systems, automatic conferencing, click-to-call, call logging and tracking and much more.

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Using an VoIP PBX system and VoIP telephone service allows an organization to combine (or converge) voice and data networks into a single system for cost-savings, simpler management and greater functionality.

VoIP PBX systems can come as software for you to install on an existing server, or as pre-configured software on a server, or even as a turnkey box that is completely set up in advance to just connect to your existing network.

There are two main types of VoIP options to choose from, a hosted VoIP service or purchasing VoIP equipment. Hosted VoIP service (also referred to as a virtual PBX) is the most common solution for small and medium businesses. With hosted service, the hosted service provider supplies the VoIP system managed and hosted externally to your company. The only equipment you will need to purchase will be the IP telephones and many times these can be leased as well.

Alternatively, you may opt to purchase your own VoIP phone system. In this case, the business buys the phone system from a systems integrator, often the same provider that services or maintains your current LAN network, and the systems integrator installs the equipment on your premises. Your business or a contractor you hire is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the system, ie hardware, software, firmware etc.

If you purchase the system, keep in mind that there may be additional network equipment needed as well as dedicated servers and reliable battery backup systems. Network integrity testing should also be done before implementing a customer owned solution.

There are cost savings to consider when implementing VoIP for your business. A study done by Nemertes Research, called “Convergence: Reality at Last”, found that the typical implementation cost per CPE (customer premises equipment) VoIP user ranged from $525 for deployments of over 1,000 users to $763 for deployments of 100 or less. As users increase, though, so do the savings per user. Price ranges for hosted VoIP services average between $2,000 to $3700 per month based on 20 phones with a T-1. Hosted services require one-time set-up and activation fees that typically range between $500 and $1,000. Server Colocation Hosted VoIP phone service affords the small business the ability to get high-end services at a fraction of the initial CPE outlay costs.

VoIP, while once considered unstable, has now become a reliable communication solution. Distributing call processing functions across the network eliminates any single point of failure. Choppy calls, once the number one complaint among users, have now stabilized thanks to newer technology and better networks. Providers are moving towards a new standard for the VoIP network, H.323. Power backup systems are normally utilized to keep the network up in the case of a power outage.

Both hosted VoIP phone services, i.e. server colocation Hosted PBXs and customer owned VoIP systems (premise based IP PBXs) offer a great deal more adaptability than traditional PBX systems. Features can be added to telephone sets easily. Changes can be made quickly. MAC (moves, adds and changes) activity is easily completed without the need for a technician to come to site, saving about $100 per visit. VoIP allows you to move your own telephone sets while keeping the telephone number and features intact. You simply unplug your phone and plug it into another jack location that is connected to the network. As new features and applications are designed they can be added to your network.

VOIP Colocation

A VoIP PBX system is a piece of software running on a server . That server can also perform other tasks, but is usually dedicated and also acts as the VoIP system's connection to the internet.

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Why do you need a VoIP PBX?

What you need in an VoIP PBX

Any IP telephony setup that is for more than two or three lines needs a switching system to make it efficient, allow internal calling and switching between users and for advanced features like voicemail, call forwarding, call hold, conferencing and more. Typically VoIP PBX systems become economically sensible with as few as 5 users and a good rule of thumb is that if you want an IP telephony system with extensions for your users than you may want an VoIP PBX.

Market analyst estimates show that there is rapid migration to IP telephony because of cost, efficiency and performance advantages. All organizations, even a small ones that migrate to VoIP or IP telephony will need an VoIP PBX system. In the past PBX systems for organizations and enterprises were cost prohibitive so that only large enterprises could afford to make use of them, but recent technological advances and pressure from open source solutions has brought the cost of VoIP PBX systems down to as low as well under $1000.

There are many of VoIP PBX systems and most of them can do an adequate job. Regardless of the size of your organization, any VoIP PBX should be able to do the following:

Automated attendant-an auto system to answer phones with the ability to build phone menu systems, add call menus, transfer to voicemail and create flexible and programmable rules to handle all of these features. -Call menus-flexible call management menus with user selectable options – an advanced version of the traditional phone tree/menu systems. A quality system will allow you to have multiple menus and even change them based on time or on information gleaned from caller ID.

-Managing extensions-features to help the phone system administrator by allowing the addition of new extensions, removal of unneeded extensions,

changing of extension locations and much more from a web-based control panel

Standard Features:

-Voicemail and voice mailboxes:

Any IP-PBX should allow an almost infinite number with far more flexibility than regular phone systems -- advanced features would include the ability to record ALL incoming and outgoing conversations automatically. -

Call forwarding:

automatic, programmed or manual call forwarding to any number -Call hold-placing callers properly on hold with no drop off in queues with user selectable hold music and programmable options about handling hold time length.

Conference calling:

handling multi-party conference calls – both internally and externally -Branch office support-the ability to manage and remotely administer extensions at other offices just as if they were local

Web-based management and administration:

Make it quick and easy to manage your phone system directly from a web browser -- this includes the ability to add end-user configuration and management functions as well -Some form of integration into your basic data network so that 'click-to-call' functionality can be added or even full blown CRM systems.

Advanced Features:

VoIP service & systems are feature rich. They provide all the traditional features you expect such as three-way calling, voicemail, speed dialing and caller ID. In addition, VoIP phone systems provide other more advanced features. These are just some of the many available features.

Call Queing - allows calls to be put into queues to be answered in turn by a designated group of extensions.

Call Center - enables you to set up calling and answering groups for specific tasks such as marketing, sales and service.

Remote Office Features – provides features that integrate off-site locations such as satellite offices, allowing them to function as part of the main office.

Attendant Console – an integrated control system that manages calls and functions from a single interface.

Find / Follow Features – features that automatically route calls to employees regardless of their location. Calls can be presented to multiple locations simultaneously.

Fax – VoIP supports faxing. Fax can be added to each individual’s inbox.

PC Calling – also called click to call, calls can be placed and received via the PC. This may take the place of some cell phone usage, such as making a call from a laptop over a high speed Internet connection in a motel instead of using a cell phone.

Enhanced 911 – When dialing 911 it automatically sends the address of your location to the emergency personnel.

Additional Considerations::

Maintenance - Hosted PBX VoIP providers offer time and cost savings by providing ongoing maintenance at their off-premise location. Customer owned VoIP solutions afford the ability to reduce administrative costs by incorporating all voice and data solutions into a single management interface. This interface can often include gateways, controllers, telephones and applications.

Infrastructure – Traditional PBX telephone systems required at least one pair of wires to the desktop. With VoIP, only one cable (a data connection) is needed to the desktop, which will accommodate both voice and data. The cost savings realized by running less cable in a new office scenario could average $70 to $100 per station.

Customer Service - An important consideration is the service level your provider offers. Hosted VoIP service providers typically offer an excellent range of options for service and maintenance. Look for service that includes 7 x 24 x 365 coverage. Many options also include a number of support hours that enable you to utilize provider network support. MAC (moves, adds and changes) pricing is separate and providers usually offer a 24-hour turn-around time. Upgrades may be included in your package. The cost of your service plan will be based on the number of elements that are host controlled. Ala Carte support items are also available. Business VoIP providers offer competitive services that may be able to custom-tailor a plan for you, so ask your representative.

Productivity - Converged applications such as unified messaging enable users to spend less time working between different systems to retrieve messages. With a VoIP phone service or system, your voice messages, e-mails and faxes can all be delivered to one desktop account. Other capabilities such as click to call and Microsoft Outlook integration save time. Efficiency also increases, as staff members are able to answer their calls no matter where they are with “find me – follow me” capabilities. Phone tag is reduced. A survey conducted by Sage Research showed an increase in productivity of up to 3 hours per week.

Cutting Edge –With its converged services and adaptability, VoIP phones are here to stay. VoIP is easily updated to latest versions of software, giving you access to the newest technology available. This keeps you a step ahead of your competition, poised to allow even more enhancements. The future offerings are limitless, with likely further integration to include CRM and other customized business process tools.